i View

The Cost of Change

Posted on August 2, 2017 by David Gillman

Many companies seeking to change their ERP application weigh the pros and cons, comparing the cost of change against the benefits of a new system. There are lots of hard costs in everyone’s numbers—hardware, software license, implementation, and customization charges add up quickly.

For many on IBM i, the cost is too high to justify the change, especially when they can stay with a proven system that continues working just as it has done for years. But for some, the benefits of a new system are worth the cost.

Those who do opt for a new system often choose a server system other than IBM i. In that case, the experienced IBM i technician is usually relieved of his services to the company.

Inevitably, and sooner rather than later, the company realizes it has lost a special breed of IT person. IBM i people are typically more experienced and have worked more closely with the actual line of business departments than the new IT people brought in for the new system. Basically, all that valuable knowledge in translating true business needs into IT processes is gone.

That is a huge cost only understood too late.

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