Info-Tech Research Group publishes report on replacing core systems

Info-Tech Research Group’s “Core Systems Replacement in Government” blueprint details five key distinctions between the public and private sectors when replacing core systems, highlighting the need for a unique approach. (CNW Group/Info-Tech Research Group)

TORONTO — Government organizations face significant challenges when replacing their core systems, including cost overruns, governance issues, resistance to change, and a lack of technical expertise. Unlike the private sector, these challenges require specialized approaches tailored to the unique needs of government projects. Info-Tech Research Group’s latest blueprint, Core Systems Replacement in Government, identifies five critical distinctions between the public and private sectors in core system replacement, highlighting the need for customized strategies. The research-backed resource details the importance of a holistic approach, combined with a strategic shift-left mindset, in significantly improving success rates, enhancing project outcomes, and elevating stakeholder satisfaction.

Info-Tech’s blueprint provides insights for IT leaders in the public sector, emphasizing the importance of understanding the full tools and packages they are acquiring when replacing core systems. Outdated core systems can pose significant challenges for governments by limiting agility, hindering innovation, increasing operating costs, and creating incompatibilities within the technology stack and applications. The firm advises that addressing these limitations is critical to enabling government organizations to respond quickly to events, adopt new technologies, and meet customer expectations.

In its newly published resource, Info-Tech outlines the benefits of adopting a strategic shift-left mindset for core system replacements in government. The “shift-left” approach focuses on identifying and resolving issues early in the development process. By prioritizing early testing, feedback, and collaboration, potential problems can be addressed before they escalate into costly disruptions.

“While a holistic strategy provides a solid foundation for core system replacement projects, it may not address all potential challenges that can arise during the implementation process,” says Patrick Spencer, research fellow at Info-Tech Research Group. “This is where the strategic shift-left mindset becomes crucial. This proactive approach requires involving key collaborators from the outset, conducting thorough risk assessments, and implementing agile project management practices to adapt to changing requirements and circumstances.”