In a recent article, Kevin King, the Chief Executive Officer of Shiji International, highlighted the challenges faced by B2B tech vendors in modernizing technological infrastructure for industries such as hospitality, health, manufacturing, and financial services. Despite the pressing need for digital transformation, many businesses resist change, with the prevailing attitude being “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” The reluctance to modernize legacy systems poses a significant challenge for vendors looking to bridge the tech gap and cater to the changing demands of businesses.
To address these challenges, King outlines three key steps to building technology that can meet the needs of modern businesses. The first step is to embrace cloud and API-first architecture, which allows for easier scalability and adaptability as the business evolves. By prioritizing customer needs and designing user-friendly interfaces, vendors can create solid technological foundations that support future integrations and updates. This approach was successfully applied in the development of a property management system (PMS) for the hospitality industry, showcasing the benefits of building technology from the ground up.
The second step is to prioritize privacy and security in the design of new systems, especially in light of increasing data breach risks and privacy concerns. Vendors must implement robust security measures such as authentication, encryption, and secure off-site storage for personally identifiable information to build customer trust and comply with privacy standards. By future-proofing security and privacy elements and ensuring compliance with regulatory environments, vendors can mitigate vulnerabilities and protect sensitive data from breaches.
The third step involves collaborating with key customers to develop tailored solutions that address industry-specific challenges and meet future needs. By engaging with industry professionals and understanding their pain points, vendors can validate the functionality of their solutions and overcome potential market blockers. For example, in the hospitality industry, designing a PMS system that intelligently matches new reservations with existing guest profiles can enhance the guest experience and streamline operations. By working closely with customers and market experts, vendors can ensure their technology meets industry requirements and drives uninterrupted growth.
In conclusion, King emphasizes the importance of building modern technology that supports businesses in staying competitive and driving digital transformation. By adopting a cloud and API-first architecture, prioritizing privacy and security, and collaborating with key customers, vendors can develop robust systems that minimize disruption and enhance business operations. Ultimately, the goal is to make the transition to new technology as seamless as possible for businesses while addressing their specific needs and ensuring continuous growth.
