By custom software we mean software that is not yet on the market and is specially developed for a company. The process for which the company needs software is not adapted to the software, but the software is written in such a way that it matches the process. You can therefore determine the functionalities yourself.
Applications of custom software
Custom software is often used for more complex processes. Some examples:
- A customer portal where customers can log in to their personal page. Here they can view their situation and data all year round.
- An app for the field employee with a functionality that is specific to the organization. For example, taking photos of delivered goods so that it can be proven that they have been delivered undamaged.
- Collect products in the warehouse with a barcode scanner for a packing slip. When scanning the article, the customer data is immediately collected so that the package can be registered immediately.
- A way to make the administration run smoothly and faster, as with Novel Groep.
What are the benefits of standard software?
Standard software has many advantages. The main advantages are:
- The costs are relatively low.
The package is already ready and nothing needs to be added. In addition, the provider sells the software to several companies, which means that the cost price is lower than with a custom package.
- Known, reliable software
The software is used by several people and has been tested many times. Errors in the software have already been identified and resolved. Standard software is often a reliable, safe choice.
- Software is kept up-to-date.
The software is used by several users, so the provider keeps the software up to date. There is simply money for any updates and improvements because there are customers who pay for the software.
- Rapid implementation
The software has been implemented before so the provider knows how to do this the fastest.
What are the drawbacks of standard software?
Of course, standard software also has a number of disadvantages:
- Adjusting the business process
The software does not adapt, which means that you have to organize the business process in such a way that it matches the operation of the software. Any unique working method that can yield a competitive advantage is lost.
- Features not extensive enough
The standard package may consist of features that do not meet your needs. In addition, it is possible that there are a number of components within the package that you do not use at all (but paid for).
What are the benefits of custom software?
Custom software has many advantages. The main advantages are:
- Custom software is scalable
Where standard software often has its limitations, custom software can handle all the user’s wishes and needs. The application of the software is made based on the business process, so the process does not need to be adjusted.
- Do not pay for superfluous functionalities
As a client, you are largely in control of how much the custom application will cost. You determine yourself which functionalities can and cannot be added. This not only ensures that you do not pay for options that you do not use, it also makes the application more transparent.
3 . Link your own systems to each other
Custom software makes it possible to connect multiple systems that you use. For example, systems such as time registration , leave registration , an app for the field staff and an accounting program can be linked together.
- Gain a competitive advantage
Have you developed a unique working method that provides a competitive advantage? A shame if this is lost by standard software. With custom software you can maintain this unique working method and gain the competitive advantage.
- The application can grow with the organization.
The company grows and business processes are added or changed. No problem, the custom application can be adapted to this.
What are the disadvantages of custom software?
Custom software also has a number of disadvantages, namely:
- Development and implementation takes more time
A lot of time is spent on designing the custom package. Think not only about the development of the software itself, but also the preparation: inventing, discussing and writing out the functionalities. When implementing errors can be found that need to be repaired. The development and then the implementation can take several weeks, even months.
- Customization is expensive
In general, customization is more expensive than standard software. The package must be completely tailored to the wishes and needs of the client. Development simply takes man hours and that is often expensive. Do you have a standard software package in mind, but does it not contain all the functionalities you need? It is also possible to opt for a combination of standard and custom software. The software supplier uses existing components and supplements them with new components.