When your business requires a software solution, you have several directions you can go. A credible custom programming company can help you decide by completing a detailed needs analysis so they can provide you with the information you need to make the best business decision for your company.
It’s not always easy to decide which app is right for your business. Below are some pros and cons that can help you decide.
Custom Software – PRO:
#1. Custom software can provide exactly what you need. Real users are very good at describing workflow, and as a result, software can be designed more effectively to increase user efficiency.
#two. You own the software and the code behind it, giving you more control over future enhancements so the software can change as your business changes.
#3. Custom software enables the creation of meaningful reports that are used to make smart business decisions.
#4. Once the software has been developed, the programmer will be familiar with your work process and better able to provide the best technical support, understand common problems, pitfalls, and workarounds, and provide continuous improvements to your software. Unlike a standard software support person who usually deals with generic issues.
#5. Since users will be involved in the design, employees will more easily accept the new system. They will also require less training because they were involved in the development.
#6. Your improvement dollars are spent wisely on the features you really need to improve your process.
Custom Software – CONS:
#1. Custom software is customized to meet your needs; therefore, you should expect to pay more. How much more depends on the scope of the software’s capabilities. Consider the money you’ll save in the long run with duplicate work.
#two. Custom software is not readily available as standard software. The time will depend on the scope of the project. The time to develop the software could be reduced by using experienced developers with proven software development practices.
Ready-to-use software – PRO:
#1. Ready-to-use software is available for use at the time of purchase.
#two. The initial cost will almost always be less than custom software, however you may have license fees where you have to pay a fee for each user of the software.
#3. Technical support is usually free.
Out-of-the-box software – CONS:
#1. The software may not be able to expand to create other functions you may need, so many companies use two different software applications to complete their task, creating redundant data entry.
#two. You’ll have to adjust your current workflow instead of the software to meet your process needs, resulting in “workarounds” and not getting the reporting results you want.
#3. If you experience a specific problem with the software, the software manufacturer will address the fix or update on their schedule, not yours.
#4. Since users have no information on how the software would work, they may be more averse to change and will require training which can be expensive depending on the number of users you have.
#5. Some software manufacturers charge annual renewal fees for licenses or subscriptions.