Scroll through any source on custom software development, and you’ll probably run into two words at least once: productivity and efficiency. There’s no question that custom software solutions improve workflow, helping companies improve their overall output. As a result, companies that use custom software find that they’ve made a highly cost-effective choice. Nevertheless, the world of custom software can get overwhelming quickly. That’s part of the reason why so many companies are still settling for commercial off-the-shelf software (COTS) even after having realized why creating your own software makes the better choice. That said, there are several things that you can do to make the process simpler for yourself and your company. Those things include, for example, understanding your own business needs and knowing when to outsource your software development.
Custom Software vs. Off-the-Shelf: Advantages of Custom Software
“It all comes back to that efficiency and productivity” – for our clients, it actually is more about effectiveness, i.e. use software to get your employees to do a better job than before. In our opinion, “efficiency” is a fake concept – if you automate a job by 50%, you can’t fire half an employee! Custom software gives you the tools to do a better job or the reports you need to encourage people to do better.
What exactly gives custom software the advantage over COTS? It all comes back to that efficiency and productivity. Overall, when a software is explicitly designed with your business in mind, everything runs more smoothly than when you’re trying to make things work with mass-produced software. For many businesses, commercial software works only as well as a slightly oversized puzzle piece. It can be made to fit, but it’s always better to have something seamless.
Scalability
There’s a reason why certain industries gravitate toward custom software development. It’s because these industries need more scalability than most others. Take medical software, for example. Medical care stands at the forefront of the latest tech developments. For that matter, laws surrounding healthcare change and evolve over time, and the United States may be on the cusp of some major health technology changes. All of that said, hospitals and medical teams need custom software. COTS software rarely does the job, and that’s because custom software development consistently provides better scalability than commercial choices.
Optimized Workflow
Custom software development lets companies optimize their workflow simply because it’s a seamless fit. With COTS software, companies scramble to fit their workflow around their software when what they should be doing is building a software that fits their needs instead. Software is a tool, and it’s meant to serve industries. Commercial software often gets that relationship backwards. Custom software development turns it back in the right direction.
Custom Software Development Examples
If you want to see the benefits of custom software development in action, you’ll want to look at some specific examples. You could spend days looking through case studies if that’s what you really wanted to do. However, we picked out a couple of Ayoka’s most memorable examples to help you get started.
Finance System Integration
In this case, a finance systems client needed a way to reconcile their existing legacy system with their new accounts receivable system. In their current states, these systems only allowed monthly end closing reconciliation through a tedious manual data querying process. Ayoka developed an application that integrated the two systems. The app provided automation and sped up the entire accounts receivable system.
Hospital Data Management
Hospitals often come to Ayoka for help with data management, especially for data management that relates to electronic medical records. In this case, a network of hospitals asked Ayoka to upgrade their current data reporting systems so that they could gain a better understanding of patient safety and quality of care. Ayoka developed a system that cleansed data, checked it for errors, and uploaded it into a data warehouse that produced automated business intelligence reporting. The hospital network saw a noticeable ROI from their new system as it saved them time and kept them from paying error-related fees.
More Case Studies
Of course, the above examples only provide a brief snapshot of what Ayoka does. We have several case studies spanning across multiple industries, including manufacturing, marketing, e-commerce, and much more. We invite you to take a closer look at some of those studies, especially the ones that relate to your industry.
Reasons to Outsource Custom Software Development
You know about the advantages of custom software development, and you’ve seen some specific examples. You may even have already decided that you want to customize your company’s software. Next, you’ll need to consider how you’ll obtain that software. Some choose to develop their software in-house, but it turns out that there are plenty of reasons to outsource.
In general, outsourcing simplifies the software development process. No matter the industry that requires custom software development, the business owner absolutely must know their business’s software needs inside and out if they’re going to develop their software in-house. “You must have an in-depth understanding of your company’s needs and be able to communicate how you want the product to address those needs,” says Business News Daily. “It’s fairly common to discover new needs during the development process, and this results in added costs and development time.”
