Is legacy tech holding your organisation hostage, or can it coexist with innovation?

Legacy technology remains a challenge for many public sector organisations. These outdated systems were  built for a different era - they often cause slow workflows, increase costs, and hinder organisations from effectively meeting citizens' needs. But does legacy tech have to be replaced entirely, or can it coexist with modern innovations like artificial intelligence (AI)?

The Challenge of Legacy Systems

In a recent live broadcast, The Great Public Sector Makeover: AI’s Answer to Systemic Challenges, Mark Thompson described the deep inefficiencies caused by legacy systems in the public sector. Many public organisations, including councils and NHS trusts, rely on platforms that don’t integrate well with each other. This lack of cohesion leads to delays and higher operating costs, as staff often need to work across multiple systems to complete tasks. This fragmentation diverts resources away from the frontline, where they’re most needed.

Legacy systems can also create additional risks - they can make organisations less agile, more prone to security breaches, and unable to integrate with new technologies (Forbes). These challenges are particularly concerning in the public sector, where outdated systems can directly impact citizens’ lives.

Do Legacy Systems Have to Go?

While legacy systems create friction, replacing them outright isn’t always realistic. These systems are deeply embedded, and full replacements can be costly, time-consuming, and disruptive. Instead of focusing on removing legacy systems, organisations can focus on integrating new tools that complement existing infrastructure. Solutions like AI can operate alongside legacy systems, enhancing efficiency without requiring a complete overhaul.

Examples of Coexisting with Innovation

Agilisys has demonstrated how legacy systems and innovation can coexist through their EHCP Plus platform. This tool uses Generative AI to create the first draft of Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs) in just 7 minutes. It works seamlessly alongside existing case management systems, streamlining the process and reducing the time spent on administrative tasks. By integrating with legacy systems rather than replacing them, EHCP Plus frees up staff to focus on improving outcomes for children, speeding up processes without requiring a complete overhaul of current infrastructure.

Making It Work in Practice

To successfully integrate innovation with legacy systems, organisations need to focus on three key areas:

1. Identify Clear Use Cases:
   Start by targeting specific problems where technology can have an immediate impact, like reducing backlogs or speeding up decision-making. Focusing on areas that deliver measurable results will help build confidence in new solutions.

2. Pilot New Solutions:
   Instead of overhauling systems, pilot new tools alongside legacy systems to test their effectiveness. This allows organisations to refine solutions and ensure they integrate smoothly without major disruption.

3. Leadership and Collaboration:
   Strong leadership is essential to guide the integration process. Leaders must ensure departments work together and share resources to avoid siloed solutions. Without this collaboration, innovations risk failing to address wider organisational inefficiencies.

The Bigger Picture

Legacy systems will remain a reality for many public sector organisations, but they don’t have to block progress. By introducing tools that complement existing systems, organisations can reduce inefficiencies, improve outcomes, and set the stage for future transformation.

The public sector has a unique opportunity to leverage technologies like AI to improve service delivery. The key is not to view legacy systems as obstacles but as a starting point for driving more efficient, responsive services for citizens.