As a business owner, your decisions must always be precise and on point. When it comes down to choosing the right type of software for your company, it can get tricky. In many instances, it comes down to the sort of business you own, the processing structure, and the problems you want to solve. Below we prepared a little guide to help you avoid expensive mistakes and get your head around this a bit quicker.
Out-of-the-Box software
As the name suggests, Out-of-the-Box software solutions, also called “off the shelf”, are readily made prepacked solutions for your business. Usually, they are focused on business with a standard operation process such as CRM, accounting, business intelligence, controlling, etc.
OOTB PROS
The main positive of this software is that it comes ready to install. OOTB solutions are typically more budget-friendly than customized solutions. Another benefit is the variety of solutions for more regular tasks. In industries such as retail or food service, companies don’t have a problem finding an OOTB software that meets their needs. Also, the IT requirements for OOTB solutions are minimal. You don’t need an IT team to develop the software solution. There is also a substantial advantage of customer support lines that focuses on helping their customers with issues.
OOTB CONS
While this solution may seem ideal for your business, using software not specifically customized for your business may have some downsides. Since OOTB software is not designed for your exact needs, it can lack key workflow features. On the other hand, it can also have many features that you will never use, so you are paying for software that you are not using 100%. Even though OOTB software tends to be cheaper, if you have to pay per user, the price of SW can dramatically rise. Also, it typically includes annual licensing or upgrades fees.
Custom software
When an OOTB solution falls short, custom software could be the right choice for your business. Customized software is unique and specifically tailored to meet your business needs. Custom software provides a wide range of options.
Usually, custom software is the right choice for businesses or industries with special requirements such as:
- Regulated industries: Companies in fields like healthcare, finance, and cannabis has to submit compliance reports. Custom software can make their day-to-day business more efficient.
- Complex contracts management: Companies that have to deal with complex contracts need custom solutions to keep up with the fine print. An example of this is the oil and gas industry or the now booming renewable energy industry.
- Complex work planning: Some industries consists of more than just a step-by-step workday flow. For example, new areas such as future farming, including aquaponics, have already incorporated automation as a vital part of the business process. And the custom software is the core of their automation.
PROS
The main motive for a custom-built solution is to customize it according to your business needs. But why do you need customization?
Custom software increases productivity dramatically. Because of customized features and built-in automation, employees and your team will perform tasks more accurately and significantly faster. These solutions are flexible and are easy to integrate with other software, apps, and programs.
The problems that you face with OOTB solutions can be avoided by designing a solution from scratch. If you need a specific feature, you can easily add it to your custom software solution. Anything you want, at any time, can be designed by your software developer so that the software will grow with your business. Using a solution tailored to your business needs, you will deliver more value than your competitors by enhancing the customer experience. Custom-built solutions are more expensive, but it will save you money, and in the long run, make you money.
CONS
While custom software can sound perfect for almost any business, some limitations make implementing custom software an expensive mistake.
To successfully develop a custom software solution, you have to find highly skilled software developers, which can be expensive. It can take longer, as developing and implementing a solution takes longer than just implementing an existing solution. On the other hand, if done carefully, such investment usually has a pretty short ROI.
Another potential limitation is overbuilding, as you can get tempted to develop components for every feature, and you end up with a system that is too difficult to use and expensive to maintain. To avoid this, you need to choose your software developer wisely. Ideally, someone who will be not afraid to stop along the way and elaborate on the next steps you are about to take.
So which one to choose?
The ideal solution depends on your business’ requirements and the requirements of the industry. Here are a few questions you should ask yourself before making a decision:
- Which software fits my budget?
- What solution is required by the industry?
- Does my business need a high level of customization?
- Who is going to maintain the software?
- Are my competitors using custom solutions? Do I need it to outperform them?
- How urgently do I need the software?
- Who is the final user?
Both solutions have their pros and cons. But if your business includes tasks such as submitting reports, dealing with complex contracts, and scheduling, or if you want an upper hand over your competition, then investing in a custom software solution is the right choice for you.
About TIMEPRESS
As a custom software development company, we work on all kinds of solutions applicable across the whole operational spectrum of your business from sales, marketing, back office, e-shops to accounting. Our solutions shape the everyday reality of thousands of workers to make their life easier. For example, our biggest achievement thus far comes from creating a contract automation tool that helps lawyers around the world to quickly and easily create, negotiate, and sign legal documents. Our job is to figure out what is the most effective way to help you and come up with a solution. After all, the reason for choosing a customized software solution is that you want the system to do only what it needs to do.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us here.
