When off-the-shelf software doesn't meet your needs, it's time to explore custom software development. Moving to a custom solution gives you more control, flexibility, and security than off-the-shelf software. But what do you need to consider when deciding between off-the-shelf and custom? 

Here's what you need to know. 

Off the Shelf

Off-the-Shelf, or packaged software, is generally designed to meet most needs of similar types of companies. You can find off-the-shelf software for nearly every business need; computing, business, productivity, communications, etc.

However, many businesses require specific capabilities that packaged software cannot provide.

When to Go Custom

Off-the-shelf software systems are developed following a generalist pattern, which allows their production on a large scale. As a result, these systems are rather generic - they are not built with you in mind. You cannot customize the solution to your specific needs. 

The Benefits of Going Custom:

• Increased efficiency of applications

• Better scalability than off-the-shelf products

• Improved integration with existing infrastructure

• Greater adaptability to changing market trends  

• Tighter security

Things to Consider when Going Custom:

Goals

When you look at an off-the-shelf solution, what is missing? What would need to be included to make it the most beneficial solution for your needs? It's important to ask these questions to determine whether a custom solution is genuinely right for your business. 

Users

Every end-user has their own particular set of needs. Those needs, for example, will be different for the CEO and the Purchasing Manager. That is why it's essential to understand their challenges before trying to craft a solution. 

Future Plans

When developing a custom software application, you should anticipate your changing needs. Going custom can maintain or improve customer retention and satisfaction levels, reduce errors, and boost sales as your company grows. And because you control the process, you will have the flexibility to expand it and add users, locations, and functionality as needed.

The Bottom Line

Implementing a web solution for your existing off-the-shelf software offers substantial usability benefits and, in turn, leads to improved productivity for the people using it.

If you think web solutions may be what your company needs, contact our team at ETHANY today for a free consultation. We'll look at what your software currently does and what you want it to do, then help you understand the best route to achieve those goals. Don't delay — the sooner your web solutions are implemented, the sooner you'll be able to enjoy their benefits.