When Off-the-Shelf Fails: 3 Signs You Need Custom Software Instead
Sure, off-the-shelf software solutions have their perks, but, at the end of the day, these programs lack the detailed finishing touches that would best serve your business. What may have worked when your organization was small and just starting out may be too slow, too clunky, and too outdated to keep pace with the demands of your current day-to-day operations, and that’s okay.
If you and your off-the-shelf software program have been steadily growing apart, this article is your opportunity to scope out a custom software development solution that won’t limit your organization’s growth and flexibility. In addition to three clear indicators that your technology is ready to change, Tarkenton will share all the ways custom software can position your business for a brighter, more productive future.
Custom vs. Off-the-Shelf
Is the difference really that much of a game-changer?
Short answer: yes.
Long answer: Custom software development allows you to tailor your workflows and processes to meet the needs of your internal teams and your customers. Plus, custom software can be as agile as you are. Technology will continue to advance and your business will continue to grow, making it necessary to have the kind of software tools that can be updated to accommodate your unique requirements and keep you competitive.
Here’s how to recognize that off-the-shelf software just isn’t getting the job done anymore:
You’re in Spreadsheet Purgatory
Inefficient business processes and complex, illogical workflows often have a common denominator: spreadsheets. Think about all the Excel documents you have floating around. If you’re feeling overwhelmed just trying to get a tally, it’s probably time to make plans for custom software development. Spreadsheets can be great as a short-term solution, but, over time, manual data entry and overly complicated work-arounds can make you vulnerable to errors and extend the amount of time it takes your team to complete basic tasks.
The right custom software will provide more detailed information than even the most comprehensive spreadsheet, and your team can begin to rely on automation for those dreaded data-driven assignments that are eating up precious hours. What do you want your sharpest team members focusing on? Double-checking hundreds of columns of numbers, or putting those brilliant minds towards strategic business initiatives and improvements? Without custom software, there often isn’t time for this level of inventiveness and productivity.
Security is a Struggle
In an age where cybersecurity threats are more and more costly (and more and more common), the average off-the-shelf software program may not be able to provide the level of security your business needs. The last thing you want is a data breach that leaves your customers’ personal information exposed, or, worse, a ransomware attack that results in your organization paying a hefty fine. Unlike off-the-self software, custom software is maintained from within your organization, allowing you to use online resources without leaving your data open to attack.
Custom software development provides a proactive approach to data privacy. Robust authentication methods, encryption, and access control mechanisms go beyond standard protection solutions to offer industry-specific security protocols you can rely on even as cybersecurity risks become more and more sophisticated. You can easily adopt new security features as needed and implement data retention policies that prevent sensitive information from being stored for longer than necessary.
You Have Some Seriously Unsatisfied Customers
When your software is struggling, your sales will struggle, too. Off-the-shelf software may not allow you to respond to customers as quickly as you’d like, and when technological errors result in regular miscommunications, your customer interactions may be tense and frustrating where they should be smooth and satisfying. Meanwhile, custom software can help you prioritize the user experience.
How, when, and where you engage with your customers matters, and when you put their needs first, you tend to see business improve. Custom software development relies on intuitive interfaces, rapid responses, and personalized features such as customizable dashboards and home pages to give your customers that “wow, was this designed just for me?” feeling. Tailored content recommendations, personalized push notifications, and context-aware experiences that adapt the functionality of an interface or application to match a user’s location or device can also come in handy as your software becomes more specific to your audience.
Are You Ready to Make the Shift?
The perfect solution for your business could be just a few clicks away. At Tarkenton, we pride ourselves on providing custom software development solutions that go above and beyond our clients’ expectations. For more than 20 years, we’ve collaborated with enterprise partners to seamlessly integrate software services into their existing product lines or, better yet, create entirely new offerings designed to drive sales growth and open the door for future business opportunities. Whether it’s initial design and coding or rigorous testing and ongoing maintenance, we excel in every stage of the software lifecycle.
Don’t let your business fall behind. Contact our team today to discover a software solution that will meet your current demands and grow at the same speed that you do.