Businesses that desire software that is tailor-made to the specific demands of their enterprise need custom software development. The custom software development process includes the design, creation, deployment and maintenance of custom software developed for specific use and functionality in mind. In contrast to standard off-the-shelf software, custom software applications are commissioned by businesses to improve productivity, efficiency and consumer relations.
If a business decides to invest in off-the-shelf software, it will immediately be able to begin using the product. In contrast, custom software development can take several months before a product is delivered and ready for use. However, off-the-shelf software does not always meet the unique needs of businesses and may not integrate well with other systems and software used by the organization.
Thus, consider some of the benefits of custom software development to determine whether you believe it is a better investment for your business and its needs.
Top 6 Benefits Of Custom Software Development
It is not always easy to decide between custom software or a more inexpensive and ready-to-use off-the-shelf option. However, most businesses will find that custom software offers exponentially more benefits than mass-produced software options. Some of the biggest benefits of custom software development include the following:
1. Get A Unique & Innovative Product
No two businesses are exactly the same so it makes sense for businesses to seek software that meets their unique needs. Having a personalized software product made for a business helps ensure that the software contains all of the features and functionalities that the organization needs to streamline business processes.
Software developers can create software that aligns with business goals and provides organizations with ample opportunity to grow. Custom business software is able to complement a working model better than any off-the-shelf software ever could since it is designed to support a specific business’s identity.
2. Scale Your Organization Better
Every business aims to grow the scale of their operations over time. This usually involves the creation of new products, services and processes. Many times, off-the-shelf software is not equipped to handle the growth of a business, resulting in a loss of productivity and functionality. When businesses attempt to modify their off-the-shelf software to accommodate their growth, bugs can occur, potentially causing business disruptions.
One of the advantages of custom software development is that it is capable of handling business growth in a bug-free manner. This means that businesses can continue using and updating their custom software for many years without having to purchase new products as off-the-shelf. Additionally, some off-the-shelf software may require a yearly license renewal, whereas custom software development is a one-time investment with lifetime product maintenance and support.
3. Improve Productivity & Employee Drive
Businesses that rely on off-the-shelf software that does not offer all of the features and capabilities the company needs for its operations often experience more disruptions compared to businesses that use custom software. Having software developed that meets the unique requirements of a business helps employees work more efficiently and perform their job duties with greater confidence.
Employees may also be more driven to complete their responsibilities at a satisfactory level when they have the proper software to support their job needs. When employees become more productive and driven, they get more work done in a shorter amount of time which is beneficial to the company’s bottom line.
4. Increase Your Return On Investment
Some businesses are hesitant to invest in custom software development due to cost. Although custom software development typically costs more upfront compared to off-the-shelf software, businesses receive more in return for their dollar. Custom software development is a wise investment for businesses typically saving companies money in the long run.
There is no need to purchase additional hardware, acquire licenses or pay for features that employees are likely never going to use. In return for an initial investment, businesses that choose custom software development have the opportunity to create personalized software from scratch.
5. Integrate Software With Other Programs
Technology is evolving at a rapid rate which has allowed many off-the-shelf software products to be integrated with other programs. However, many businesses encounter regular bugs and similar problems during that process which results in costly downtime. One of the most significant benefits of custom software development is that it enables businesses to integrate with other programs seamlessly.
Custom software development also helps businesses with outdated systems to easily update their business processes and make the essential shift to mobile and the cloud. Making these important updates can help a growing business gain a competitive edge in the market and achieve greater efficiency in the workplace.
6. Receive Ongoing Technical Support
No matter how good a piece of software is, there will likely come a time when a business encounters a bug or requires an update. When this happens, it is important to be able to contact customer support for assistance. Off-the-shelf software usually comes with minimal or no support which can make it difficult to troubleshoot problems when they arise.
With custom software development, businesses have access to continuous support from a team of dedicated IT professionals who are available to help update and maintain custom software. Ongoing technical support helps to minimize downtime and keep business processes running efficiently.
Speak With An Experienced Custom Software Development Company
More businesses are making the transition from off-the-shelf software to custom software with help from an experienced custom software development company. The highly-qualified team of IT professionals at Orases have helped countless businesses develop custom software that meets their specific needs and requirements.
To learn more about the benefits of custom software development, contact the experts at Orases by calling 301.756.5527 or by scheduling a consultation online.
