Background
Many SMEs rely on hidden systems: old databases, spreadsheets, Access files, internal websites, macros, scripts, file shares, and tools built years ago by someone who has since left.
Questions to ask yourself
- What systems are essential to taking orders, making products, invoicing, shipping, paying staff, or serving customers?
- Who built them, and who understands them now?
- Where are they hosted, and what data do they use?
- Are they documented, and are they still supported?
- What would happen if they stopped working tomorrow?
What you can do today
Map your dependencies, free
Three things you can do today.
- 01Print this question and stick it on the wall: “If our IT person quit on Friday, what's the first thing that would break by Tuesday?” Ask three people separately.
- 02Open your last bank statement. Every IT-related direct debit you can't match to a system is a system you didn't know you depend on.
- 03Open Microsoft 365 admin → Active users. Cross-check every account against payroll.