Custom Software: What is it and Why You Might Need One

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December 23, 2020 Business

Every business, even in the same industry, is unique and different from others. These differences pertain to not just operations and way of management but also employees having differences of opinions among themselves. When a business’s requirements are not met satisfactorily by software available in the market, it becomes necessary to order custom software from an IT company. Also, to gain an edge over competitors, a business needs software specifically designed keeping in mind its requirements. General programs are sold in the market and also used by large numbers of companies. The development of custom software has gained popularity these days as clients realize its importance and immense benefits.

What is Meant by Custom Software

To understand custom software development, you have to think of a business that needs a program capable of fulfilling its specific requirements. Imagine a bank with specialized services for its customers. Such a bank cannot use a program available off the shelf in the market as it does not fulfill its needs and criteria. It approaches an IT company and requests software created from scratch by developers, keeping in mind the bank’s specific requirements. In everyday life, most people use software available off-the-shelf such as Microsoft Office or Adobe Acrobat. But when an IT company develops software to fulfill the unique demands, it is termed as custom software. It is a program tailor-made to suit the requirements of the client with no frills or useless components.

Now that you know what custom software is, it is time to learn about such a program’s benefits. These compelling reasons will make you think twice if you plan to buy readymade software from the market.

It Works the Way you Want it to

When you buy a program available in the market, you can use it in your business. But you are forced to change some of the operations or processes to utilize the program. It means that customers have to make compromises whenever using readymade software sold in the market. There are no such compromises when you get custom software developed by a company specifically for your business. It is why companies are willing to spend vast sums of money on custom software as it gives them customized solutions. You provide inputs to the IT company developers who design the application’s framework finally used in your business. Custom software has features and functionalities that are desired by the client and not the other way round. Investing in custom software is right for you if your business has a unique need critical for your company’s success.

You Save Money Otherwise Paid on Frills

There is no doubt that there is available readymade software for every single requirement of businesses in diverse industries. But every such program contains lots of unnecessary features and functionalities that are of no use to your business. Why pay a high amount of money on features that you are not going to use at all? A bespoke program does not have extra features that are of no use for your business. Many customers buy the software based on its popularity. They later rue their decision when they find that most of the features are of no use. You can avoid wastage of your hard-earned money by ordering bespoke software designed for use in your business.

It Is Scalable

One of the most significant benefits of custom software is its scalability. You never know where your business might be standing a few years down the line. A ready-made software may be the perfect fit for your company’s needs today, but it may not work when your company grows in size and scale. You will need to spend money on the purchase of a new program after a few years. On the other hand, the custom software continues to work as it is scalable according to your business’s growing needs. Therefore, custom software proves inexpensive in the long run for a company.

However, a businessman needs to anticipate his growing company’s needs to the software development company to make the updated program available in time. It is a prudent idea to go in for a tailor-made software as it is future-proof. In contrast, no one can guarantee the applicability of a ready-made program for a growing business. There is nothing more satisfying for a company to know that its investment in custom software is safe and secure as it is future-proof innovation.

Ease of Use

As custom software is created from scratch, keeping in mind the client’s requirements, it has a user interface that is simple and easy to use. One common problem with readymade software sold in the market is its complicated user interface that requires training for the employees. On the other hand, developers keep in mind the client’s specific needs when designing the custom software’s user interface. Such software never hampers employees’ productivity and efficiency and therefore works to the business’s advantage. There is no need to organize any kind of training for the use of custom software, and it easily integrates with the operations of the business. Also, custom software easily integrates with various processes in the industry to help in achieving higher efficiency.

Unflinching Support From the IT Company

You have no obligation of continued support when you purchase readymade software from the market. The company takes no responsibility for its applicability and smooth operation at your end. In comparison, the IT company that undertakes to develop custom software for your business stands there in the thick and the thin to provide complete support. You will find that the company resolves the program’s operation issues whenever there is a minor technical glitch or a bug that develops after some time. You cannot expect the same kind of support and commitment from a tech giant specializing in general programs meant for the use of all types of customers.

Before you jump to contact a software development company, it is prudent to look at your business’s needs and objectives. Whether it is an accounting software or a program to attain HR solutions, you can discuss the features and functionalities you need with the developers’ team. Make sure that the program is scalable and works to give you an edge over your competitors.