Custom Software vs Off-the-Shelf Solutions
Ready-made software is typically a package of apps with the same functionality to a large audience with similar needs. For instance, Adobe Photoshop is developed for the people who need photo editing tools for different purposes. However, you cannot make it perform tasks that you are not included in its standard functionality, for example, you cannot use any specific filters besides the pre-set ones.Bespoke software creation involves the planning of software requirement specifications, programming, deployment and release of a digital product designed to meet your demands. For instance, a program developed for a certain manufacturing company will be owned by this company and used only by its employees. This program is created to fit into the specific processes of the company, reflect its branding and meet deployment needs, in other words, it is only suitable for a single enterprise it is designed for.
When Do You Need Custom Solutions?
The primary advantage of custom apps is that they can offer you functionality not offered by off-the-shelf software. As a result, such software designed to meet the needs of your company bring much more value than any other solution. Custom applications may be expensive just like tailor-made suits, but your investment will soon pay off due to a high efficiency of customisable solutions. If you feel that your business can benefit from a software that addresses your unique demands, then you should not hesitate whether you should to invest into custom software development - it is your obvious choice.The Disadvantages of Custom Apps
As opposed to ready-made apps which can be used the moment you purchase the licence and install it on your computer, a custom program requires substantial investment of time, money and resources, and, as a result, is involved with many risks. When you have finally decided on bespoke software, you need to allocate a budget based on your requirements, which can be easy if the developer provides you with cost evaluation, as we always do.Custom Software Development Costs
Keep in mind that costs may significantly vary based on the complexity of the functionality and designs you want to implement within your app. You should not be misguided by a cheap cost of off-the-shelf systems, which is low only because it is distributed between millions of users with limited functionality of the standard operations, while bespoke software is designed for you and only you, which may come at high price but bring many values to your business.The Risks of Custom Development
The risks of bespoke app design may be different and largely depend on how well the company is prepared for such a venture. Before starting the process of app development, the company should take time to analyse its current needs and think of how the software product can help them reach their goals. Keep in mind, that the more thoroughly you plan your app, the less extra expenses you will face during the process, which is not an uncommon practice because new requirements equal more money. Introducing changes throughout the development may entail scope creep, as it is called by professional project managers, the situation, when the project fails to meet its timeframe budget and scope, resulting in the end product’s deviation from initial requirements.