When deciding whether to change software systems, it’s common practice (and wise) to consider the bottom-line business benefits of switching to a new software. However, when decision time arrives, many leaders hesitate to pull the trigger and make the purchase. 

Oftentimes, the factors holding back a decision to switch are: 

  • Fear that the money and human capital poured into fixing  the old system was “wasted” 
  • Worry that training on a new system will disrupt operations and sink business to low productivity

In reality, a switch to the right software will save your business money in the long term (you’ll no longer be pouring money into short-term fixes and band aids) and will deliver streamlined training for successful transition with no loss in operating hours. 

Reframing the software transition from fear to opportunity (while also deploying internal change management best practices) will often open up additional business benefits that go beyond bottom-line impact. Below are 4 “hidden” benefits of switching to a new software.

Opportunity to identify and fix holes in current process

Transitioning  to a new system opens up conversations about existing workflows and processes. When information is migrated to a new system, there is an excellent opportunity to poke holes in existing processes and identify areas that can be improved synchronistically with the launch of a new software. 

Fresh approaches and new insights 

Research indicates that changing routine can open up new ways of thinking. “When you first try to adopt a new behavior, you have to enlist your prefrontal cortex, the thinking brain, and insert conscious effort, intention, and thought into the process.” says brain science author, Debbie Hampton. By launching new software (which is embedded in nearly every employee’s day-to-day routine), you will inevitably unlock fresh perspectives from your team and new ways of approaching old problems. 

Streamlined training

The next generation of title & escrow professionals are digital natives. Training a new employee on an outdated system will invariably take more time. Even when older software systems deliver superficial, cosmetic updates to make their system appear less outdated with more modern design elements, the actual functionality, usability, and utility often remains fundamentally unchanged.

Newer software providers leverage user experience design to make workflows more intuitive for a new user. Additionally, modern software providers offer up-to-date training materials that make onboardings efficient and consistent. For example, Qualia customers have access to Qualia University, an online training platform which offers video and other interactive content to train new employees on Qualia’s software. Employees can work through training materials at their own pace and access additional content and resources whenever they need.

Improved business continuity 

Business continuity — or the ability for a business to maintain essential functions during a disaster and recover with as little downtime as possible— is often limited with software systems that use on-premise servers. Regardless of whether or not these older platforms undergo offsite data backups, (which happen “in the cloud”) the burden of maintaining security updates for on-premise software will always be on the end user. 

Alternatively, cloud-based systems offer the protection of off-premise data storage with the added frequency of regular security updates. Businesses using these modern software systems better protect their business from cyber attacks, natural disasters, and other unpredictable events.   

Are you ready to make the switch to a new software? Click here to read about the criteria every title & escrow company should consider when evaluating their software options.