Software upgrades are a big deal. That’s why it’s always worth your time to look into a software update first. There’s no new platform to use, the update can be completed quickly, and you’ll save a lot of money.
That doesn’t mean you can avoid an upgrade altogether. At some point, you’re going to have to get rid of the software you’re currently using and get something completely different. Because it’s such an important decision, it’s one you don’t want to take lightly.
“Here are seven signs it’s time for you to start thinking about upgrading your software: so for more information
- The software company has been bought out
- Too much time is spent troubleshooting tech
- You have to do the same things on multiple platforms
- Employees are using manual workarounds
- Your software isn’t helping you meet your goals
- Customers are making requests that can’t be met
- Your employees have brought up problems
The Software Company Has Been Bought Out
A company buyout may not be something you ever thought you’d have to think about, until you’re faced with it head-on. For example, OneLogin has been acquired by another company, which could change the way the program works, how much it costs, and the process you follow when contacting the company to get answers to your questions.
It’s possible that the buyout won’t affect your experience with the software, so it might be worth sticking around to see how everything pans out. However, if you do some research and you aren’t happy with the company that’s taking over, it might be time to start looking at offerings from other companies.
Too Much Time is Spent Troubleshooting Tech
On average, employees spend 22 minutes every day dealing with IT-related issues. By the end of the year, that amounts to more than two weeks of wasted time that could have been spent on something more productive.
You won’t be able to eliminate all IT problems in the office, but if the software you’re using is slow, if you have to switch back and forth between different programs to get the job done, or if it often has to be stopped and restarted, it might be time to look into a different program.
You Have to do the Same Things on Multiple Platforms
The best software programs are ones that play nicely with others. That means information is shared between platforms so you only have to enter or access info one time. If you find that you have to look the same things up multiple times on different software platforms, you should look into a program that can tie it all together.
It could also be the case that you have multiple software platforms that have the same features, leaving employees confused as to which one to use and when. In this case, choose one software platform and scrap the rest to streamline work in the office.
Customers Are Making Requests That Can’t Be Met
Sometimes you have to say no to a customer and it can’t be helped, but it can get frustrating if you find yourself saying no over and over again, not because you don’t want to help them, but because you can’t.
If your customers are making requests you can’t complete, it seems to be happening more frequently, and you find yourself wishing you could do something you can’t with the current systems in place, it’s time to start looking for systems that will enable you to say “yes” to your customers.
Employees Are Using Manual Workarounds
In an effort to complete customer requests, are employees trying to find ways around the software to do what they’re being asked the old-fashioned way? Or maybe you don’t trust the software you’re using in the office so you’re storing important documents in other locations and triple checking everything?
If you’re spending time looking for and using workarounds to make your existing software last as long as possible, it’s time to let it go. This is especially the case if you work in healthcare, as workarounds can have life or death consequences, but eliminating workarounds in any business can save money, time, and frustration.
Your Software Isn’t Helping You Meet Your Goals
Software is supposed to help you run your business as smoothly as possible, but that’s not all software is supposed to do. It should be helping your business meet professional goals too. If you’re stuck doing the same kinds of things because your software doesn’t allow you to try anything new, you should look for software that allows you to expand and grow in ways you want.
For example, there are software options for employers who want to offer the option of working from home to their employees. Whether it’s a new process you want to try or you want to manufacture your own products, there’s a software program out there that can help.
Your Employees Have Brought Up Problems
The most obvious sign that it’s time to update your software is that you notice others are starting to complain about using existing programs in the office. It’s important to pay attention to what your employees are trying to say!
Ask them what they are struggling with, what they wish the software would do, and how much time they think they spend troubleshooting problems. Then, ask them to be involved in choosing new software. Whether they help you research replacements or they test out two different platforms and tell you which one they like better, your employees can uncover troublesome programs and help you find replacements that actually work.
Upgrading software can be a pain, which is why so many people put it off for as long as possible. However, there will come a day when it’s time to switch things up. Use the signs on this list to inspire you to start doing some research. Even if you don’t make a software switch right away, you’ll be ready to make the switch faster when you start thinking about future software sooner rather than later.
