I had NO idea what “Legacy” system meant before I entered the IT “world”. When you think of the work legacy it typically means something great, something that made a huge impact and will be remembered for a long long time. The word has a positive connotation, at least in my opinion, don’t you think?
As I kept hearing it over and over and finally googled what it meant it actually simply means and I quote:
“A legacy system is outdated computing software and/or hardware that is still in use. … A legacy system’s older technology won’t allow it to interact with newer systems. As technology advances, most companies find themselves dealing with the issues caused by an existing legacy system.”
Legacy systems also “paved the way” for what may come later with these newer systems. Anything old or outdated was at one point the newer system but as technology advances, we find faster and better ways to do things and the once new becomes old, or legacy. Just like iPhones that come out with new releases, you find the older ones just don’t work or update correctly as the newer versions do.
I still use the terms “old” or “outdated” because it’s more natural to me and I believe makes more sense to people I speak with. So you guessed it, I try to find out how long it’s been since a company’s systems have been updated so that they are flexible with other systems or applications that the company is using. If you’re still stuck on a LEGACY system that can limit newer integrations to be built out. It’s a lot harder to integrate different areas of a business with newer applications that tie back to a old system which does not have the capabilities of understanding that newer technology and translate it to do what you want it to do.
Creating value for our own businesses and value for our customers can really only be delivered with change. The way you work may still “work” or at least you think it does. Still leverage the capabilities you already have but get out of your own way and be prepared for what is next, how you can also leverage newer Industry 4.0 technologies, “The rise of new digital industrial technology, known as Industry 4.0, is a transformation that makes it possible to gather and analyze data across machines, enabling faster, more flexible, and more efficient processes to produce higher-quality goods at reduced costs….focuses heavily on interconnectivity, automation, machine learning, and real-time data.” See, you now can understand what LEGACY systems are to determine if you have any and get you thinking about transforming to Industry 4.0 standards.
AND…if you’re still asking how do I get there?
Let’s chat: https://calendly.com/tim_montgomery/30-minute-free-business-application-consultation?
Brynn Tornabene- CEO