As the world evolves, companies in every industry have more things to manage every day. Technology represents a big area that requires constant attention. Even businesses that aren’t tech-focused still rely on digital tools to get things done, including managing personnel records and tracking orders. Cyber attacks are also on the rise for all industries, making it critical to protect against cyber vulnerabilities. Keeping systems up-to-date is a big part of preventing problems.
The Risks of Outdated Business Infrastructure
Sometimes, tasks such as completing system updates or replacing outdated software with more advanced versions get lost in the shuffle of day-to-day business in a company. Workers are trying to meet deadlines, managers are overseeing teams, and executives need to find ways to keep the company growing. It seems like there isn’t always time for tasks that seem like they can wait.
Organizations in this position have to prioritize their technological needs for the good of the company. If you aren’t sure what you need or where to start, consider working with a Kubernetes consulting partner to get a full evaluation of your IT setup and infrastructure and the support to make upgrades.
Performance
When technology isn’t updated regularly, it means your team doesn’t have access to the latest tools. As technology evolves, software becomes more advanced and efficient. Regular updates can improve system performance, leading to increased productivity and reduced downtime. This is an easy way to improve overall worker efficiency.
Security
Cybercriminals work every day to find new ways to exploit software vulnerabilities, which is why developers send out regular updates to fix problems. If your software is outdated, you’re missing out on those critical fixes and leaving your company exposed. A single breach can easily cost a company tens of thousands of dollars and even more in frustration and harm done to your reputation. Updating systems ensures that the latest security patches are installed, reducing the risk of cyber attacks.
Compliance
Many industries have regulations and standards that require companies to use updated software. For example, in the healthcare industry, HIPAA requires the use of secure and up-to-date software. Your tools need to be able to produce reports that contain all the information regulators require to avoid fines or penalties.
Competitive Advantage
Companies that use updated technology can have a competitive edge over their rivals. If your competition starts taking advantage of new tools to offer a superior product or increase output and improve their place in the market. This could cost you business if you aren’t able to compete at the same level. Staying aware of new software and adopting new systems that are available to you will keep your business on a level playing field.
Keeping Your Business Tech Ready
To avoid the problems that come with outdated business software, there are steps every business can put in place.
Establish a schedule: Decide on a regular schedule for updates, such as monthly or quarterly, and stick to it. Make the schedule available to every employee and assign someone to check that updates are done.
Automate updates: Enable automatic updates for software and systems wherever possible, so that updates are installed as soon as they are released. This makes it easier on your team since individuals will have to keep track of fewer things and can focus on their work.
Test updates: Before installing updates, it’s a good idea to test them in a non-production environment to ensure compatibility and avoid disruption to business operations.
Train employees: Ensure that employees are trained to understand the importance of updates and know how to perform them. Training for proper technology compliance should start when an employee is first hired and training should be refreshed several times a year.
Monitor systems: Regularly monitor systems to ensure that updates have been installed correctly and that there are no issues.
By creating a plan that integrates all of these precautions, you can dramatically lower the chances of having technological problems that impact your business.
Make Updated Technology a Priority
Just as you would take the time to make sure all physical equipment in your organization is up to par, you can do the same for the software systems you utilize. Doing so will protect your company while improving performance, so it’s worth the time and effort.
