The pressure is on to keep systems current and competitive, but as many UK businesses are learning, the answer isn’t always to replace long-standing software. Increasingly, the smarter, more sustainable option is modernisation.

A growing case for change

According to recent research, 74% of UK organisations have reported operational or financial losses due to outdated systems. Whether it’s missed automation opportunities, clunky integrations, or data trapped in silos, the cost of doing nothing is rising.

But while the need for transformation is clear, the best route forward isn’t always obvious.

David Ritchie,Propel Tech Founder, comments:

“We’re seeing a shift in mindset. Rather than asking ‘how do we catch up?’, more businesses are asking, ‘how do we protect what we’ve already built while making it better?’ In many cases, it’s not about throwing systems out, it’s about unlocking their untapped potential.”

Why replace when you can reimagine?

Full system rebuilds are often expensive, disruptive and resource-heavy. In contrast, a modernisation-first approach focuses on evolving and improving the platforms that already work. It’s more agile, more cost-effective, and – crucially – better aligned to long-term goals.

And with budgets under pressure, it’s a strategy that’s gaining ground. Deloitte’s 2024 UK CIO Survey revealed that over 50% of CIOs rank delivering business value on a constrained budget as their top priority. More than 60% say their focus is now on extending the life of existing systems, rather than replacing them altogether.

Stable doesn’t mean static

Established software is sometimes seen as a liability – but that’s not always the case. Many of the systems still in use today are robust, business-critical tools that have been fine-tuned over years of operation. With the right development expertise, these tools can become launchpads for innovation.

Scotty Robson, Senior Software Developer at Propel Tech, says:

“Established software can be reliable, secure and tailored to the way a business works. The challenge – and the opportunity – lies in adapting that stability for new demands, whether it’s cloud scalability, real-time data processing, or AI integration.”

Real-world impact

At Propel Tech, software modernisation is a core specialism, and the results speak for themselves. Across sectors including property, manufacturing, risk management and beyond, Propel Tech’s development teams help organisations breathe new life into trusted systems.

Property sector – Propel Tech worked with Your Move and LSL Property Services to enhance legacy platforms supporting thousands of property transactions each month. Rather than starting over, they integrated new features, improved compliance workflows and accelerated system performance, all without disrupting daily operations.

Global manufacturing – For a multinational production company, Propel Tech delivered a seamless modernisation that improved data visibility across multiple sites. Smart integrations and workflow automation enhanced efficiency, while system stability remained uninterrupted.

Bespoke risk management – Working with Prime Systems, Propel Tech supported the evolution of a complex EHS platform, introducing intuitive interfaces and scalable functionality to keep pace with shifting compliance demands.

Each project followed the same principle: understand what’s working, enhance what’s possible, and protect what matters.

Modernisation unlocks AI potential

Modern software capabilities, from AI and automation to cloud-native scalability, are becoming essential for competitive growth. But you don’t need a new system to take advantage.

Modernising existing architecture can make platforms AI-ready, giving businesses a practical way to explore new technologies without the risks of a full rebuild.

Whether it’s deploying machine learning for smarter decision-making, embedding predictive analytics, or improving user experience through automation, Propel Tech’s team helps clients chart a clear path from “what is” to “what’s next”.

A smarter route to innovation

Ultimately, modernisation offers a strategic way to futureproof software – one that’s cost-conscious, low-risk and closely aligned to how businesses actually operate.

It’s also flexible. From small updates and UX improvements to full architectural upgrades, Propel Tech’s approach means organisations can move at their own pace, choosing the scale and scope of change that works for them.

As Andy Brown, Co-founder of Propel Tech, explains:

“We’ve worked with teams where software has evolved gradually over 15+ years. What matters is knowing when and how to intervene – to add value without disrupting momentum.”

Ready to modernise? Get a free audit

To help organisations unlock the potential in their systems, Propel Tech is currently offering a free, no-obligation software modernisation audit.

This includes:

• A comprehensive review of existing platforms
• Honest advice on where improvements could be made
• Clear, expert-led recommendations – with no disruption to live systems
  
  

Whether you’re starting to explore options or need a partner to drive your digital transformation forward, Propel Tech is here to help.

To book your audit, get in touch: hello@propeltech.co.uk

Explore our services at www.propeltech.co.uk