Understanding bespoke development
Bespoke software refers to a custom built system designed around your specific requirements. Because it is created from scratch, the workflows, features and functionality, user interface and overall look and feel are all shaped by your organisation alone. The result is software that aligns exactly with your objectives and the way you operate.
This is in contrast to off-the-shelf software, which is pre-built with generic functionality selected to appeal to the widest possible audience. Whilst convenient, these solutions often force you to adapt your processes to fit the software or find 'workarounds' which can be time intensive, inconvenient and frankly, a waste of money.
Benefits of bespoke software
Bespoke software can bring many advantages to your business regardless of its shape and size - some more obvious than others. Let's take a look at them in more detail:
Built to specific requirements
As we have covered above, custom software is built to match your specific set of requirements so every feature is designed to fit with your objectives. The end result is a software solution that is fit for purpose, efficient and fully aligned to your business's goals.
Long term value
Bespoke solutions can be built to grow alongside your business. You make the decision on when updates and enhancements happen as opposed to relying on a third party vendor, meaning the software can be consistently changed or added to, to ensure it continues to provide value for years to come.
Integration capabilities
Because it's built from scratch, custom built software can be designed to integrate with your existing systems - bespoke or otherwise.
Competitive advantage
With bespoke software, you're free to choose unique features and functionality that will attract prospective clients. By offering something no else does, you have a unique selling point - a rarity in most businesses today.
Replication of workflows & processes
Custom built software can replicate your existing manual or paper based processes and workflows meaning there is no requirement to adapt or change them for the software to work. In addition, using your existing processes can ensure your employees are onboarded and comfortable with the software quicker.
Key services offered
When it comes to choosing a bespoke software development partner, it can be tricky to decipher who best fits your requirements. Some specialise in custom websites, others focus on management software or mobile apps and many provide a combination of these solutions (like we do). The exact services depend on the company’s expertise and experience. Here, we will explore some of the most common services offered by bespoke software development companies:
Custom website development
First impressions count and your business's website is often the first point of interaction with prospective clients. If your website lacks the ability to draw customers in, keep them engaged and provide a positive user experience this can be problematic and is often seen with off-the-shelf template websites. Custom websites on the other hand, allow you to add useful features that your customers will love such as quote builders, stock checkers and product search history making a stellar first impression.
Mobile application development
With mobile usage continuing to rise, you may want to invest in a bespoke mobile application to enhance customer engagement and streamline your internal operations. For example, if you run a field service business, your app could provide real time job updates and improve workforce coordination. If your business is customer facing, it can help you strengthen retention by giving your clients convenient access to support and services directly from their mobile devices.
AI and automation solutions
AI driven automation is becoming increasingly important and you can leverage it to make your business more efficient. For example, you could use chatbots to provide instant customer support, machine learning algorithms to forecast sales trends or AI powered security systems to protect your operations from advanced threats. These tools allow you to streamline processes, reduce manual effort and stay ahead of the competition.
Cloud based software solutions
Demand for cloud based software solutions has sky rocketed over the last few years for the flexibility, scalability and cost effectiveness they can offer to businesses. Cloud solutions can help your organisation securely store and access data from anywhere, anytime whilst reducing IT infrastructure costs and that goes for both bespoke and off-the-shelf cloud solutions. They are also great if you have globally dispersed teams that need to collaborate live.
Bespoke software integrations
Many companies use multiple different software tools for their day to day operations that don’t communicate effectively or for that matter, at all. Bespoke integrations allow your different systems to work together, reducing the need for manual data entry across multiple systems and lowering the risk of errors. For example, if you're a logistics company, you might need an integration between your inventory management system and third party courier service to automate shipping updates to your end clients.
Custom management systems
There’s a wide range of management systems you can use to streamline operations across your business. Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Workforce Management (WFM) systems are all common today and can bring much needed structure to disjointed workflows. Off-the-shelf solutions have their place, but more often than not, they lack critical features or struggle to accommodate more complex, nuanced processes. A bespoke CRM, for instance, could automate lead tracking to match your exact sales process, whilst a tailored ERP system can bring your finance, HR and supply chain management together in a single, integrated platform.
Challenges and considerations
Whilst bespoke software offers many distinct advantages, there are a few points to consider before you fully commit:
Time to develop
Because it's built from scratch, bespoke software takes time to design, develop and implement. This is in contrast to off-the-shelf solutions that can be deployed instantly. Custom software goes through multiple stages including discovery, design, development, testing, implementation and refinement which can take weeks, months or even years depending on the complexity of the project. So, if you require an immediate solution, bespoke software is probably not the best option.
However, if you can be more flexible with your timescales, the end result is going to be a software solution that is wholly complementary to your business as the necessary time has been put into the project to make sure this is the case.
Potential costs
It's true. The upfront investment for bespoke software can be higher than buying off-the-shelf solutions. Customisation requires research, design and coding to ensure the system functions exactly as you need it to. However, the long term value often outweighs the initial expenditure. Bespoke software reduces time spent on manual processes, avoids unnecessary licensing fees and unwanted features and can deliver efficiencies that pay for the system many times over.
Developer dependency
Another potential drawback of bespoke software is that the developers who build your software are usually the most familiar with its architecture and functionality. This can create a dependency if updates, changes or maintenance are required and those developers are unavailable for whatever reason. To mitigate this, you should ensure all technical information, including architecture, codebase, dependencies and custom logic is thoroughly documented and accessible to you. This ensures a comprehensive handover to new developers if needed.
Maintenance & support
Whilst not a challenge per se, the fact that all maintenance and support relating to your bespoke software solution sit strictly with you is worth highlighting. With off-the-shelf solutions, the vendor is solely responsible for all updates, including additional features and security patching which is generally paid for by it's users through monthly licensing fees. With custom software, that's not the case and all maintenance, updates and support must be arranged and paid for by you.
You can ensure this does not become a problem by agreeing on a maintenance schedule with a reliable development partner who can help ensure that your software remains secure and functional as time goes on.
How can we help
Here at Cool Code Company we have been helping businesses across the Midlands transform the way they work for over 18 years. We offer a wide variety of custom software services from bespoke management systems including CRM, WFM and ERP to API integrations to on-going development support. We understand that collaboration is a core principle of success and so, our experienced, Midlands based development team are always happy to meet clients at their own premises which allows them to gain a deep understanding of the unique working environment in which the software will be used, ultimately allowing us to provide solutions that truly add value. So, if you're a business in Northampton that requires some outside support with their software needs, we would welcome the opportunity to speak with you!
