The 8 Benefits of Bespoke Software

Many companies use stock software and off-the-shelf applications. Although these might fulfil an immediate functionality requirement, they could lack certain features you need. What’s more, they often have a whole host of unnecessary functions that are just not relevant to your working practices. If you are considering a bespoke application development, then the following might help you decide:

8 benefits of custom building software

1. Simplicity

Bespoke software is designed specifically around your business so you don’t have to worry about unwanted features or unfamiliar terminology that is not appropriate to your business. This reduces learning time and is obviously more efficient to use.

2. Branding and Identity

With unique tools, such as forms and auto messages in your brand voice, you will stand out from the crowd. Sometimes even a simple detail can be a key differentiator between you and the competition.

3. Efficient Workflow

Bespoke software is typically developed based on an iterative, Agile process to ensure constant alignment with business needs. As the finished application will have been matched to your specific working practices, it is both faster and easier to use.

4. Complete Development Ownership

When it comes to changes or improvements, you are firmly in the driver’s seat. There is no pressure to upgrade just because there is a later version – with new features and changes you may not want or need. This also means you won’t have problems such as new versions not being backwards compatible with old data or the screen layout changing and incurring a new learning curve. It’s your software, and your decision.

5. Potential Marketability

In some scenarios you may want to white label and sell a software product that you have played (and paid!) a part in developing – even though it was originally designed for internal use. A bespoke solution for you could become an off-the-shelf solution for other businesses.

6. Expansion of existing tools

Often a business or department will use documents or spreadsheets to log data. This may work for an individual or a small team, but often there is huge benefit to transforming repetitive tasks into automated, tailored multi-user tools that store data in a central repository. This would not only save time for the individual but helps with transparency, data validation, access and reporting across the business.

7. Locally specific

Most countries will have unique geographic parameters, such as currency, time-zones and obviously languages. They may also have different considerations for tax, VAT, and import duties. These can be fully customised to your geographical areas.

8. Integration

Bespoke software can generally be customised to integrate smoothly with any other key software used within the business – and introducing new applications doesn’t mean the previous integrations will stop working.

Other Considerations

There are of course alternatives to bespoke development. There are some very good Open Source solutions available, which many businesses depend on in order to keep costs down. However, with the help of a skilled development team you can customise your Open Source functionality and build out the functionality your business needs.