As organizations grow, their needs become more specific and complex. This means that companies need software that addresses their unique requirements. When it comes to software development, an end user can choose either off-the-shelf software or bespoke software. While many software vendors would like to convince clients that their product covers a wide range of business scenarios, this is not always the case.
As they expand, businesses go through a lot of peculiar situations that require a customized approach, and only bespoke software solutions can be adapted to meet unique demands.
Tailored to Fit Your Business Requirements
Put simply, off-the-shelf software does not fully address your business needs. You will have to compromise either on the functionality of the software package or spend time trying to customize it to mirror your business processes. This is expensive both in terms of cost and effort. Custom software, on the other hand, delivers exactly what your business requires.
Because of the level of customization, you do not have to change the modus operandi of your business to adapt to the software – rather, the software maps all your business processes.
You Operate Independently from a Single Software Vendor
When you purchase off-the-shelf software, you become dependent to some degree on the vendor and the technology used. This dependency ties your business in terms of software exploitation. Whenever you want to add any new features, you have to consult the vendor and ask them to add in the functionality, which can be a drawn-out process.
The software could also be dependent on a certain platform. From time to time, the vendor may require a platform change or upgrade to keep things current. This can be a real inconvenience, especially when you’re not expecting to have to deal with an upgrade. Bespoke software solves this problem of dependency by making you the master. You decide the platform on which to run the software and any technology upgrades and innovations.
It Gives Your Business a Competitive Edge
In business, what will guarantee you success is your level of competitiveness. In terms of technology and product innovation, your business should be outstanding. This will only be possible through the use of unique software that will enhance your business processes. In an era where homogenous software rules the market, bespoke software can easily earn you the top slot.
By fitting in your precise and well calculated business requirements into the software development process, custom built software will help you achieve the necessary edge in the market place.
It is Cost-Effective
Many of the package software available in the market today come with lots of features, but many of these may not be useful to your business. This means that you will have to pay for additional features that you will not even benefit from. Custom software is developed with only the features that your business requires in mind. This makes such software a much leaner option and ensures it will offer a higher performance.
Adaptability to Change
The business environment is one characterized by turbulence and instability. For a business to sail smoothly in such conditions there is need to invest in machinery that adapts to change quickly and easily. Bespoke software is usually built with your business plan in mind. In case of any change in the scenarios faced by your business, the software can easily be modified to deal with it.
This flexibility will not only sustain your business but also give it a lifeline where others are failing.
In summary, choosing bespoke software can bring along lots of advantages that just aren’t possible with today’s off-the-shelf packages. Remember, your software needs to serve your business – not the other way round!
Lara Fox is the Head of Digital at Objective IT a Software and Web Development Company based in Great Baddow, Essex. A product of the Internet Age and a student at the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Lara is the modern face of Objective and coordinates the company’s social media presence.