Regular software updates are required to fix issues, patch problems, and ensure your ERP system is equipped with the latest and greatest security features. Staying on top of them can seem like a full-time task, but it’s an important one.
Feeling overwhelmed? Today, we’re sharing some of the challenges you might face with enterprise software updates management. If you prepare for these challenges, you may never need to engage in the services of software expert witnesses.
5 Challenges of Managing ERP Updates
1. Lack of Tools or Solutions
One of the biggest issues that organizations face with software updates is a lack of affordable solutions. You know you need programs to fortify your weak points and keep your software running smoothly, but these aren’t cheap.
Even if your C-suite understands it’s a good idea, they may still be hesitant to invest in updates management services, especially if there are other priorities tugging at their budget and attention.
While you could handle this job with your in-house teams, there’s no denying that it’s tedious, cumbersome work. Any money you might have saved by not outsourcing the service to an ERP consultant, will be spent on internal financial and human resources.
We recommend hiring a technology expert to monitor your system on an ongoing basis. If it’s time for an ERP update, they’ll do it automatically so you never have to skip a beat.
A Failed Payroll System Implementation
Panorama’s Expert Witness team was retained to provide a forensic analysis and written report to the court regarding the failed implementation of a major software developer’s ERP/payroll system.
2. System Complexity
Interconnectivity between multiple systems can make software updates more complex and time-consuming.
You must identify, assess, and test updates before you deploy them. You must also keep an eye on the constant flow of new threats. The more connected systems and devices you’re running, the more impossible this may seem.
If you’re relying on internal teams to manually update software, you could wind up burning them out before you even get started. They’ll all have their own, competing priorities and might feel stretched to the brim. As a result, they could delay security updates altogether and leave your company vulnerable to a cybersecurity threat.
3. Multiple OS and Apps
Often, an ERP system will encompass more than one operating system, as well as many third-party applications. This could make the process of updating software more difficult.
With so much going on, your IT department and software experts could have a difficult time identifying exactly which systems need updating. It can also be difficult to deploy software updates quickly and effectively without compromising the entire infrastructure.
Knowing this, your teams might be worried about the implications that new updates could have on their existing systems.
One way to minimize this potential problem is to focus on testing your software in a controlled environment before deploying it. While this should already be an essential best practice, it’s easy to miss it in chaos before your go-live date.
According to Bill Baumann, Director of Software Expert Witness at Panorama Consulting, “If you decide to implement an updated ERP solution, we recommend choosing one that offers coverage for multiple platforms and apps. Make sure it will allow you to perform centralized testing, as well as deployment.”
4. Lack of Asset Visibility
If you run a widespread organization, you might find it difficult to keep track of all the assets you have, much less focus on software updates.
If your company is on the smaller side, this could also apply to you if you don’t have asset management best practices in place. Without the right network monitoring tools, it can be hard to detect unmanaged devices.
If you’re dealing with IT environments that are constantly in flux, ERP consultants can help determine which new assets need updates, which could reduce your company’s risk of potential breaches and security attacks.
You should also make sure all your team members have a comprehensive understanding of how your networks work. Then, implement a software update that offers total endpoint management so you can safeguard your systems against vulnerabilities.
5. Remote Workers
Protecting the software used in your business facility is one thing. Protecting the software used by remote or field-based employees is another. You need to make sure their work-issued devices are safe and protected, too.
The main problem is that they aren’t always connected to your organization’s central domain. Sometimes, remote workers use a different operating system altogether.
This can lead to a host of other issues, including a lack of connectivity and limited IT oversight, as well as inadequate security policies. It also becomes challenging to make sure that all outside devices are compliant with industry-regulated and company-specific security protocols.
To work around this, make sure that any solution you implement is capable of being used with both on-site and off-site devices. This should be the case regardless of the device’s connection status.
Optimize Enterprise Software Updates Management
When you invest in enterprise software, you want to do everything you can to help it work for your company. This includes enterprise software updates management.
While this might not be the most glamorous job, it’s one of the most important.
As you fine-tune your approach, consider these possible roadblocks and ways to avoid them. From in-house pressures to a lack of transparency and asset control, there are many perspectives to consider.
To learn more about how this process works, contact a software development expert at Panorama Consulting today.
