Is your organization currently hemorrhaging money due to its reliance on outdated technology? The answer is likely yes. A recent survey by Deloitte revealed that a staggering 82% of companies failed to meet their cost-reduction targets last year, with an inefficient technology infrastructure being the primary culprit.
In a 2024 poll of nearly 300 business leaders on business margin improvement and technology transformation efforts, it was found that challenges with their technology infrastructure are the biggest barrier to organizations seeking to improve margins by cutting costs. This same study found that over 50% of the respondents reported that leveraging data and generative AI strategies for improving margins would be their focus for 2024.
What does this tell us? Organizations are eager to adopt new, automated, AI-powered ways of doing business to save money and improve efficiency but are held back by antiquated technology.
Why Should Businesses Upgrade Their Technology?
Legacy systems, typically categorized as technology that’s at least a decade old, can quickly become expensive to maintain. They are slower, need constant updates and patches, and don’t leverage new features as they’re developed. As a result, businesses struggle to keep up with their tech-savvy competitors in every area of the organization, from scaling and cloud usage to human resources and customer service operations.
But that’s not the only issue. Outdated technology increases your risk of cyber-attacks. Old technology typically cannot keep up with the rapidly changing world of cyber security. As new, more malicious threats emerge, older technology eventually becomes incapable of keeping up with the latest updates required to keep your network secure.
The Hidden Costs of Outdated Technology
Why do business owners put off updating technology when the data clearly shows that it will positively impact productivity and the bottom line? There are a couple of reasons, with sticker shock being the main one. Seeing the price of updating technology infrastructure can feel overwhelming. Smart business leaders run through risk-related questions like “What if something breaks?” or “What if it doesn’t work like they say it will?” However, the data shows that maintaining old technology could be more costly. A separate Deloitte study of CIOs in 2023 found that respondents spent an average of 55% of their technology budget on maintaining their existing systems.
There’s also the cost of switching. What will bringing systems down and transitioning to a new system cost? What will the cost be to train employees to use the software? These are all questions your IT team can help you answer BEFORE you start upgrading your technology. An experienced technician will help you analyze your system to see what needs to be updated and when, and map out a plan to upgrade your system in the most efficient way possible. It’s easier than most business leaders think and pays off in increased productivity and profitability.
The Benefits of Upgrading Technology
Upgrading your technology can result in significant long-term savings. New systems are more efficient, require less maintenance, and can adapt to new challenges and opportunities faster than legacy systems. Moreover, advanced technology can streamline operations, improve customer service, and enhance employee productivity by providing better tools and resources.
In addition, modern technology solutions often come with enhanced security features that protect your organization from the latest cyber threats. By keeping your systems up-to-date, you reduce the risk of costly data breaches and ensure that your business remains compliant with industry standards and regulations.
Take the Next Step
If you’re looking to upgrade your technology or are just tired of slow, outdated tech and want to see what the next step could look like, we’ll do a FREE Network Assessment. Our techs will dig into your system and determine what you need to get technology that helps you run your business better. To book your assessment, call us at 717-914-0102 or click here to schedule now.
Upgrading your technology isn’t just about staying current; it’s about future-proofing your business. Don’t let outdated systems hold you back any longer. Invest in modern technology and watch your organization thrive.