“Our current software is working just fine”

Over my 10-year career in Severa sales, the software landscape has evolved significantly. Whether it involves industry-specific best practices, employees' working methods, or the requirements for project management software, these changes are essential for companies seeking to optimize their operations. Yet, one aspect has remained constant: the most common objection we hear when introducing Severa to potential clients. Frequently, the initial response is, "Our current software is working just fine."

Veli Hämäläinen, International Partner Sales Manager at Visma Solutions Oy

Veli Hämäläinen brings over 10 years of experience in consulting with decision-makers, project managers, and consultants to address critical issues in managing profitable operations.

It's ironic that while customers increasingly expect more from their operational software, some still believe their existing systems enable them to maximize process efficiency. Unfortunately, without proper benchmarking, this assumption is often based on incomplete understanding. Companies that view software not merely as an expense but as an investment are able to make informed decisions grounded in comprehensive data. These organizations ultimately achieve better profitability and enhance employee well-being.

"Our current software is working just fine."

But is it really? When did “fine” become an acceptable end goal?

People tend to become complacent in their routines. I can personally admit that I refuse to skip my gym routines, even when it might make sense to rest occasionally. The same goes for people using the same software year after year. Why fix something that isn’t broken, right?

However, with the current pace of software development, how can anyone assume the software they have been using for years is still the best without benchmarking?

The most common argument from potential customers is that their process works. What many don’t realize is that their current process was created by the existing software. In other words, we first need to examine the process to identify areas for improvement (and believe me, there is always room for improvement) before re-evaluating the software in use. One of our most experienced consultants once told me a sentence that still resonates with me: “If nothing changes in the processes when Severa is implemented, the implementation has failed.”

The bottom line is that the most common fear is the fear of change, and it's understandable: if you are accustomed to doing things a certain way, it’s familiar, no matter how many clicks or supplementary Excel sheets it requires. But what if I told you, that after the change, your time could be drastically saved for more critical tasks, like productive work? According to our research in 2023, Severa customers in Finland saw overall revenue growth 1.2 times higher than the market average, with a 6.15% better margin development.

Considering that benchmarking your existing software against market-leading solutions is free and takes only about an hour of your time, wouldn’t you want to explore the alternatives? Especially if the result could be more profitable growth, turning “fine” into “great.”

Would you like to learn more about Severa? Contact us at Entrion!