When it comes to the essential tools for your business, software is high up on the list. The right software has a direct and immediate impact on how smoothly your day-to-day operations and business processes run.
Unlike when the internet was in its infancy, there are hundreds of software solutions available today. They range from simple, pay-as-you-go solutions to advanced, fully customized solutions. As it becomes clear just how effective custom software is at improving daily operations, more and more businesses are choosing to go that route.
Custom software is a fantastic solution for businesses that want something unique to them and that have specialized needs. No matter what industry your company operates in, custom software can be built to meet your demands.
There can be a lot of questions about new technology you aren’t familiar with, and one of them may be why you should choose custom software. If you’re looking into the possibility of custom software for your business, read on for the top five advantages of custom software.
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Benefits of Custom Software Solutions
1. It is 100% Customizable
This may seem obvious since it is called “custom” software, but not everyone understands just what this means. Does it mean you can choose the colors and layout of your software? Do you get to choose a handful of apps and plug-ins to add?
With customized software, you get to choose everything. It can be made as complex or as simple as you need with as many plug-ins as you desire. Of course, the more complicated your software is, the more it will cost to develop, but this is often a more cost-efficient method for businesses that need a lot of different applications.
2. It is a Cost-Effective Solution
Instead of paying multiple subscriptions to separate software systems, custom software is built so that you only have to pay once to access all the tools you need. You have a single home screen for your entire system.
Customized software is built uniquely for your business, so you would not be paying for a system that includes tools and apps that do not pertain to your business. You also would not have to pay extra to unlock more which means you are not as limited as you would be with an off-the-shelf, generic program.
Even if you can find a generic solution that works for your business, you will likely discover that you end up paying more as time goes on. Whether you pay a monthly or annual subscription, you’ll have to continue paying for your software solution. However, with custom software, you’ll pay one fee and have access forever. You won’t run the risk of a cost increase during your subscription or even just general subscription fees.
While bespoke software has a higher upfront cost in order to take care of development, you’ll end up paying less in the long run for a solution that meets your needs exactly.
3. Off-the-Shelf Software is Not Easily Scalable
You may start out as a small business with hopes of growing in the future, or you may have big plans to expand your business and grow rapidly. Whatever your goal is and whatever ends up happening, a custom software solution is easy to scale to meet your business where it is.
Scaling bespoke software is much easier than attempting to scale a generic software solution to your business needs. Of course, you may need to pay for additional development, but unlike off-the-shelf software, you won’t have to worry about an increase in your monthly or annual payments to a subscription software service.
If your business experiences rapid or unexpected growth, off-the-shelf software will not likely be able to handle the additional strain as quickly or easily as custom software can. Instead of running the risk of malfunctioning software or other complications, a custom software solution can continue to meet your needs no matter how fast your business grows.
4. Your Data is More Secure
Pre-built software is often secure, but not nearly as secure as custom software. Whether you choose a subscription software or some other pre-built solution, you’re at a higher risk of being hacked as everyone has access to the same software. If another company is hacked and uses the same software as your business, your data is immediately vulnerable even if you don’t have contact with the other company.
Custom software is unique to your business, meaning that no one else has access to it. It is much more difficult for hackers to get into. Of course, the risk is still there, but hackers are less likely to attack a custom solution when they can hack a pre-built one with much less difficulty.
While pre-built software has known security risks and faults, custom software can be updated and changed to counterattack possible threats. As such, your data will not be at risk along with hundreds of other companies.
5. There Are No Surprise Updates
Updates are typically a good thing for software, no matter what type it is. However, unexpected updates can make navigating a pre-built software solution a nightmare. Despite knowing how to navigate and use the system, a sudden update can upend your daily operations as your employees take a moment to figure out how to use the updated system.
You won’t be surprised or caught off guard by sudden updates with a custom software solution. You’ll know about all updates ahead of time and can ensure that they won’t change the way your software is used to complete daily tasks. You can even arrange for updates when you won’t be relying on your software, such as during the night.
Last-minute or unexpected updates can be a hassle to deal with, especially when the updates require a full system restart or take several minutes or even hours to complete. When you have custom software, though, you decide when the update is installed and how.
Other Advantages of Custom Software Development
There are many other advantages that come with using custom software.
Custom software can be maintained for as long as you need it, whether a few weeks or several years. With generic, off-the-shelf software, there is always the risk that the company decides to stop supporting it, and you’re forced to change the software. This is not a problem with custom software. As you are the owner you can decide when you want to stop maintaining or supporting your software.
Integrations are much easier with custom software as you won’t have to worry about going through a third party or trouble shooting with a customer care center. When it comes to custom software, integrations are seamless and can be arranged to meet any department’s needs, any time you need it.
Since you will have a dedicated development team, you already have an experienced support crew to contact if you ever have a problem with your software. You have direct contact with those involved in the development and launching of your software instead of a typical customer care center.
Conclusion
Custom software is an excellent solution for any business because it offers so much flexibility and extra support. No matter what industry you are in, custom software is always the best answer. Reach out to our custom software development company today so we can discuss the best custom solutions that will genuinely make a difference for your business.