Kiandra Insights

Is your system ready for AI-assisted modernisation?

Cassandra Wallace - Head of Software Engineering
by
Cassandra Wallace
Head of Software Engineering
|
April 27, 2025
Cassandra Wallace
Head of Software Engineering
April 27, 2025
Abstract illustration of a brain composed of colourful circuit board patterns, symbolising AI and digital modernisation, set against a dark gradient background.

Modernising legacy systems isn’t just a technical challenge, it’s a strategic decision that impacts your entire organisation. And with AI now transforming how modernisation happens, the question isn’t if you should modernise, but how to do it faster, safer, and more intelligently.

At Kiandra, we help organisations modernise using a blend of AI-powered tools and experienced human developers, reducing risk while delivering results faster. But before diving in, it’s crucial to understand if your system and your organisation is ready.

Below is a self-assessment checklist to help you find out. If it's easier, you can also download a PDF version.

Legacy system readiness checklist

System complexity & age

  • Our core system is more than 5 years old
  • We rely on a system built in .NET, Java, or another legacy framework
  • Documentation is incomplete or outdated
  • Original developers are no longer available

Knowledge gaps

  • We aren’t confident we understand how all parts of the system work
  • Small changes often have unintended consequences
  • We have to reverse-engineer parts of the code to make updates

Integration & infrastructure

  • The system is hard to integrate with modern platforms
  • We still rely on SOAP or other legacy APIs
  • Our system isn't cloud-native or scalable
  • Our system requires workarounds to access from mobile or remote devices

Operational risks

  • We have single points of failure (i.e. one person who knows how it works)
  • Security or compliance issues have been flagged
  • Performance is degrading under current load
  • There’s a risk of vendor or platform end-of-life

User & business experience

  • The UI is outdated or not responsive
  • Users have requested features we can't easily deliver
  • Training new staff on the system is difficult
  • The system doesn’t support new business models or products

Organisational readiness

  • We have buy-in to modernise in the next 12 months
  • We’re open to low-code platforms or AI-assisted development
  • We want to move fast, but without cutting corners
  • We’re open to exploring AI use cases (e.g. document analysis, smart workflows)

Scoring your readiness

  • 0–5 checks: You may not need a full modernisation yet - but it’s time to plan
  • 6–15 checks: Your system is showing signs of strain. Start exploring your options
  • 16+ checks: Your system is holding you back. AI-assisted modernisation can help de-risk your path forward.

How AI can help

From analysing legacy code to rapidly prototyping UI and automating integrations, AI-assisted development changes the game. At Kiandra, we use tools like GenAI and Cursor combined with OutSystems to modernise faster without compromising governance or quality.

Ready to modernise smarter?

If you ticked a few too many boxes, it’s time to talk. Book your free AI-powered code assessment today.

We'll review your existing systems, identify risks and opportunities, and help you plan a safer, faster path forward.

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