At Incentro, we see it often: family businesses struggling with outdated software. In this blog, we’ll explain why these companies in particular tend to get stuck with legacy systems, the risks that come with it, and how to make sure your business doesn’t fall behind the competition. Because waiting too long to modernize can seriously threaten your business continuity.
Unique business processes
“We’re different.” It’s something we hear from almost every family business we visit — and they’re right. Many family businesses have been industry leaders for years and are household names in their region. Over time, they’ve expanded on their original services and experienced significant growth.
And that’s often where the problem begins. Off-the-shelf software typically doesn’t fit a family business. Large platforms like SAP or Microsoft Dynamics are expensive and overly complex, packed with features no one needs. At the same time, the custom software they’ve been using for years hasn’t grown with the business. These once tailor-made systems have become so outdated that no one dares to touch them — or support no longer exists.
The invisible time bomb inside your business
Many family businesses only realize they have a problem when it’s already too late. That one developer who still knows how the system works and how the code is structured? He’s about to retire. Or the system becomes so slow that everyday tasks take forever. Worse: your software can’t keep up with new developments in your market.
We recently helped a client who relied on outdated software that only one person knew how to operate. If that person was on vacation or out sick, nothing could be fixed. The result? A complete operational standstill. And sadly, this is not an isolated case.
Your choice: modernize or fall behind
You get the picture: the growth of your family business comes to a halt when you’re stuck with legacy software that no longer evolves with you. Competitors who have invested in modern systems start gaining ground. They respond faster to change, work more efficiently, and deliver better service.
“Why switch if it still works?” — it’s a question I hear often. But that’s exactly the problem: it works for now. Until something changes. A new market opportunity, a regulatory shift, or a key IT employee leaving — and suddenly, you’re too late.
The way forward
With modern technology like the Thinkwise platform, we offer a better alternative: a flexible foundation where your unique business processes can be seamlessly integrated.
The result? Software that does exactly what you need — without the bloat. Software that grows with you instead of holding you back.
You get the best of both worlds:
- The stability and future-proof foundation of a modern platform
- The flexibility to support your specific business processes
- No more choosing between overpriced standard software and outdated custom systems
- A solution tailored to how family businesses really operate: efficient, practical, and built for the long run
- Lower maintenance costs than traditional custom-built software
The time for change is now
If you think you can keep going with your current systems a little longer, consider this: implementing new software takes about a year. Add the time it takes to make the decision, and you’re easily two years down the road.
Ready to explore how your family business can move forward — and stay ahead? Let’s talk.
Want to know more?
In 6 clear points, I explain why legacy software isn’t just an IT problem — it slows down your entire business. And more importantly: what you can do about it?
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