If you have been on LinkedIn lately, or read any articles about the insanely antiquated technology in the airline industry, you may have seen the term “Technical Debt.” If you are like me, than you probably brushed it off as a new buzz-term. After seeing it a few times, I finally decided to read up on the term. An article by Enrique Dans opened my eyes, and I was extremely intrigued by what I read.
Dans defines technical debt as, “the consequences of poor software development or to the deployment of hardware, highlighted by lack of updating, bad maintenance, corrected versions, problems of scalability, or the unsystematic incorporation of new functionalities.” I can’t lie, he had me here. I see this every single day with my clients! Over the years, organizations let technology build up, go out of date, and generally ignore it. Legacy systems sit for eons because they “work”; servers are improperly maintained because they are functioning for the end user; and new software functionality is never utilized because organizations do not invest in new versions or training for their employees. The organization knows this is an issue, but doesn’t see it as a critical point until something goes wrong.
What organizations do not realize is that this behavior, while it seems like they are saving money, is costing them. Not investing in a correct server configuration or backup solution will cost you big when a disaster hits. Using manual systems when you could eliminate man power by automating will cost you year after year in salaries and benefits. Disparate systems and non-user-friendly customer facing technology will cause dissatisfaction across your client base, putting dollars in your competitor’s pockets.
Technology is always changing so it can be very hard for organizations, of all sizes, to stay up-to-date. Organizations should evaluate their technology (including software systems, cloud applications, infrastructure, and mobile devices) every few years. This is also why it is so important to have a strategic IT leader or IT partner that can help lead you in the right direction. Having an IT force in your organization that is not just assisting with break fix issues, but should also be making decisions that will facilitate business growth.
When was the last time you took a step back and calculated your technical debt? If you can’t remember, than I suggest you set up a meeting with your IT department and business leaders. Don’t have one? Contact KTL Solutions today or by calling our main line at 301-360-0001.
MARY CHARUHAS | Account Manager
Mary Charuhas has been with KTL since 2013, starting as a sales intern in the summer of 2013 and moving to Business Development and Internal Sales in the spring of 2014. She is currently pursuing her Associate Degree in Business Management from Frederick Community College and hopes to continue her education at the University of Maryland next spring. Mary also possesses several Microsoft Dynamics ERP and CRM Sales certifications. She manages KTL’s existing customers through providing them with ongoing knowledge of the products, assisting them with upgrades and continuing projects, keeping them informed about updates/new releases, events, and training opportunities. Her charisma and passion for providing excellent customer service make her a valuable asset to KTL’s sales department.
