Individual Software and its advantages to success (2022)

Editor’s note: As experts in custom software development service with many years of experience, we can not only explain when custom individual software development makes sense but also guide you through all phases of software development and overcome any challenges on the way to success.

Standard software vs. individual software

What is the difference between standard and individual software? When looking for software that would help automate and digitize business processes within your company or across companies, the benefits of standard software seem tempting:

• It is relatively cheaper to acquire (buy or rent) off-the-shelf software and use customization options than to develop a bespoke software solution.
• Complete software is available immediately.
• Furthermore, the standard software offers a wide range of functions that can cover different application scenarios.

But most companies soon reach the limits of “off-the-shelf” software.

• Standard software can only partially meet industry-specific requirements and map the business processes of a specific company.
• The introduction of standard software is associated with time-consuming adjustments that have to be made in order to close the gaps in functionality. At the same time, often only a fraction of the available functions are used.
• Furthermore, ready-made software may offer less flexibility when it comes to extensions, improvements, and other changes (e.g. the number of users grows).

All these factors speak in favor of having your own individual software created, which is tailored to the unique needs of your company from an organizational and functional point of view.

what advantages individual software can offer in contrast to standard software?

• Individual software is 100% tailored to customer and industry-specific needs, preferences, wishes, and individual requirements. This is always the best choice for businesses where no software available in the market is well suited to meet their needs.
• Only individual programming makes it possible to map a company’s business procedures and processes precisely, even if they change.
• The software, which is tailored to processes, helps a company to make day-to-day business more efficient and thereby increase the productivity of your employees.
• Your company can remain flexible with individual software. You decide how and when the software will be expanded, improved, and adapted to constantly changing requirements. The individually created software grows with your company.
• From the beginning, it is taken into account that the future software must be integrated into the existing IT landscape of your company, which ensures seamless software integration.
• It is possible to achieve increased acceptance among end users with individual software. You don’t have to adapt to the software because the software is already adapted to the company’s business processes.
• With individual software, you can gain competitive advantages. The use of tailor-made individual solutions makes it possible to optimize a company’s core processes. Optimized processes lead to better results.

What hurdles lurk on the way to success?

Every company is faced with a choice as to whether it has to decide on standard or individual software. Before making a decision, we suggest examining custom programming challenges that are often cited as arguments against custom software. We are also happy to reveal how possible hurdles can be overcome.

Increased investment Word -> Reduce costs

At first glance, it seems that the development of individual software requires a larger budget than the purchase of standard software and is associated with high costs. But if it is the standard software, you should make sure that not only acquisition and periodic license costs are paid (actually these can also increase due to the increased number of end users), but also follow-up costs for adjustments, updates, maintenance, support and more to be calculated. The good news is that there are several ways to reduce and control the costs involved. We would like to introduce some:

Consider all cost factors in the estimate

For a realistic cost estimate and successful cost control, it is important to take into account all cost factors that form a basis for the calculation right from the start. Only when the cost situation is transparent enough does it become possible to analyze all the data recorded and discover potential savings.

Suitable process model for individual Software

Before starting any project, you need to select an optimal process model that meets your needs, enables improved productivity, helps reduce investment risks and, as a result, increases return on investment (ROI).

Contact an outsourcing service provider

An outsourcing service provider specializes in software development and has good, up-to-date expertise. This can achieve a significant cost reduction. But we recommend paying enough attention to choosing a service provider. Otherwise, there is a risk of increasing not only costs but also dissatisfaction.

Pay attention to quality during development

The earlier the errors are found, the cheaper it is to eliminate them. Therefore, when developing individual software, you had to pay particular attention to software quality and take relevant measures (e.g. carry out different tests during the development process) as well as use methods and practices (e.g. test-driven development, programming in pairs, etc.) to identify errors in good time and to fix and thus ensure better software quality. In contrast, poor software quality causes increased follow-up costs for maintenance and further development.

Control and monitor results

In order to systematically evaluate the software quality and all software development processes and thus also control costs. It is worthwhile to define criteria for quality testing at the beginning of the software project. And to use established methods and suitable tools e.g. to use project and process metrics. If expectations are not met, you can switch service providers in good time.

More time -> required to deliver individual software faster

In addition, the focus is also on the time factor when it comes to the development of customer-specific software development service. A development project can take months or even years. Fortunately, there is a list of ways to speed up the development process and reduce the time to market. The ultimate goal is to develop, release, and ship custom software faster.

Now it’s high time to make a decision!

 

Are you still faced with a decision whether to have custom software created or not? ScienceSoft is at your disposal to accompany you throughout the entire life cycle of your individual software. And to create software for you with only the desired functions. This opens up a wonderful opportunity for you to take full advantage of all the benefits offered.