Is Your Old Technology And Infrastructure Blocking Innovation?

The larger your company, the more difficult it is to move.

A small company with just a handful of employees can make decisions quickly. They can adjust as changes come their way. They can buy into new programs as they see fit. If a problem arises, the small chain of command means any issue is dealt with head on.

Now add a few zeros behind the number of employees in the company – 5 to 50, 500, or 5,000 – and things become a little more complicated.

When problems arise, it’s no longer up to one or two members to decide what happens next. Other departments must be consulted. Management has to meet. Budgets need to be forecasted. Outcomes must be storyboarded.

And that can take weeks. Or months.

Companies often ignore the real impact of what outdated technology can have. Instead, they focus on cost structure first. How will this impact our resources? How will this increase gross margins? How much will this cost?

And then comes the next question: What if we’re wrong?

Fear can be a heavy motivator in waylaying change.

Cost is always an issue. But what about innovation?

A digital transformation in any company can have long-lasting results. Whether it’s a complete overhaul, or merely changing things out a little at a time, recognizing your infrastructure has weaknesses before they become detrimental will ensure your competitive edge. Ask yourself these questions:

  • How will technology change competition in our industry?
  • What will it take to exceed our customer’s expectations in the coming years?
  • Do our plans reflect the full potential of what technology has to offer?
  • How can technology improve our operational and strategic responsiveness?
  • Are we comfortable with our level of technology risk?
  • Are we making the most of what technology has to offer?

Is your company poised to be the best it can be in the coming years?