The power of custom software development
Custom software development refers to the process of designing and building personalised software that meets the specific requirements of the agency that is going to use it.
This approach to software development differs from the more common off-the-shelf software development process, as the latter, despite being generally less expensive and quicker to develop, is far less customised, may not be easily integrated with other systems, and does not always meet the business requirements of the company.
More and more organisations have begun investing in custom software because of its benefits for the business. Despite requiring a more significant initial capital outlay, it pays off in efficiency, customer satisfaction, and competitive advantage.
In this article, you can learn more about how custom software benefits businesses and read about real-world examples of companies and organisations from different fields that chose custom software. Let’s start with the first.
The benefits of custom software development
Tailored solutions: Addressing unique business needs
Custom software can meet the needs of a particular business or organisation because it is designed and developed according to specific requirements, taking into consideration internal processes, pain points, and business goals.
This type of software enables the creation of customised functionalities and features that enhance unique and exclusive processes and workflows.
Competitive advantage: Achieving business differentiation
Online business competition is fierce nowadays, meaning companies must invest in methods and tools that make them stand out. Custom software can be a tool that helps businesses be unique - but how so?
Deploying custom software contributes to an enhanced, personalised customer experience, improving customer satisfaction and your business reputation.
Additionally, tailor-made software can help make business processes and workflows more efficient, resulting in better services and cost optimisation.
Scalability: Growing with Your Business
Unlike Off-the-shelf software, custom software can keep up with your business as it evolves and grows. Custom software can be designed with the possibility to scale, making it possible to integrate new features and technologies. The chance to scale the software ensures that it stays updated and relevant for your business operations.
Integration: Streamlining business operations
Developing bespoke software also makes your life easier regarding integration.
Custom software can accommodate and work with the business’s existing infrastructure. Compatibility and interoperability help streamline your operations, saving time and reducing the risk of errors.
Real-World examples: Businesses transformed by custom software
Now, let’s look at four real-world businesses and organisations from distinct fields that invested in custom software development to optimise their operations.
E-commerce - Amazon
Amazon is one of the best examples of how custom software development can catapult a business to international success.
The corporation developed a highly scalable platform capable of handling and optimising its operations, from inventory management to order and payment processing. At the same time, it focused on providing personalised, efficient recommendations, creating a seamless and highly-appreciated user experience.
Healthcare - Curogram
Curogram is a communications platform for market participants in healthcare whose software allows healthcare providers to send appointed reminders, make virtual consultations, and share patient data.
Curogram deployed custom software to optimise the processes of patient communication and appointment management. In the end, there were evident improvements: more patient engagement, fewer no-shows, and more efficient communication.
Manufacturing - Toyota
Toyota is a well-known automobile manufacturer that also chose customer software to improve productivity and achieve greater efficiency. Toyota’s custom software enhanced the Toyota Production System methodology by tracking real-time production, managing inventory, optimising the supply chain, and performing quality control.
Education - Khan Academy
The field of education also benefits from personalised software adoption, and the Khan Academy is a great example of that. The Khan Academy is an online educational platform that provides learning experiences to students across the globe.
Custom software has helped the academy create personalised experiences by adapting to each student’s individual needs. The software works with information regarding the progress and knowledge of each student and utilises it to suggest adequate exercises and lessons.
Conclusion
Custom software is a powerful tool for businesses that seek innovation and growth. A company that implements custom software solutions is more ready to solve problems and provide more satisfying customer service and experience, regardless of the industry it belongs to.
As a scalable and flexible program, it is capable of incorporating and leveraging emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and blockchain, that meet the specific needs and goals of a business.