Getting Ready for an Upgrade

Timing a software or hardware upgrade can feel like a minefield. Whether you stay on top of upgrades or have tech that’s no longer supported by the manufacturer, balancing the need for new technology with upgrade costs can be difficult. Regardless of where you fall on the spectrum now, it’s important to understand when an upgrade might be due.

Striking that balance isn’t difficult if you ask the right questions. Instead of asking whether or not an upgrade is necessary, perform a gap analysis to assess your current processes, pain points, and upcoming needs to answer the question for you. This means documenting your processes to identify how work flows and where it can be improved.

If your current processes cause delays or unnecessary frustration, it’s time for an upgrade. If you’re starting to notice more customers demanding real-time tracking on their orders but you don’t have the capability, it may also be time for an upgrade. There are four major points to consider when diving into a technology facelift.

1. Tasks are more important than technology. Sometimes solving a bottleneck can be as simple as adjusting the process — no tech upgrade required. Consider what problems you’re trying to address, as well as the task-oriented functionalities you need. Looking at these areas will help point you in the right upgrade direction, if an upgrade is even necessary.
2. Think about cloud migration. If you’re dealing with slow, cumbersome legacy systems or if you’re using only a few cloud-based applications, a total cloud migration should be on the upgrade table. The instant access to data anytime, anywhere is a major benefit — plus it can reduce your internal IT expenditures.
3. Bring security to the forefront. Upgrades usually address security concerns. Determining how security will change after an upgrade should be a major consideration. If you’re still on the fence about cloud-based solutions when it comes to security, it’s time to take a second look at the suite of cloud protections now offered.
4. Integration across your supply chain is key. Although your team probably gets the most day-to-day use out of the technology you employ, your suppliers, vendors, customers, and transportation providers may use it as well. Any upgrade should consider their needs and experience.

If you establish a baseline with a gap analysis and hit these four topics during your upgrade consideration, making a decision should come easily. Of course, partnering with an experienced supply chain consultant like LynnCo can speed your digital transformation process. When you’re entrenched in a certain process, it may be hard to see potential improvements. LynnCo offers an outsider’s look on top of cultivated best practices for your supply chain.

[cta]For more information on partnering with LynnCo for your digital platform upgrade, contact your Solutions Strategist, Jeanette Sefers, at Jeanette.Sefers@lynnco-scs.com.[/cta]