TAKE NOTE (Insights and Emerging Technology)
Legacy applications, often the backbone of an organization’s operations, can become a double-edged sword over time. While they deliver critical functionality, their aging infrastructure and outdated architectures can stifle innovation, increase operational costs, and introduce security vulnerabilities.
Modernizing these systems is essential to stay competitive in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven market. However, embarking on this transformation can seem daunting, as it involves striking the right balance between leveraging existing investments and adopting cutting-edge technologies. In this blog, we’ll explore five effective strategies to modernize legacy applications, helping organizations unlock greater agility, scalability, and efficiency while minimizing disruption.
1. How Will Customization Affect Modernization?
It’s common for a legacy application to have several customization, but whether these are still relevant can be difficult to determine. It’s important to re-evaluate what exactly an application must do.
Rather than trying to carry over each customization, consider what’s working well with the application and where it is lacking.
2. What Is the Agency’s Long-Term Strategy?
Consider where an agency will be in five years and how constituents’ needs might evolve. For example: Delivering a mobile experience is crucial for most agencies today. Is mobile an area where applications fall behind?
Look into the tools, solutions and discounts a cloud provider may offer to support app modernization. If an app isn’t in the cloud now, could it be in the future?
3. How Might the Skills Shortage Affect App Updates?
Some agencies have legacy applications that are decades old, and the person originally assigned to maintain them may no longer be on the IT team, making updates even more difficult. If the software was written in code that few if any IT staff members understand, it may be impossible to manage. To prevent roadblocks caused by a skills shortage and to avoid obsolescence, consider updating the code to a newer programming language.
4. Can Artificial Intelligence Accelerate Modernization?
Generative AI is all the rage right now. While it may be tempting to use it to convert existing code into a different programming language, the translation capability is not yet 100% accurate. If AI is used to convert code, the output should be thoroughly reviewed to make sure new code works as intended.
5. Is Automation a Useful Tool for Updating Apps?
One way to speed up the modernization process is through automation. Rule-based automation applies parameters to routine tasks and processes, eliminating the need for manual intervention and improving consistency. Template-based automation is similar but relies on predefined, customized templates. Automation can help analyze, refactor and test code. It can also map data, containerize applications and more.
Interested in learning more about RPA? Download our FREE White Paper on “Embracing the Future of Work”
UNDER DEVELOPMENT (Insights for Developers)
10 Ways SAP Build Streamlines Application Development
Intro
Businesses are constantly looking for tools that can help them develop applications faster, more efficiently, and with minimal reliance on technical expertise.
SAP Build, part of SAP Development Tools, is an advanced platform that simplifies the entire application development process by leveraging low-code and no-code tools. It provides businesses with the flexibility and efficiency they need to respond quickly to market demands and improve operational efficiency. Below are the top 10 ways SAP Build streamlines application development.
One of the most significant advantages of SAP Build Apps is its drag-and-drop interface, which empowers users to create applications without writing complex code. This feature removes the traditional barriers of software development, allowing non-technical users to build functional applications quickly and efficiently.
With drag-and-drop tools, users can:
- Design user interfaces by selecting pre-configured components, reducing the need for specialized UI design expertise.
- Integrate backend services such as cloud data storage, business logic, and APIs without the complexity of traditional coding.
This level of accessibility reduces the time required to develop applications, especially for business users who lack a programming background. By allowing more employees to participate in the development process, businesses can deploy applications faster. According to industry data, companies that adopt no-code platforms see a 74% reduction in development time. This substantial time-saving can significantly increase a business’s agility in the marketplace.
For businesses to maintain smooth operations, it’s critical that new applications integrate seamlessly with existing systems. SAP Build simplifies this process with its ability to connect both SAP and non-SAP systems effortlessly. Whether businesses rely on SAP’s suite of enterprise software or use third-party applications, SAP Build ensures seamless data flow between these systems, creating a unified user experience across the board.
To connect to SAP systems with SAP Build Apps, you need to create a “destination” in your SAP BTP cockpit, which essentially acts as a connection point to your SAP system, then access that destination within the Build Apps interface to utilize the data from your SAP system by adding an integration through the “Data” tab and selecting the BTP Destination you created; this allows you to pull data from your SAP system into your Build Apps application using OData services.
