Overcoming the challenges of outdated legacy systems in the primary industry

Navigating the digital revolution

With global demand for sustainable food, energy, and fibre resources on the rise, there's a growing pressure to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and meet stringent regulatory standards, and yet, the tools of the trade have remained largely unchanged for decades.

Outdated legacy systems are the chains that hold them back. They lack the agility, scalability, and data-driven insights required to thrive in today's fast-paced, technology-driven world. As the digital revolution sweeps through the primary sector, businesses that don't move with the times risk being left behind.

So, there's a need for a shift in mindset, and that's about recognising the many opportunities that application modernisation presents. Think of it this way; when you become part of the digital revolution, you're opening up pathways for business growth and untapped potential. It's about leveraging cutting-edge technology to drive innovation, streamline operations, and make smarter, data-driven decisions.

Why an application transformation strategy is essential

We've been around the primary sector for some time, and we're familiar with its challenges. Market volatility, changing consumer demands, and the imperative of sustainable practices underscore the need for agility:

• Economic climate fluctuations demand swift decision-making. Outdated systems often lack the real-time data processing and analytics capabilities needed to respond to market dynamics promptly

• Data security and compliance are paramount, especially considering the sensitive nature of primary industry data. Legacy systems often fall short in ensuring robust cybersecurity and adherence to changing regulations.

• Organisations are using data to create and sustain better connections with their customers to enhance loyalty, improve engagement, and make better decisions

• Data is well understood to underpin most organisations, and having the right solutions and platforms to capture, analyse and respond to data is a competitive advantage

• Supply chain management is the backbone of this industry. Legacy systems struggle to optimise these complex networks, resulting in inefficiencies, higher costs, and missed opportunities for growth

When you take the above into consideration - and those are just a few of the challenges businesses in the primary sector face - you can see that application modernisation is no longer really a choice - it's a necessity.

The risk of falling behind

For businesses in the primary sector, the risk of being left behind is very real, especially when competitors are embracing modern systems. Here's why:

1. Cost inefficiency
Outdated legacy systems often come with high maintenance costs, eating into your profits. Competitors with smarter systems can allocate resources more efficiently, reducing their operational costs and offering products or services at a lower price point.

2. Slower scaling
Scaling your operations is crucial for seizing new market opportunities. Modern systems are designed to scale effortlessly. Competitors who can rapidly expand to meet increasing demand gain a significant edge.

3. Resilience and adaptability
Modern systems provide real-time data and insights, making it easier to pivot and adapt to market shifts. Legacy systems may not be robust enough to support such agility.

5. Missed technological advancements
New technologies like AI, IoT, and machine learning are transforming the primary industry. Competitors leveraging these innovations can improve their decision-making, boost productivity, and drive innovation, leaving those with outdated systems struggling to keep up.

6. The rise of AI
Removing points of failure, labour and key skills remain an issue. Automation, use of algorithms and AI become essential enablers.

7. Cost in time and money
Improved productivity through digital process development reduces cost and time to deliver products and services.

Application modernisation: The strategic response

Application modernisation is more than just a technological upgrade; it's about having the tools on board to drive business growth. When you move with the times, your business will benefit from:

• Enhanced efficiency - streamlined operations, reduced costs, and improved productivity. Optimised supply chain management ensures resources are used effectively

• Data-driven decision-making - real-time analytics enable you to respond swiftly to market changes. You can plan better, meaning improved risk management and resource allocation

• Scalability and adaptability - modernised applications can scale with your business and adapt to changing needs, future-proofing your operations

• Sustainability and innovation - embracing modern technology is often the first step towards sustainable practices. It also opens the door to innovation, creating new revenue streams and business models

Application modernisation is key to unlocking your growth potential

Staying competitive and driving growth hinges on your ability to adapt and innovate. Outdated legacy systems can hold you back, leaving you vulnerable to cost inefficiencies, missed opportunities, and security risks.

At Cucumber it’s our mission to use technology to help create a better world. We focus on the primary and supporting sectors and use technology and innovation to solve complex technical problems, helping our clients to drive efficiency, sustainability and productivity.

For the full story on application modernisation, download our eBook, The business imperative for application modernisation in the primary industries.