Typically, small to mid-size businesses are using a variety of different software systems to run their business which leads to multiple issues:
Future Proof
Ready-made software may have some features that could be helpful for your company. But because it is meant to service a wide variety of businesses, it probably won’t have all the functionality you need now or in the future. Custom software can be tweaked and updated depending on your needs, making it future proof.
Scalable
Personalized software is customized for specific businesses instead of a wide range and can easily scale to accommodate growth in the future. This is a major benefit if you’re in an industry that experiences rapid growth, or if you’re in early stages of your business and you’re not sure what your needs will be in a year from now.
It belongs to you
Although off-the-shelf software may seem like an easier solution, it is important to remember that you don’t actually own the product you’re using. Instead, you are paying regular fees to license someone else’s product, without any power over fees, upgrades, integrations etc. With custom software, you have an asset that increases the value of your company if you decide to sell.
Integration
The key to seamless system and data integration lies in collaboration and data exchange. That is exactly what a good custom software solution can provide, leveraging 3rd party software interfaces. This is a little harder to do with many off-the-shelf solutions, and experiences vary.
Support
We are small business owners too and we know how important it is to get the support you need quickly and efficiently. Working with a custom solutions developer mean that you have a shorter path to getting an issue resolved.
Security
With any kind of software, security is a big talking point. Especially when it comes to something that might collect and store data about your company, employees, or customers. Custom applications are most secure because they have been built for niche purposes, drastically reducing the chances of security threats.
Lower costs over time
Although customized software solutions have higher upfront costs for development and execution, they don’t require long-term recurring fees, features you don’t use or are irrelevant to your business, which often make them far less expensive over time.