Thoughts from the C-Suite
Understanding Modernization Strategies

As a full-service technology company, we understand the challenges, rewards, requirements and prerequisites of a technology overhaul as well as anyone. We know that, by nature, modernization means disruption — and while that may sound daunting to some, it is often an extremely beneficial task for organizations in need of more up-to-date technology solutions. Today, we’ll talk through exactly what it means to make an upgrade, why it gives organizations so much trouble, and the best ways possible to avoid unnecessary frustration.

IT modernization is an overarching term used to sum up the efforts of organizations looking to invest in new-age technologies. The landscape of tech is constantly changing for the better, and that makes it tough for organizations to feel confident that they’re leading the pack. Before kicking off a modernization effort, businesses must pinpoint exactly where they need to improve. This means assessing processes and operational efficiency to ensure they’re making the right choice and driving productivity forward — not setting their business back. 

Modernization is a decision that is perpetually made. All organizations are at different spots on the same path, and with the landscape of technology being so unpredictable, there are always ways one can convince themselves that you’re stuck behind the eight ball. Keep in mind, modernization is ongoing — not a destination. The important thing to confirm for your business is that a modernization strategy is placing you further down that path without completely derailing operations. 

Some modernization efforts are only to improve internal efficiencies, and others are what we consider “forced” — meaning they are necessary to deliver satisfactory results to clients. Businesses should decide this early in the process in order to create reasonable timelines. If the change is forced, that timeline may need to be accelerated. 

What is my current technical debt?

An important thing to consider when making a change is where you’re spending time and money on upkeep with current technology. Every business has different starting and end points. Analyze your current system's performance, functionality and architecture to identify areas for improvement and how to properly modernize. All in all, your efforts should increase ROI without dramatically changing cost of ownership. By nailing these figures down, you can compare and contrast offerings that eliminate unnecessary costs and valuable hours. 

What should be prioritized in terms of value? 

After assessing what needs to change, executives must take a step back and rank things that need to happen quickly as opposed to what can take a backseat. While all upgrades may feel beneficial, the overhaul process can prove to be a lengthy one in most cases. By prioritizing what’s important, organizations can ensure upgrades feed into one another in a smooth and beneficial manner. 

How can I create a clear roadmap to success? 

After prioritizing your efforts, creating a roadmap for different departments is essential to a well-rounded transition. Consider what areas of your business are more agile, what departments cannot afford a single minute of downtime and set milestones to ensure the upgrade stays on track. Workforce demographics are also important to keep in mind. If a certain facet of your business is less in tune with new technology due to age or specialty, map out the proper steps to make it as easy and comprehensive as possible. Also, part of this process is setting budgets — which we all know can feel hazy at times. Take the proper time to get these budgets accurate before kicking off the transition.

When thinking about modernization, consider the recent push for electric vehicles. The initial cost may be higher, but the savings on fuel and maintenance over time make the investment worthwhile. Similarly, modernization efforts in technology might seem overwhelming or expensive at the outset, but they pave the way for long-term operational efficiency and cost savings.

Just as the car industry is moving towards universal adoption of electric vehicles, businesses are increasingly expected to modernize their tech infrastructures. Those who adapt early not only gain a competitive edge but also position themselves for future growth. The key is to approach the transition with a clear strategy, prioritizing the changes that will deliver the most value while minimizing disruption.

That being said, some businesses may not benefit from modernization. For example, as an owner of a tow company, electric vehicles may not be a valuable asset. The cost of electric tow trucks is exceptionally higher than traditional models, and the resources to solve problems in a timely manner are scarce when something goes wrong. 

These same disruptions are present across all areas of business. For instance, while implementation of the cloud has been beneficial for many, on-prem solutions still have an effective role in tons of businesses. Part of introducing new technology is having a smaller group of people qualified and able to problem solve, and when something goes wrong, it can be tough to get answers. Leaders must ask the right questions, set goals, ensure their business is prepared for an overhaul and launch their efforts at the proper time.

Modernization isn’t just about upgrading for the sake of it; it’s about ensuring your organization is equipped to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape. By thoughtfully approaching your transition — whether through careful planning, setting realistic budgets, or incrementally rolling out changes — you can ensure that your modernization efforts yield substantial, long-term benefits.