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As businesses expand their technology stacks, the increased complexity that comes with it becomes more of a hindrance than a help. Tools meant to increase productivity are often overwhelming, with the average company scrambling more than 300 SaaS applications. A bloated stack of technology doesn't mean efficiency—it often signals wasted resources and reduced productivity. This proliferation of tools adds hidden costs, overlapping functionalities and lack of integration, ultimately hindering the ability to thrive in a competitive market.
In the end, simplification isn't just about downsizing—it's a strategic move to increase efficiency, drive agility, and stay ahead.
Related: How to unify your technology stack in 30 days – and save money
The Hidden Costs of Complexity: How Too Many Tools Are Holding You Down
With 88% of organizations reporting an increase over last year and 51% predicting this trend to continue, the growing complexity of technology stacks is no longer just an IT problem. Its ripples can be felt throughout the organization, affecting productivity, collaboration and even the customer experience.
Take employees, for example. Studies show that employees spend up to 22% of their time navigating between different software applications. They are constantly fighting application fatigue — switching between multiple tools, manually transferring data, or troubleshooting — consumes time that could otherwise be spent on meaningful work. Simpler systems allow employees to focus on high-value tasks instead of wasting time navigating tools.
At the same time, as most customer interactions now exist in the digital space, fragmented customer data often leads to inconsistent interactions. A lack of seamless experience may prompt customers to seek alternatives. Recognizing these challenges, 60% of CISOs are already keen on consolidating and optimizing their tools by 2025. They understand the fact that a jumbled technology stack can impact different layers of businesses and are looking for ways to streamline the process to deliver a better digital experience.
Moreover, the resource costs that come with managing a bloated stack of technology far outweigh the advantages. Each tool comes with licensing fees, custom integrations, and maintenance downloads that put a strain on both financial and human resources. This inefficiency is evident, since 42% of businesses admit they are paying for unused technology.
The solution? A centralized workflow that cuts through the chaos and empowers teams to focus on what really drives growth.
Related: Upgrade your tech stack to unleash maximum efficiency
A weaker tech set for the win
A vast stack of technology may seem sophisticated, but it may indicate inefficiency. On the other hand, a streamlined and well-integrated technology stack increases efficiency and promotes innovation and resilience.
For example, the banking industry can simplify operations by moving from traditional fragmented infrastructures to Banking-as-a-Service models, eliminating the need for expensive stand-alone systems. Integrating mainframes with hybrid cloud systems can greatly improve transaction performance. In this way, banks can reach new markets faster with their services.
Similarly, the communications sector can also benefit from consolidating tools such as schedulers and automation scripts into a unified system. Relying on centralized monitoring and logging can help IT teams quickly identify and resolve issuessignificantly reducing solution time. This not only optimizes the use of resources, but also ensures more reliable service delivery.
A leaner technology stack also means cost savings. The fewer tools, the fewer vendor contracts and maintenance requirements. In fact, 61% of businesses are already unifying their technology stacks and reducing vendor complexity by partnering with trusted vendors that offer strong compliance and integration capabilities for sustainable growth. Additionally, system integrations can greatly increase performance; according to REPORTS by Gartner and Forrester, organizations that implement integrations see a 40% reduction in operational costs and a 25% increase in productivity. Ultimately, a consolidated set of technology reflects simplicity, leaving more room for innovation.
Simplify, automate and scale
The future of IT success doesn't just depend on the number of tools we own and how well those tools work together. The key strategy is to choose platforms that serve more than one functionality, ensuring that each delivers clear value and integrates within the broader infrastructure.
For example, with businesses relying on a multitude of devices and platforms, device management has become a critical area where unnecessary complexity can creep in. While a single device management solution can handle this diversity, many businesses knowingly or unknowingly purchase two or more solutions to manage separate OSes – such as one for Apple and one for Windows.
Businesses can address this by choosing the right device management solution. For example, Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) platforms are designed to manage a wide range of devices along with support for all major operating systems. Today, UEMs stand as a comprehensive solution for managing nearly all the endpoints a business uses—from mobile devices and desktops to IoT, POS systems, and hardware. Beyond device management, it also manages security and compliance and integrates with other IT tools and software to create a seamless workflow between all IT components.
Achieving IT efficiency is not just a set-it-and-forget-it task. It is an ongoing process that requires constant attention. Businesses should check their tools regularly to ensure they are used effectively and seamlessly integrated within the existing system. It's essential to avoid overlapping functions and make sure each tool aligns with long-term goals rather than just adding more for quick fixes. Remember, efficiency doesn't come from hoarding; it comes from pruning, refining and optimizing as you grow.