Bespoke software development can seem like one of those topics that is very jargon-heavy and hard to understand. Here at Lyke out first focus is on delivering the best solutions to help drive businesses forward, saving them time and money. Our second important value is that we don’t talk tech. It is important that our clients fully understand the solution we are providing – we don’t hide behind technical language!
In simple terms, bespoke software development is the creation of a custom-made product or service, tailored to the exact needs of your business. The software responds specifically to the needs of the company, and helps to align internal business processes. If you are wanting to step ahead of your competition, refining your internal processes could give you more time to focus on business growth and expanding your market share.
Why Invest In Bespoke Software?
First, let’s quickly discuss one-size-fits-all software solutions. Whilst these may seem attractive due to their cheap nature, remember that they are designed and developed for the masses. They are resold multiple times and only have a simplified set of functions to help improve the day-to-day operations within a business. It is also very likely that your competitors will be using the exact same software
So moving onto bespoke software, this can continuously evolve as the business grows and the requirements change. Making it a scalable solution that supports the working environment of the company. A bespoke software solution looks at the current processes within the business and refines these to improve efficiency, and ultimately profit. No organisational changes are required which means that employees can easily adapt to the new processes and procedures. A bespoke software solution simply enhances their performance by improving the flow of information. Making their job easier in effect, rather than replacing them completely.
Why Businesses Opt For Bespoke
More and more businesses are starting to realise the Return On Investment (ROI) associated with building a bespoke software solution. Whilst the initial investment may seem like a lot of money upfront, the payback period is not very long at all. By improving the internal processes in your business you are immediately saving precious time, so your staff can focus on those jobs which drive more money into the business.
Here are a few other reasons why businesses choose to implement bespoke software solutions:
- No licence fees – once you have paid for the software, you own it.
- The full package – not only do you receive the system itself, but you will also receive additional support and maintenance services to ensure everything runs smoothly.
- Higher security – as the software is unique to your business, the risk of data leakages is reduced in comparison to an off-the-shelf system which is easier to hack.
- Changes can be easily made – every software solution needs regular updates, but this is much easier with bespoke software as they are built around the requirements of your business.
Carry Out Some Research
Before making the decision on whether to choose a custom software solution or a bespoke solution, there are a few things we would advise you to do. Firstly, it is a good idea to conduct a full business analysis which covers the needs of the business, future plans, and capabilities. Whether you opt for the cheaper option or a bespoke software solution, remember you are making a long-term strategic investment into your business.
If your business analysis concludes that there are just a few basic processes within your business that could be automated, such as payroll or sales systems, a custom solution may be the best option. On the other hand, you may feel that a custom solution just isn’t going to satisfy the specific needs of both your business and your employees. This is when a bespoke solution is the best choice, and will allow you to deliver a better service to your customers.
If you would like to find out more about the bespoke software solutions that we create here at Lyke, please give us a call on 01472 897335. We are more than happy to discuss your individual requirements and help save your business time and money!
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