Today’s business landscape demands speed and efficiency, but outdated tools within your tech stack often slow things down. Manual data entry, clunky scheduling systems, and outdated payroll create frustrating bottlenecks, limiting your productivity and hindering growth. These issues can cost you time, money, and opportunities.
An upgrade to your technology stack is not just about swapping old tools for new ones. It is about updating how your business operates, streamlining processes, and freeing up time for higher-value activities. The right combination of platforms, codes, and tools streamlines workflows, reduces errors, and enables smoother collaboration—allowing your business to stay agile and competitive.
Assessing Your Current Tech Stack: Finding Gaps and Opportunities
People often ignore old tools because they continue to function or simply “complete the task.” But if existing systems are eating up your time or forcing your team to use workarounds, it is a clear sign your tech stack needs attention.
To assess if your tech stack needs upgrading, you will need to revisit the layers that make it work. Work closely with your IT or development operations experts to review your stack, starting from the front-end (client-facing) tech such as HTML, CSS, and Javascripts.
Then, check the backend (server-side) to ensure smooth navigation. For example, when a user submits data through a form or application, does the backend validate and store it in the correct database?
Go through your stack’s database, OS, and other tools. For instance, if your accounting department is relying on outdated software, you may struggle with delayed invoicing and payroll, creating cash flow challenges.
If you work in technical or light industrial roles, you might find basic scheduling tools inadequate for managing frequent shift changes. Your current website or app should also make it simple for customers to access your services.
To assess your tech stack effectively, ask the following key questions:
- Which processes take the most time or have the highest error rates?
- Are your employees on the ground and on site still manually entering data?
- Do your agents or employees still keep important information on paper?
- Are your office laptops and desktops still compatible with your existing software and tools?
- Is critical data spread across platforms, making it difficult to access and analyze in one go?
- Is your database secure?
Answering these questions allows you to focus on upgrading what matters most. Tools that fit seamlessly into your business do more than just address current needs; they create a solid foundation for long-term scalable growth.
Choosing the Right Technology: Aligning Tools with Business Goals
Integrated platforms are important in eliminating silos within your organization. In fact, studies show that companies using integrated systems can improve operational efficiency by up to 30 percent.1 This higher efficiency means lower costs and faster delivery.
Using tools that connect HR, finance, and other departments, streamlines operations and improves communication, leading to greater efficiency and growth.
For instance, customer relationship management (CRM) systems and talent management software can be helpful in tracking candidate pipelines and managing client relationships. Platforms like Salesforce help you stay organized and provide valuable insights into performance metrics, allowing you to make informed decisions.
For the service industry, workforce management systems enable effective shift scheduling and real-time reporting, ensuring your operations run smoothly. Tools like When I Work provide visibility into employee availability and workload. After the service is complete, employees can also obtain real-time client feedback by asking them to complete a feedback form from your own app on a company tablet.
Selecting user-friendly platforms minimizes disruptions, making it easier for everyone involved to adapt. When your team can navigate the technology confidently, they are more likely to embrace it, leading to improved productivity.
Scalable solutions are another key factor to consider. Gartner indicates that companies that invest in scalable solutions see 25 percent faster growth than those that stick with rigid systems. 2 Cloud-based systems, for example, mean that your technology can evolve alongside your business needs, wherever your business goes.
Scalable tools allow you to handle new challenges and opportunities as your company grows or shifts focus.
Other key considerations to have when choosing your technology stack include:
- Assess integration capabilities with existing systems.
- Evaluate the user experience.
- Consider mobile accessibility for remote work flexibility.
- Invest in platforms that provide analytic features for real-time data insights.
- Prioritize solutions that automate repetitive tasks effectively.
- Look for tools with strong customer support and resources.
- Explore vendor support options for troubleshooting and training.
- Check for customization abilities to fit specific business needs.
- Choose software with strong security measures to protect data.
- Evaluate potential ROI to justify the investment.
Ultimately, choosing the right technology is an investment in your organization’s future. By focusing on strategies that maximize your returns, these tools can continue driving improvements and boosting efficiency.
Strategies to Maximize ROI from Tech Investments
Maximizing the return on your tech investments begins with careful planning and execution.
Check these steps before fully onboarding your company to a full tech stack upgrade:
1. Start by piloting new solutions before full rollout.
Testing a new tool with a small team allows you to identify any issues early, ensuring a smoother transition when you expand its use.
2. Provide comprehensive training for all staff—full-time and temporary.
Quick, focused training sessions can empower your entire team, helping them feel confident using new systems. To make training effective, consider using a blend of formats: online modules, hands-on workshops, and Q&A sessions.
3. Monitor results and adjust as needed.
Tracking your success metrics gives you a clear picture of whether your investment is paying off. If something is not working as expected, do not hesitate to pivot and explore alternative solutions.
4. Set clear benchmarks for your technology investments.
Define what success looks like before implementation. For example, if you are introducing new software for sales management, aim for specific improvements, such as improving the closing rate by 20 percent within six months. Having measurable targets keeps your team focused and accountable.
5. Encourage feedback from users regularly.
Tech stack integration will only be effective if your employees know how to maximize it. Create channels for staff to share their experiences and suggestions. Make technical staff available around the clock when disruptions arise.
6. Review your tech stacks every 6 to 12 months.
Regular assessments ensure your technology remains aligned with your evolving business goals and staffing needs. This habit keeps your operations efficient.
What Small Changes Will You Make Today?
Upgrading your technology does not mean completely uprooting your existing structure or replacing perfectly usable systems. The key is determining your specific needs and making targeted improvements.
What processes are slowing you down? Where do you see the most errors and inefficiencies? Start small by implementing changes one step at a time and measure their impact. Remember, even minor adjustments can lead to significant improvements.
Let Performance Staffing help you upgrade your tech and boost your business
At Performance Staffing, we understand that upgrading your technology is only half the battle. The right talent is also crucial to implement, manage, and maximize your new tech investments. We specialize in connecting you with the right talent to help move your digital transformation forward.
Reach out to our team to discover staffing solutions that complement your tech needs moving forward. Schedule a consultation today!
References
- Handoyo, Sofik, et al. “A Business Strategy, Operational Efficiency, Ownership Structure, and Manufacturing Performance: The Moderating Role of Market Uncertainty and Competition Intensity and Its Implication on Open Innovation.” Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, vol. 9, no. 2, 2022, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joitmc.2023.100039. Accessed 18 Oct. 2024.
- Moore, Susan. “Gartner Says More Than Half of Enterprise IT Spending in Key Market Segments Will Shift to the Cloud by 2025.” Gartner.Com, 9 Feb. 2022, www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2022-02-09-gartner-says-more-than-half-of-enterprise-it-spending. Accessed 18 Oct. 2024.
