Custom software is created from the ground up and built with the unique requirements of the business requesting it in mind. This allows for a much more effective implementation, as the software is created with existing workflows and processes in mind and is often signed off by the specific set of users who will be utilising it most. It can also much more easily be customised to fit future needs, such as scaling, changes in workflows or new products. This entails creating either wholly new piece of software, or majorly building upon an existing solution. This can either be done by an internal or an external team of developers.
Development process
Setting Requirements
Before getting started with brainstorming ideas, it is important to note down what exactly the problem is you are trying to solve, and which requirements this tool is trying to fill. This is done through extensive communication between software experts and the users, making sure that the requested features are not only the right fit and exactly what the users want, but that they are also technically feasible.
Planning
The next step is to set up a concrete timeline. It is important in this step to set up a bit of a buffer, allowing for small delays or additional cycles in reviews or the implementation. This will help keep the project on track, and give everyone a fixed point to expect the product, as implementing or switching over to it also can’t be done overnight.
Implementation & review
The implementation is where the idea actually comes to life. Often these steps are completed through multiple cycles, and not one after the other. This allows the user to provide continuous feedback, allowing for on the fly changes and adaptations, before they are set in stone or built upon.
Testing & quality assurance
Once the solution is built and has been okay’ed by the key users, it is important to put it through some final stress tests. This will make sure that it is truly ready to be implemented and will mitigate potential show-stopping bugs or issues from slowing down or even stopping entire processes or workflows.
Deployment & launch
Last but not least comes the deployment and launch phase, where the new solution is installed or implemented into the intended place and ready to be used in a production environment. It is important that developers are on stand-by during this process, being able to smooth out and issues or deal with some on the spot maintenance, as well as even help out with some potential training for users who weren‘t part of the initial feedback rounds.
Why even go through all of this effort?
As mentioned above, custom software is tailored specifically for your needs and unique requirements. Software is the backbone of most companies today, and having solutions that enable you instead of holding you back is key. Being able to implement revolutionary ideas or more effectively solve problems than your competitors, who are trying to adapt their business to standardised solutions, can be the edge you need to get ahead of the curve.
Its scalability is also not to be underestimated, being able to expand your solutions as your company grows and have full control over the possibilities grows more and more useful over time, allowing you to focus on the other areas of growth, instead of having to introduce a new tool every milestone.
The security of running homemade software solutions that are running locally is also a huge bonus, as you are protected from potential data breaches that standardised cloud services might be targeted by.
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