10 advantages of bespoke software development

What is bespoke software?

Custom software solutions created from scratch for the needs of a particular business are always unique and specialized. They adapt to existing business processes and allow for the rapid implementation of new ones. There are no analogs in this case. Their interface is designed specifically for employees and customers of that particular company. All special software functions and tools are used to their fullest extent, % of capacity – nothing superfluous, only useful. Of course, such software, made to order, allows you to work as efficiently as possible.

Moreover, this type of software belongs only to the company that uses it. This means that you can add and remove features. If necessary, you can always develop a custom software solution according to the requirements of the business. 

What are the common features of bespoke software?

The freedom to add as many features as you want is one of the main advantages of bespoke application software. Top features in this category of software products are:

• Customization options to meet the demands of the users;
• Compatibility with other software systems;
• Intuitive and user-friendly interface;
• Improved scalability;
• Better security;
• Personalized branding;
• Mobile-friendly;
• Application programming interfaces (APIs).

Custom software is often developed using agile methodology. This methodology allows for continuous input and iteration throughout the SDLC. This allows the organization’s constantly evolving needs to be met through quick updates to its software.

Top customized software examples

There are hundreds of customized software solutions that cater to various needs in different industries. Popular examples of this category of software products are:

• Enterprise resource planning (ERP);
• Customer relationship management (CRM);
• Content management systems (CMS);
• E-commerce solutions;
• Bug-tracking programs;
• B2B accounting programs;
• Banking application;
• Hospital/ university portal. 

Bespoke solutions are the answer to streamlining your operations no matter your niche.

Now, let’s look at some custom-written software advantages.

№1 – Custom software can solve the exact problem

There are hundreds of different solutions to almost any problem nowadays. Usually, a solution is initially designed to solve only one problem, but when you get clients, each new one asks for more and more features. While trying to catch all of the client’s needs, solutions usually end up solving everything and nothing. When you as a business would like your business problem to be solved, it is not what you aim for. One of the advantages of purchasing bespoke application software, among other things, is that it solves exactly your problem rather than trying to satisfy hundreds of other clients.

№2 – Bespoke software will be your competitive advantage. No one else has it

When you order custom software, this usually means you have a business problem to automate. By solving this problem, you can speed up processes and decisions and decrease costs and human errors. By using bespoke software, you can definitely gain an additional competitive advantage. You can create better products, release them faster, analyze data better, and make better decisions—while your competitors are trying to analyze data in Excel, you are skyrocketing with your custom software.

№3 – It can reduce your costs when it comes to long-term usage

Of course, it can turn out that using some ready-made solution is faster and cheaper in the short term. But what if you are trying to build a strategy for years and decades? Many ready-made solutions are free for one user but may cost $1,000 for ten users per month. All in all, your budget can make you extremely sad when you scale up. Properly designed software is scalable: it doesn’t ask for 10X more money if you bring 100+ employees on board, as it will smartly tackle that without additional costs.

№4 – It can do something special and innovative that ready-made products cannot

Developing custom software is a way to create something innovative. With custom software, you may get a solution that has never been created before. By thinking outside the box, you can have a solution that stays a hundred steps ahead of any ready-made solutions. You are free to decide and avoid any limitations. All ready-made solutions in the market solve common problems. It has no financial sense to solve something that only one business needs. However, if it’s your business and this particular business process is worth automating, why would you wait until someone decides to build it for you?

№5 – It may become your own product you can sell

When you develop custom software, it is fully yours. If it solves your business problem the right way, it may become an excellent product that may be useful for other companies. So, one of the bespoke application software advantages is the double benefit. It solves your problems, and it also can be a source of additional revenue.

№6 – Integrate different IT systems into one

By developing custom software, you are literally not limited to integrating any system into one powerful and efficient one. Ready-made solutions usually have tons of limitations when integrating with third-party systems. Even if it is possible, it would not have all of the features you can get if you make a proper integration. Besides, you may already have different software systems, and you drastically increase efficiency by creating custom software that will properly integrate all of them.

