The Benefits of Custom Software Development for Businesses

1. Personalised Features and Functions

One of the most attractive custom software development advantages is the high level of personalisation. A custom software solution is designed to perfectly match your company’s needs, workflows, and branding. Every aspect of the software, from the design and functions to performance specs, can be tuned to fit any purpose, use case, or preference.

During the software development process, you work hand in hand with the developer to ensure that every little detail is just right. This intimate collaboration yields a software product that’s truly unique and relevant to your business.

2. Seamless Integration

No two enterprise IT infrastructures are the same. Most companies rely on vast setups of assorted IT hardware and software to perform various technical operations. Adding new software to such a complex system would be tedious and plagued with compatibility issues. But that’s not the case with custom-made software applications.

Tailored software is built with the existing IT infrastructure in mind. This allows for smooth, organic integration with the present software applications and devices.

Furthermore, custom software development services can help you streamline your IT framework. A single versatile custom business solution can eliminate several third-party software applications, narrowing your IT footprint and simplifying IT management. Rather than switching between apps and devices, you can run the entire enterprise from a single pane of glass.

3. Easy Flexibility and Scalability

An off-the-shelf software application is sold and used “as-is.” Other than routine updates and patches, such software cannot be modified. However, digital requirements change as the business grows. The problem with a stiff software application is that the company can quickly outgrow its capabilities, or it may become redundant as the underlying IT infrastructure evolves.

On the other hand, custom software scales with your business. For example, adding or modifying features to accommodate more employees, departments, product or service lines, or digital operations is easy. You can also tune the software’s performance to match dynamic computing needs.

4. Exclusive Ownership

Since you commission and pay for custom software development, you gain exclusive ownership of the resulting application. That means you have complete control over the application’s usage and distribution. You can even trademark the software as part of your company’s intellectual property.

While you may download off-the-shelf software onto your computer or phone, you don’t pay for ownership rights but the permission (license) to use the software. In such a case, the parent company holds all the cards; it decides what features you can access, how often you get updates, and even whether you can continue using their product.

5. Optimised Costs and High ROI

According to Statista, companies spend between 2% – 18% of their revenue on IT. Much of the IT budget (39%) goes toward enterprise software. That could mean spending thousands to millions of pounds on software every year.

Running enterprise software can be a heavy financial burden. Custom software development might be the answer if you’re looking for ways to cut your software and IT costs. With custom software, you only pay a one-time development fee. There are no monthly or annual licenses or user subscriptions to worry about, which can add up in the long run.

More importantly, tailored software is incredibly good value. Custom software boosts productivity and business growth by solving top-priority needs, improving workflow efficiency, and facilitating employee collaboration. Custom software development also streamlines your IT operations, cutting ongoing maintenance costs.

6. Reliable Support and Maintenance

A custom software developer’s job does not end once the application is delivered. Per the service-level agreement, the developer will help you deploy and integrate the new business solution. Furthermore, they’ll offer helpdesk and technical support throughout the software’s lifecycle.

Most off-the-box software products also come with helpdesk support. But the support is generally under the manufacturer’s or distributor’s terms and narrowly limited in scope. Plus, this kind of support is never guaranteed.

With custom software development services, you can get a dedicated support team that can manipulate any of the software’s features to your liking.

7. Robust Security

Security is another good reason to opt for custom development over ready-made software. Digital security is a top concern in the modern business landscape. And enterprise software applications are prime targets for devastating cyberattacks such as data breaches, ransomware, supply chain, and DDoS attacks. Verizon’s Data Breach Investigations Report shows that web applications are the most popular attack vectors used in cybercrime.

Unlike mass-produced software applications, custom enterprise software solutions are largely immune to most application-based cyberattacks, including zero-day and supply chain exploits. This is because you can run your bespoke software exclusively within a secure corporate network, away from potential intruders. Plus, you can add as many security layers and protocols as needed to safeguard against all perceived threats.

8. Unique Competitive Advantage

Information technology is such a vital asset in the increasingly digitised world that it has become a key performance indicator in business. Today, digital capabilities easily determine speed to market, cost of goods and operations, customer satisfaction, brand dominance, and business survival. It’s no wonder that most CIOs regard technology as a vital tool for business success and are willing to prioritise IT-based investments.

Running custom business software gives your company a unique competitive advantage. Battling in the digital arena requires creativity and outside-the-box thinking — precisely what you get from various custom software services.