The plight of combining new and legacy systems.
Though I never want to admit that I’m aging, witnessing the evolution of technology before my eyes—all while reminiscing about the older, out-of-date systems I have personally used—is a constant reminder that time stands still for no one. And, like anyone, we all need to get with the times or get left behind.
However, the challenge with “getting with the times” is the complexities associated with modern frameworks. Too often, these new digital systems require highly technical procedures to integrate them with what many refer to as “legacy.” And unfortunately, this interoperability issue can seem like an impossible barrier to overcome and usually can only be done with a significant expense to company resources.
Worse yet, many so-called modern application providers often boast of integration and data migration at the push of a button; however, this is simply impossible. The interoperability of legacy and modernized systems when multiple data silos are present is too complex for the so-called easy button.
More so, this complexity, the potential of incomplete or incorrect data insights, and high cost have made many in the construction industry apprehensive when considering upgrading to modern technologies. However, the downside is ignoring the actual problem—disparate data and systems result in inaccuracy… in everything, which is often manifested in need to make critical decisions based on “gut feel” or worse… based on incorrect data. The reality is that untapped data insights are invaluable for any organization’s long-term success.
Additionally, adoption resistance can pose a problem if employees are comfortable with legacy systems. Anxiety can arise when users consider the potential for deployment, integration, and training procedures––for these reasons, modern software adoption is imperative in preventing employee complacency and reliance on legacy systems already riddled with security vulnerabilities. Modernized applications have more security measures in place.
Because of these potential roadblocks, working with users to ensure a positive application experience and offering thorough training is critical. It can also go a long way to preventing frustrated employees and result in higher compliance rates.
Despite all of the reasons mentioned above for apprehension, there’s no doubt that data insights are the construction industry’s future. Whether it’s work-in-progress (WIP) reporting, change orders, or internal or external progress reporting, having accurate data is imperative to success.
So, how do you move forward while also addressing legacy systems? After all, the new and shiny can’t displace every older system overnight. Instead, you need to integrate the two at a pace that makes sense.
What is the solution? A Data Integration Service designed to identify and integrate all critical data systems and software platforms into one holistic reporting and analytics ecosystem.
By streamlining your data into a single and robust connected ecosystem, you unlock the patterns behind the optimal performance.
The correct implementation will ensure your company can make the most of your data across an entire project lifecycle. Best of all, it will give you the critical business intelligence you need to improve labor and material forecasts, find and fix field issues before they become a problem and deliver projects on time and within budget.
So, are you ready to begin?
