As enterprises head into 2026, modernization is everywhere — cloud, AI, automation, cybersecurity. Budgets are large, and expectations are higher than ever, yet many organizations face the same challenge: too many investments, not enough results. 

True modernization isn’t about adding more technology — it’s about removing friction across systems, teams, and workflows. The enterprises that will win in 2026 are those making disciplined, outcome-driven investments — and being just as intentional about where not to spend. 

Below is a practical checklist to help enterprise leaders modernize with clarity and confidence.  

Where Enterprises Should Invest for 2026

1. Workflow Visibility Across the Organization 

If leaders can’t see where documents stall, where approvals slow down, or where errors occur, modernization efforts will miss the mark. 

Smart investments focus on: 

• End-to-end document and communication visibility 
  
• Real-time workflow analytics 
  
• Cross-department integration (IT, Operations, Finance, Compliance)

This is the foundation that turns modernization from theory into operational reality. 

2. Secure, Integrated Print & Information Infrastructure 

Print hasn’t disappeared — it’s evolved. Enterprises still rely on printed and digitized documents for compliance, logistics, HR, finance, and customer communications. 

Invest in: 

• Secure print environments tied to identity management 
  
• Devices and platforms that integrate with ECM, ERP, and cloud systems 
  
• Standardized fleets that reduce support complexity and risk

Print should support modernization — not undermine it.

3. Automation That Removes Manual Touchpoints 

True automation doesn’t replace people — it removes low-value work. 

High-impact automation includes: 

• Intelligent capture and routing 
  
• Automated approvals and exception handling 
  
• Workflow rules that adapt to business logic, not rigid scripts

The goal is fewer handoffs, fewer errors, and faster outcomes.

4. Vendor Consolidation & Accountability  

Fragmented vendor ecosystems create finger-pointing and downtime. 

Forward-thinking enterprises prioritize: 

• Fewer vendors with broader capabilities 
  
• Partners who own outcomes — not just installs 
  
• Local service strength paired with enterprise-scale support

This reduces complexity while increasing reliability. 

Where Enterprises Should Think Twice About Investing

1. Shiny AI Tools Without Clear Use Cases 

AI is powerful — but only when applied intentionally. 

Avoid: 

• AI platforms without workflow integration 
  
• Tools that generate insights without actionability 
  
• Pilots that never scale beyond experimentation

AI should solve known problems, not create new ones.

2. Point Solutions That Don’t Scale

Niche tools can be tempting, but they often add long-term complexity. 

Red flags include: 

• Solutions that only serve one department 
  
• Platforms that require heavy customization to integrate 
  
• Tools that increase IT overhead without measurable ROI

Scale matters more than novelty. 

3. Hardware-Only Refreshes Without Strategy 

New devices alone won’t modernize operations. 

Before refreshing hardware, ask: 

• Does this improve workflow efficiency? 
  
• Does it integrate with existing systems? 
  
• Does it reduce risk or cost over time?

Modernization must be strategic — not cosmetic. 

The Enterprise Modernization Reality Check

Enterprises that succeed in 2026 won’t be the ones that bought the most technology — they’ll be the ones that invested with clarity. 

Modernization works best when: 

• Every investment ties to productivity, security, or visibility 

• Technology decisions support people and processes 

• Partners are accountable for outcomes, not just products 

This is where organizations like SumnerOne differentiate — helping enterprises modernize intelligently by aligning print, information, IT, and service into a single, outcome-driven strategy. 

Planning your 2026 modernization roadmap? Let’s evaluate where your enterprise workflows are helping — and where they’re holding you back. A strategic assessment today can prevent costly missteps tomorrow. Contact us today!