Computer Software is traditionally divided into two categories: packaged or custom. Custom-made software is fully adapted to meet the needs of the buyer, in contrast to packaged software which is acquired off the shelf and has the same features for everyone.
Through the years, companies have learned how packaged software products have fallen short when it comes to meeting diverse buyer needs. This has prompted greater demand for custom software products designed to meet the specific needs of each organization. With these accommodations, exclusiveness in the solutions of business issues is guaranteed.
Here are five benefits you can reap from opting to create custom software solutions rather than choosing off-the-shelf.
Personalization
When it comes to business operations and software development, there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution. Although there is a lot of high-quality ready-made software available, there’s a pretty slim probability that it will fit seamlessly into your organization. Modifying some built-in features of your packaged software might meet a small need but it can’t compare to a software solution that has been built from scratch specifically for your business.
Custom software development ensures that your software will be able to handle all your daily processes. Personalized software can be as complex or intuitive as you like, and this makes it the ideal choice for businesses of all sizes. When you have software that is designed to do exactly what you want it to do, it helps make your day easier.
Scalability
The growth of your business brings new requirements. Off-the-shelf software that seems to perfectly fit your needs today may not always scale. It won’t necessarily be able to accommodate the changes that come tomorrow as a result of your organization’s growth. On top of this, you have the trouble of training your workforce all over.
When you hire a software company to design a custom solution, they can make sure it scales to support the growth of your business as and when required. Aside from building the initial solution, they can maintain the program, in the long run, making sure that it scales effectively. It’s much better when you can allow your business to grow without being limited or held back by your software.
Integration
For many businesses, the fulfilment of their varied requirements creates a need for multiple software programs. However, it can be quite a hassle to use and maintain several programs. Businesses in this position of need can enjoy the benefits of operating with just one custom made software program designed for the integration of multiple processes. This helps them accomplish more of what’s needed while reducing stress.
During the development of custom software, the developer will be able to accommodate the expertise levels of the users. Additionally, any changes in staffing or app usage can be addressed by the creation of extra modules or updates. This way your software can be adjusted based on the direction the business is taking. Technology grows quickly and is always evolving, therefore it’s in your best interest to choose custom software because it can be effectively integrated with the needs and direction of your business.
Cost Effectiveness
The development of custom software may be pricier at times but it proves to be worth it in the long run. Custom built software does not require constant change or development for the accommodation of company needs in the manner that off-the-shelf software does. Custom software can be used without any significant investment for a long time.
Additionally, off-the-shelf software can include additional costs with licenses, etc. The other benefits of custom software solutions such as scalability and integration make the investment in custom software worthwhile. This can help your business save a considerable amount of money on software.
Support and Maintenance
When dealing with off-the-shelf software solutions, your business is at the mercy of the software developer you are buying from. So in the event that they go bankrupt or decide they no longer maintain the software, your business will be in the tough position of suddenly needing to change to software that is fully supported and maintained. This sudden expense can be damaging to your business. If you take the custom route, your software is maintained for as long as you require.
One of the biggest advantages you get with custom software is a reliable, efficient technical support plan. You’ll have full access to a technical support team familiar with the development process of your application, giving an efficient solution to all the problems you encounter. Custom software also offers more security with minimal chances of intrusion or compromise, due to the fact that hackers are not familiar with the system as they are with popular off-the-shelf software.
Final Thoughts
Custom software plays a key part in your organization’s growth and efficiency. Business operations can be complex and every organization has different needs and issues. The numerous advantages of custom software development include integration, personalization, and cost-effectiveness. It’s better to create tailor-made products than to go off-the-shelf.
-source: The Innovation Enterprise
