5 signs your business has outgrown its technology

Do you have the same technology for your business as when you started? Even if you think it’s working ok, the chances are it isn’t. Here are the big five signs your business has outgrown its tech.

Technology changes fast

It’s obvious to say, but we’ll say it anyway – technology changes rapidly. Even if you implemented tech and systems a few years ago, there’s a chance they may not fit or support your business now.

It’s also the case, that just as technology evolves, so does your business. Your operating model, market and services / products may have changed over time, and you’re so busy implementing these changes, you’ve not altered the tech to suit.

Check for these signs in your business

An honest appraisal of whether any of the following apply should quickly tell you what tech is insufficient for your needs and what needs to change.

Clunky systems that don’t integrate

One of the biggest signs that tech is failing a business is the lack of integration between systems, particularly where this is affecting customer experience, and employees’ ability to do their job well.

If staff are complaining that the system has missed an order, or detail on an account, or, just as or even worse, customers are feeding back negative experiences regarding communication or invoicing, the chances are there’s a lack of integration between the different systems your business utilises.

It could be something as simple as your point-of-sale system not being able to communicate with your invoicing system fully. These types of lack of integration can mean you’re missing the mark meeting customer and employee expectations, resulting in poor-quality experience and reputation, as well as missing growth opportunities.

You’re busy creating workarounds

One of the easiest traps to fall into when the tech isn’t working is to create workarounds and fixes. Ultimately this is a waste of yours and your staff’s time and impacts drastically on productivity. If you have to create workarounds, then you’re, without a doubt, overdue a technology upgrade.

For example, your end-of-month reporting should streamline with your dashboards, with no manual calculations necessary. Or if you’re ‘checking’ what your systems are telling you, because there have been mistakes in the past, something isn’t working.

Tools and systems are inhibiting growth

Your vision for growth is clear, you can see a way forward and know there’s potential, but you just can’t seem to get there because, organisationally, you can’t meet the requirements and expectations.

This is one where you need a tech overhaul fast to be able to take advantage of the market opportunities as you see them. Tech should support and propel your business forward, not hold you back.

The costs don’t seem to be worth it

Particularly if any of the previous four signs are in evidence too and if tech costs seem to be going up or are out of control, it’s a strong indication you need a tech review and potential upgrade.

Maintaining and interrogating old tech and systems and renewing licences for products that don’t do what your business needs any longer is more expensive in the long run than investing in new, up-to-date ways and means to achieve your business goals.

Your data is hidden

Can you view your transaction and financial data? If the answer is no, you’re unable to access the right insight to be able assess performance and run your business efficiently.

At-a-glance daily / weekly / monthly totals and easy-to-view comparison data are essential for your effective management.

We can eradicate tech overwhelm

It can feel overwhelming if you don’t know where to start investing in new business technology. But the time and effort are worth it in the long term and the right route to helping you be in control of your business, its growth and future.

Need help to assess your tech’s ability to safeguard and grow your business? Speak to us about business tech.

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