In the ever-evolving technological landscape, the imperative for organizations to modernize their systems has never been more pronounced. However, achieving this objective often entails overcoming a myriad of barriers, each posing unique challenges. Leaders must first identify these obstacles to chart an efficient course toward modernization. According to the findings of a recent IBM survey of over 400 top IT executives across North America the barriers typically fall into four categories: financial, technical, expertise, and cultural. Understanding these barriers can enable organizations to implement effective strategies for overcoming them.
Financial Constraints
Financial barriers are significant impediments to modernization for many organizations. Approximately 57% of executives cite financial constraints as a severe challenge. To mitigate these barriers, organizations must establish robust systems to capture and monitor costs in real time. Viewing financial success through a broader lens, such as considering long-term value rather than short-term gains, can also be beneficial. Additionally, measuring value incrementally throughout the modernization journey can provide continuous insights into return on investment. For more information on how your organization can cost effectively jumpstart your code modernization, check out the following whitepaper from Copper River.
Technical Challenges
Technical barriers, which 51% of executives find daunting, can often overshadow the broader objectives of modernization. Organizations should recognize that the cost savings from modernized systems are just the tip of the iceberg. Adopting an agile approach to modernization can expedite the process, allowing for incremental improvements and faster adaptation to change. A Cloud Center of Excellence (CoE) can also be instrumental in steering the enterprise, providing governance, best practices, and streamlined processes for cloud adoption.
Expertise Shortages
A lack of specialized expertise poses another significant barrier, with 45% of executives highlighting this issue. Identifying the skill gaps of tomorrow is crucial for future-proofing the organization. Delivering personalized and engaging learning experiences can help in upskilling the current workforce and retaining valuable employees. Creating avenues for personal reinvention and leveraging a partner ecosystem can also bridge the expertise gap, bringing in specialized skills that may not be readily available internally.
Cultural Barriers
Cultural barriers are often the most insidious, affecting 31% of organizations. These barriers can stem from a lack of executive sponsorship or employee buy-in, making it difficult to implement changes smoothly. Evolving the organizational structure to align with modernization goals is essential. Making business leaders accountable for advocating and implementing new technologies can drive top-down change. Focusing on change management initiatives that promote a culture of adaptability and continuous improvement can also address these cultural challenges effectively.
Strategic Steps Toward Modernization
To surmount these barriers and deliver strategic outcomes, organizations should undertake a structured approach. Establishing a roadmap that incorporates financial monitoring, technical agility, expertise development, and cultural transformation can pave the way for successful modernization. Financial systems that capture and analyze costs, agile methodologies, expertise retention strategies, and robust change management programs are crucial components of this roadmap.
Diversified Outlook Group is committed to helping organizations overcome these barriers and can offer deeper insights into mitigating common barriers and navigating the complex landscape of AI assisted modernization. They can provide strategic advice and insight to address financial, technical, expertise, and cultural challenges. Reach out to support@diversifiedoutlookgroup.com to learn more about how they can assist in your journey toward modernization.
