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Even though new software is usually more productive and efficient for businesses, many times, it’s difficult, even for companies, to make a change and the saying, ‘Software Dies Hard’, comes into play. ‘Software Dies Hard’ means that companies often hesitate to move on from legacy software, focusing on the potential short-term consequences rather than the long-term benefits their businesses will reap by adopting new systems.
Once companies overcome their resistance to change, they must help their employees overcome it too. Employees may clash with new processes, systems, and ideas introduced by their employers—fearing disruption of their company’s established workflow and culture. They might view the software change as unnecessary, undermining their job performance. Some workers may even fear unintended side effects such as job insecurity or having to work additional overtime hours.
Switching costs, or the money, time, and effort companies face as a result of changing products or vendors, is another short-term reason why businesses choose to keep legacy software. Some companies may not want to spend money on new software or on training employees to use the new system optimally when they’ve already invested in an existing system. Aside from financial considerations, some might find it difficult to identify new solutions. Others may find implementing new systems too time-consuming, potentially cutting into short-term productivity.
Companies may not fully understand the value of adapting to a new software, such as the long-term savings of a more efficient system, better data to make more informed decisions to decrease costs, and more robust features to save time and money and improve processes. As a result, they often focus on just getting by with an older, out-of-date system rather than investing in the future with modern software.
CMMS Data Group has seen first-hand how software dies hard by continuing to support the thousands of users who utilize legacy CMMS software.
Jonathan Clark, COO at CMMS Data Group, says that it blows his mind the no. of people still using outdated, non-functioning software.
“It’s hard for me to comprehend why companies continue to use software that doesn’t work. Companies seldom realize the amount of lost productivity that comes with using obsolete software. The productivity gains of new software typically pays for the cost of the initial software investment within the 1st several months. Additionally, many companies struggle with reporting when it comes to obsolete software. Newer software packages have better reporting engines that make reporting a breeze. I wish software didn’t die so hard so that it was easier for companies to switch and become more efficient and productive
— Jonathan Clark
One example of overcoming ‘Software Dies Hard’ phenomena follows:
Steve Marsh, maintenance manager at Quikrete, says his company made significant long-term improvements in its maintenance department after moving away from an older CMMS and adopting CMMS Data Group’s award-winning software, MVP Plant™, a newer CMMS.
“Since implementing MVP Plant, our Quikrete site has reduced its unplanned downtime dramatically. As a direct result, we have been able to increase production. Additionally, PM scheduling has allowed us, in some cases, to better identify future break downs and failures before they occur.
— Steve Marsh
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