One of the biggest reasons businesses choose to upgrade their software systems is because they’re simply difficult to use, too complicated, or an exercise in frustration for employees.
When you’ve been using the same software for years, it’s easy to get used to its limitations and develop workarounds to get simple tasks done. But this can be bad news if you’re hoping to wow customers with your forward-thinking or convince employees to stay long-term.
If you agree with any of the below statements, it may be time to consider developing a custom software system:
You’re forced to use multiple systems
If you’re using three or four systems where you could be using one, it’s a good sign that your processes and systems are too complicated. This is often because old or outdated systems often can’t be integrated effectively with your newer applications, CRMs and tools. If you’re using three or four systems where you could be using one, it’s a good sign that your processes and systems are too complicated. This is often because old or outdated systems often can’t be integrated effectively with your newer applications, CRMs and tools.
Employees need hours of training to use your software
Older software systems typically lack the simplicity and clarity of newer systems. Even the most tech-savvy millennial will often need extensive training to operate these types of systems effectively. This means that time is wasted- both for the employee learning how to use the software and the employee doing the training.
Even once your employees are trained, clunky software can significantly slow down business operations.
Employees complain about your software
If employees hate using your software systems, this is a bad sign. Staff turnover is expensive, and who wants to use confusing, slow software when they could be using lightning-fast technology elsewhere? If complaints are making their way to your ears, there’s a good chance there are more disgruntled employees than you’re aware of.
Your software is a time-suck
One way to measure if your software systems are too complicated is to see how long it takes employees to do basic tasks. A key indication that your software systems are too complicated? Your employees are manually entering data into multiple systems. Not only is this a waste of time, but your data is then at the mercy of human error. This can lead to even more wasted time down the line when your team is working with incorrect information.
Your customer service is slipping
It’s easy to rely on the status quo if your software has been a part of your company since you first launched. But you may find that your customers are exposing issues and pain points that indicate you need an upgrade. Top companies are continually focused on customer experience and ensuring that user experience is prioritized above everything else.
Business growth is stagnating
It’s difficult to focus on growth when your complicated software systems are holding everyone hostage. In order to innovate, you need to have smart people brainstorming the ‘next great idea’. This can’t happen if those smart people are spending the majority of their day wrestling with your software. If you don’t have the resources to devote to growth and innovation, and your employees are busy creating workarounds to use your software, it may be time to consider an upgrade of your software systems.
You’re relying on one person to fix problems
This is a common problem for businesses that are still running legacy systems. Gradually, these systems become obsolete and developers no longer offer support. By this time, the software has often been changed so often that the code is complex and can’t be changed anymore.It’s not uncommon to find that one person in the company is experienced with these software systems. Eventually, this person will retire or leave your company and you’ll be forced to look for an IT professional experienced with your specific system when you have a problem- something that can be very expensive.
Did you find yourself nodding along to one or more of the above signs? If this is the case, we can help you uncomplicate your software systems. Get in touch today to learn how.
