In the world of business management solutions, when selecting which software solution to go with, one of the biggest arguments out there is whether to choose a custom software solution or to go with a readily available packaged solution. Although both solutions provide business with functionality, the option of getting a custom software has been known to win the debate due to the numerous benefits and insurmountable flexibility it provides businesses. The fact that numerous people and businesses are ready to develop software for companies also adds to the favorability of choosing to get custom software solutions.

Before we go straight into the 7 points that leave custom software solutions as the victor, let us define the two.

Out of the Box Solutions

Out of the box software solutions are prepacked solutions focused on handling either standard business processes of specific companies or specific and similar business processes within an entire industry.

Custom Software

On the other hand, custom software is unique and specifically tailored to meet a distinct need for individual businesses and organizations. Custom software provides individuals with an array of options, including:

• Adapting the configuration of out-of-the-box software to meet your business’ workflows better
• Building integrations between out-of-the-box solutions
• Creating custom interfaces
• Creating custom applications or modules to add on to packaged out-of-the-box solutions
• Creating a unique, all-encompassing piece of software

The 7 key reasons to choose a Custom Software over an Out of the Box Solution are:

1. Custom Software is more cost-effective for the long-term

In the beginning, you might be required to pay a hefty amount to design your own software, but in the long run, you end up saving a lot of money. By customizing your software, you avoid having to pay for licensing fees tied to packaged software.

You also won’t have to pay for in-built features that don’t apply to your company’s business and that you will never use.

Another reason custom software solution helps you save money is that of the long-term solution it provides you. Because it is specifically built for your company, even as the year’s progress, you won’t have to replace it for a while, unlike with an out of the box software.

2. Custom Software increase productivity

When put in place a specifically designed software to meet your precise needs, you better equip your employees and team to perform tasks more accurately and significantly faster. Instead of going back and forth through a complex and difficult clutter to maneuver features in packaged systems that might not even be relevant to the tasks at hand, everything is organized and in one central place.

This fact alone improves your employees’ workflow and confidence in task completion.

3. Custom Software leaves your company to grow and evolve on your own terms.

When using your custom software, you and your software developer constantly communicate on your needs and wants. Therefore, if you ever need any adjustments and enhancements made, you can directly speak to your developer and make the necessary changes.

You will not have to sit through the long wait for a new software release that does not guarantee the availability of the functions you require like you would with an out of the box solution.

4. Custom Software can be designed to work well with other software.

You can design your software to be compatible with other apps, programs, and system software already in action within your organization.

This is a major difference with packaged solutions that come with limited compatibility capabilities, which affect your organization’s overall running.

When you choose to get custom software, you can streamline your process and boost productivity.

5. Custom Software work towards streamlining work with vendors

By purchasing and getting a custom software design, you open the doors to a new avenue to interact with your vendors and contractors. An example of this would be by inputting a portal geared towards the vendors to communicate and send your orders to a central place. This portal will help you manage all vendor transactions more easily.

6. Custom Software gives a competitive advantage within the industry.

When you implement custom software within your daily operations, you can get everything you to bring the best and most out of your business. This custom tool allows you to do your best, leading to you offering more value to your customers. Your customers will become more satisfied with your service and set you apart from your competitors.

In addition to this, when you get your own custom software, your solution will have capabilities that your competitors will not have, thus making you stand out in the industry in terms of the services you will be able to offer now.

No matter the type of organization you are running, custom software will help you stand out because you will be able to specifically target all the aspects of your organization for growth and effectiveness.

7. Custom Software makes what is impossible with packaged solutions possible.

The majority of the problems you face with out of the box solutions can easily be fixed and tweaked by designing the software from scratch. More so, if there is a specific feature that you need but cannot find in any of the packaged solutions, you can easily add it to your custom software package. Think about it this way, anything and everything you want in your software solution can be designed for you by your experienced software developer.

Like no human is exactly like the other, your business has its own identity and differs from any other. So why would you choose a one size fits all software when you can easily reach for the ingenuity stars with a custom software solution? As highlighted above, choosing a custom software over out-of-the-box solutions opens your business up to numerous opportunities that would have otherwise gone to waste.