The importance of the migration of computing applications in the industry

Even today it is common that when a specialized company is commissioned by an industrial company to draw up a plan to update its IT infrastructures, they find that the existing systems are inherited or outdated. A fact that is seriously hindering the industry from undertaking a necessary digital transformation.

For this reason, more and more industrial companies find themselves in the need to put themselves in the hands of specialist consultants who, depending on the case, renew or migrate the applications that are required to meet the current needs of their businesses.

Because while technologies such as the cloud, mobility, Big Data and the Internet of Things (IoT) help companies in the adoption of digitization, the aforementioned technologies still depend to a large extent in the industry on the basis of the core systems that contain operational, sales and supply chain data, as well as processes. In this way, the efforts necessary for a real renovation and updating require a transformation of the core to, from there, build a modern base on which to support the newest and most innovative technologies.

In any case, updating is an imperative to compete in today’s digital market. A market that is as highly personalized as it is active, in which customers expect products and service offerings that are based on the digital traces they leave with each interaction.

Often times, application modernization and migration requirements arise from the technology units and not so much from the business units, so it is necessary to point out certain aspects for their better understanding.

The obsolescence of languages and tools

Software for the industry is in constant transformation. This means that new versions are emerging. And it implies that their products are evolving, which end up leaving the old versions without evolution and without support, an aspect of the latter that is usually critical, especially in terms of security and optimization.

Simplification of the technological environment

It does not mean that you have to do without the weight of technology. Industries are production and work environments in which technology has an increasing specific weight. However, an industrial plant from 2020 updated in terms of architecture and systems, may not have much to do with one from 2010.

The production chains and the applications that make their operation possible require a cyclical update that serves to review the operating systems, languages ??and databases, to name a few elements, that allow to fulfill a double function fundamentally: an increase in productivity and a better user experience for workers. In order to carry out these simplifications of technology environments, application migration is usually required. Hence, the work of technology consulting in the industry is increasingly decisive.

Problems with the performance of an application

When there is a performance problem attributable to an application, you can choose to update it or migrate it to another platform where resources are greater and cheaper. Deciding on one option or another will depend on the data provided by the previous analysis and the subsequent follow-up monitoring.

Given some of the reasons why an application migration may be necessary, it must not be forgotten that a migration process can be complex. However, with proper planning and execution, a smooth migration is possible.

Three Steps to Minimize Problems in a Migration

1. A suitable team

It is essential to know how to bring together the key people from each business unit involved in the migration project. These people will help inform and support the project as it progresses. It is also necessary to have a team of internal technical experts to help with the migration at each phase, even if the industrial company works with an external partner.

2. Explain the reasons for the project

Both in the case of the managerial, technical and operational part of the company, they must be very clear about the reasons for the migration project. Whether it’s cost savings, operational simplification, or a competitive advantage in the marketplace, you shouldn’t start until everyone is aligned. To have the conviction of those involved, it is convenient to agree on the objectives, budget and schedule of the project. And, last but not least, the participants must be kept informed as the project progresses and in each of the phases.

3. Audit applications

As you audit your application landscape, you need to perform appropriate assessments. When evaluating each application, it’s also critical to identify dependencies, integrations, and technical requirements. Also, understand the application architecture, security policies, and the tools and software used to manage access, performance, and troubleshooting. Migrations should be prioritized based on these criteria, without losing sight of business needs and your budget.

Best practices for application migration

Keep goals and objectives clear for everyone involved. Establishing and reaffirming the purpose, benefits, and end results of migration will help everyone stay motivated and focused.

Risk should be minimized. Performing application migration practices within test environments enables team members to gain confidence, identify potential problems, and show results.

Sometimes it is a plus to incorporate third-party tools to complement internal capabilities. Application migration is a complicated process, and when it doesn’t run properly, it can lead to costly errors and data loss. It is smart to invest in additional tools and expertise to ensure that you are adequately prepared.