Dated/Legacy Software Systems That Aren't Integrated - How Do You Handle?

by a searcher from University of Akron

4 years ago

Can anyone provide perspective on how you have or would address a company that has inefficient operations and more employees necessary due to outdated, legacy software systems that aren't integrated and create more manual work?

Have you explored integration or automation options?
What factors would you consider in deciding to maintain status quo, try to automate certain tasks, opting to integrate the systems or completely replacing them?
Any insights from someone that has specifically gone through with a software integration solution?

Thanks
Mike

2 likes
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12 comments

searcher from University of Southern California

We run into these types of systems a lot in the logistics industry - home built or legacy systems created by two guys in a garage. The key is to get a very clear understanding of the key functions of the software and see if there is a functional replacement on the market vs having to create it completely from scratch. Additionally, be sure that if it is a customer-facing system that a new system fulfills all of the customer requirements even if the technology is old. For example, in our industry EDI is very commonplace and better technology exists, but our customers aren't there yet with their own systems.

You can also look at Gartner reports for specific software categories. As others have said before, hiring a software developer and giving them clear guardrails is definitely a viable solution.

4 years ago | like reply | 0 likes

searcher from University of California, Berkeley

I've been involved with hundreds of integration projects from startups to Fortune-500 firms. In addition to the industry specific platforms in some cases you can replicate the functionality and build in custom features using existing data on the AWS platform. There are many developers that can create a scalable cloud-based solution from just about any legacy system. You will pay a premium for off the shelf applications and they will likely still require customization. One client we moved an ERP system off of an AS/400 architecture to a cloud-based Oracle product at the cost of more than $1M. If you send me details on the legacy software I'd be happy to provide feedback.

4 years ago | like reply | 0 likes

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