Should You Fix, Improve, or Rewrite Your Business Software?

If you run a small or medium-sized business, it is likely that you have to deal with some aging software.

?It worked well in the past, but now it’s slow, outdated and no longer supports your growing needs.

The big question: Should you fix it, improve it, or rewrite it from scratch?

This decision is about technology, but also about your business strategy.

In this article I would like to explain each option, for you to decide what makes more sense.

Option 1: Fix -? When Quick Patching is the Right Choice

Best for: Businesses with limited budgets, low complexity, and software that mostly works.

? When to Choose Fixing:

• The software is mostly functional, only minor bugs or performance issues exist.
• The cost of rewriting or improving is too high for your current budget.
• You need an immediate solution to keep things running without major disruptions.
• You plan to replace the system soon but need a temporary fix.

?? Risks of Fixing:

• Can become a never-ending cycle of patching instead of solving root problems.
• Might lead to more instability if the code is already fragile.
• Such fixing does not address scalability, so system will still struggle as your business grows.

Example: A small hotel chain is using an old booking system with occasional crashes. Instead of rebuilding the system, they fix key issues to keep it running while planning for a long-term solution.

Option 2: Improve? - When Modernization is the Smartest Move

Best for: Growing businesses that need better performance but can’t afford a full rebuild.

? When to Improve:

• When core system works but needs better security, performance, or integrations.
• The software is crucial to daily operations, and a full rewrite would cause major disruptions.
• You need gradual upgrades rather than a risky, expensive rebuild.
• The system is still maintainable, and you have access to the source code and developers.

?? Risks of Improving:

• Can be costly if the software is too outdated or too big.
• Some issues might remain because the foundation is still old.
• You might outgrow the system in a few years, leading to another big decision.

Example: A mid-sized e-commerce business upgrades its payment system and improves website without replacing the entire platform. This allows them to scale without a total rebuild.

Option 3: Rewrite - When Starting Over is the Only Way

Best for: Fast-growing businesses with outdated, unscalable, or unmaintainable systems.

? When to Choose a Full Rewrite:

• The current system is so outdated that fixing or improving it would be more expensive than replacing it.
• The software can’t handle future business growth (scalability issues).
• Security, compliance, or performance risks make the old system unsustainable.
• You’re adding major new features that don’t fit into the current architecture.
• The original software is built with outdated technology that no one can support.

?? Risks of Rewriting:

• High cost and long development time.
• Requires careful planning to avoid losing valuable data or business logic.
• Can disrupt daily operations if not managed properly.

Example: A logistics company replaces its 20-year-old inventory system because it no longer integrates with modern tools and slows down operations. The new system is built with scalability and automation in mind.

How to Decide?

You can evaluate the below factors comparing to your business, and see what solution could be right for you at the moment:

In Short:

1. If your software mostly works and you need a quick, low-cost solution, fix it.
2. If your business is growing and you need better performance without a complete rebuild, improve it.
3. If your software is outdated, unscalable, or unmaintainable, and your business is expanding, it’s time to rewrite.