To connect to non-SAP systems with SAP Build Apps, you primarily use the “SAP Integration Suite” and its “Open Connectors” feature, which allows you to establish connections to various third-party applications by utilizing their APIs to retrieve data and interact with them directly within your Build Apps; essentially acting as a bridge between your SAP environment and external systems.
Some benefits of this integration include:
- Faster deployment of applications, as integration challenges are minimized.
- A cohesive user experience across platforms, ensuring that business processes remain uninterrupted.
When systems work together without the need for custom middleware or additional development, companies save both time and resources. Organizations that incorporate SAP Build have reported a 45% increase in productivity due to faster system integration. This efficiency translates to quicker time-to-market for applications and more seamless operations across departments.
One of the most significant challenges in large enterprises is the fragmentation of systems and applications that employees must use daily. SAP Build Work Zone solves this issue by providing a centralized workspace where users can access all their applications and processes from a single location. This consolidation improves workflow efficiency by reducing the need to switch between multiple systems.
SAP Build Work Zone offers:
- Personalized and role-based access, ensuring that employees have quick access to the applications most relevant to their roles.
- A unified entry point for both SAP and non-SAP applications, improving the overall user experience.
The result is a more organized and streamlined workflow. Employees spend less time navigating between systems and more time focusing on productive tasks. Research shows that businesses utilizing a unified workspace experience a 30% increase in productivity. SAP Build Work Zone’s ability to simplify access to multiple systems makes it indispensable for improving operational efficiency in businesses of all sizes.
– Dig Deeper –
What is SAP Build?
Q&A (Post your questions and get the answers you need)
Q. What are the predominant trends in SAP for 2025?
A. As businesses continue to adapt to technological advancements and evolving market demands, the SAP ecosystem is undergoing transformative changes in 2024 – 2025. Here’s an overview of the key trends shaping the SAP landscape this year:
1. Accelerating Adoption of SAP S/4HANA Cloud
Organizations are increasingly prioritizing the transition to SAP S/4HANA Cloud to modernize their ERP systems. With its innovative features and adaptable architecture, S/4HANA Cloud empowers businesses to make data-driven decisions in real time and optimize their processes. This migration reflects a broader movement toward integrating efficiency and innovation in ERP solutions.
2. Dominance of Cloud Solutions
The shift toward cloud computing continues to dominate enterprise strategies. Businesses are leveraging the scalability, flexibility, and seamless data access offered by cloud-based solutions. SAP S/4HANA plays a central role in this trend, as companies seek to future-proof their operations through robust cloud technologies.
3. Integration of Artificial Intelligence and Automation
SAP is revolutionizing its offerings with generative AI and advanced automation tools. By embedding these technologies into its ecosystem, SAP enhances operational efficiency across various modules, including supply chain, customer relationship management, and human resources. This move underscores SAP’s commitment to equipping businesses with intelligent, automated solutions.
4. Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability remains a core focus for SAP, with solutions like the SAP Sustainability Footprint Management and the SAP Sustainability Control Tower enabling organizations to track and reduce their carbon footprints. These tools align with global initiatives to minimize carbon emissions and promote renewable energy adoption.
5. Improved User Experience with SAP Fiori
User experience continues to be a top priority for SAP, with SAP Fiori leading the charge. Fiori’s responsive, user-friendly design enhances productivity and accessibility, allowing users to navigate applications effortlessly with minimal training.
6. Strengthened Cybersecurity
As digital reliance grows, so does the need for robust cybersecurity measures. SAP is expanding its security portfolio with tools like SAP Cloud Identity Access Management and SAP Cloud Platform Security to safeguard critical assets, protect data, and counter cyber threats effectively.
7. Addressing the Demand for SAP Talent
With an aging workforce in the SAP domain, the company is focusing on initiatives to attract younger talent. These efforts are aimed at sustaining the growth of SAP’s cloud services market and fostering innovation within its ecosystem.
8. Strategic Automation of Processes
Automation continues to play a pivotal role in driving agility and eliminating inefficiencies. SAP’s focus on automating repetitive and error-prone processes emphasizes its commitment to fostering innovation and strategic transformation for its users.
By aligning with these trends, businesses can position themselves for success in a rapidly evolving digital economy. Staying informed and proactive in adopting these advancements will enable organizations to remain competitive and thrive in the SAP ecosystem.
Cheers!