Consolidate Workload Automation

It really comes down to understanding which of the automation tools within your organization are legacy and which ones are more modernized.

A modern tool allows you to leverage some of the pre-existing automation tools but still manage them under one manager-of-managers so to speak. This manager-of-managers can integrate seamlessly into the other tools, so you can leverage the power of one. And if both tools are doing the same thing, it’s simply a matter of determining which one meets your current and future needs as your organization develops its digital muscles. 

It’s a bit like sorting your music collection: you’ve got some classic vinyl records and some sleek digital downloads. Now, imagine owning a master DJ console that lets you mix both seamlessly—that’s what a modern automation tool does.

It acts as a ‘manager of managers’, blending the old-school charm of your legacy systems with the snazzy efficiency of newer tools. This way, you get the best of both beats without switching DJs. As your organization grooves into the digital era, it’s just about figuring out which tune—er, tool—keeps the party going as you scale and evolve.

Moving from one workload automation platform to another can feel a bit like switching to a new coffee shop. There are inherent risks.

Sure, the new place might have a slicker espresso machine and trendier aprons, but can they make your double-shot, no-foam latte just right?

To avoid caffeination catastrophes, we have to make sure the new system can handle most of the features and functionality you relied on with the old one.

If there’s a feature the new setup doesn’t cover, that’s what we call a ‘gap’—like missing your favorite barista’s secret coffee swirl.

The big lesson?

We gotta do the homework. Finding the gaps early ensures a more seamless transition to your “chosen” automation brewmaster.

Hate to break it to you.

Determining this can feel like herding cats, especially if you’re jugging two different Workload Automation solutions, and many orgs have three or more!

Also a huge factor: the number of processes being automated and executed within each solution.

To avoid a cat fight, it’s wise to tackle one at a time, so you can fine-tune your strategy and avoid a tangled yarn ball of processes.

All in all, each tool set will take approximately one to six months.

Take it slow, and remember: patience is the key to cat-herding and tool-consolidating.

Our organization takes the consolidation process from the starting line all the way to the victory lap.

When we say “finish,” we mean everything is up and running smoothly in production, all the wrinkles are ironed out (not just on our shirts), and every cycle or workflow has successfully completed its maiden voyage.

Think of us as the pit crew ensuring your race car not only crosses the finish line but also passes the pre and post-race inspection with flying colors!

When it comes to consolidation, it’s like throwing a house party where everyone’s invited but only one room is really happening—the one with the best snacks, obviously. The goal is to move everyone into the ‘happening’ room smoothly without needing to shuttle guests back and forth between different spaces.

In tech terms, this means consolidating interdependent workflows together from various systems into your chosen champ (let’s call it System C) to avoid the hassle of temporary fixes or bridges.

Understanding the ins and outs of the systems you’re phasing out is crucial because, like party guests, no two are exactly alike. By migrating related processes in unison, you sidestep the need for awkward, clunky bridging solutions—making your consolidation a seamless, low-risk affair. So let’s rally everyone into the party room and turn up the music!

We often get asked this question because, of course, you have to know if the savings are worth the effort of consolidation.

Although it can be tricky to pinpoint the exact cost savings, there are several key areas that warrant discussion. Each area, in and of itself, could provide enough justification to warrant consolidation. 

Some key areas are —

Support: Supporting multiple platforms is always more costly (staff/software) than supporting one.

Process: If you have three solutions doing relatively the same thing, it’s a safe bet there are many processes created around each solution, tripling your costs. Reducing to one, theoretically means a 66% reduction in costs. 

Staff: It’s the same deal with your team. If three groups are doing what one can handle, you’re essentially staffing a circus when you only need a tightrope walker. Cutting down to one system could trim your staff needs by 66%.

Software: Here’s where you can really see the numbers. Just peek at the budget for each software solution. Consolidating to one doesn’t just tidy up your tech—it tidies up your finances, too. This is where the hard savings are, although the fuzzier ledger items above still pack a punch.

So, while it may be challenging to quantify the exact cost savings, the benefits in these key areas provide strong incentives to seriously consider consolidating.

You have two options here.

You can go it alone and make sure you do the homework and evaluate the different solutions to ensure that the business of today and tomorrow will have its specific needs met with the chosen solution.

Your other option is to leverage the experts in this space.

RMT has been providing this expertise for 20 plus years, and we know all of the solutions in this space, which ones we would deem legacy and which ones are more modernized and more likely to accommodate the needs of each business and organization we work with.

We know the questions to ask; we know the direction of each of the solutions in this industry; and we can help you make the right choice.

The best answer to this is to simply look at our past. We have over 1,500 engagements and have performed 150+ conversions and consolidations.

You cannot get to those numbers if you aren’t good at what you do.

We can provide all the guarantees in the world, but looking at an organization’s past is the best insurance out there.