In a segregated consumer market, it’s important to get noticed. That can only happen if you have a wow factor for users to differentiate you from the competition. First-of-all, a business needs custom software solution to meet its diverse requirements during 2024.
You might be an FMCG, Electronics, Oil & Gas, Transportation, or any type of business. But at end of it all, without having a converted user base – you will never be able to sustain yourself. That’s where the importance of a customized website and a personalized mobile app comes into the picture.
Businesses can augment their development team with expert dedicated resources for better results. The definition of custom software has evolved. And so, has its meaning. Read on to find what it is and how it works.
What is a Custom Software?
As the name suggests, custom software is the solution developed on specific business needs and requirements. The business owner identifies the need for developing a specialized software solution. That’s when it starts off – the ideation process.
This idea is then further refined to understand the business cases. The company may decide on whether they want to contract dedicated staff or do an in-house effort. Moreover, they can outsource the project or work on a hybrid model.
Vital signs a Business needs custom Software Solution
Jumping the bandwagon because everyone is doing it, makes little sense. It’s best to understand whether your business needs a custom-built software solution or not. To help you make this decision, we have rounded up some points for you to evaluate in this critical decision.
Brainstorming on these points will help you understand why must a business invest in the bespoke software solution. It is time to take note of the vibrant indications a business needs custom software solution amid 2024.
Getting Noticed
Chances are you may be a startup or a small business with little to no budget. Then it is better to go for commercial off-the-shelf software. This option will help you explore the market without having to invest so much in developing a customized solution.
So, you can buy an existing WordPress template to start on your website. W3Techs says that WordPress powers over 40% of the Internet (64% share in the CMS market). To align it a bit with your brand, you can customize its look and feel, and then test the waters.
However, your business can have a certain complexity, that may need some explicit attention. Then it is best to go for custom software. This way you can add all your requirements for a proper solution that reflects your business.
Competing with Rivals
Although this is not considered a great reason. But at times understanding what your competition is doing can be your best bet. So, if your competitors have websites through which they also allow users to purchase products. Then definitely you are losing out by not having a website to tap on potential online users.
The best way to counter this is to develop a custom software solution. This will help you get into a 1-1 interaction with users. So that you can give yourself the opportunity of being in the online market.
Showcasing your Products
Why are you even running a business? That’s because you have products or services that need to be displayed to the audience for making purchases. What websites or mobile apps do for businesses? These custom solutions have a product catalog management feature.
This way you can add products, their specifications, and details through the customized software. Users can browse through the product catalog for purchasing as per their liking. This is an important element of specialized software solutions as they allow businesses to showcase their products to the world.
Pandemic Blues
Ever since COVID-19 emerged, our lives have been irrevocably impacted by the pandemic. Speaking of 2024, we have realized that coronavirus is unfortunately here to stay. So, we need better manageability through social distancing.
This means the majority of us are working from home and ordering online for most of our shopping concerns. That’s why businesses must understand how critical a bespoke software solution is. So, it will help them make the necessary sales as retail stores are suffering globally and in the United States. Because governments have to impose lockdowns now and then to fight the next waves of COVID-19.
Higher ROI
Who doesn’t want more earnings and greater revenue? Companies always want to expand on their existing business. And a custom software solution can help you deliver that and much more.
With a website or a mobile app, you are not restricted to a certain bracketed demographic. Instead, you can have a higher audience reach across the world. The only concern is the shipment and delivery which can be done through third-party contractors for this purpose.
Grasping the Custom Software Development Process in 2024
Remember that custom software development is a special art modeled on a software development methodology paradigm. The phases include the following.
Let’s discuss these stages of the custom software development process briefly.
Discovery & Analysis
Do you have a product idea but not sure how to develop it? Then, start with a discovery and design workshop. Here a team of designers and consultants works with you to create a prototype of your business requirements.
At the end of it all, you will be visually equipped to understand your business problem. Likewise, you can envision the recommended solution. This will enable you to know how it can help you address and resolve your problems.
Planning & Design
Great products are built on proper planning and execution. The former part is addressed through this phase. So, the business cases are planned to calculate the total time, effort, and resources required for the development.
The design sprint is another activity here. This helps designers and business analysts to create user stories. Subsequently, these screen designs facilitate programmers in the development phase.
Development & Implementation
The next stage is development, which helps dedicated resources in coding and implementing the business logic. You can have separate front-end and back-end developers to perform the task. Or you can hire a full-stack developer to code for your product.
Testing
A developed product requires to be tested by QA resources to gauge its viability. Such resources create various test cases that are either run manually or are automated. So, this helps in checking whether the product passes or fails in those conditions.
Any failures are then reported as bugs, defects, or un-catered for requirements for further discussion. Great QA resources help in refining the product. Thus, it enables businesses in bringing out the best on the front.
Maintenance & Support
A product once successfully deployed and launched in the market is only the beginning. It requires continuous monitoring to ensure it works smoothly without any malfunctions or halts. That’s where maintenance and support staff come into the picture.
Any reported issues are immediately addressed and resolved under the decided service-level agreements (SLAs). This way users are always able to use the product without any interruption. Ongoing support & maintenance helps in efficiently fixing such issues as they arise.
Conclusion
In today’s saturated consumer market, companies must maintain a brave front. Being competitive is something that comes naturally to companies and small businesses. Because it is all about the survival of the fittest in all industry segments.
Currently, various commercially available off-the-shelf software systems are widely available. There is also the option of being part of various eCommerce platforms. But all these options are good for the time being while you test the waters.
When it comes to a bigger game, specialized software solutions bring you an immense advantage in the market. Consequently, it enables you to accommodate multi-faceted requirements under one umbrella. Furthermore, you also have the benefit of establishing your brand name in the market.
It’s time to step up to a whole new level with a tailor-made software solution and create your market niche. Let’s get started on creating your personalized software system. For a free discussion on how to go about it, contact Techliance today.
