Backwards compatibility is a feature that allows newer versions of software or hardware to successfully work with older versions. This point came to mind during my recent visit to one of our long-time Vekta customers. This plant in the Western Suburbs of Melbourne, Australia has been operating for over 20 years, and to my surprise actually had purchased their very first Vekta Saw 14 years ago (and it’s still going strong, thanks to regular service and preventative maintenance).
Designing solutions that are backward-compatible has many benefits, including the ability to use older equipment and software, saving money on upgrades, and reducing the learning curve for new users. One of the other significant benefits of having backwards compatibility is the ability to use legacy systems.
Many component manufacturers today are still relying on older software and hardware to run their operations, and the thought of upgrading can be costly and time-consuming. But, if the right investment decisions and choices had been made early on, backwards compatibility would allow these plants to continue using their existing systems while also benefiting from new features and functionality into the future.
Backwards compatibility also makes it easier for new users to learn and adapt to a system.
During my visit to the Melbourne manufacturer, our conversation included the question of whether there was a need to invest in a new saw or expensive re-engineering and integration. Of course, after 14 years, in most cases the response normally will be yes or “it’s definitely time for an upgrade/replacement.”
However, this is where the Vekta design philosophy shines. We design and develop desirable products that are profitable and sustainable over the solution’s life cycle, and in this Vekta customer case, that’s fast approaching 20 years!
By allowing our Vekta customers to use older versions of software or hardware, they can familiarize themselves with the basics before moving on to more advanced features at their own pace. This reduces the learning curve for equipment operators and can increase productivity in the long run.
Upgrading to newer versions of software or hardware can be expensive, especially for businesses with multiple systems. Backwards compatibility also allows these businesses to save money by using their existing equipment and software for longer periods of time, without sacrificing functionality or performance including streamlining any preventative maintenance planning and systems support.
Vekta has proven that backwards compatibility also increases the overall sustainability of a system. By allowing newer versions to work with older versions, it ensures that all users can access the same features and functionality, regardless of the version they are using. This can help prevent compatibility issues and reduce the need for multiple versions of the same software or hardware.
Finally, using backwards compatibility can help future-proof a system, by ensuring that newer versions can work with older versions and allowing for a smoother transition to future upgrades and updates. This can help businesses stay ahead of the curve and avoid costly and disruptive upgrades in the future.
Today, Vekta offers a complete range of automation solutions for the frame and truss industry including material handling, intelligent conveying, and cutting and printing – all completely compatible with our oldest market-leading Razer Linear Saw.
What’s more, Vekta also is committed to having forward-compatibility vision, so that we will continue to create software and hardware with a roadmap directed at compatibility with future products. As system-level disruptions continue to occur, Vekta remain committed to investing in continuous-improvement research and development programs so that our products evolve to meet new industry challenges and markets forces.