We all use software to keep things running; Customer service tools, CRM, internal communication platforms, or BI and ERP’s. But as companies grow, so does the software, or it should. Over time, it’s easy to end up with too many tools, slow systems, or apps that no one really uses.
If your team is frustrated by clunky software, if IT is constantly putting out fires, or if you’re paying for tools you don’t need, it’s time for a review.
How to Review Your Business Applications
An application review doesn’t have to be complicated. The goal is to figure out what’s working, what’s not, and what needs improvement. Here’s how to start:
1. Check Functionality & Performance
- Does the software do what your business needs it to?
- Are certain tools too slow or needs a lot of hands-on?
- Do different systems work well together, or is everything isolated island bridged with manual tapping or excel’s?
2. See What People Actually Use
- Are employees happy with the software, or do they complain about it?
- Do people even use all the tools you’re paying for?
- Are there tasks that could be automated instead of done manually?
3. Spot Redundancies & Gaps
- Are you using multiple tools that do the same thing?
- Are old, outdated systems slowing things down?
- Are there areas where software could make things easier, but you don’t have the right tool yet?
By answering these, sometimes, painful questions, you can get a clear picture of whether your current software is helping or holding you back.
Quick Fixes to Improve Efficiency
Not every problem requires a new system. Sometimes, small changes make a big difference:
✅ Speed Things Up Clean up data, make sure data is correct from the start, introduce validation controls early in the workflow.
✅ Simplify Consolidate duplicate tools and cancel unused subscriptions.
✅ Improve Security Make sure systems are fully patched, review and limit access to sensitive data.
✅ Prioritize What Matters You can’t do everything focus your effort and budget on tools that have the biggest gain for the business.
Planning for the Future
A software review isn’t just about fixing problems, it also gives you strong suggestions on what to do next. Once you know what works and what doesn’t, you have to:
📌 Trim software towards business goals.
📌 Retire what you don’t need.
📌 Make life easier for employees by improving workflows.
📌 Reduce security risks by migrating outdated systems.
Don’t forget to have the employees on the journey early on. They’re the ones using these tools every day, and their feedback will help ensure that any changes actually make things better.
Final Thoughts
Businesses evolve, and their supportive systems should, too. A regular check-up keeps things running smoothly, prevents wasted spending, and ensures technology is actually helping, not draining.
It is easy to get stuck in last year’s solutions but to make sure IT the the strong partner for the business you need to assess regularly to be on track.