How many systems do you use at work? According to a 2022 study, large organizations use an average of 367 different software tools, and individuals use an average of 52 spreadsheets, software apps, and systems every single week.

If those tools, systems, and apps aren’t talking to each other, or haven’t been set up correctly, you’re going to run into problems. Specifically, problems that have a direct impact on productivity, data, and, eventually, your bottom line.

It’s not all bad, though. If you’re aware of the signs we outline in this blog, there's a lot you can do to get ahead of the problem and ensure disconnected systems aren’t holding your business back.

Technology’s moving faster than your business

Whether it's the rise of generative AI, the way people search, or the normalization of self-service buying, a lot has changed in the B2B space in recent years. Those changes don’t just impact your customers, marketing strategy, or the way you organize products on a website. They also impact the way your systems need to operate.

If you constantly feel like you’re falling behind, your customers are demanding more, or that the technology you’re using is frustrating and not meeting expectations, it’s probably a clue that your systems aren’t working as well as they should or are not implemented in a way that can keep up with today's challenges.

As something that accounts for a big chunk of a company’s IT budget, technical debt could be the issue. By taking a good look at your systems, you may realize there are features you’re not using with the tech you already have, as well as untapped tools or even ways to streamline the solutions you’re using to better meet today’s demands.

Large organizations use an average of 367 different software tools.

Your data isn’t centralized

Between social media metrics, ecommerce insights, and customer support, collecting data is easy. You could argue that it’s never been easier. Knowing how to action that data is where it gets tricky.

Like systems, this only happens effectively if data is interacting as it should and isn't working in silos. You want datasets to work side by side and use each other to highlight actionable insights that actually move your business forward.

This is especially important in the age of AI. With so many businesses leaning on AI to navigate and sort their data, broken connections and bad integrations will lead to AI missing important information, not improving as it’s used or, worse, cause them to stop working altogether.

Customers are highlighting frictions

With all these systems working behind the scenes, it’s easy to think that’s where you should be looking, but your customers and the way they interact with your business could also show clues that your systems are holding you back.

For example, are your buyers meeting inconsistent messaging or product information? Are they resubmitting requests or running into stock issues, especially if that stock is multi-regional? Are you sure your inventory and ecommerce platforms are in sync and displaying the correct information? Are your sales and marketing people speaking to customers with information that’s out of date or inaccurate?

Keep in mind that B2B customers are doing more individual research than ever, with 80% of B2B buyers only reaching out once they’re 70% through their buying journey. Making sure your systems work behind-the-scenes is crucial to what happens everywhere else.

You’re dependent on individuals to make fixes

When you need to make a quick update to your website, can you do it yourself, or do you have to reach out to a developer? If you’re working in the marketing department and are wanting to pull important insights from your ecommerce platform, can you do it, or do you have to call a specialist for help?

The benefit of fixing disconnected systems isn’t just about getting them connected. It’s about getting them set up in a way that empowers, rather than hinders, your team.

Ideally, you want to have your systems integrated in a way that the right people in your organization can log in and leave with the insights they need while understanding how everything combines to impact other systems.

Want to see how systems integration can empower your business?

We can help synchronize your systems, empower your team, and ensure every part of your business is firing on all cylinders. Let's make it happen.