Platform rescue and relaunch - when is it right for your organisation?

If your technology systems are at the point of collapse - is your only option to replace them entirely? Not necessarily.

Rescue and relaunch is a strategic approach used by organisations to salvage their existing underperforming or outdated systems. It delivers quick solutions to urgent problems and puts you on a firm footing for the future.

Ultimately, it’s about keeping your platforms ticking over so that they - and your organisation - keep operating. But how do you decide if a rescue and relaunch is the right choice for your organisation?

The case for rescue and relaunch

There are several reasons for doing a rescue and relaunch - and they aren’t just related to technology. First, you need to understand your current situation and what that means for your rescue. Before you dive in, consider these questions:

• Is the problem with people or processes? Sometimes, the issue may not be the technology itself but rather a lack of user training, unclear processes, or misalignment in roles. Assess whether your team is adequately trained to use the current platform and whether internal processes are optimised for the technology you already have.
   
• Do you understand the scope of the rescue? A successful rescue and relaunch requires a detailed understanding of what needs fixing. This involves analysing people, processes, and technology in depth. Without a clear picture, you risk investing in a solution that may not address the real issues.
   
• What are the timescales? Technology changes can be disruptive, so it's essential to determine whether a rapid or phased approach is best. Some rescues are straightforward, while others require multiple stages to achieve success.
   
• Can you improve what you have? This might involve reconfiguring current platforms, integrating new tools, or updating certain components rather than replacing everything.

Ready to relaunch? Consider these things:

• Limit custom development - trying to deliver large-scale custom solutions in very short timescales is very difficult even if you have the resources
   
• Get the right governance in place - having the right level of oversight is important so that changes can be agreed and communicated quickly
   
• Testing - know how you are going to test your solution and validate it has fixed your problem

Establishing the right approach for your organisation

Rescue and relaunch is just one option in your toolkit for continuous improvement. It can deliver quick solutions and set a strong foundation for future success, but it is not the only path. By taking a careful and considered approach you can make a more informed decision about whether a rescue and relaunch is necessary.

Ready to dive deeper?

Read rescue and relaunch scenarios and discover the things that you need to put in place across your people, processes and tech partner to see ongoing digital success. Download our continuous improvement guide below.