The ‘as long as it works’ trap
Many organizations hold on to an existing system or process for too long, simply because it once worked well. The reasoning is often: ‘If it ain't broke, don't fix it’. But in the meantime, competitors – by investing in technology – are taking the next step in the process of digitization. Old systems and ways of working can cause your organization to fall behind that are difficult to overcome.
Tip: Conduct a system and process audit regularly, closely monitoring the efficiency, security, and (added) value of your current work process.
Missed opportunities for automation
Manual processes are time-consuming and have a high potential for human error. Think of manually filling out forms, forwarding Excel files, or inserting data into different systems. Automation takes many of these repetitive tasks off our hands, giving employees more time and space to focus on the higher-value-added parts of the work, such as analytics, consulting, and digital innovation.
Example: An HR department that manually books leave requests, can use an automated system to better address workforce planning and use their time to focus on strategy and talent development.
Limited insight due to fragmentation
When data is scattered across various legacy systems and Excel sheets instead of in one central system, it is difficult to gain quick and accurate insight into that data. Innovation actually requires quick, data-driven decisions. If you have to open three reports and compare different sources first, you lose valuable time and the risk of errors lurks.
Solution: Look for solutions that integrate and unlock data within a single platform. That way, you can keep a good overview, reduce the chance of errors, and act faster.
Security risks and compliance
Old systems and manual processes are rarely kept up-to-date with the latest security patches. This is problematic because the risk of data breaches or incorrectly stored documents is quite high – and further increases as your systems age and stop receiving software updates. This is not just risky – it can actually lead to legal or reputational damage.
Action point: Invest in technology. Build a tech stack of modern, cloud-based systems that benefit from regular security updates, while maintaining clear protocols for data storage and accessibility.
Drive innovation
To foster digital innovation, organizations must be agile and transparent. Modern tools often offer built-in analytics, realtime dashboards and options for integration with other applications. Such options allow you to respond faster to market trends and collaborate more effectively with partners and customers.
Key takeaway: innovation requires a solid foundation. Old systems and manual processes often are a bottleneck that hinders growth and change.
Conclusion
For an ambitious organization in a competitive market, stagnating is not an option. A lack of digital innovation by continuing to rely on old systems and manual processes results in higher costs, lower quality of work, and a less agile organization. By investing in modern technology and automation, you create room to innovate so your organization can grow and your employees can excel.