Re-Engineering – why actually?

Software re-engineering is a complex process that serves to modernise outdated software systems. It usually consists of several sub-processes that focus on different areas of the application. The desired end results of a re-engineering are, among others, the increase of maintainability, performance, scalability and security of a software system without significantly changing the underlying logic.

Successful re-engineering can be very challenging given the objectives and therefore needs to be carefully planned and prepared. However, the effort can be worthwhile because re-engineering is a cost-effective alternative for the further development of the systems. Re-engineering can be seen as an intermediate step before developing a completely new solution. Under certain circumstances, the reprocessing of existing systems is a sufficient step for the necessary modernisation.

In many cases, things are only repaired when they are already worn out or broken. In IT, however, it is worthwhile to maintain systems at regular intervals and to carry out “repairs” when necessary. As technology advances very quickly and systems become more and more complex, it is easy for architectures and structures to become outdated and for fatal errors to creep in. This ageing process can be counteracted with re-engineering.

1. When new security updates and patches for technologies in use are no longer available, there is no way around re-engineering.
2. Dramatic leaps in technology can overtake even the most promising technology in the blink of an eye. To keep software systems modern and competitive, the adaptation of new technologies is therefore very important.
3. If applications produce faulty output or do not function as desired, this hinders the company’s performance. In most cases, a revision of the application can help.
4. The maintenance of outdated systems consumes a lot of resources and time, which is often not cost-efficient. With such solutions, it can be worthwhile to switch to modern technologies.
5. Re-engineering can create a lot of freedom for a company’s processes. It may be that software systems have constrained the design of processes, making growth difficult. Re-engineering can expand the boundaries and possibilities so that processes can be designed more efficiently and innovatively.