How to Tell if Outdated Technology Is Holding You Back

Imagine this: you’re trying to get quick information on your smartphone about a product, and when you get to the designated website, it’s not responsive for mobile. After tilting and expanding your phone screen a few times in an attempt to get the information you need, you finally give up, deciding you don’t need to purchase from a company with outdated technology.

If you’ve had this experience, you understand why in a recent Microsoft survey, 91 percent of respondents indicated they would discontinue doing business with a company that used outdated technology.

How do you know when older equipment is holding you back? Here area few clear signs that your old technology is becoming a problem:

Sluggish speeds: If it takes a long time for your programs to process, for your Internet to load, or for online programs to boot up, then it’s time to upgrade. You’re losing time and productivity to old equipment, which is costing you money.

It’s bleeding you dry: Outdated technology requires more repairs. If you’ve noticed that your repair spending is increasing significantly, it’s a sign that you need new computers. Even if you’re not logging a lot of time and money into repairs, you could be missing out on cost savings that newer equipment or software could be giving you.

Your security is vulnerable: If you’ve got older software and you’re not completing updates, those security holes increase and start to make your system look like virtual Swiss cheese. Newer software tends to keep pace with the security threats that are out there, so if you’re using outdated software, expect to spend more time on the phone with IT, trying to sort out your security problems.

You’re spending too much time getting coffee: Does your system crash or freeze up, giving you ample time to wander to the coffee pot or water cooler? This is a sign that you’ve got outdated technology that needs to be improved. Sometimes the crash is related to a security breach, or it could be the amount of memory you’re using on your old software.

You’ve lost support: Eventually, as software developers produce new software and upgrades on popular platforms, they will stop supporting your older software. If this is a situation you’re facing and your software is no longer being supported, you need to explore newer options or look to managed solutions. Otherwise, you could lose significant time dealing with problems without the support of the manufacturer of the software.

Inefficient processes: Are there processes that are clearly inefficient, such as a system where you must enter a cash deposit in two places to make it record both in your accounts receivable and in your financial records? If you’re using outdated technology, you may find that certain processes are being duplicated in order to capture the information necessary in the system you’re using, costing you time and money.

If one or more of the above signs apply to your company, talk with our consultants at AMD Technology. We can help you evaluate whether it’s time to upgrade your telecom systems and invest in new technology to improve productivity and service. Call us today to begin the conversation.