In the contemporary world, many businesses can hardly survive without specialized software systems designed for their business needs.
In order to gain and maintain the interest of the clients, entrepreneurs must deliver the best products or services, that will separate them from competitors.
When it comes to selecting the market strategy and software type, there is a great difference between custom software and out-of-the-box software, which we are going to discover further.
Custom Software VS Out-of-the-Box Software
Custom software represents a highly personalized development approach. To create custom-made projects, companies should contact a dedicated team that can build a system exclusively according to their needs and requirements. The company’s stakeholders will discuss the most desired features during the planning stage, while developers will evaluate the product and the market to find the best way to execute it. Undoubtedly, prices are fully quote-base for such projects.
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software integrates various processes such as management, accounting, manufacturing, product planning, costs, that are essential to running a business, into one entire system to streamline processes and information across the entire company. The fundamental feature of out-of-the-box systems is a shared database that handles various functions used by different business units. For instance, the accounting department and sales department can rely on the same data for their specific needs. This standard software is aimed to enhance and interrelate all the internal processes across a company.
Even though ERP systems are considered out of the box, they require a huge amount of effort to make them ready for the specific needs of your business.
The main advantages of custom software development
1. Personalization
If you buy off-the-shelf software, there is no guarantee that it will work for your business.
Undoubtedly, designing from scratch a product for your business means the solution can be completely effective. With custom development, you can build a system that is compatible with your business model and thus, promote the uniqueness of your brand.
2. Cost-effectiveness
While off-the-shelf systems may be less costly initially, the expenses associated with training, licensing, and finding solutions that provide missing features can add up pretty quickly.
Even though developing a custom software may seem expensive at times, it will prove to be beneficial in the long run. You can start working on the most significant features and have additional features added over time depending on your budget. Plus, custom software does not require frequent adjustments or improvements to match the needs of the company.
3. Security
The big picture is that most software systems that are subject to hacking and other threats are the popular ones. This happens because attackers are already aware of the weaknesses of such software and know where to attack.
Custom software is more secure than mainstream software. A custom-developed software is only used by your team and chances of intrusion are minimized. Additionally, hacking custom software will only provide access to one company’s data, which isn’t very rewarding for malicious hackers.
Custom development also provides you absolute control over the implementation of security technologies or standards into your applications. You can, therefore, choose the ones that best represent your business and save costs.
4. Flexibility
An off-the-shelf system cannot be modified at will and remains unchanged in its offerings. It either becomes too costly or too unacceptable to continue using it.
Custom software can be scaled according to the companies’needs and requirements and changing market. This helps your business to grow faster without being constrained by inadequate software.
5. Compatibility
An organization usually uses several software systems across the various department to operate. Custom software considers them and is developed in such a way that it is compatible with those tools. Custom software systems can even be used to expand existing tools’ capabilities, and they can be designed to look and work similarly to systems that users are familiar with.
Mainstream software systems usually cause problems of integration that aren’t present in custom software.
Why you should choose custom software development
Every business is unique! If your business has specific needs that can not be delivered by the off-the-shelf software systems out there, then custom software development is the way to go.
If you have clear long-term goals or you are looking to increase the profitability of your business, custom software is the best solution! Make sure you bring your dreams to fruition by choosing the best development team! The benefits from increased efficiency and ongoing support will give you a competitive advantage over other companies that use poorly developed solutions.