Published on February 14th, 2022 | by Sunit Nandi
0The Pros and Cons of Custom Software Development
When it comes to monitoring and managing your business, there are two main options you can consider. You can choose to implement existing software from another company or decide to create your own.
At first, this can seem daunting, especially as it is easier to utilize existing tools. However, there are benefits that can outweigh the disadvantages.
In this article, we are going to take a look at some of the pros and cons of custom software development.
Want to learn more? Then let’s get started.
Pro: Customization and Control
One of the best advantages of custom software development is that you have complete control over the process. The software development life cycle (SDLC) outlines tasks so that you can monitor each step seamlessly and can make changes to suit your needs.
With customization such as adding software escrow, you ensure that you are getting something wholly suited to your business. In addition, you’re not paying for extra features and can ensure that everything is tailored to your requirements.
Con: Long Creation Time
Obviously, one of the biggest reasons many are hesitant about custom is that it can take a long time to develop something. Depending on what you need, it could be over a year before you start seeing implementable progress.
With existing software from another, you can start using it almost immediately after training and installation. For some businesses, this is a more practical option.
Pro: Fast Integration
Although custom software will take longer to create, it can also be implemented quickly. As you have complete control over it, you can develop something that will fit with any existing tools you use.
Alongside this, you know what you are integrating the minute it is ready. There are no surprises and less time spent navigating a new system.
Con: Higher Initial Cost
When you create something from scratch, it will generally cost more than something ready to go. Unfortunately, it’s hard to predict the cost of custom software, especially when there are issues that can arise during development.
That being said, it is essential to note that you may save in the future. You’ll have ownership over your creation and won’t be paying a subscription fee to somebody else.
Pro: Easy Scalability
Finally, while some people believe it is harder to scale custom software over existing, it isn’t. You will always have great developers and other experienced professionals who can update and adapt your design to fit any new requirements.
This means you can create one great tool that will grow with your business, rather than having to swap and change the minute you start expanding. This can make a big difference in reducing downtime.
Final Thoughts
As you can see from the above, there are pros and cons to using custom software. It really depends on your specific situation when it comes to deciding what is most appropriate for you.
Some businesses will prefer quick accessibility, while others will wait until they have developed something more efficient.