Empowering digitisation through shared data, experiences, and procedures.

For a smooth digital transition, companies require accessible resources such as guides, templates, and software repositories, acting as guiding beacons for secure, cost-effective implementation by prioritizing quick wins, addressing immediate needs, and fostering collaborative strategies for process improvement through shared data and experiences.

Navigating Digital Transformation: Overcoming Legacy Challenges for SMEs  

In an era of rapid technological evolution, digitisation has become the cornerstone of progress, albeit at varying paces across different regions. Germany for example, often viewed as an economic powerhouse, is navigating the digital landscape at a measured slow pace. The challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the wake of the second wave of digitisation are particularly notable. We explores the imperative need for flexible authorisation systems and the hurdles posed by legacy applications in the ongoing digitization journey of SMEs.

The Legacy Conundrum  

The inertia in digitisation isn’t just a matter of transitioning from analogue to digital; it extends to the intricate process of upgrading existing digital applications. Legacy applications, often deeply embedded in the project landscape, wield significant influence, holding a repository of intellectual knowledge about a company. Modernisation becomes a necessity, requiring the extraction of authentication data from these legacy systems and their integration into external services through Single Sign-On (SSO).

The Challenge of Dependency  

Untangling the intricate web of dependencies within applications is a formidable challenge. The dependency tree, a complex network rooted in legacy systems, hinders real progress. The reluctance to engage in complete reprogramming, while challenging, is essential to safeguard intellectual property and meet the demands of digitisation. Successful modernisation hinges on gradual, process-anchored changes, as opposed to drastic overhauls.

Customising Solutions for SMEs  

Existing market solutions, while addressing technical standards, fall short in driving economic digitisation for SMEs. They often position themselves as core software, requiring companies to adapt their products. True progress lies in tailoring solutions to the specific needs of companies, aligning with their processes and structures. A process-oriented approach, rooted in the companies’ requirements, is paramount for effective digitisation.

Standardisation and Sovereignty  

Standardisation plays a pivotal role in promoting interoperability and maintaining quality standards. However, the lack of procedural guidance and reference implementations leaves small and medium-sized companies grappling with choices that might not seamlessly integrate into their processes. Cloud-based authentication solutions offered by Software as a Service (SaaS) providers, though adhering to standards, introduce dependencies that compromise sovereignty over processes in the long term.

Empowering Digitisation  

To facilitate the digital transition, companies need accessible guides and reference points. A repository of freely accessible process descriptions, templates, and software can serve as a beacon for secure and cost-effective implementation. The focus should be on harvesting the low-hanging fruit, addressing immediate needs, and collectively strategising process improvements through shared data, experiences, and procedures.

Domain Driven Design, Microservices, and Data-Mesh  

In the intricate tapestry of digitisation, Domain Driven Design/Development (DDD), Microservices, and Data-Mesh emerge as critical frameworks for SMEs seeking to navigate the evolving digital landscape. Domain Driven Development offers a strategic approach, emphasising collaboration between technical and domain experts, ensuring that software aligns seamlessly with the unique needs of the business. As a successor to theoretical DDD-Paradigma, Microservices decentralise applications into modular, independently deployable services, fostering agility and scalability. Complementing this paradigm, Data-Mesh advocates for a decentralised approach to data architecture, aligning data domains with organisational boundaries.

Together, these methodologies provide a cohesive framework for companies looking to modernise legacy systems without disrupting the entire ecosystem. They enable gradual, iterative changes that resonate with the ongoing digitalisation journey of SMEs, ensuring adaptability and responsiveness to evolving business demands.

Conclusion  

As Europe navigates the digital terrain, the imperative for SMEs to overcome legacy challenges becomes evident. Flexibility, process-oriented approaches, and a nuanced understanding of the standardisation landscape are critical. By fostering a collaborative spirit, sharing resources, and prioritising accessible tools, SMEs can not only adapt to the evolving digital landscape but also thrive in it. The journey may be gradual, but the destination is a future where digitisation aligns seamlessly with economic success.