Most businesses in 2024 run with some kind of digital component necessary for their success. Even your local milkman will be putting together their customer base and tracking their accounts digitally. We’re willing to bet that your own business, even if it’s a modest startup, relies on a few software packages and digital suites or services to keep the show on the road.
But what happens when a major piece of software you rely on undergoes a massive security or software update? What if the company has been bought out and is now integrating new features? What if you see the dread letters “AI” at every single corner of the screen?
While some programs are designed for helpful connection such as those that automate Stripe QuickBooks, it’s hard not to wonder about many of the other integrations that have been forgotten about, or that fail to install and adapt quite as seamlessly. In this post, we’ll discuss what to do when a fundamental utility such as this undergoes a new update:
Read Documentation
When you’ve been a little blindsided by an update, you might not be feeling too calm. But if you can, take a breath, and read the documentation. It’s not the most exciting task in the world, but skipping this step is where a lot of businesses get tripped up. Those pop-ups telling you about the new features can provide plenty, but checking out the official patch notes and new feature updates can help you understand the logic behind them.
This is because when an update rolls out, it often comes with a bunch of small tweaks and adjustments you may not notice right away. The layout could change, certain features might have been moved, or new tools could be tucked in there that could save you time – if you know where to find them. You may understand the reasoning for the changes if you give them a chance. But this is where you should also:
Reassess Value
Change isn’t always bad, but now’s a good time to think about whether this software still fits your needs. Perhaps the update adds a bunch of new functionality you don’t really need, or maybe it changes the way you’ve been using the tool in a way that feels like overkill. Perhaps it’s even taken a vital service away, in which case finding a competitor might be essential.
If the software you’ve been using has grown too complex, or it’s moving in a direction that doesn’t really match what you’re looking for anymore, it could be worth reassessing its place in your workflow. Ask yourself this – are you paying for features you don’t use? Is there a simpler alternative that might make life easier for you and your team? Software bloat is real (hello Microsoft), and this might be your chance to refresh with a hungry competitor looking for your business.
Test Security
Security updates are, of course, a big deal, especially if you’re handling customer data or sensitive information. Just because the update claims to “enhance security” doesn’t mean you shouldn’t dig into it a little deeper or just take them at their word.
After the update, take a look at how it impacts your overall security integrations. Have any of your previous settings been changed or reset? Does the new version introduce new security measures you’ll need to configure such as automatic VPN logins? Now’s a good time to run a few of those tests if you can – check if your data encryption is still active, review your backup systems, and make sure the new software integrates with your existing security necessities. If you need to take the system offline, make sure customers or clients know about why for the time being.
Book Training Time For Staff
This is one of those utter necessities that can easily get ignored in the rush to get back to business as usual, but if your team relies on this software day in and day out, they’re going to need time to adjust to any changes, and you can’t just expect them to work with as much productivity as before if no training has been given.
Set aside a little time for said staff training, then. Even if the changes seem minor to you, they might affect someone else’s workflow. Running a quick demo or sending out a few training resources can help everyone get up to speed and you can address any questions or faults here. Perhaps it’s your technicians or creatives who will be able to offer the most insight, but you won’t know unless you ask.
In Conclusion
With this advice, you’ll be sure to apply new software updates correctly, without them impeding your firm too much.
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