“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” — an English proverb credited to Bert Lance (1931-2013) in 1977.

I stick with this motto when it comes to almost everything, but most assuredly when it relates to the technology I use while doing business day-to-day. Do you want to see my productivity go down the toilet? Then change something that impacts my routine!

Ingrained from childhood to use things completely, and nurtured by an “old-school” attitude that predates the contemporary single-use consumable trend, I get a lot of mileage from my stuff.

But stuff does fail and stops being useful.

Recently, my laptop keyboard died. There was no solution for it other than a plug-in keyboard. Yep, it was “broke” and I had no choice—I had to purchase a new laptop.

Setting up a new computer to take advantage of all the great new stuff while at the same time maintaining familiarity with the prior file organization and structure is a huge challenge. Migrating application software, registering the product and serial number changes, data files, favorites, etc. WHAT A PAIN IN THE…well, you know.

What was more shocking was just how invasive and demanding suppliers have become.

• Why does Microsoft insist on knowing my birth date?
• Why does any supplier need personal information?
• Are these suppliers more interested in profiling consumers than in their products or customer satisfaction?
• Why is “Bings Maps” and “Get More” add-ins posted all over email and every other Microsoft app? Pollution advertising has destroyed the Internet and is now moving into mainstream applications.
• Why am I compelled to enter a password composed of 8+ digits, including capitals and special characters? It seems every month we read about another hack job where millions of these “secure” records containing highly sensitive data are stolen. What good did the overly complicated passwords do here? I’m sure anything I can dream up could be cracked in seconds by unscrupulous hackers.
• What happened to my rights as a computer and software purchaser to elect what gets installed and consumes the resources I paid for? I can confidently state that a vast amount of the “bloatware” installed is of no use to me. Point in fact: why is Xbox on a business computer? Instead of being forced to de-install (if they let you), consumers should be provided opt-in choices.
• Who gave Microsoft the authority to dictate that Calibri would henceforth be the default font for everything in the world?

Needless to say, I have strong opinions regarding being force fed by suppliers!

Software vendors should be held to a higher standard and held accountable.

As a software supplier, Spitfire Management should be measured by these higher standards. I’m proud to say that our approach is an excellent blend of delivering best business practices while providing our users full control over their outcome.

At our core—and the founding principle for all development at Spitfire—is end-user flexibility. The Spitfire Project Management System is highly configurable. Each site can set appropriate business rules, apply unique workflows, set up standard operating policies and practices, and configure data-driven fields to address business issues as it deems correct.

Re-living the conversion process from one laptop to another encouraged me to evaluate Spitfire’s new client recommended implementation and training program. I think it is appropriately user-focused. Our methodical, proven process substantially reduces the errors, omissions and stress normally associated with switching to a new system. And we don’t ask for birth dates!

If your old project management system is “broke,” consider fixing it with a system and company that understands and alleviates the hassle. You can be sure you’ll get a lot of mileage of the Spitfire Project Management System.