Freshworks experts recently spotlighted the critical signals indicating when an IT team is ready to modernize. This discussion, part of a webinar hosted by YourStory in collaboration with Freshworks, underscored the growing necessity for Indian companies to embrace IT service management (ITSM) modernization. As India continues to evolve as a global technology hub, understanding these signals can help organizations streamline processes and maintain competitiveness.
### Recognizing the Need for Modernization
Freshworks experts Vish Mehta, Staff Product Manager, and Reddy Ramprakash, Solution Engineering Leader, outlined three key indicators of an organization’s readiness to modernize its IT operations. These signals are pivotal in a market where IT complexity is compounded by rapid technological advancements.
Firstly, decision-making processes begin to slow down, often due to inconsistent data outputs across various systems. This bottleneck can severely impact business agility, a crucial factor for startups and growing businesses in India’s dynamic market. Secondly, frontline teams are often found engaging in “glue work,” manually connecting disparate systems that ideally should communicate seamlessly. This inefficiency can detract from core business functions and innovation. Lastly, as companies scale, the systems and processes that worked for smaller teams often fail under increased pressure, leading to broken experiences and decreased productivity.
### The Role of AI in ITSM Modernization
The webinar also highlighted the importance of deploying AI thoughtfully within IT teams. Contrary to popular belief, AI itself is not the source of complexity; rather, it is the improper implementation of AI that can lead to challenges. A survey during the session revealed that 56.8% of participants identified change management as the primary barrier to scaling IT operations without proportionally increasing team size.
Vish Mehta emphasized that for AI to be effective, it must be perceived as assistive rather than disruptive. This involves integrating AI into existing workflows, allowing employees to interact with it in familiar environments, such as email. By starting with use cases where AI’s impact is immediate and visible, companies can foster a smoother transition and greater acceptance among employees.
### Implications for India’s Startup Ecosystem
The insights shared by Freshworks are particularly relevant as India’s startup ecosystem navigates a landscape characterized by rapid growth and technological disruption. Startups in India are often under pressure to scale quickly while maintaining operational efficiency. By recognizing the signs of when to modernize IT systems, these startups can better position themselves to leverage technologies like AI without falling into the trap of increased complexity.
Furthermore, the focus on change management highlights the need for startups to invest in training and development, ensuring that their teams are equipped to handle new technologies. This is crucial in a competitive environment where the ability to adapt quickly can be a significant advantage.
As Indian startups continue to attract global attention and investment, the ability to efficiently modernize IT infrastructure will be a key determinant of long-term success.
### What Comes Next
For founders, engineers, and investors in India’s tech scene, the next step is to closely examine internal IT workflows for signs of friction. Understanding these signals can guide strategic decisions about when and how to embark on modernization efforts. As startups consider these insights, watching how different sectors adapt AI and ITSM solutions effectively will be crucial. This will not only inform best practices but also drive more targeted and successful technology investments in the future.



















