Custom Software: A Great Solution for Smooth Business Process

Posted by Bespokesoftwaredevelopment1 on October 6th, 2014

Businesses can either use packaged (proprietary) software or custom-built programs to introduce efficiency into their day-to-day operations. Standalone software may be enough to fulfil the simple needs of a startup or a business, with basic requirements, including word processing, statistical analysis, and non-complex project management. But, a growing business—or one with very specific enterprise requirements—will often need a more suitable custom-made option. So, the basic reasons of investing in custom software is to run specific functionality as per your business requrirement which can not be performed by off the shelf software

Packaged software solutions often include superfluous features you might not need to run your business. This is a compromise you must handle when using off-the-shelf programs that have been made for the general needs of hundreds and even thousands of users. Developers and vendors of these commercial off-the-shelf software have to handle different and often conflicting requests from buyers. Specific features and functions you need may never be integrated if there isn’t enough demand for them.

If you do not invest in custom software and continue to make do with off-the-shelf systems, you may be headed for trouble. You may be forced to change the way your business operates to adapt to the limitations and restrictions of packaged software. This promotes inefficiency and drives up overhead costs. Thousands of other businesses—including your rivals—are using the same tools. This makes it hard to gain a competitive edge over your rivals.

For companies serious for growth, custom software is essential. Every feature of a bespoke system is designed for your specific needs. You do not adjust to the software—it adjusts to you. A good bespoke software development will take into consideration the features, changes, and specific requirements your company requires. The custom system is adapted to the technologies that your employees are already familiar with, allowing your teams to adapt with ease and accuracy. With custom software, you can also control the pace of development and changes instead of waiting for the next release initiated by an off-the-shelf software manufacturer.

Custom software can likewise save you time and money, especially since the system can be designed and configured to match your specified operational processes and pace. This means less training and seamless integration—and thus less effort and expenses on each employee's learning curve. Replicating existing business operations and process affords your organisation increased efficiency without the added expense of extensive training to learn an entirely new system.

About the Author:

This article is written by Jignesh Vaducha who is the Managing Director at Schnell Solutions Limited.  He works closely with Schnell's customer around the globe on their IT transformation and modernisation initiatives with a specific focus on developing bespoke software applications.  Under his leadership, Schnell offers various services viz. Bespoke Software Development and Consulting, Mobile App, IT Audit, Ebase Xi and other services which focus on Integration and Automation. Prior to working for Schnell, Jignesh was a key member of the Software AG UK Government team responsible for creating and delivering innovative service transformation and security solutions.