The advantages of bespoke software
Bespoke software usually refers to a tailor-made, custom software, developed specifically to the client’s needs. It matches the client’s needs precisely, being an exact fit with the client’s requirements, it is scalable, perfectly adapted with the current working methods, and easily integrated with other systems and it offers no limitations in comparison with existing off-the-shelf software solutions.
Before deciding to invest in bespoke software, here are a few reasons why it is so much better than off-the-shelf solutions.
1. Complete ownership
Having ownership of your software differentiates your business and gives you full control over your developed solution. It’s yours and you decide how and where it is implemented, and you have full rights over it. You can use it for as many employees as you need, and you don’t need to worry about additional costs or upgrades. It is you who decides if it needs additional features or customizations.
2. Flexibility and scalability
As your business evolves, it is important that your software also adapts and allows you to grow. Without this, the scalability of your business will be affected, leaving you with the need to find alternative options. Bespoke software will evolve and can change as your requirements change.
Bespoke software solutions adapt to the growth of your business. They easily accommodate process changes, increased workloads and additional integrations. The software’s flexibility allows your business to expand as much as it is necessary to meet your business’ needs and objectives.
Going for bespoke software grants you full control over product development. You decide which company you’re going to cooperate with, and how your product will be configured. There will be no limitations to what you can do with your software.
3. Cost
It’s true, the initial cost tends to be higher than other off-the-shelf solutions, but in the long run it will prove to be less expensive as licensing, upgrade and subscription costs will no longer be present. Also, when comparing costs between off-the-shelf and bespoke, usually costs such as setup, customization and support are not presented in the off-the-shelf solutions. When considering all of these, you’ll quickly realise that on the long-run bespoke software is a much better option.
4. Fast integration
If you want to improve the efficiency of your business processes, going for bespoke software development is the best option. It’s vital that your tools integrate with each other. When you buy ready-made software the number of integrations is usually limited since product choice is abundant.
There is no software that integrates with all the tools on the market, and you’ll always have to compromise or look for workarounds. For example, imagine using a marketing automation platform that doesn’t integrate with your CRM. This would cause a lot of chaos and extra work for your employees. There are no limitations as to what you can do with your own software.
5. Security
Yet another major benefit of bespoke software development is security. As you are the only one using that software and you have complete control over it, the software will be less prone to hackers. As compared with off-the-shelf software where hackers can exploit well-known issues and vulnerabilities easier. A tailor-made application that is only used internally cuts down the risk of attacks.
6. Full Control
As the owner of the software, you are in complete control of your developed solution. You can easily implement new changes and additional features according to your business’ growth or your clients’ requirements. Also, having complete control over your software solution it is you who can solve any issues that may arise and you don’t need to depend on external help.
Also, there is no compulsion to upgrade your business software just because a newer version has been released, with some new features that you might or might not use. At the end of the day, it’s your software, and you can do whatever you please or need.
7. Individual and unique
By developing a custom software that best suits your business’ needs and requirements, you have a competitive advantage as you are the only one that can benefit from the developed solution. You can easily differentiate yourself from your competition by having a unique and a better product dedicated entirely to your business.
This is why investing in bespoke software development is a smart business strategy as it is a great investment long-term, an investment in both your work and in the future of your business. Choose a partner that will support you throughout the development of your software project and you can achieve a solution that perfectly suits your needs and works in the interest of your business’ objectives.
Closing thoughts
Bespoke software development is no longer perceived as a luxury, but rather a solution designed to match a business’ needs perfectly.
Custom software gives you full control over product development, which not only allows you to decide on the features but is also flexible and scalable. When your business grows, your bespoke software grows with it.