Introduction
Legacy systems are the old technology, hardware, systems, and applications that use outdated software. It is referred to as legacy, as from the future standards were developed. In theory, the immediate adoption of new technologies and removing obsolete technology is a good idea, but not as easy to do in practice. Most MSPs and IT departments still use legacy systems to a certain extent. Such systems are troublesome due to compatibility problems and lack of security support.
The lack of IT support of legacy systems makes security issues even more prominent, leaving them vulnerable. In essence, a legacy system cannot get integrated with new processes. The problems with such include:
- Difficult to maintain.
- Lack of support.
- Integration complications.
- Bad user experience.
Here is where legacy system upgrading comes into the picture. Upgrading or modernization allows your IT stack increased support to meet business goals. For example, the hardware used in many power plants uses outdated technology. The reality is, many crucial business workflows still get powered by legacy systems globally.
The Importance of Upgrading Legacy Systems
The oldest IT systems fail to meet modern demands for businesses. The current environment requirement demands fast applications, systems, and connectivity which legacy systems lack. Upgrading such systems can improve workflow speed and offer more support. Above all, one of the significant reasons MSPs and IT departments need to upgrade is security.
When legacy software gets older, they become highly vulnerable to security breaches due to past versions that are no longer supported. According to TechRepublic, 52% of organizations still use Windows XP even though support stopped in 2014.
The importance of upgrading legacy systems is more than just wanting the system to run smoothly; security has evolved over the years and is far more sophisticated in new technology. Hence, not upgrading makes systems easy to hack. MSPs deal with large amounts of data that need to be secure, making upgrading crucial.
Using a centralized platform such as ElectroNeek to replace and upgrade IT systems offer numerous benefits such as:
- Onboarding new clients, partners, and applications quicker.
- Gaining access to fast data transaction views.
- Ensuring an end-to-end process that ensures compliance with rules and regulations.
- Getting notified in real-time if errors arise.
How RPA Works with Legacy Systems
One of the most promising solutions to upgrading legacy systems is RPA. The demands of customers, competition, and market constantly evolve, and the only way businesses can keep up is by using modern technology. It is legacy systems that commonly cause roadblocks in gaining an edge over the competition. Here, RPA removes such hurdles and offers the competitive advantage needed to succeed in a cut-throat market.
RPA makes the seamless transformation of legacy systems possible. The primary function consists of automating manual and repetitive operations based on a set of rules. Additionally, RPA is more flexible, quicker, and cheaper than many other methods available. Deloitte’s Global RPA survey displayed that 85% of respondents said that RPA met or exceeded their expectations.RPA is widespread and only getting more efficient, making it a highly dependable source to upgrade your legacy systems.
Benefits of using RPA to automate legacy systems
Three of the primary benefits of using RPA include:
1. Quick implementation period: With RPA, there is no need for coding or using other complex software; it lets MSPs implement RPA solutions more efficiently and faster to ensure a high level of productivity.
2. Low Deployment Expenses: Utilizing RPA tools is inexpensive. It requires no specific skill-set or other human resources, which is often intensive in other upgrading options available in the market currently. Such low expenses enable MSPs to scale and adapt as required by the operational needs.
3. No Security Issues: The IRS of data loss and other security concerns are negligible. RPA ensures top security for MSPs and IT departments, allowing them to control access authorizing and management of sensitive data.
RPA for Legacy Systems: Use Cases
Below are four use cases that help understand RPA’s role in upgrading legacy systems:
1. Provides a high level of agility through recognizing tasks compliant to automation in Legacy systems:
It is possible to automate many tasks from the operations department of MSPs. Out of such tasks, the ones with clear instructions, a standard and predictable set of rules with structured and repeating activities, and low variables are the best fit for automation. RPA bots can perform the above tasks faster with a meager error rate. ElectroNeek is an excellent example of deploying RPA bots that get results without the headache of licensing.
2. Integrating workflows covering common legacy platforms:
The vital advantage of using RPA is the elimination of agility blockers. For example, marking a client as renewed across all platforms can be a tedious burden on employees. With automation, integration gets done faster and error-free, allowing employees to focus on revenue-generating activities. Hence, making it a critical solution, especially regarding the integration of legacy systems for MSPs.
3. Reducing disturbances caused by conjoining new platforms with legacy systems:
Using traditional RPA tools with machine learning makes upgrading legacy systems in stages possible. Starting the automation process from one area can display improvements, more efficiency, and lower operational costs. Additionally, using RPA can help detect fraud easily and generate more revenue and offer a higher level of customer service.
4. Optimization of access to data and data prevention:
If looking at completely replacing a legacy system, data migration gets impaired by errors. RPA can provide a solution by offering MSPs complete control, access, and data flow when needed while accurately transferring the data to the new system.
RPA bots ensure migrating data from legacy systems is fully automated and repeatable. Every piece of data goes where it is supposed to, making system integration seamless. Additionally, it conducts data migration very quickly to replace legacy systems in the most secure way possible.
Automating Legacy Systems with ElectroNeek
ElectroNeek is a well-integrated platform offering end-to-end automation solutions for upgrading legacy systems for MSPs’ clients. With an attractive pricing model and high-end RPA bots, it is one of the most top-rated RPA providers available. The company deploys RPA bots for executing automation across all possible legacy environments, including email systems, customer relationship management, financial systems, and many others.
Furthermore, the RPA bots work on transferring data from legacy systems to either external or local sources such as cloud storage, spreadsheets, and many other options as required. Additionally, ElectroNeek’s bots can update the data stored in a legacy system, and create reports based on tasks completed along with alerts on predefined functions in legacy systems.
Conclusion
The advantages of using RPA for modernizing legacy systems are immense, as evident above. With numerous benefits and no real downfall, RPA can be the exact solution your MSP needs to gain a distinctive competitive edge. ElectroNeek provides the best-customized automation solutions for your or your client’s company’s legacy system needs.