#Japan #Digital Transformation #Tokyo #Anfini #ERP Renewal

Addressing the Legacy System Challenges Post 2025

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, businesses are encountering significant challenges with legacy systems. The term legacy system refers to outdated IT infrastructures that have supported core business operations for many years, yet they now pose barriers to digital transformation due to obsolescence and a shortage of skilled personnel.

Anfini, a consulting firm based in Tokyo and founded by former members of major consulting firms, has recently published a comprehensive white paper titled “IBM AS/400 Support Ends! Key to Successful ERP Renewal and Product Selection Guide.” This document serves as a practical resource for organizations reconsidering their core systems in light of the support end for IBM AS/400 (now IBM i).

Legacy Systems: A Barrier to Japan's Digital Transformation

The IBM AS/400 has been a dependable system for numerous companies, facilitating essential business functions. Following the termination of its support, businesses can continue utilizing this system; however, the absence of new features and patches introduces considerable risks to operational safety. The implications of relying on such outdated technology include:

• - Increased Security Risks: Outdated systems are more susceptible to cyber threats, endangering sensitive business data.
• - Rising Maintenance Costs: As systems age, maintenance becomes increasingly expensive and complicated, diverting resources from innovation.
• - Operational Continuity Risks: A growing shortage of qualified technicians to manage these legacy systems raises concerns regarding future operational stability.
• - Limited Scalability: Legacy systems hinder the ability to expand or modify IT architecture to meet changing business needs.

Highlighting these concerns, the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) has underscored how legacy systems impede digital transformation, predicting potential economic losses of up to 12 trillion yen annually post-2025 if remediation efforts do not advance.

Key Insights from the White Paper

In the white paper, Anfini outlines critical information to assist businesses in understanding the urgency for ERP renewal, structured as follows:

1. The Need for Revamping Core Systems

By shedding legacy environments, businesses can attain improved operational efficiency, better data utilization, and faster decision-making processes. These benefits are crucial for fostering agility in today’s competitive market.

2. Success Factors for ERP Revitalization

The document highlights key strategies for ERP success, such as:

• - Standardizing Business Processes: Streamlining operations for higher efficiency.
• - Utilizing Cloud-Based ERP Solutions: Emphasizing the transition to cloud platforms, which are essential for modern business needs.
• - Shifting to Data-Driven Management: Leveraging data analytics to guide strategic decisions efficiently.

3. An Overview of Leading ERP Products and Selection Criteria

The paper details dominant ERP solutions, including those by SAP and Oracle, and provides selection criteria tailored to various business sizes and sectors. It covers comparative analyses of cloud-based and on-premises options, estimates of implementation costs, and timeframes necessary for product selection.

4. Anfini's ERP Renewal Support

Anfini offers comprehensive support throughout the ERP renewal process, from conceptualization and requirements definition to deployment and ongoing assistance to ensure successful integration and adaptation to new systems.

The white paper is available for free to the public, requiring no membership to download, making it accessible for all interested in tackling legacy system challenges.

About Anfini

Founded in May 2021, Anfini strives to support business growth through expert consulting and educational services. With dual focuses in B2B growth consulting and B2C brand generation, Anfini has positioned itself as a leader, recently awarded as one of the “Best Ventures 100” for three consecutive years.

For more details about Anfini and to download the white paper, visit Anfini Official Website.