Operational Systems
If you have to adapt your processes, or work around gaps in systems management or functionality, it could be time to consider a new operational system.
Every business undergoes changes, be it due to growth, restructuring, or responding to market trends. As workflow processes evolve to accommodate these changes and maintain a competitive edge, it is imperative that your supporting software systems also adapt.
Reasons to consider a new operational system
Several prevalent reasons for a company to contemplate a new operational system or system integration include:
- As your company expands, you come to the realization that Excel spreadsheets, Access databases, and/or fragmented systems no longer suffice for your requirements.
- You possess an outdated legacy system that is cumbersome, utilizes obsolete technology, lacks interoperability, and has a workflow that no longer aligns with your business processes.
- You have undergone a merger, and the merged companies utilize different systems.
- You have acquired a new company that employs a different system.
Irrespective of the cause, it is crucial to carefully consider the optimal choice for your company. This may involve legacy software modernization, systems integration, or implementing a new operational system.
The pros and cons of a new operational system
- Legacy software modernisation It might be worthwhile to contemplate whether your current system still accurately mirrors your business practices or contains substantial intellectual property.
- Integrating legacy systems This means you will ensure continuity and minimize the requirement for expensive retraining. However, you will likely need to double the support staff for both old and new systems, leading to minimal cost savings.
- Keeping one company’s systems over another’s After a merger, it is probable that dissatisfaction may arise within certain areas. Some users will be proficient, while others will require training.
- Keeping the best parts from each company’s system Following an acquisition can result in overlapping functionality or gaps in provision. To address this, you may find yourself introducing new systems to the mix, consequently increasing training time and costs. However, this scenario will present both familiar and new elements for everyone involved.
- A replacement operational system Introducing a new system for all staff to learn will bring agility to empower your business. It can serve as an effective means of rationalizing the platforms introduced to the business as a result of mergers and acquisitions.
Your operational system serves as the foundation for your strategy, operations, and competitive advantage. If you are uncertain about the optimal choice for your business, we can provide guidance and assistance to ensure you obtain a system that suits your current business needs and is easily scalable for future requirements.
Data migration
Typically, data from any 'old' systems must be "migrated" or transferred to the new system. In certain instances, there is a need to synchronize the data between the old and new systems to facilitate a side-by-side system rollout. With our expertise in handling intricate data migration scenarios, you can trust us to ensure a smooth process.
Process
Business applications and operational systems revolve around adhering to a process. This process may entail various beginnings, branches, and outcomes, but it is crucial to consider and address all eventualities.
In pursuit of this objective, we will start by collecting information and conducting a comprehensive analysis of your existing system(s) and business processes. This includes identifying what is effective, what is not, any deficiencies in functionality, and any existing workarounds.
We will collaborate with you to gain a deeper understanding of your business and its future direction. Engaging with your staff, who often have valuable insights into potential enhancements within the workflow process, we aim to identify areas for improvement that can enhance their efficiency. Additionally, we will contribute our own recommendations to further optimize the workflow.ntly. We’ll also add our own suggestions.
As expected, we will take into account all facets of the operational system, encompassing data, security, messaging, and networks. Subsequently, we will formulate a blueprint for a new system that:
- carries forward any necessary functionality from your old system
- substitutes specific components
- 3. incorporates functionality that was not present before, such as:
- • the capability to import and export information between systems
- • comprehensive management reporting accessible to clients through a secure new customer portal
- • secure messaging for clients
- • fully automated processes instead of manual or semi-automated processes.
- • integrating feeds from other databases to ensure the utilization of only the most recent customer information.
The subsequent phase involves documenting all our discoveries in written form and developing a prototype of the new system. This prototype aids in visualizing the appearance, functionality, and operation of the system, even at this early design stage.
If you’d like to talk to use about whether a new operational system is the right move for your business, give our team a call on 080 0987 5449.