Have you ever found yourself in need of software that fits all your preferences and expectations and is tailor-made just for you? Do you have a specific software need that can’t be addressed with off-the-shelf software? Off-the-shelf software may be readily available, even cheap but if you have specifications that need to be met, you will need a developer to customize the software.
Custom software development
This is when the software is designed specifically for a group of people in an organization to help them meet their needs. If the software is developed for your company, it can only be used by the company or department that it was designed for. This gives you an advantage over your competitors who depend on off-the-shelf solutions, as you are original and unique and this makes your company more popular.
Software development process
1) Initial requirements gathering
The development company holds many meetings with the client to gather the requirements of the project. Here, the designers and developers are exposed to project goals, specifications, users, and expectations of the clients. This process enables the developers to minimize the possible risks. At Rare Crew, you can get free 3h assessment to understand your goals and needs.
2) Requirements analysis and planning
The development company analyzes the requirements, coming up with a strong base for the software. The client’s goal is converted into a plan and their demands are documented and verified by both parties. This helps avoid any kind of misunderstanding.
3) Visual and technical design
The development company identifies a way to build the system. Design modularity and risk assessment are the parameters considered in this stage. The external design is created.
4) Development and implementation
The actual software is developed. The software is programmed according to users’ specifications and needs.
5) Testing
To find defects and fix them, a test is conducted before releasing the product. The critical features tested include compatibility with different devices, installation on machines, a software function, and text input. If a bug is detected, it is fixed and the test is conducted again. The test goes on until all requirements are met.
6) Deployment and maintenance
The software is released. The software development company solves unexpected problems right away or improves later depending on the urgency.
Benefits
- It is specifically made to meet the enterprises’ needs. The developer gets to collaborate with you, learn of your requirements, and therefore work to fulfill them.
- It increases productivity and efficiency as your team is more confident and faster to perform their tasks.
- Since you own the software, you can do anything you want with it or make amends. Your business is not as vulnerable as you are in charge and not dependent on a developer to improve and update the application.
- It is more secure and harder to get external threats as it is not available to everyone.
- You get a supportive technical team that is always ready to solve your issues whenever they arise because they designed the software and are therefore familiar.
- When a company grows and its processes become complex, you can scale your software and hence avoid additional pay for additional licenses and subscriptions for more features.
Qualities of a good custom software developer
- Experience and technical skills
If a company has been in business for a long time and has a good reputation for a huge success rate, chances are, they provide the best service. You should be on the lookout to hire companies with strong technical and leadership skills with a proper understanding of recent technologies.
- Communication skills
This is important to understand the customers’ goals and requirements. The knowledge acquired helps to ensure that the clients’ needs are met. Communication creates a strong bond between the customer and the software development company.
- Pricing structure
It is essential to choose a company that shares a clear picture of the total cost incurred rather than one that hides it.
- Strong business skills
The company should be able to give ideas and convert them into reality. Conducting a background check on their previous projects is highly recommended.
Signs that your business needs custom software development
- Overwhelming paperwork and manual processes highly decrease the efficiency of your business.
- A lot of common and recurring problems that need sorting out daily.
- Worn out spreadsheets are used to fulfill all your data needs. When data is analyzed and tracked by hand, it takes a lot of time imputing data and this wastes a lot of time.
- Losing communication with a client, getting complaints from customers, poor response to surveys, and increased emails.
- Your business is growing. The software will help manage the workflow by integrating information from different locations, increasing efficiency ,and saving costs.
Factors to consider when creating a customized software
- Technological needs
You should be able to know the purpose of the software, the goal and needs of your business, and your plan for implementing it.
- Return on investment
The software should give you an added advantage in terms of the benefits you expect. It should meet your budget and be profitable for the company afterward.
- Software development and maintenance processes
It is important for the developer to know the plan and document their approach. This makes the maintenance of the software rather simple.
- Impact on staff and customers
Your staff may require training on how the software works. Consider gathering information on customers’ requirements to serve them well.
Conclusion
Custom software development is becoming an increasing necessity for most businesses. Due to the changing trends in technology, it is important to keep your business innovative to keep your clients happy. Sometimes, a business may need unique solutions to solve certain problems that are specific to the company. Customized software has numerous benefits compared to off-the-shelf software. It is essential to choose a developer wisely by looking at their qualities and doing a background check to avoid incurring unnecessary losses. This software will boost the productivity of your business as well as increase revenue.
