Tackling Tech Debt

What is Tech Debt?

Tech debt is a controversial topic. While many developers view it as something that must always be optimized, others—often founders—see it as the cost of growing a startup. Zeb Evans, founder of ClickUp, believes it's something that should only be optimized later after you've proven success. Internally, it's always a discussion too, as our engineers love perfection. If you're not a software company but rather a healthcare company, for example, tech debt can come in a variety of formats.

Think of tech debt like actual debt. You take shortcuts in your code to hit deadlines, and it feels good at first. But just like skipping a credit card payment, it adds up over time. Before you know it, you're buried in messy code that’s hard to maintain. Not fun.

But there's more to it than just messy code. Tech debt can manifest in several ways:

• Poor Documentation: When you're rushing, documenting your code properly often takes a backseat. This makes it difficult for others (or even future you) to understand what the code does.
• Quick Fixes Over Long-Term Solutions: Opting for quick fixes might solve immediate problems but usually creates bigger issues down the line.
• Outdated Technologies: Using outdated libraries or frameworks because "it works for now" can lead to more complex refactoring efforts later.
• Lack of Testing: Skipping comprehensive testing to save time can introduce bugs that are harder to trace and fix.

All these factors contribute to a codebase that's not just difficult to maintain but also becomes a significant hurdle to innovation and efficiency. It’s like building on a shaky foundation; the higher you go, the wobblier it gets.

How Tech Debt Limits You

• Legacy System Dependence: A hospital relies on outdated software for patient records. Over time, as newer systems with better features become available, the hospital struggles to integrate new functionalities without disrupting the existing workflow, leading to inefficiencies and increased maintenance costs.
• Fragmented Data Silos: A healthcare provider uses different software for billing, patient records, and scheduling. Since these systems don't communicate well, staff must manually transfer data between them, leading to errors, duplicated efforts, and increased administrative burden.
• Customized Quick Fixes: A clinic customizes off-the-shelf software to meet its specific needs. While it works initially, any updates from the software provider break these customizations, necessitating constant rework and hindering the ability to benefit from new features.
• Inadequate Scalability: A growing medical practice selects a low-cost software solution that lacks the capacity to handle an increasing number of patients. As patient volume grows, the system slows down or crashes, affecting the quality of care and requiring a costly transition to a more robust solution.
• Vendor Lock-In: A healthcare organization chooses proprietary software that integrates well with their current needs but is incompatible with other systems. Over time, they become heavily reliant on the vendor, facing high costs and limited flexibility to adopt better technologies.
• Security Vulnerabilities: An old software system, no longer supported by the vendor, becomes vulnerable to security breaches. Upgrading is costly and complex due to extensive custom integrations, leaving sensitive patient data at risk.
• Training and Onboarding Overheads: Frequent changes in software due to poor initial choices require continuous training for staff. This leads to significant downtime and a learning curve that affects overall productivity and employee morale.
• Regulatory Compliance Issues: Healthcare regulations evolve, but the chosen software cannot adapt quickly. This results in non-compliance, legal risks, and potential fines, requiring urgent and often expensive fixes to meet regulatory standards.
• Hidden Costs of Free Software: A small clinic adopts free software for patient management, but it lacks essential features and adequate support. They end up spending more on workarounds and third-party add-ons than they would have on a comprehensive, paid solution.
• Short-Term Solutions with Long-Term Problems: In an effort to quickly digitize, a healthcare provider opts for a patchwork of temporary solutions. Over time, these ad-hoc implementations become entrenched, leading to a complex, fragile system that's difficult and costly to maintain or upgrade.

How to Keep Tech Debt Under Control (Traditional Ways)

Let’s be real – tech debt is the elephant in the room that nobody wants to talk about. It’s that nagging feeling you get every time you look at your codebase and realize it’s a mess. We’ve all been there, and at Tadabase, we’ve learned a thing or two about managing it. Here’s our take on how to handle tech debt so you can focus on what really matters: innovating and growing your business.

Why Should You Care About Tech Debt?

• It Slows You Down: When your code is tangled, even small changes can take forever. That means less time for new features and improvements.
• It Costs More in the Long Run: Fixing bugs and patching up old code eats into your budget. The longer you wait, the more expensive it gets.
• It Stifles Innovation: Instead of working on cool new projects, your team is stuck fixing old problems. That’s a morale killer.

How to Keep Tech Debt Under Control

• Take Small Steps with Agile: Break down your projects into bite-sized pieces. This makes it easier to manage and ensures you’re always moving forward, even if it’s just a little bit at a time.
• Code Reviews and Pair Programming: Two heads are better than one. Regular code reviews and pair programming sessions can catch issues early and promote better coding practices.
• Make Time for Refactoring: Dedicate a portion of your sprint to cleaning up code. It’s like spring cleaning but for your codebase.
• Automate Your Tests: Automated testing can save you a ton of headaches. It helps catch bugs early and ensures new changes don’t break your existing code.
• Keep Learning: Technology is always evolving. Encourage your team to stay updated with the latest trends and best practices. A little learning can go a long way.
• Use Modern Tools: Platforms like Tadabase can help you build and maintain apps without getting bogged down by legacy code. It’s like having a fresh start without all the baggage.

Tech Debt in Non-Traditional Tech Companies

If you’re not a traditional tech company but rather a healthcare company, tech debt can manifest in different ways. Here’s how it can limit you and what you can do about it.

• Legacy System Dependence
• Fragmented Data Silos
• Customized Quick Fixes
• Inadequate Scalability
• Vendor Lock-In
• Security Vulnerabilities
• Training and Onboarding Overheads
• Regulatory Compliance Issues
• Hidden Costs of Free Software
• Short-Term Solutions with Long-Term Problems

Minimizing Tech Debt in Non-Traditional Tech Companies

Addressing tech debt in non-traditional tech companies requires a tailored approach:

• Conduct Regular Audits: Regularly review your systems to identify outdated software and integration issues.
• Prioritize Interoperability: Choose software solutions that can easily integrate with others to reduce data silos.
• Plan for Scalability: Opt for solutions that can grow with your company to avoid costly transitions later.
• Invest in Security: Ensure that your systems are up-to-date with the latest security patches and compliance requirements.
• Train Your Staff: Regular training sessions can help your team stay proficient with new systems and reduce downtime.

A Real-Life Example: Aeris Medical Group

One of our standout success stories is Aeris Medical Group. They were grappling with a significant amount of tech debt that was hampering their ability to innovate and provide top-notch service. By transitioning to Tadabase, Aeris Medical Group was able to streamline their operations and significantly reduce their tech debt.

With Tadabase, they automated many of their manual processes and integrated their data seamlessly, freeing up their team to focus on patient care and innovation. The shift not only improved their operational efficiency but also allowed them to scale their services more effectively. You can read more about their journey here.

Wrapping Up

Tech debt isn’t something you can ignore, but it doesn’t have to be a constant headache. By taking proactive steps and using the right tools, you can manage your tech debt and keep your team focused on innovation.

At Tadabase, we’re here to help you navigate these challenges. Ready to shift your focus from managing legacy code to driving innovation? [Read the Blog Post] to learn more.