Processes that run on spreadsheets, WhatsApp groups and a handful of disconnected apps eventually start slowing a business down. At that point the question is: should you buy an off-the-shelf program, or have software built for your business?
When is an off-the-shelf solution enough?
For processes that work much the same in every business, such as accounting, e-invoicing or standard booking systems, off-the-shelf software is usually faster and cheaper.
Signs you need custom software
- You enter the same data in more than one place by hand.
- Off-the-shelf programs don’t fit your workflow, so you have to adapt to the program.
- Different systems don’t talk to each other.
- Errors and delays grow as the team grows.
Start small
Starting with a simple tool that solves the single process wasting the most time, instead of a giant system that does everything at once, lowers both risk and cost. New modules can be added once you see it working.
Put the user at the centre
It’s your staff who will use the software every day. Listening to them during design reduces the chance of ending up with a system nobody uses after launch.
Don’t forget maintenance and security
The work doesn’t end when the software is delivered. Plan from the start for updates, backups and security checks.