№7 – You can make it better while your business grows

Creating your custom software means that you can add missing features in the future without paying for them right now. It is a common situation when business growth requires more and more. And it is also quite true for ready-made solutions that, at first glance, seem like they have everything you need at the moment. But if tomorrow you want to add some non-standard feature, then you are stuck. With custom software, you are free to improve it when it is really needed without any limitations.

№8 – Gain fine-grained control over collected data

With custom software, you can collect much more data than with ready-made solutions and extract insights from your data. Do you want to know how much time is spent on a particular feature, collect business-critical data, or collect sensor readings? No problem, by controlling the data, you get an opportunity to keep your eye on the ball and make decisions promptly, which means that your business is bound to be successful.

№9 – White labeling

If you develop custom software to be sold to other users/companies, you may need it to be white-labelled. Then, of course, you would like to have your logo and custom colours whenever possible. You are literally free to do so with custom software without any problems. However, it is usually hard or even totally impossible with ready-made solutions.

№10 – Minimize disruption by improving your solution gradually

One of the top advantages of bespoke software over commercial software is the ability to scale. Custom software allows you to minimize disruption by improving your application gradually. Avoid painful migration from one ready-made solution that fits your business when it is small to another one when your business grows bigger. All of these migrations from one solution to another are about disruption, client churn, and lost profit. With bespoke software, you can grow gradually and avoid losing any profit.

Conclusion

If you want to give your company a competitive edge, then investing in tailor-made software rather than opting for ready-made solutions could be the answer. This is where Broscorp comes in. 

Here at Broscorp, we can help you turn your ideas into real, usable software products. Our Eastern European team has the expertise, experience, and skills to breathe life into your ideas no matter your niche or industry. Contact us today to discuss your company’s software requirements.

FAQ

What are some disadvantages of bespoke software?

One of the biggest disadvantages of custom software development is the cost. Bespoke applications can cost significantly more than off-the-shelf options. Even the simplest application can be as expensive as $30,000.

Of course, several different factors affect the cost of software development. Some of the top ones are:

• The number of features you want in your application;
• Target platform – iOS, Android, and Cross-platform;
• Location of your development team;
• The complexity of your design;
• Compatibility with other applications;
• The size of your development team.

The longer development timeframe for bespoke software is another drawback. The duration of a typical SDLC can range from weeks to months.

Bespoke or off the shelf. Which is the best option?

Choosing between custom app development and the off-the-shelf alternative is not an easy task. There are advantages and disadvantages to both options.

To make the best choice, you must take into account the unique requirements of your operation.

Off-the-shelf products are recommended if:

• You require an inexpensive solution;
• Time is of the essence;
• An easy-to-install product is required.

Keep in mind, though, you might end up with a product that lacks the features or customization choices necessary to meet the demands of your project.

You should go for a bespoke product if:

• You are not in a rush;
• You want to include all the functions and features that matter to your operations;
• You want something that is highly secure and scalable;
• You can afford it.

What is the role of bespoke solutions in organizations?

Bespoke solutions have become an integral part of most successful organizations. Some of the roles these types of solutions play in organizations include:

• Optimizing their competitive advantage;
• Streamlining work processes;
• Managing problems effectively;
• Reducing the number of mistakes;
• Reducing the need for oversight;
• Improving efficiency;
• Boosting performance and productivity.

Is bespoke software right for your business?

Most businesses opt to use bespoke software these days but is it also the right option for your business? To determine this, ask yourself the following questions. 

• What is your budget?
• Is there a timeframe for implementation?
• What are the specific software needs of your company?
• Can you afford it?

Custom-made solutions may be the best option if:

• An off-the-shelf product cannot meet your business needs;

• You want the competitive advantage that comes with custom software development;
• Your business is growing;
• You want to improve in the area of customer satisfaction.

It may be more practical, however, to use an off-the-shelf program if:

• Custom application development is too expensive for your organization;
• Time is of the essence;
• There is a ready-made product that meets your needs exactly.

Ultimately, determining whether to use a bespoke solution or a ready-made alternative will depend on your organization’s needs and budget.