Should You Rip-Out, Re-Write Or Re-Invent Your Legacy EAM Systems?
Deloitte’s just released their annual technology predictions for 2016 which focuses on 8 trends likely to disrupt business over the next few years. Whilst much of the report concentrates on futuristic technologies, what is most interesting, is that this year, one trend was dedicated to the coal-face challenge of modernising and extending the value of legacy EAM systems.
An example relevant for our clients is legacy enterprise asset management systems [EAM’s], computerised maintenance management systems [CMMS’s] and enterprise resource planning systems [ERP’s]. Whilst these systems have been essential for the financial and operational management of assets, they were never designed to provide the granularity of detail demanded by today’s complex global enterprises, or readily integrate with emerging asset tracking technologies, auto-ID [RFID, NFC, barcode, DPM etc.] and field mobility applications.
Rip-out or re-write?
With the pace of change and technology innovation continuing to accelerate, organisations are faced with daunting choices such as ripping out and replacing or re-engineering legacy code in order to embrace and adopt these new transformational technologies.
However, executives are also not lost on the fact that hidden in these data repositories is critical information that will enable companies to make smarter decisions and take faster action. And, that new emerging auto-ID systems are likely to continue to be highly-dependant on the underlying data and processes these legacy systems enable. For this reason, according to Deloitte’s report, instead of throwing the baby out with the bath water, organisations are increasingly looking at ways to re-invent their legacy systems and extend their investment.
A reduced cost, time and risk option…
For EAM’s and CMMS’s this could entail a relatively straightforward integration project. By deploying asset intelligence software like Relegen’s assetDNA effectively as a front-end layer, organisations can empower back-end systems with real-time, real-world insights from the field, and deliver an RFID- and mobile-ready platform in less time, cost and risk. Data can then be passed to these legacy systems on a periodic or immediate basis for auditing, compliance and reporting purposes. Ultimately, higher quality data fed into primary systems will also provide stakeholders a ‘single point of truth’ and enterprise-wide view for better decision-making.
A future-proofed solution…
More often than not, legacy systems lie at the centre of an organisation. Deloitte describes them ‘heart-of-the-business’ applications. And yet, despite being in the digital age where every organisation must also be a technology company, these systems can continue to provide a solid foundation for the integration of new emerging asset tracking / asset management technologies.
Talk to Relegen about how assetDNA asset intelligence technology can future-proof and extend your organisations investment in legacy systems. We are a specialist auto-ID / RFID consultant / software & hardware vendor / system integrator and can help you evaluate, develop and implement performance-driven solutions. For more information on our services please contact us on +61 (0)2 9998 9000 or sales@relegen.com