Choosing a company to carry out bespoke software development can be very difficult. Whilst a quick Google search will give you a list of those who are local to you, how do you then compile a shortlist from these? Finding the right fit for not only the project, but your company is essential. We have put together a quick checklist which will help you to choose the right software development company for your requirements.
Experience
There is no substitute for experience, and when you are choosing a software development company it is always a good idea to ask to see examples of their work. They may well have a portfolio section on their website, but it is often hard to showcase software through images and text. They should have a working prototype of a custom solution they have created for one of their clients.
Always take the time to ask if they have experience in developing a similar bespoke software application to what you require. If the answer is yes, ask if they can demonstrate how this works and the development processes that they went through. At this stage it is important to understand how they work so that you know what to expect throughout the development process.
Awards & Recognition
Before choosing a software development company, it is a good idea to ask if either the team or the company have won any awards for the work that they have carried out. Whilst software development awards are hard to come by (particularly within Lincolnshire), if a company has won an award it shows that they are on a different level to their competitors. It is also a good indication of their commitment to providing a high quality service.
Team Size
A one-man-band is perfectly capable of carrying out bespoke software development, and to high standards. However, when it gets to a stage where they have a high workload, sacrifices may be made to the quality of work that they provide. The best way to look at the size of the team, is by comparing this to your business. You should choose a company which is the right size for you.
If you choose a software company that is too small, there is a risk that they won’t be able to support the development of the bespoke software. On the other hand, if the company is too big, your project may not receive the attention that it requires. The overheads of running a large company are often passed onto the clients, so you could end up paying a higher premium for the same quality product than if you had gone with a smaller company.
Expertise
Technology is rapidly changing – if 2020 has taught us one thing, it is that we all need to stay in tune with the latest digital advancements. A software development company should have a good understanding of the tools out there. Sometimes it is best combining a bespoke solution with a readily available software product, in order to reduce the development timeframe. If the company you decide to go ahead with are up to date on what is available, this can help to reduce both the effort and the cost of the software development process
If you would like more information about the work that we have carried out for our clients at Lyke, please feel free to contact us and we will be more than happy to show you some of our portfolio of bespoke software solutions