Bespoke Software: Advantages and Disadvantages
Many business owners are often in a dilemma about choosing between a tailor-made software (bespoke software) and commonly used software. Going ahead with bespoke software can open up a lot of possibilities for business expansion and development. However, some companies prefer not to invest in a custom-made software and settle for less expensive off-the-shelf products.
What is Bespoke Software?
In an era where a user-friendly website experience is an integral part of business success, it is important to brainstorm about how companies can use a customized solution. Anything that is custom-made is liked by the people who receive it. Be it an exclusive cake made for a special occasion or a well-stitched suit. Customized solutions are always welcomed. So, bespoke software is a custom software built to overcome specific business challenges. Bespoke software is designed and developed keeping in mind the company’s immediate and distant goals.
On the other hand, off-the-shelf software is a pre-packaged solution that is readily available in the market and is designed to work with different types of business models.
Who needs Bespoke Software?
Companies that wish to set themselves apart from their competitors and create an exclusive system for themselves can choose bespoke software. It gives them better scalability and a growth channel. Whatever elements and functions you want can be designed with bespoke software; that means you will definitely use them.
Let us look into the disadvantages and advantages of bespoke software for businesses.
Disadvantages:
- High Initial Costs
The biggest challenge here is the initial costs involved in meeting the technical requirements of the bespoke software. Tailor-made software projects are generally higher on costs than off-the-shelf solutions considering the amount of expertise required to meet the unique needs of the customers.
- Longer Development Period
Since bespoke software is developed by putting together thoughts of different people and matching it with the business requirement; all the processes will be done from scratch. Website developers have to put in a lot of effort and time to create a masterpiece as expected by the client. The software development might take several months or even years to come to an end. But it is all worth the wait if you have belief in the website developer.
- Wish Lists
What makes Amazon the most-visited shopping website? They use the remarketing strategy by reminding people about their wish lists. When people carefully choose and save things for buying later, it is stored in the wish lists. Even if the person forgets about those products; these lists just lure them into adding them to the cart. Emailers are also sent including the wish list products to have people check them out again. This is a definite feature every e-commerce website must include for their business.
- Limited Choices
Bespoke software is made for specific customers’ needs and may not fit all types of businesses. A good amount of estimation and discussion is needed before opting for bespoke software. Expert opinion must be taken before finalizing the software requirements. Otherwise, it might happen that you run out of funds due to inappropriate planning, in which case a ready-made solution becomes an easy option.
“Though these disadvantages are hard to overcome, there are numerous benefits to choosing bespoke software for your business. Let us take a look at some of them.”
Advantages:
- Competitive Advantage
Though there might be competitors selling similar products as yours, the internal processes will be different. A software which is designed looking at these stages will not contain any unwanted functions. And you will be able to get exceptional results due to the efficiency of the software. Since the software is made exclusively for your company it will have only those elements that you require and not any unwanted functions. This will accelerate the processes at every level. It is similar to going to a tailor to make the best possible suit for yourself, rather than buying readymade apparel and then altering it to fit you fine.
- Data Security
Though the up-front costs are high for a customized website, the security level is quite beneficial in the long run. Tailor-made products are usually safe from cyber threats as the processes are unique to your establishment and cannot be hacked easily. Most commonly used softwares is vulnerable to external threats because there are people who are familiar with the code of the software.
- Flexibility and Support
While opting for an off-the-shelf solution for your business you may not be able to adapt to constant changes in the market. If and when your organization decides to expand to include other sectors, bespoke software will be helpful in making the business grow as it is your own little kid. You will have the authority to decide on software updates and additional features for your tailor-made software. A third party software may not provide that kind of security and support for your business.
- Gradual Growth
Custom software can be developed step by step with attention to user experience and feedback received from the previous stage of development. Bespoke software can grow with your business as you take up more challenges it can adapt to provide more functionalities. Customers using your bespoke software must be able to use the required functions without much hassle. You can alter your end-result for a particular process as per the changes in your strategies. Off-the-shelf products are either not suitable for large-scale businesses or are quite expensive to license.
Final Thoughts
The biggest challenge here is the initial costs involved in meeting the technical requirements of the bespoke software. Tailor-made software projects are generally higher on costs than off-the-shelf solutions considering the amount of expertise required to meet the unique needs of the customers.
Since bespoke software is developed by putting together thoughts of different people and matching it with the business requirement; all the processes will be done from scratch. Website developers have to put in a lot of effort and time to create a masterpiece as expected by the client. The software development might take several months or even years to come to an end. But it is all worth the wait if you have belief in the website developer.
What makes Amazon the most-visited shopping website? They use the remarketing strategy by reminding people about their wish lists. When people carefully choose and save things for buying later, it is stored in the wish lists. Even if the person forgets about those products; these lists just lure them into adding them to the cart. Emailers are also sent including the wish list products to have people check them out again. This is a definite feature every e-commerce website must include for their business.
Bespoke software is made for specific customers’ needs and may not fit all types of businesses. A good amount of estimation and discussion is needed before opting for bespoke software. Expert opinion must be taken before finalizing the software requirements. Otherwise, it might happen that you run out of funds due to inappropriate planning, in which case a ready-made solution becomes an easy option.
“Though these disadvantages are hard to overcome, there are numerous benefits to choosing bespoke software for your business. Let us take a look at some of them.”
Though there might be competitors selling similar products as yours, the internal processes will be different. A software which is designed looking at these stages will not contain any unwanted functions. And you will be able to get exceptional results due to the efficiency of the software. Since the software is made exclusively for your company it will have only those elements that you require and not any unwanted functions. This will accelerate the processes at every level. It is similar to going to a tailor to make the best possible suit for yourself, rather than buying readymade apparel and then altering it to fit you fine.
Though the up-front costs are high for a customized website, the security level is quite beneficial in the long run. Tailor-made products are usually safe from cyber threats as the processes are unique to your establishment and cannot be hacked easily. Most commonly used softwares is vulnerable to external threats because there are people who are familiar with the code of the software.
While opting for an off-the-shelf solution for your business you may not be able to adapt to constant changes in the market. If and when your organization decides to expand to include other sectors, bespoke software will be helpful in making the business grow as it is your own little kid. You will have the authority to decide on software updates and additional features for your tailor-made software. A third party software may not provide that kind of security and support for your business.
Custom software can be developed step by step with attention to user experience and feedback received from the previous stage of development. Bespoke software can grow with your business as you take up more challenges it can adapt to provide more functionalities. Customers using your bespoke software must be able to use the required functions without much hassle. You can alter your end-result for a particular process as per the changes in your strategies. Off-the-shelf products are either not suitable for large-scale businesses or are quite expensive to license.
Whether you opt for bespoke software or off-the-shelf solutions, providing a seamless user experience is what makes businesses survive. Consumers just want a simple yet responsive website that performs well on desktops as well as mobile devices. When you have the power to make their trust in your brand sustain use it wisely. Choose smart solutions to cater to the requirements of a large number of consumers. Off-the-shelf solutions are most commonly used but bespoke guarantees a qualitative performance to achieve desired results. It works in harmony with the needs of the employees as well as clients. The expectations of the consumers in the coming generation will be much higher than now. So, it makes sense to keep your standards high and deliver smart solutions.
“If you are still doubtful about going bespoke for your business, allow us to help you out. Web developers at VisuaLytes can impart the much needed information about Bespoke Software development for making your business reach a new horizon. Feel free to get in touch with our executives to provide you with a detailed explanation about choosing the best for your organization.”
