Looking back at how businesses have adopted technology over the past several years, certain patterns stand out.
Some decisions delivered lasting value. Others created complexity that organizations are still trying to untangle.
What worked was alignment. Technology implemented to support clear business goals — faster communication, better recordkeeping, improved coordination — tended to age well. Systems chosen thoughtfully and documented properly were easier to maintain and adapt.
What didn’t work was chasing novelty.
Too often, tools were adopted because they were new or heavily marketed, not because they solved a specific problem. Little consideration was given to long-term support, training, or integration with existing systems. When the initial excitement faded, businesses were left with tools no one fully understood.
Another recurring issue was underestimating change. Systems were designed for how work looked at the moment of purchase, not how it might evolve. Growth, new regulations, and shifting customer expectations exposed limitations quickly.
The lesson is simple but often ignored: technology decisions compound over time.
Early choices shape future options. Reviewing what worked — and acknowledging what didn’t — is one of the most valuable exercises a business can undertake as it plans ahead.