If youâre reading this, youâre probably thinking about how to get the most out of your tech stack. As someone whoâs been in the trenches with companies tackling these challenges, Iâve got some tips and insights that can help you make sure your tech is up to the task.
Is your tech stack fulfilling its purpose? Here's how to tell
When it comes to evaluating your tech stack, metrics are your best friend. One of the first things to look at is how long it takes to get the data you need. If youâre stuck with quarterly data but you need it monthly, or monthly data when you need it weekly, thatâs a clear sign your system isnât cutting it.
Another big one is how happy your team is with the system. Regularly check in with your team. Are they finding the system easy to use, or is it a constant headache? Over time, what worked well at the start might not be meeting your needs anymore. Listen to your team; their feedback is gold.
Mapping out your integration obstacles
You know youâve got integration problems if youâre getting different data from different systems or if you have to manually combine data from multiple sources. If youâre constantly moving data by hand from one system to another, your integration needs some serious work.
Donât stress if a full API integration isnât possibleâsometimes an automated CSV upload can do the trick. There are so many different levels of integration. I think we get hung up on the need for systems to be fully automated, and that's not always available for every business. The goal is to minimise manual interventions and make your data flow.
Blueprinting your tech stack overhaul
Planning a tech stack overhaul? Itâs helpful to think of your tech stack as your processes. Your tech stack will magnify any inefficiencies.
Start by taking a hard look at your current setup. Whatâs working? Whatâs not? Whatâs downright frustrating? This will help you put together a needs analysis, which is crucial for figuring out what you want from a new system.
Donât forget about your hardware. Itâs easy to focus on software, but if your PCs and network are outdated, new software might not run as smoothly as youâd like. Make sure your hardware can support your new tech investments.
Your tech vendor scouting guide
One of the biggest problems we often come across is businesses showing up to a vendor with just one or two specific issues in mind, instead of laying out their full list of needs. So what happens is the vendor tackles those two problems, doesn't really dig into what else might be going on or what else they might need, and then we discover other issues down the line.
So the first thing you should do when selecting new technology vendors is start with your needs analysis and make sure the vendor can meet all your requirements, not just solve a couple of specific problems. And donât just take their word for itâask for demos. See how their solutions actually work in practice.
Do your homework. Check out their reputation, read testimonials, and if you can, talk to their existing clients or speak to partners like us. Understanding the true timeline and costs involved will save you from nasty surprises down the road.
Bridging your team's tech know-how
When you're rolling out new systems, getting the training timing right is crucial. We often see people jumping into training too early. They want to learn the system well ahead of time, but then they don't actually go live with it for another four to six weeks.
Schedule your training sessions closer to your go-live date. Make sure the right people get trained on the parts of the system that matter most right away. You don't have to know everything right from the start; focus on nailing down the key processes you'll need on day one of going live. After that, you can always schedule follow-up training for the other parts of the system that won't be as critical right off the bat.
Then you should definitely have a support mechanism in place. At BlueHub, we offer mandatory support for 30 to 60 days post-implementation, along with ongoing training plans. This ensures a smoother transition and better long-term adoption of the new system.
Lessons from tech stack revamps
At BlueHub, weâve helped many companies revamp their tech stacks, and one big lesson is to prepare your team for the change. Itâs easy to underestimate how much work goes into this. Make sure your team knows whatâs coming and is ready to engage with the new system.
Another biggie is data cleansing. If youâve been using the same system for years, thereâs likely a lot of old data that needs to be cleaned up. Decide early on whether youâre going to migrate everything or just take a snapshot. Plan accordingly and set realistic timelines.
Finally, donât underestimate the time required for a major system overhaul. It typically takes us five to seven months from start to finish. Setting realistic expectations can make the process much smoother.
Future-proofing your tech
When making decisions about your tech stack, think about your companyâs growth aspirations. Make sure your new systems can handle increased transaction volumes and are compatible with both existing and future systems.
Think ahead to where youâll be in three to five years. This will help you avoid costly overhauls and ensure your tech stack grows with your business.
Optimising your tech stack is an ongoing process that requires careful planning and monitoring. By focusing on key metrics, ensuring effective integration, choosing the right vendors, and providing adequate training and support, you can build a tech stack that enhances productivity and supports growth. Remember, a well-optimised tech stack isnât just about technologyâitâs about empowering your team and driving your business forward.
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