Custom Software Development

30. August 2023

What exactly is Custom Software Development and how does it work

A tailor-made software refers to development that, in the face of a specific need, requires a designed and conceived system from scratch to meet the verified needs.

The process of custom software development begins with a deep understanding of the client's business and what are the determining factors for the success of the operation. Thus, the priority goes through the identification and analysis of the main needs, whose fulfilment is not achieved with the implementation of conventional software. System planning and analysis are the next steps, which consist of analyzing the current state of the situation and how this new solution will solve a problem or an operational challenge.

The next phase consists of designing and developing all the necessary architecture for development. This is followed by the code phase, which, as a rule, is one of the longest and most important stages of the entire process, for delivering value. Then, close to the end of the process, the testing phase takes place, which is crucial for the delivery of software in which the possibility of errors that could compromise the normal functioning of the solution is mitigated. Once the new solution has been developed and tested, the end of the cycle is marked by the implementation and the guarantee that everything is operational and within the previously defined parameters.

In essence, custom software is a personalised solution, developed end-to-end, for a company's specific needs. It is completely adaptable to the business model where it will be implemented and also has a quick adaptation and implementation when there is a need for new procedures.

Custom software development is completely problem-specific, which makes it non- transferable. And as it is developed for specific resolutions, all its capabilities are used to the full, with no margins that could provide possible scenarios of under or overuse of resources or infrastructure.

Why your company should opt for customised software

Implementing software that matches your specific needs or those of your customers is one of the best ways to show your target audience, not only your flexibility, but also your attention to detail in solving problems. Today, it is increasingly common to find disruptive solutions that provide more value across the customer contact chain. Technological advances have opened the doors to many development options, however, their generalised connotation doesn’t allow us to dissociate this offer from any operational disadvantages that may exist.

Thus, and given the pace at which businesses grow and sectors evolve, companies, more than ever, need to be equipped with adaptive solutions that at the same time allow for scalability step by step with the development of the business, so that the operation never be compromised by any limitations or constraints in the technological infrastructure.

What are the benefits of customised software for your company

The great advantage of this service is undoubtedly the ability to meet the specific and exclusive needs of a company or project, providing customised solutions, greater operational efficiency, which in the end results in a greater competitive advantage.

Flexibility

The adaptability that tailor-made software provides your business allows you to adjust the processing power according to demand peaks, seasonality, or other criteria. This allows you to have a solution that easily fits operational needs, mitigating scenarios of under- or over-utilisation of resources.

Cost reduction

When a turnkey solution is acquired, other types of complementary adjustments may be necessary to fill in any areas or functionalities that it does not cover, which may, therefore, result in an increase in costs. On the other hand, in a tailor-made solution, everything is planned and developed considering the requirements raised at the start of the project.

Ownership

A customised software is created based on the specific needs of the company, that is, the interface and intellectual property belong only to it, with no sharing of code, accesses, or functionality with other companies. So, in practical terms, you will be the legal owner of the software, which will give you the freedom to use it as intended.

Differentiation

In addition to the benefit of creative freedom, there is also the factor of differentiation in the sector, as a customised solution allows for a more personal and humanised contact with its own customers.

Full customization

It is a completely adjustable solution for any type of company. Thus, in the medium and long term, the software will be able to evolve along with the growth of your company with less resistance to change.

Faster Deployments

It is common to need changes, error solutions or any other intervention that requires a quick solution and implementation. Tailor-made software allows your company's reaction time to be reduced and responsiveness to be enhanced. Thus, there may be no need to wait for updates from third parties whose intervention you cannot control.

Ease of maintenance

One of the biggest benefits associated with using a customised solution is ongoing support and maintenance. Dedicated teams to the constant development of the software itself are always aware of updates and improvements that need to be made, of technical problems that may arise and of the reaffirmation of the security of the system itself.

Are there any downsides?

As is common in any technological investment, there may be some inherent disadvantages, either in the development process or in the implementation itself. However, compared to turnkey software, customised development allows for mitigating the occurrence of scenarios that may compromise the operational viability of a company.

Long development process

The development process can be lengthy. Since the software is being developed with unique features, production may take longer until the entire architecture is finalised and functional.

Cost increase

This kind of software development can represent a more significant investment compared to turnkey, ready-to-use solutions. Here, the project analysis, development and implementation fully adjusted to the organisational reality, which can result in a more prominent initial cost.

Potential risk and uncertainty

Custom software can contain errors and unexpected failures, especially if the development team does not have the necessary skills and experience. Thus, as the complexity of the system increases, all technical challenges that may arise must be considered, which, if not resolved, could compromise the development of the following stages of the project and, ultimately, the satisfaction of the user public.

Ongoing maintenance and support

A customised solution requires technical support, updates and bug fixing on an ongoing basis. In practical terms, the cost that may represent potential interventions over the lifetime of the software should be considered.

Development dependency

The greater the complexity of a digital solution, the greater the potential for the operation to become dependent on the team that created the system or another that can ensure the management and maintenance of the software. Therefore, the need of specialized teams to ensure the continuity of development, when necessary, should always be considered.

Complexity in integration

The integration of custom software in a production environment with other applications can be complex and error prone. Therefore, possible constraints of compatibility and interaction with existing systems must be considered.

Restriction of resources or competencies

A customised solution needs highly skilled professionals and other resources - tangible or not, to ensure the development and maintenance of the solution. However, the financial framework of companies may limit access to the necessary talent and permanently.

Lack of community support

In contrast to a turnkey, ready-to-use solution, customised software may not have an active community of users who share knowledge and solve problems in digitally based forums and communities.

Differences between customised software and a turnkey solution

As we've seen so far, the two approaches of software development are manifestly different. If, on the one hand, custom-made software is developed and adapted to the unique specifications of the business, offering a highly customised solution, on the other hand, turnkey software is a ready-to-use solution, previously developed to meet a broader set of needs for several companies. While customised software offers greater flexibility and control, turnkey software is generally more affordable and has a faster implementation time. The choice depends on the company's requirements, resources and priorities. There are, however, a few more differences between the two types of development.

What opportunities can custom software bring to your company

Essentially, customised software provides access to unique opportunities for companies. It is, therefore, a completely customised solution that is aligned with the unique needs that may exist, allowing for greater operational efficiency, automation of tasks and optimization of workflows. This dynamic development confers a competitive advantage, highlighting the company in the sector in which it operates. In addition, custom software can be seamlessly integrated with existing systems in the infrastructure, ensuring compliance with the necessary security and performance standards. Adaptive scalability allows the software to be updated as the business expands, as complete ownership, control and accessibility facilitates rapid adaptation to changes and support for innovation. With dedicated support, the necessary updates are ensured, so the software will always be up-to-date and functional, giving the company and its customers the most efficient browsing experience possible.