In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, legacy systems are more than just a technical debt—they are a barrier to agility, innovation, and sustainable growth. For organizations striving to stay relevant and competitive, modernization is not a one-time project but a continuous journey. At Publicis Sapient, we believe that true modernization is powered by the integration of our SPEED capabilities: Strategy, Product, Experience, Engineering, and Data & AI. Together, these capabilities form the engine that drives continuous change, enabling organizations to move from outdated systems to agile, future-ready platforms.
Many established organizations find themselves hampered by legacy systems and traditional ways of working. These systems, often built for a different era, are slow to adapt, costly to maintain, and unable to meet the expectations of today’s customers. The result? Transformation inertia—where the gears of change move too slowly to keep pace with market demands and technological advancements.
Modernization is not just about replacing old technology. It’s about reimagining how your organization operates, delivers value, and responds to change. This requires a holistic approach that addresses not only technology, but also culture, processes, and the very mindset of the organization.
Publicis Sapient’s SPEED model is designed to break through transformation inertia. Each capability plays a critical role:
One of the most persistent obstacles to modernization is resistance to change. This can stem from a fear of the unknown, attachment to familiar processes, or a lack of understanding of the benefits. At Publicis Sapient, we address this by:
AI is a catalyst for modernization, enabling organizations to automate repetitive tasks, generate insights, and deliver hyper-personalized experiences. At Publicis Sapient, we leverage AI not only in the solutions we build, but also in our own ways of working—using proprietary tools to enhance productivity, knowledge sharing, and decision-making across disciplines.
AI-driven modernization is about more than technology. It’s about empowering people—customers and employees alike—to do more, create more, and achieve more. Our approach ensures that AI is always human-centered, ethically governed, and aligned with your organization’s values.
A prime example of SPEED in action is our partnership with the AA, one of the UK’s most iconic brands. Overburdened with legacy systems, the AA needed to modernize to stay ahead of customer expectations and competition. Publicis Sapient brought together all five SPEED capabilities to:
The result? Faster time to market, higher digital adoption, and a foundation for ongoing innovation. For example, the launch of a new theory test app for learner drivers not only improved pass rates but also provided valuable insights into user needs, informing future product development.
Modernizing legacy systems is not a destination—it’s a journey of perpetual evolution. By embedding SPEED at the core of your organization, you gain the ability to adapt, innovate, and create value continuously. This is how you future-proof your business, unlock new opportunities, and deliver on your promise to customers and stakeholders.
At Publicis Sapient, we don’t just modernize systems—we help you build the muscle of continuous change. Ready to accelerate your modernization journey? Let’s connect and make change your legacy.