Technology consolidation is the process of integrating multiple technology platforms into a single system. This can be done for a variety of reasons, but it’s often performed to improve efficiency or reduce costs.
Professional associations often need to consolidate their technology in order to keep up with the changing landscape of the workforce. As new technologies are developed and adopted by businesses, associations must be able to offer their members access to these new tools.
By consolidating their technology, professional associations can make it easier for their members to stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in their field. In addition, consolidating technology can help associations save money by reducing the number of vendor contracts they need to manage.
In this article, we’ll examine the why, what, and how of consolidating your association’s technology.
Why would a professional association consolidate its technology?
When it comes to technology, there are a lot of options out there, so it can be difficult to know which technologies to consolidate. Thankfully, there’s a great solution for professional associations: all-in-one platforms!
All-in-one platforms can be a great option for consolidating multiple technologies:
- They offer a variety of features and benefits that are perfect for professional associations.
- They’re typically more affordable than purchasing multiple technologies separately
- They also offer more flexibility and scalability than most stand-alone technologies
- Not only this–all-in-one platforms can also provide a more seamless user experience for members and staff. After all, you have all of your programs in one place!
When considering which technologies to consolidate, all-in-one platforms should definitely be on the list.
What are the benefits of technology consolidation for professional associations?
As any professional knows, staying up to date with the latest technology can be a full-time job. New software platforms are constantly being introduced, and it can be difficult for associations to keep up. Thankfully, the answer lies in technology consolidation, which is becoming a growing trend among professional associations–and for good reason!
- First of all, it can increase efficiency by allowing association staff to focus on fewer platforms. You only have to learn one system–not multiple!
- Next, it can save money by eliminating the need to purchase multiple licenses or subscriptions. Think of it like consolidating debt; rather than paying multiple sources (each with their own interest rate and fees!), you’re focussing on a single payee. This makes it simple and easy!
- Finally, technology consolidation can make it easier for members to stay informed and engaged by providing them with a single source of information.
While challenges associated with technology consolidation can arise (and we’ll look at those next!), the benefits typically outweigh the drawbacks, making it an attractive option for many professional associations!
What are some common challenges faced when consolidating technology?
One of the most common challenges faced during technology consolidation is managing data. When multiple systems are consolidated into one, there is often a lot of duplicate data that needs to be cleaned up. This can be a time-consuming and tedious process, but it is essential for ensuring that the new system is accurate and usable.
Another challenge that is often encountered is compatibility. Different systems often use different standards, which can make it challenging to combine them into a single platform. This can lead to frustration from users who are unable to access certain features or data, so it is crucial to thoroughly test the new system before rollout.
Finally, another common challenge is simply getting everyone on board with the change. When a beloved system is replaced with a new one, there can be a lot of resistance from users. It’s essential to communicate the benefits of the new system and provide training on how to use it–ease users into the transition and make sure they know how it will help them; you’ll find it much more painless to make the change if you do.
By addressing these challenges head-on, professional associations can ensure a successful technology consolidation!
How should a professional association go about consolidating its technologies?
In order to properly consolidate a professional association’s technologies, an organization should first take the time to understand its requirements:
- What functions need to be performed?
- What data needs to be stored and accessed?
Once these questions have been answered, the association can begin to evaluate which technologies are best suited for its needs. In some cases, it is possible to use a single piece of software to perform all of the required tasks!
However, in other cases, it may be necessary to use multiple software programs or even a combination of hardware and software. Regardless of the approach that’s taken, the important thing is that the professional association consolidates its technologies in a way that meets its needs and leads to increased efficiency.
How does a professional association know when it’s time to move on from its current technology solutions?
There are a few ways to tell when it might be time for your professional association to move on from its current technology solutions:
- One is if the solutions no longer meet your needs, or if they can’t keep up with your changing requirements.
- Another is if they’re becoming increasingly expensive to support and maintain.
- Finally, if you’re finding that other organizations are using more advanced technologies that give them a competitive edge, it may be time to consider an upgrade.
Of course, these are just general guidelines–ultimately, it’s up to your association to decide when the time is right for change. Just remember: if you’re starting to feel like your current solutions are holding you back, it might be worth exploring some new options!
You may also like: 5 Things NOT to Leave Out of Your LMS
Conclusion
Professional associations are always looking for ways to improve their operations and serve their members better, and technology consolidation–the process of evaluating and merging different technologies into a single streamlined system–is here to help!
Technology consolidation can provide many benefits, including reduced costs, improved efficiency, and enhanced member experience, so keep it in time next time you’re considering new strategies. And, while there are a few challenges that can arise during technology consolidation, with careful navigation, you can lead your association to success!
If you’re considering consolidating your association’s technologies, Vocalmeet can help. We have years of experience helping professional associations make the switch to new solutions, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way!