6 Signs a Custom Software Solution is Right for You

The ability to grow and scale a company in a perpetually evolving world is complex and essential. Whether internal or external, custom or off-the-shelf, most companies use software in some way to keep up.    

Software is essential to any business venture, considering that technology is an integral part of most people's daily lives.    

Software solutions are integral to a company's ability to grow and scale as its business needs and industry requirements evolve. No matter the solution you choose, it will alter how you conduct business, for better or worse.    

Off-the-shelf solutions can seem enticing. They are easily packaged, marketed, and delivered for commercial use. But it is easy for an off-the-shelf solution to backfire as your company grows and your needs become more complex.   

That is where custom software solutions come in.    

Custom software is tailored to your company. With custom software, you develop a product that follows a specified set of criteria, ensuring scalability, efficiency, and seamless connectivity and integration with existing systems.   

 Custom software development is a longer process because you gather requirements, generate code, and test, test, test. The beauty of custom software is the ability to adapt as you develop. Custom software enables you to test different frameworks and programs until you are satisfied with how your product works with your existing processes, goals, and operational requirements.  

Off-the-shelf solutions cannot do what custom software can. The main differentiators are...  

• Scalability and flexibility: Custom software considers your business growth from the start. It accommodates your company as it grows, whereas an off-the-shelf solution will take more time and money to adapt since it is inherently inflexible.  
• Scope of integration: Integrating an off-the-shelf system with other systems can be challenging. Because it is not adaptable, it might not work perfectly with the systems you already have in place. Custom software is designed with integrations at the forefront, enabling easy access to every tool you need.  
• Compatibility: Custom software is designed to be personalized. This means that your existing operations, data, customers, etc., can all be compatible with the custom software you develop. Compatibility is a priority with customization, ensuring your ability to increase efficiency, optimize workflows, etc.   
• Full control: Because your custom software belongs to you and was designed with your business in mind, you have complete control. This means that when you need an update, you can make it happen, whether you use in-house or out-of-house developers. It is easy to maintain control and get what you need.   
• Enhanced security: When you use an off-the-shelf solution, you entrust your data to a third party. This means that if any security breaches or scalability issues arise, the business has no control over resolving them. With custom software, you control how your data is protected. Since this solution is built for your business, it covers all your bases.   
• Cost savings (in the long run): While it might seem like off-the-shelf solutions are cheaper, a custom solution will save you money in the long run. Because you avoid data compatibility issues, have built-in support, can save time on training, and have exact functionality, you save money by avoiding the pain of trying to adapt to those things with an off-the-shelf solution.  

Custom software solutions offer incredible benefits, but they are not what everyone needs. Off-the-shelf solutions can be great for smaller companies with a limited budget, businesses with no immediate plan for mass scaling, companies that do not need integration, and companies that can manage their day-to-day with a generalized solution.  

It can be difficult to discern if you need custom software, so here are six signs that customization might be right for your company.  

If you are running a complex company, a custom software solution can be tailored to the exact specifications and needs to accomplish your goals. Customization gives you precise control over features, usability, and functionality. An off-the-shelf solution is designed to fit the needs of many companies, whereas a custom solution is designed to fit your needs.   

Because a custom solution is built with your needs in mind, it is built to be scalable. With customization, your business is ready to address opportunities and updates as they arise. How your solution is built can be unique to your industry, goals, and business operations, even as those things evolve.   

Developing a custom solution can differentiate and bolster your brand. With an off-the-shelf solution, you risk being exactly like your competitors or not having the necessary differentiators to make you valuable to your customers. With customization, you avoid that because your solution is unique to your business and can strengthen your image, customer satisfaction, internal operations, and more.   

Custom solutions can include the security measures that are necessary for your business. You can layer the types of protection you need and ensure your solution is secure for you and your users. An off-the-shelf solution is risky because it limits your ability to control your protections.   

5. You need continuous support and maintenance.   

Whether you develop your custom software in-house or with an outside firm, you can maintain and support your application. An off-the-shelf solution relies on updates and maintenance by the owner. Because you control and own your custom solution, maintenance and support are easier, meaning problems are resolved faster.   

A custom application enables you to gather the data you need exclusively. It also allows you to build in the reporting capabilities that will serve your purposes and allow you to make the most informed decisions about your business and your software.  

Software is becoming a necessary part of business operations, and no matter what is right for you, it is essential to do your research. If you want to learn more about custom software solutions with ConcertIDC, fill out the form below to contact us.