Pros of Custom Application Development

• Efficiency

Automating processes makes everything run smoothly. With a custom solution, developers can analyze the places where things slow down. They will craft a solution that frees employees from boring repetition.

• Adaptability

With a well-crafted software package, developers can add new features as business changes. When new processes develop, the custom software can address roadblocks before they become ingrained in the workflow.

• Branding and Marketing

Developers can style a custom program so that it represents the organization. A custom CRM solution can give a uniform, branded look to every communication with a client. This uniform approach can also extend to websites and e-commerce platforms.

• Integration

Easy integration is a feature that will dramatically increase the performance of a business. Developers will configure the custom program so that it automatically shares data with platforms currently in use by the organization. When an employee adds contact information to the CRM package, it will immediately register as a new contact in the email platform.

• Security

Because off-the-shelf programs are used by many businesses, they are more likely to be targets of cybercriminals. When they identify a vulnerability in a program, they can exploit it in multiple organizations. A custom solution is a less attractive cybercrime target since it is only related to a single business.

Cons of Custom Application Development

• Cost

In general, custom development is more expensive than purchasing an off-the-shelf resource. However, the added efficiency of a custom product can save money in the long run.

• Development Time

In terms of implementation, it is faster to download an existing program than develop a new one. Yet, when the program addresses the unique issues of an organization, it reduces the friction that often comes with adopting new technology.

Essential features of Custom Application Development

1. Time management – Custom software should include the ability to schedule tasks and set reminders. Be it for accounting, CRM or other business function, such time management features can greatly enhance productivity.

2. Ease of use – Anyone with experience of off-the-shelf software will know that it is rarely, if ever, intuitive from the start. There is usually a steep learning curve, after which you become accustomed to the software. Consider the training requirement for your entire staff and hundreds of man hours look to be lost to acclimatization. Good custom software should be intuitive, with a minimal learning curve and reduce training required for employees.

3. Security – Well-designed custom software can offer greater levels of security than mainstream software. This can come in a number of ways, including access control and validation; tighter user controls; a lack of excessive features which open the door for vulnerabilities; a bespoke software solution is also less lucrative for cybercriminals, who prefer to focus their energies on mainstream software.

4. Easy integration with existing systems – The power of custom software should be harnessed to tie-in as much of the business onto an interconnected platform which can store and leverage information. For instance, in the case of CRM and sales teams.

5. Migration – Whether the client is already running an existing off-the-shelf software or is migrating from other software, the new solution must account for migration of existing records (possibly with all their metadata intact)

6. Automation – This is a key attribute of any custom software solution. In addition to manual and repetitive tasks, the software should automate tasks, for instance supply chain management, forecasting, purchasing or invoice generation.

7. Scalability – Custom software a major advantage when it comes to flexibility and scalability. With the current trends of Internet of Things, and ever-increasing context awareness of machines, software should aim to accommodate all such expansion in capability.

8. Branding – Custom software is a great opportunity for businesses to differentiate themselves from their competitors. They can signal a real statement of intent, and customer-facing features can become an indispensable part of the brand.

9. Cost-effective – Not loaded with features you don’t need and without the licensing fees typically associated with off-the-shelf software, custom software can pay for itself in a relatively short time.

10. Support – Instead of having to deal with long wait times with a call center, a custom software solution comes with the promise of fast and targeted support. Not ‘try restarting it’, custom software providers go to the root of any issues that arise. In other words, you can count on your problem being resolved effectively, rather than hoping the error doesn’t reoccur.

Example of Custom Application Development

1. Content management systems (CMS)

2. Customer relationship management (CRM)

3. A business process automation system

4. Automated invoicing

5. Company-facing / Customer-facing web portals

6. E-commerce software solutions

7. Bug tracking software

References

1. Five Key Features and Benefits of Custom Software Development. (December 2021). Retrieved from https://www.softwaresuggest.com/blog/features-of-custom-software-development/#.

2. 10 Features Your Custom Software must have. (December 2021). Retrieved from https://vestrainet.com/10-features-your-custom-software-must-have.html.

3. WHAT ARE SOME SUCCESSFUL EXAMPLES OF CUSTOM SOFTWARE? (December 2021). Retrieved from https://itenterprise.co.uk/7-more-examples-custom-software/.