Why get bespoke software?
It's a question most businesses face at some stage: Rely on off-the-shelf software or commission bespoke tools for the job?
Often, it comes down to a matter of cost. But does packaged software really save you money in the long run? Let's take a look at some of the reasons to consider getting tailored software:
It's designed for you.
In the same way that your business is made up of a unique team, has unique customers and a unique approach - so your software should be designed to solve a problem unique to your company.
Your competitors won't have it.
Something that's made specifically for your business won't be available on the general market. This could give you a crucial edge over your competition.
It's not crammed with unnecessary features.
Packaged software is built for the masses. That means offering many different features to appeal to the broadest possible market. This usually results in you using a tiny fraction of a programme's functionality.
Your team might work faster and more effectively with bespoke software.
For example, if a piece of packaged software has functionality that's buried deep in its tool list, it might require both extensive training for your team to understand and take longer to action. This can cost you money in the long run. Bespoke software is generally more intuitive - not requiring users to sift through a range of functions to find what they need.
Packaged applications dictate the way you work - not the other way round.
Software should be there to back up your business, not change your processes. When you commission software you can explain to developers how your team works and how you want the software to fit in with that.
You'll probably get better support.
If you have commissioned bespoke software, chances are that your ongoing technical support will be much more accessible and effective. With packaged software the support might be limited to public forums or simply Googling an answer. With tailored applications you should be able to call the developers when needed.
And you could receive more timely upgrades.
You're at the mercy of larger corporations as to when and how they update your programmes. With bespoke applications you'll get patches and updates as soon as they're requested or developed.
Of course, there are drawbacks to bespoke software. It's usually more expensive. You need to source superb developers to build the right solution. You may have to rely on additional support to get up and running. You may also need to purchase the source code in addition to the software itself in case the developers go out of business in future.
However, ultimately a piece of bespoke software can save you much more than it costs to produce, streamline your business and give you a significant competitive edge. Just make sure you find the right website design and software development company (preferably one with at least 5 years experience).
Often, it comes down to a matter of cost. But does packaged software really save you money in the long run? Let's take a look at some of the reasons to consider getting tailored software:
It's designed for you.
In the same way that your business is made up of a unique team, has unique customers and a unique approach - so your software should be designed to solve a problem unique to your company.
Your competitors won't have it.
Something that's made specifically for your business won't be available on the general market. This could give you a crucial edge over your competition.
It's not crammed with unnecessary features.
Packaged software is built for the masses. That means offering many different features to appeal to the broadest possible market. This usually results in you using a tiny fraction of a programme's functionality.
Your team might work faster and more effectively with bespoke software.
For example, if a piece of packaged software has functionality that's buried deep in its tool list, it might require both extensive training for your team to understand and take longer to action. This can cost you money in the long run. Bespoke software is generally more intuitive - not requiring users to sift through a range of functions to find what they need.
Packaged applications dictate the way you work - not the other way round.
Software should be there to back up your business, not change your processes. When you commission software you can explain to developers how your team works and how you want the software to fit in with that.
You'll probably get better support.
If you have commissioned bespoke software, chances are that your ongoing technical support will be much more accessible and effective. With packaged software the support might be limited to public forums or simply Googling an answer. With tailored applications you should be able to call the developers when needed.
And you could receive more timely upgrades.
You're at the mercy of larger corporations as to when and how they update your programmes. With bespoke applications you'll get patches and updates as soon as they're requested or developed.
Of course, there are drawbacks to bespoke software. It's usually more expensive. You need to source superb developers to build the right solution. You may have to rely on additional support to get up and running. You may also need to purchase the source code in addition to the software itself in case the developers go out of business in future.
However, ultimately a piece of bespoke software can save you much more than it costs to produce, streamline your business and give you a significant competitive edge. Just make sure you find the right website design and software development company (preferably one with at least 5 years experience).