Businesses of all shapes and sizes rely on a multitude of software applications to manage everything from customer relationships to inventory. Although these technological tools are essential, companies can accumulate too many disparate applications over time, leading to inefficiencies and unnecessary costs.
If you’re starting to feel like you’re drowning in a sea of business apps, or “app fatigue,” it might be time to consider business application consolidation, as it can improve productivity, security, scalability and cost-effectiveness.
But how do you know if you’ve reached this point? Here are seven tell-tale signs you have too many business applications.
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If multiple applications perform similar functions, it can clog productivity; for example, employees using both Slack and Microsoft Teams for communication can cause confusion.
Frequent app switching leads throughout the day can lead to lost productivity, interrupted workflow and reduced efficiency. The constant context switching, data re-entry and integration challenges can also lead to frustration and wasted time.
Multiple applications mean high subscription costs, maintenance fees and upgrade costs. For example, companies may use multiple file storage platforms like Dropbox and OneDrive without maximizing them. Plus, the organization wastes money on similar apps, taking money away from other technologies.
When applications don’t communicate well with each other, data becomes siloed, leading to inconsistent reporting and duplicate data entries. This, in turn, can cause inefficiencies and poor decision-making.
More applications mean more potential security risks, access control challenges and compliance issues. Each application represents a potential entry point for cyber attacks, and managing user permissions across dozens of platforms increases the risk of unauthorized access. Plus, keeping all your software patched and updated becomes complex and time-consuming, leaving you vulnerable to security breaches.
Each new application requires training for your staff. If new employees need extensive training on multiple systems and applications, it may be a sign you have too many. The more time and resources you dedicate to onboarding and ongoing support can lead to confusion, frustration and decreased productivity.
As your business grows, your IT infrastructure needs to scale with it. Managing a large number of applications can make scaling a complex and expensive undertaking that takes away from more critical tasks and projects.
If you recognize any of these signs of too many business applications, it’s time to take action. Start by conducting a thorough IT audit of your existing applications, paid and free, and how they align with your overall business plan. Identify redundant systems, underutilized systems and opportunities for consolidation.
Next, develop a plan for migrating to a more integrated and streamlined application landscape. This may involve choosing a comprehensive suite of applications. Better yet, look for all-in-one solutions that can replace multiple tools.
However, if you struggle with consolidating apps, consider working with a managed service provider (MSP) like Thriveon to optimize your technology stack for efficiency and security. A Fractional CIO can work with you to take control of your technology and create a more efficient and productive work environment.
Schedule a meeting today for more information.