Understanding Bespoke Software Development
Bespoke Software Development or Custom Software Development refers to the development of software based on specific requirements from one particular client. It is not readily available and instead, built from scratch to function in a specific way and to provide specific outcomes that suit one organisation as opposed to multiple organisations.
There are a wide range of benefits to opting for bespoke software over off-the-shelf solutions which are ready built software systems that have been designed with features and functionality that appeal to the masses rather than to an individual company and are often quite generic in their design in order to attract more users. Organisations using off-the-shelf software often have to compromise on processes and features and pay for functionality they simply do not need. With bespoke software development, the organisations pay for exactly what they need, as they need it with no on-going contracts of licensing fees.
Benefits of Bespoke Development
As we have already alluded to, there are a whole host of benefits to choosing bespoke development for your business software. Here, we'll take a look at some of the most common reasons organisations choose to go bespoke over off-the-shelf.
Customisation
For businesses that have unique processes and workflows, customisation is always an attractive option. The organisation can design and build their software from scratch based on the unique challenges they face, the working environment they are in and to achieve specific outcomes. There is really no limit to what can be achieved with bespoke software.
Integration
An extension of customisation, bespoke software can be developed in a way the ensures it can integrate with existing systems and tool. This ensures that previous investments in technology remain valuable and functional.
Financial Benefits
A less common perception about bespoke software is that it can actually be incredibly cost efficient in the long term. Due to it's nature, bespoke software creates efficiencies in the workplace, reducing manual labour, costly mistakes and duplication of work. Add this to the fact that there are no on-going licensing fees or delays to any changes or enhancement due to dependence on a third part vendor and the savings can really rack up.
Total Ownership
Bespoke software is also a good option for those who require full ownership and control over the software they are using. This means updates, changes, additions and removals are all done at the leisure of the owning organisation as opposed to relying on a third party.
Flexibility
Custom software systems can be built with consideration for what might happen in the future. If a company expects their workforce to increase/decrease this can be accommodated for by making the software scalable. If a company knows they are going to be using a specific type of software in future, the system can be built to ensure it integrates with that system. Essentially, it can be built to set the organisation up for future success.
Tailored Security & Compliance
Bespoke systems can be created with the specific security and compliance features necessary for a specific business. It may be that a business needs to be certified in Cyber Essentials for example in order for clients to continue working with them, a bespoke system could monitor the certification, send prompts when it's due to expire and even track the individual tasks needed to maintain/obtain the certification. Similarly, if an organisation needs a specific kind of audit trail for their operations, a bespoke system can be built to acommodate that.
Long-Term Solutions
A software system is for life, not just for christmas!
Well, that may not be entirely true...however, any software solution is definitely an investment so it's generally fair to say that the owner of the system wants to be able to use it effectively for as long as possible.
As we have covered above, bespoke software solutions can be built with the future in mind. Any changes to business processes or additional workflows an organisation anticipates they might need in the future can be accounted for in the design and build of the software. Furthermore, if the software at any point needs to be adapted or to have additional features and functionality added, that can be done with ease and at the leisure of the owner via their development partner. This is a key difference between bespoke and off-the-shelf in that any changes to the software are dependent on the vendor, they are certainly not guaranteed and they are done at the leisure of the vendor as opposed to when the client needs them.
Good Practices in Bespoke Development
The practices used by software development companies will naturally differ from business to business. It wouldn't be such a competitive market after all if we all offered the same services in the same way, at the same price. There are however a number of unofficial best practice guidelines that software developers should really be - this list is not exhaustive.
Learn more about how we approach our projects here at Cool Code Company.
Reviewing Code
Code reviews are an absolutely crucial part of software development and arguably the most integral quality assurance task that can be carried out throughout the process. They are (usually) a peer led activity that allows code to be scrutinised, reviewed, discussed and ultimately improved upon by other developers within the team. Code reviews are a fantastic opportunity for a fresh set of eyes to spot mistakes, inefficiencies and other possible risks to the code.
Documentation
Technical documentation is another key aspect in software development. It is necessary to document all of the technical aspects of the software in order for someone else to be able to use the document to understand the software for continuity. For example, if a developer creates a bespoke CRM system, does not document the technologies used, how it works etc and then disappears, the owning company is very clearly going to be extremely high up a creek without the proverbial paddle.
Version Control
Version Control essentially refers to the practice of tracking, amending and managing code. It allows developers to view the history of the project, track any changes, promotes collaboration & accountability and offers a way to revert a different version if and when required.
Automated Testing
Automated testing ensures consistent, fast and reliable verification of code functionality. It reduces the risks associated with human error and allows developers to catch defects early on in the development stage rather than when the software is ready to roll out.
Agile Principles
Agile methodology is a modern approach to software development that sets the stage for collbaboration, ensuring teams are able to respond effectively to changing requirements and/or priorities, ultimately delivering incremental value to stakeholders. It strongly favours iterative development (breaking down a large project into small sections) which helps isolate and fix issues quickly without breaking the whole code base.
Non-Complex Code
Wherever possible, developers should aim to keep their code as simplistic as possible. This helps the developer (and others) to be able to read the code with ease which in turn makes amendments, updates and general easier much easier.
How Can We Help?
Whether you're looking for a complex new CRM system, a shiny new website or some help integrating your existing systems so they work together - we can help. Our Midlands based development team are a friendly bunch with over 30 years combined experience in all things bespoke software development. We very much enjoy getting out and visiting our clients at their sites and seeing their operations in action and we're equally happy to host our clients at our own offices if they wish to drop in and see us. We have a strong track record of forging long-term relationships with our clients by simply giving them no reason to look elsewhere. We're highly experienced, transparent, collaborative and of course a friendly bunch of people! So, if you're looking for outside help with your software requirements, come and have a chat with us today!
