Driving efficiency and protecting business continuity: strategies for streamlining application services during an economic slowdown

Technology leaders work endless hours managing and delivering application services that are both robust and flexible while being able to meet the current and future demands of their consumers. However, during an economic slowdown, they have an added responsibility to strengthen business resiliency while delivering more with less. After all, “historically, 70% of companies do not regain their prerecession growth levels in the three years following a recession, and only 5% of companies consistently achieve profitable growth above their competitors coming out of a recession.”*

So, what are the top strategies for streamlining application services to maximize efficiency while providing business continuity?

1. Consolidate and standardize
Typically, we see organizational goals aligned to reducing complexity and improving efficiency. The reason is simple — efficiency means profitability. Organizations can streamline their workflows and reduce the risk of errors or downtime by reducing the number of applications and processes. Additionally, standardizing processes across applications can make it easier to train employees and make sure of consistent performance. By streamlining operations and optimizing resource usage, businesses can free up resources and focus on expanding into untapped markets for growth and revenue generation.

2. Automate and innovate
As Steve Jobs appropriately said, “Innovation is the only way to win.” Businesses can differentiate themselves from competitors by embracing innovation and catering to evolving client needs.

Today, a key area of innovation is automating routine tasks to free up time and resources, allowing employees to focus on higher-level work. Automation can range from simple scripts for repetitive tasks to more complex systems that use machine learning to optimize performance. By automating tasks, such as performance monitoring, quality engineering and assurance, businesses can mitigate the risk of errors and speed up processes. Businesses can also free up valuable time and resources. With the combined power of software products, cloud-based platforms and expert services, organizations can focus on testing and developing new ideas that push progress and propel them forward. If you're yet to automate your routine tasks, check out the NTT DATA’s Nucleus for Applications for a more compelling example of how automation can facilitate innovation.

3. Embrace cloud services
Cloud computing can offer significant benefits in flexibility, scalability and cost-effectiveness. By moving applications to the cloud, businesses can reduce the need for on-premises software and hardware and scale up or down as needed. Cloud providers often offer services and tools that can help streamline operations, such as automated backups, load balancing and disaster recovery. As per O'Reilly's latest survey for 2023, 55% of the world’s organizations still rely on traditionally managed on-premises systems.

4. Monitor performance metrics
Numbers usually don’t lie. The right performance metrics can help businesses identify bottlenecks, optimize processes and make sure applications run smoothly. Key monitoring metrics include response time, uptime, error rates and resource usage. By tracking these metrics, businesses can identify trends and make data-driven decisions about improving performance.

5. Contingency planning
No matter how well-prepared a business is, unexpected disruptions are always possible. Businesses can reduce the impact of such events and maintain operational continuity by planning for contingencies in advance. Contingency planning might involve identifying backup systems or locations, establishing communication protocols and developing emergency procedures.

Some of the best practices surrounding business continuity planning that can give peace of mind during a recession include:

• Prioritize mission-critical applications and processes
• Foster collaboration and communication among teams
• Continuously evaluate and optimize processes
• Keep pace with the latest technological trends

An example is Clarios, a global leader in energy storage solutions, powering one in three of the world’s vehicles. Clarios implemented a new IT infrastructure against an aggressive deadline — all during the COVID-19 pandemic. Clarios worked with NTT DATA to implement modernized IT services, including hybrid infrastructure, Microsoft Azure and Device as a Service deployment, delivered ahead of schedule and under budget. Read the full Clarios case study here.

Another example of a business that successfully streamlined its application management operations during an economic slowdown is TrinityRail®, a market-leading railcar producer and services company. Trinity worked with NTT DATA to adopt digital and analytics services involving hybrid infrastructure and application management services. This digital endeavor helped Trinity break out of the mold of a manufacturing and maintenance company and position itself as a customer-centric, full-service rail transportation company. Read many more stories here.

As these examples show, businesses can be sure about success even in uncertain times by consolidating and standardizing, automating where possible, embracing cloud computing, monitoring performance metrics, and planning for contingencies.

At NTT DATA, we understand the importance of delivering application services accounting for the needs of today and tomorrow, while continually increasing the resiliency of your business. Our Digital Application Services bring best-in-class technologies and processes with the ability to improve speed, reliability, resiliency, all while reducing the cost to your business. With us by your side, we can drive your digital transformation journey together while optimizing the experiences of your consumers. Don’t wait, contact us today so we can begin this partnership and journey together. We look forward to hearing from you.

^{* Gartner®, Turn the Recession Into an Opportunity: Reallocate Budget to Transform the IT Operating Model, Published 7 December 2022 - ID G00776642, By Brandon Germer and Galliopi Demetriou. GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved.}