| When your business requires a software solution, | | | | needs; therefore you should expect to pay more. |
| you have several directions in which you can go. | | | | How much more depends upon the scope of the |
| A credible custom programming firm can help you | | | | software's capabilities. Keep in mind the money |
| decide by completing a detailed needs analysis so | | | | you will save in the long run from duplicated work. |
| that they can provide you with the information | | | | #2. Custom software is not readily available like |
| needed for you to make the best business | | | | an off the shelf software. The time frame will |
| decision for your company. | | | | depend upon the scope of the project. The time |
| It's not always easy to decide which application is | | | | to develop the software could be reduced by |
| right for your business. Below are a few pros and | | | | using experienced developers with proven |
| cons that may help you decide. | | | | software development practices. |
| Customized Software - PROs: | | | | Off the Shelf Software - PROs: |
| #1. Customized software can provide exactly | | | | #1. Off the shelf software is readily available for |
| what you need. The actual users are very good | | | | use upon purchase. |
| at describing the work flow and as a result, the | | | | #2. The initial cost will almost always be less than |
| software can be more effectively designed to | | | | a custom software, however you may have |
| increase user efficiency. | | | | licensing fees where you must pay a fee for each |
| #2. You own the software and the code behind it | | | | user of the software. |
| which affords you more control over future | | | | #3. Technical support is usually free. |
| enhancements so the software can change as | | | | Off the Shelf Software - CONs: |
| your business changes. | | | | #1. The software may not be able to expand to |
| #3. Custom software allows for the creation of | | | | create other functions that you may need |
| meaningful reports that are used to make | | | | therefore many companies use two different |
| intelligent business decisions. | | | | software applications to complete their task |
| #4. Once the software is developed the | | | | resulting in redundant data entry. |
| programmer will be familiar with your work | | | | #2. You will have to adjust your current workflow |
| process and will be better suited to provide the | | | | instead of the software meeting your process |
| best technical support understanding common | | | | needs resulting in "work arounds" and you not |
| issues, traps, and work arounds and provide | | | | getting the reporting results you want. |
| continuous improvements to your software. Unlike | | | | #3. If you are experiencing a specific issue with |
| an off the shelf software technical support person | | | | the software, the manufacturer of the software |
| who usually deals with generic issues. | | | | will address the fix or upgrade at their time |
| #5. Since the users will have input into the design, | | | | schedule not yours. |
| employees will be more readily accepting of the | | | | #4. Since the users have no input in how the |
| new system. They will also require less training | | | | software would function they may be more |
| because they were involved in the development. | | | | reluctant to the change and will require training |
| #6. Your improvement dollars are wisely spent on | | | | which can be costly depending upon how many |
| the functions you actually need to improve your | | | | users you have. |
| process. | | | | #5. Some software manufactures charge annual |
| Customized Software - CONs: | | | | license or subscription renewal fees. |
| #1. Custom Software is customized to fit your | | | | |