Did you know that almost nine in 10 customers expect personalized experiences?
Companies might have trouble meeting that expectation using off-the-shelf software. Using software off the shelf can feel confining — almost like wearing a straightjacket or being handcuffed. That’s where custom software makes sense.
According to Gartner, the custom software development services space is expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 8.9% and will be worth more than $283 billion by 2028. More businesses appear to be waking up to the benefits offered by software built on a one-size-fits-one basis.
But how can you tell if custom-made software is worth the expense? Here are five reasons to consider hiring a custom software developer.
1. Seamless Integration with Systems Already in Place
If your company uses various software applications that weren’t designed to work well together, these tools can’t be like islands unto themselves. You might want them to communicate effectively and seamlessly, but the reality might be the opposite of the expectation.
Businesses with software that won’t integrate seamlessly will have to come up with elaborate workarounds that waste time, cost money, and frustrate employees. Few things are as annoying to workers as lacking the right tools to do their jobs.
When you get something built from the ground up with your business in mind, you can ensure that the custom solution integrates without issues with whatever ERP, CRM, or other tools are in place.
2. Built to Meet Your Company’s Needs
When using off-the-shelf software, you’re at the mercy of the team that wrote the source code and decided what features and capabilities to include. Depending on your needs, an off-the-shelf solution might work. However, you might be in a bind if you use off-the-shelf software that doesn’t have what you need. It might be woefully limiting.
You may need custom-made software to obtain features that align with your company’s specific processes. Instead of making do with a solution that’s not cutting it, you can get something tailor-made.
3. Cost-Effectiveness in the Long Run
Another reason to consider custom software is that it can save your company a lot of money over time. One source says that U.S. businesses typically spend $1,000 to $3,500 per worker on software licensing annually. However, that range can skyrocket depending on how many applications companies use.
Custom software will cost you something upfront, of course, but you won’t have to worry about annual licensing fees or subscription costs. When you buy a custom application, it’s yours. Once you pay the upfront expense, you won’t have to worry about extra fees draining your coffers.
4. Competitive Pricing Flexibility
Another benefit of choosing custom-made software applications over off-the-shelf options is the pricing flexibility. In other words, you can potentially save money since you have the option of selecting the features and functionalities you want and skipping the features and functionalities you don’t need or don’t want.
One of the issues with off-the-shelf applications is that you might be stuck paying a premium for capabilities you don’t require. You can avoid that issue with custom software.
5. Future-Proof Investment
Custom software can also future-proof your technology investment. Some off-the-shelf software applications are already a bit outdated by the time they hit the shelf. But a custom solution can include the latest technologies and features. The software developer can also ensure that scalability is built in, which is one way to future-proof your investment.
Do any of these five reasons for getting custom software for your business resonate with you? It can be a game-changer. That’s especially true if what you’re currently doing is not yielding the results you expect.
