5 critical questions to ask when choosing debt collection software

If you’re considering improving your operation by investing in new debt collection software, here are five crucial questions you should ask every supplier.

1. Is the software really cloud-native? Or just 'cloud-washed'?

‍Don't be fooled by old technology dressed up as new.

Some vendors claim to have cloud software," when all they have done is a 'lift and shift' – taking their old, legacy system and hosting it on a remote server. This is a trap.

Why it matters:

  • Old code, old problems: Moving a legacy system to the cloud doesn't fix its flaws. You still face restrictions, slowness, and limited scale.
  • Security risks: A "lift and shift" approaches fail to realise cloud security benefits and can actually introduce new vulnerabilities.

The Truth: Real cloud-native software is built from scratch specifically for the cloud. It is the only way to get the speed, agility, and security you are paying for.

'Real-time' or just eventually?

Real-time is a term many vendors abuse. In debt collection, data lag has unintended and potentially harmful fallout.

Consequences of slow data:

Wasted effort: Agents chase customers who have already paid.

Compliance risks: Critical disclosures or vulnerability flags don't reach the agent before the call starts, leading to regulatory fines.

The test: Don't take their word for it. Demand a live demo. Watch the system update in front of your eyes. If the journey doesn't change instantly when new data is added, it isn't real-time.

3. Are you in control, or held hostage?

If you have to book an IT slot months in advance just to change a letter template or a workflow, your system is failing you.

  • The problem: Systems cobbled together from different suppliers create data silos, inconsistencies and delays.
  • The fix: Demand low-code/no-code tools. You should be able to make changes instantly, without paying your vendor to do it for you.

4. Is it a platform or a patchwork?

Many vendors claim to be end-to-end but actually rely on third-party plugins for basics like self-service.

  • The risk: Bolting applications together creates regulatory black holes where data gets lost.
  • The solution: A true single-platform solution. One source of truth, no screen-swapping, and no latency.

5. Will upgrades shut you down?

Scrutinise the roadmap. Is the vendor delivering continuous, seamless improvements, or are they planning "big bang" version upgrades that require costly downtime?

  • The Question: Ask if they use Continuous Delivery. If they still charge for "Version 2.0" and require system downtime to install it, you are buying obsolete tech.

Summary: Make this your last migration

Your next software migration should be the last one you ever need to do. Don't just take our word for it – grill us. Ask Flexys these hard questions. We’re ready to show you how a future-proof operation really looks.

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