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Why off-the-shelf software could stall your success

As businesses become increasingly tech savvy, the need for more systems and software is at an all time high. Choosing the right solution can be a confusing and daunting task, however, with a plethora of options available. Many businesses opt for off-the-shelf software due to it seeming like the easiest option, but just because something is easy does that make it the best option?

Nick Thompson, managing director, DCSL Software, discusses why businesses may be stalling their own success by implementing off-the-shelf solutions and debunks some of the myths behind custom software.

A tailored fit

While off-the-shelf systems may seem to cater to some of the common needs all businesses are facing, the nature of being something for everyone comes with its own problems. Trying to be something for everyone means off-the-shelf solutions come complete with cumbersome functionalities that your business neither needs or wants, in fact, some software packages have up to 90% of the functionality unused. Bespoke software packages let you determine how your system works, which components you really need and gives you greater influence on the ways in which the software can be applied.

Additionally, by adopting off-the-shelf software and doing things the same way as your competitors, you take away your business edge and instead become one of the many, not one of the innovators. Consumer expectations are forever rising and in order to not just meet the bar but exceed it, you must look ahead. By ignoring the limited capabilities of off-the-shelf software and not taking the time to evaluate your own needs you could be putting a pause on your business.

Time is money

In order to get the most return on investment from a piece of software, you have to spend time defining your wants and needs. If you’re working to create a bespoke piece of software this can sometimes require a little more work in the first instance as you want to give all stakeholders the opportunity to raise their key priorities and then come together to define and align your current and future strategies before designing and testing a solution.

Time is precious and some businesses think that avoiding the time it takes to design bespoke software will get them to the end goal quicker. However, by not being limited to the basic functions and broad restrictions of off-the-shelf software, a business can continue to focus on delivering goods and keeping the bar raised rather than continually wasting time with multiple systems. Therefore the efficiencies and time saved in the long run can be huge.

Counting the costs

It’s no surprise that bespoke software can be more costly than off-the-shelf, but although the initial costs may be higher, the costs along the way are reduced. Off-the-shelf solutions will often include additional charges in the fine print. The support from the provider may also incur an ongoing cost, and they could even refuse to continue to support your software if you don’t approve the latest updates.

And don’t forget that not all costs are monetary; the productivity of your team can also be hindered by a non-specific solution. If the solution doesn’t fit the needs of your team they may resist using it and some may not even understand how to use it. When designing your own software you can involve them in the process making sure that they are getting the functionality they want and need, understand the reasoning behind the change and why utilising it will make positive impacts on their working environment.

Business evolution

Updates for off-the-shelf software normally happen regularly and aim to take advantage of new technological developments, adding new features and benefits. That said, unexpected upgrades can cause disruption if your legacy data is no longer compatible with the new version, or if support for old products is discontinued. You also have no control over these upgrades, nor the when, why or what.

PricewaterhouseCoopers found that the most innovative companies are anticipating growth of more than 62 % in the coming five years, and in order to be one of the leaders you need to push yourselves and evolve. This progression could be hindered should your software not be able to keep pace with your changes, or pushes you in a direction you don’t wish to go. Rather than being chained to unexpected or disruptive updates, those using bespoke software will be able to build their strategies from the ground up. 

Ownership

Off-the-shelf software will never give you the option to own your own IP. While this may mean that the responsibility to ensure the software is up-to-date and running smoothly is yours, you also own the right to streamline or modify it however you would like to. By owning your own IP you also have the option to sell this software to other companies and can even increase the value of your business should you decide to sell it.

Conclusion

Bespoke software has developed dramatically over the last ten years. More businesses are realising the benefits a tailored made solution can bring and leaving off-the-shelf suppliers behind. Let’s face it, most modern businesses are built on the foundations of a good technology infrastructure and as the needs of that technology are ever increasing, creating the right solution for your customers, internal teams and overall business performance will mean you achieve success way into 2019 and beyond.

The author of this blog is Nick Thompson, managing director, DCSL Software

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