From legacy systems to custom apps: Modernising your IT infrastructure
Revamp, reinvent, and renew your IT transformation journey
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, staying competitive means adapting to new technologies and trends. One of the most critical aspects of this adaptation is modernising your IT infrastructure. For many organisations, this involves transitioning from legacy systems to custom applications. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of this transition, its benefits, and some compelling statistics that highlight the significance of modernising your IT infrastructure.
The legacy system challenge
Legacy systems, while reliable in their time, can hinder a company’s growth and innovation. They often lack compatibility with modern software, are prone to security vulnerabilities, and require substantial maintenance costs. A study by IDG found that 70% of IT budgets are dedicated to maintaining these outdated systems, leaving little room for innovation or strategic development.
According to a survey by Deloitte, 45% of businesses are hindered by legacy systems, impacting their ability to innovate and deliver quality customer experiences.
The advantages of custom applications
Custom applications, on the other hand, offer tailored solutions to an organisation’s specific needs. Here are some key benefits:
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Improved efficiency and productivity
Custom apps are designed to streamline your business processes, reducing manual work and minimising errors. This leads to improved operational efficiency. A report by Salesforce found that businesses that invest in custom applications experience a 32% increase in productivity.
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Enhanced security
Legacy systems are more susceptible to security breaches due to outdated security measures. Custom applications can be built with the latest security features and regularly updated to protect against evolving threats. The Cost of Data Breach Study by IBM reports that the average cost of a data breach is $4.24 million. Custom applications with strong security measures can significantly reduce this risk.
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Scalability
Custom applications can grow with your business. You can add new features and functionalities as your needs evolve without the limitations of legacy systems. According to a survey by Red Hat, 78% of organisations believe that modernising their IT infrastructure allows for better scalability and flexibility.
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Enhanced customer experiences
Custom applications can be designed with your customers in mind, leading to better user experiences and increased customer satisfaction. A study by PwC found that 73% of customers point to customer experience as an important factor in their purchasing decisions.
Case study in modernisation
Let’s take a look at the story of UK councils that successfully modernised their IT infrastructure:
In a picturesque corner of the United Kingdom, local councils were facing the familiar challenges of a rapidly changing world. Serving a diverse community with various needs, they recognised the urgency of modernising their operations to better serve their constituents and improve efficiency.
The challenge
Prior to our collaboration, our customers were dealing with paper-based processes, outdated systems, and a growing demand for digital services from their residents. Their legacy systems were holding them back, resulting in slower response times and a lack of transparency.
The solution
The councils embarked on a transformative journey by partnering with Abavus (partner company with iTouchVision), a leading provider of cutting-edge digital solutions. Together, they envisioned a comprehensive software package tailored to the unique needs of a local government.
Phase 1: Streamlining services
The first step was to streamline services and make them accessible to residents online. Our My Council Services platform enabled councils to digitise applications for various services, including planning permissions, waste management requests, and council tax payments.
Phase 2: Enhancing communication
To improve communication with residents, councils integrated a user-friendly messaging system through the My Council Services platform. This allowed constituents to receive updates on service requests, upcoming council meetings, and important announcements via email or text messages.
Phase 3: Data-driven decision making
Data is the lifeblood of any local government, and our customers recognised the need to harness it effectively. My Council Services platform includes robust analytics tools that helped the council gather valuable insights into community needs and trends. This data-driven approach allowed them to allocate resources more efficiently and make informed policy decisions.
The results
The impact of the digital transformation journey of our customers was nothing short of remarkable:
- Reduction in manual errors:
By implementing our My Council Services platform, organisations significantly reduced the occurrence of manual errors by approximately 83%. Automation and digitisation of processes ensure accurate data recording, minimising the risk of costly mistakes. This results in smoother operations, higher data integrity, and enhanced trust in council services.
- Improvement in turnaround time:
Our platform is designed to streamline operations and improve efficiency. Local authorities experienced a notable improvement in turnaround times by 91% for various tasks and services. Faster response to citizen inquiries, quicker issue resolution, and efficient resource allocation contribute to a more responsive and agile government.
- Better service delivery:
The heart of our field service software is delivering top-notch service to the citizens of the UK. With improved data management, real-time tracking, and optimised workflows, local authorities are providing better, more responsive services.
- All-in-one platform for comprehensive service management:
My Council Services offers a comprehensive, all-in-one platform that caters to a wide range of public services, including Waste Management, Licensing, Allotments, Booking systems, Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, Regulatory services etc. This unified approach simplifies field service management, reducing the need for multiple systems and providing a holistic view of operations.
- Increased resident satisfaction:
The user-friendly online portal and enhanced communication channels received positive feedback from residents, who appreciated the convenience and transparency. This leads to increased citizen satisfaction, trust, and a positive impact on the community.
- Cost savings:
The reduction in paperwork and improved resource allocation resulted in substantial cost savings for the councils. Local authorities are saving time, resources, and costs while delivering integrated and efficient services.
- Data-driven decisions:
With access to real-time data, the councils could make informed decisions that directly benefited the community.
Making the transition
Modernising your IT infrastructure is a complex undertaking, but the benefits far outweigh the challenges. To make the transition smoother, consider the following steps:
Assessment: Evaluate your existing IT infrastructure, identify pain points, and determine your specific needs.
Planning: Create a strategic plan for the transition, including a budget and timeline.
Development: Work with an experienced custom app development team to build and test your applications.
Deployment: Implement the new systems gradually, ensuring minimal disruptions to your operations.
Training: Provide training to your staff to maximise the benefits of the new systems.
Customisation: While big players often provide standard software solutions, we take a different approach by offering a bespoke platform tailored to the specific requirements of councils. This approach simplifies their transformation process compared to using a one-size-fits-all solution.
Final thoughts
The shift from legacy systems to custom applications is not just a technological upgrade; it’s a strategic move that can position your organisation for success in today’s competitive landscape. The statistics and case study mentioned above highlight the tangible benefits of modernising your IT infrastructure. Embracing this change can lead to increased efficiency, enhanced security, and improved customer experiences, ultimately driving your business towards greater growth and innovation. Don’t wait—start your modernisation journey today.
Book your free demo today to explore our My Council Services platform!
Email us at contact@iTouchVision.com
