We all know what it takes for a person to live fit and healthy. Healthy diet, adequate rest and regular exercise. But did you know that this is hardly different for the software solutions used in your organization? Don't install and take action only when problems arise, but be intentional about how your business software functions and make sure it stays in top condition.
1. Healthy eating (garbage in, garbage out).
When enterprise software does not deliver the output you expect as a user, you are quick to blame the system. But you play a big role in this yourself. Make sure the data in your system is clean and of good quality. No duplicate, missing or contaminated data. If the data is not in order, you will have to take action first. De-duplicating, enriching and cleaning up data may not be the most fun work to do, but it is very important to successfully and enjoy working with your system. Also make sure you have a tight internal policy on entering new data and changing existing data.
2. Sufficient rest (do not overload the system).
Make sure you use the system properly. It happens frequently that a system fails because it is overloaded. Too much is then asked of the system, resulting in stagnation or even crashes. While we humans must guard against overloading, the same applies to many applications in your company. For example, when updating or upgrading software, check whether the system requirements have changed and whether you can still meet them.
3. Training (performance check).
Today, there are great ways to monitor and improve the performance of your system. You can perform periodic checks and use the reports to take appropriate action to restore system performance. But you can also, by installing a performance tool on your system, continuously monitor what is happening and take preventive action where necessary. Like using a heart rate monitor for your software.
Off to the doctor (system breakdown)
When things really go wrong with the system, there is always the technical specialist who can help you. Like visiting the family doctor, or worse: ending up in the hospital. Chances are that problems, such as a system breakdown, annoying blockages or a very slow system, can be fixed again relatively easily with the right measures. Still, it's annoying, stressful and can cost you money through e.g. company downtime or data loss. But, as mentioned, chances are you can avoid this with business software that is in top condition.
Philip van Kemenade is marketing manager at Dysel and has daily contact with end users of software.
