Conducting an application assessment is a crucial first step in the modernisation process. It involves analysing the current state of the application, including its architecture, codebase, dependencies, and functional and technical limitations. This can help organisations understand the scope and resources required for the modernisation effort and identify areas of the application that need improvement.

When starting an Application Assessment, there are several key considerations to keep in mind, these are outlined below:

• Define the scope of the assessment: Determine which parts of the application you want to analyse and the level of detail you need to assess. This may depend on your goals for the modernisation project, as well as the resources and time available for the assessment.
• Identify the stakeholders: Determine who is responsible for the application and who will be impacted by the modernisation effort. This might include developers, IT staff, business users and other stakeholders. Engaging with these stakeholders can help you understand their needs and expectations and ensure that the modernisation project is aligned with their priorities.
• Gather data and information: Collect data and information about the application, including its codebase, dependencies, performance metrics and functional requirements. This may involve reviewing documentation, conducting interviews with developers and users, and analysing logs and metrics.
• Analyse the data and identify areas for improvement: Use the data and information you have gathered to identify opportunities for improvement and areas of the application that need modernisation. This might include code that is difficult to maintain, features that are no longer relevant or dependencies that are outdated or unsupported.
• Present the findings and recommendations: Once you have completed the assessment, present the findings and recommendations to the stakeholders. This should include a summary of the current state of the application, as well as a plan for modernising the application and addressing any identified issues.

Conducting an application assessment can be a time-consuming process, a good place to start is with a TIME (Tolerate, Invest, Migrate, Endure) chart. In practice, Towers Associates have found this to be crucial in the foundation for a successful modernisation project. By thoroughly understanding the current state of the application and the challenges as well as the opportunities it presents, organisations can develop a more targeted and effective modernisation plan.