Despite significant investment in IT and communications, many UK organisations are failing to fully optimise their software and platforms, particularly within the Microsoft ecosystem. This underutilisation isn’t just a technical oversight; it results in wasted capital, missed opportunities for growth and efficiency, and heightened security risks.
The scale of this issue is clear. Research shows that around 30% of software spending is lost on unused or underused licences, and 38% of UK businesses admit to paying for software that’s rarely touched. When it comes to Microsoft solutions, most organisations stick to the basics – using Teams for chat and meetings, while advanced features like workflow automation and third-party app integrations go largely unexplored. The same goes for Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365, where only a minority unlock the suite’s robust security, automation, and AI-driven analytics.
So, why is this happening? The complexity of these platforms, limited training focused only on initial deployment, and organisational silos all contribute. Employees are seldom encouraged to experiment or share best practices, leaving many features hidden in plain sight. For example, Microsoft CoPilot offers game-changing AI-powered productivity tools, but adoption remains limited to a tech-savvy few.
Ultimately, the cost of underutilisation is more than financial—it’s about lost potential. To truly benefit from these investments, organisations must prioritise continuous learning, foster collaboration, and empower users to dig deeper into the tools they already have. The question remains: are you making the most of your Microsoft platforms, or is untapped potential holding your business back?
Speak to us about an IT audit so we can reduce waste and optimise true value.
