SaaS platforms have proven to be a game-changing resource for businesses. There are many to choose from that offer a wide range of features and support options. Your company could function almost entirely off of SaaS applications at a fraction of the cost of filling the same roles in-house. As a result, many companies are looking to make a change over to SaaS platforms in the near future. However, it is important to consider the bigger implications that making a quick change can have on your company. In this article, we discuss why switching to SaaS platforms is a marathon, not a sprint.
Replacing Platforms Can Reduce Productivity
It can be easy to replace existing systems with SaaS platforms, but doing so comes at an immediate price. Any time your company switches one system for another, there is a temporary drop in productivity. How long this drop in productivity last is based on how quickly the company and asked to the new system. If your company is in the business part of its year or is facing particular challenges that would make a transition difficult, and may not be the right time to start the transition.
This drop in productivity comes from the fact that staff members will have to relearn how to do their jobs within a system in place. Software training, operations management, and being comfortable with the new system take time. Rather than trying to make a quick switch between systems, it may be more effective to implement the SaaS platform next to the existing system and make a slow transition between the two. Doing so can prevent a major shock to the system that can stop your company from being successful until it recovers and adjusts.
Building a Solid Foundation For Growth
SaaS platforms are often used to develop the infrastructure a company functions on. Choosing a platform for this purpose can have a major impact on the future of your company. It is in your best interest to take your time and make sure that whatever platform you choose positions your company for stronger and lasting growth.
New platforms can promote growth in a variety of ways. For example, a platform that makes your company more efficient at completing orders and getting them to customers is an integral part of your company. The benefit that you can receive from these platforms can take some time to fully materialize due to the adoption process and building familiarity among staff.
You also want to take the time to make sure that the systems that you choose will support your company over the long term. You do not want to have to switch systems again anytime soon and you want to make sure that the system that you choose can scale with your company as it grows. The best way to ensure this is to complete detailed research and testing through a steady and controlled implementation process
Finding the Right Combination
Companies that adopt one SaaS solution often adopt several solutions as a way of building up their infrastructure. Not all SaaS platforms work well together or the company's needs in the right way. If your company is looking to adopt multiple SaaS platforms, it will take time to find the right combination of platforms for your business.
One way to mitigate some of the potential problems is to choose one platform at any time. Start with the most important platform for your business is operations. Once you have found a good candidate and you tested it, you can begin to see how it will work with other platforms. Introduce one at a time with a thorough testing process to make sure that the platform works together in the way that you intended. This will minimize the potential problems help you get your staff and customers ready for new software implementation as you go.
The Real Value is in Long-Term Collaboration
While there is short-term value in making a quick change to a new platform in terms of money and minimizing the acquisition time, the real value is in the long-term partnership rather than a quick exchange.
SaaS companies offer a lot of value other than just the software that they provide. They serve as valuable business partners that can help you solve problems by finding effective ways to implement their technology to improve your operation. Having his partnership over the long term means that you will have constant supporters from technical experts who can help you find the best way to implement a new platform into your business. On top of that, SaaS companies invest a lot of time and effort into improving their systems over time. The longer you are with the company, the more you will see updates to systems that incorporate the latest technologies.
Tech Agencies Make the Transition Easier
Transitioning to a new SaaS solution can be a challenge for companies that rely on them to operate. Fortunately, there is help available. At KitelyTech, we routinely work with companies that need help finding or developing SaaS programs to integrate into their systems. Call us at (800) 274 2908 to discuss your options for long-term SaaS solution implementations.