How does outsourcing play a part in this need discovery? When you outsource your custom software development, you’ll likely work with a team that understands how and why these needs arise. They’ll work with you to get to the bottom of what your company needs, asking very specific questions during the consultation process. This process works even better if you work with a company that understands your industry. This way, your software development team can anticipate your needs, help you spot those needs faster, and build some wiggle room into the development process in case anything new arises.
Next, outsourcing lets your software avoid common bugs and glitches that may appear with in-house software development. When a company is solely committed to creating software, they’ll have extensive testing and re-testing methods. Your new software will likely go through new tests at each step in the development process. As a result, your software team will catch bugs early, work them out quickly and move on to the next step. It’s always better to spot potential issues early in development than it is to notice them while you’re using your software.
Finally, custom software development is often faster when you outsource it to a third party. While your team builds your software, your business keeps running as it usually does. You can keep a major burden off your IT team’s shoulders, and you’ll keep any of your usual business practices from slipping through the cracks. Your clients don’t necessarily understand that you’re getting new software, after all. They still expect to get their goods and services on time.
Clinical Laboratory Software
Some industries see the benefits of outsourcing in very specific ways. Take clinical laboratory software, for example. In an article published in the Journal of Pathology Informatics, John H. Sinard and Peter Gershkovich point out some of the arguments surrounding custom LIS software. They explain that some experts argue against creating custom software in-house. Reasons include the fact that a lot of in-house IT departments are using outdated methods. As a result, software developers may not realize all of the custom software benefits that are available today, and they miss out on important options. Another reason is that custom software development can overtax the IT specialists in clinical labs when they could be focusing elsewhere. Furthermore, as the article explains, decisions about this software development are often made by the people who will be the least impacted by the new workflow.
As a result of all of these difficulties, a lot of clinical labs stick with COTS software. However, clinical labs are some of the entities that need custom software the most. All clinical labs need the efficiency and productivity that custom software provides. Large labs especially need those things. So do specialized labs, and so do clinical labs during times of crisis and high demand. For example, in the early spring of 2020, when COVID-19 started rising at alarming levels, clinical labs turned into nightmares as they tried to keep up with testing needs.
Because clinical labs need custom software development, and because in-house software development doesn’t always make the best choice, outsourced software can provide these labs with what they need so that they can meet demand and avoid harming their current workflow during the development process.
Manufacturing Operations Software
Much like clinical software, financial services software comes with remarkable challenges. In the finance world, one of the biggest software needs is the need for flexibility. Rules and regulations surrounding the market change all the time. The kind of scalability that financial institutions need from their software can take a long time to build into a system. However, finance is a tech-dependent institution, and in-house IT departments are already stretched thin as a result. Adding custom software development to the mix can strain these departments, and that strain can have a domino effect across entire businesses. By outsourcing their software, financial institutions can keep their IT departments running smoothly while still gaining all of the benefits that come from custom software.
Manufacturing Software
Manufacturing is a multifaceted industry that must juggle all kinds of factors at the same time. One of the most important issues in manufacturing is quality – higher quality cuts re-work and scrap, plus improves customer satisfaction. Frequently, manufacturing companies implement Statistical Process Control (SPC) methods for measuring and controlling quality during their manufacturing process. Quality data is pulled in real-time during the manufacturing operations, then tested against control limits or Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s or metrics) displayed on real time dashboards for operators to take action. They also have to stay ahead of the competition, which is especially tough in a global market where a lot of that competition is overseas. As a result, manufacturing IT teams have too much on their plates as it is. Much like with clinical labs, in-house manufacturing software development can be outdated, leaving businesses to miss out on all of the available benefits of custom software development. Furthermore, lost time in the manufacturing industry can cost businesses hundreds of thousands of dollars. Shifting productivity to software development can have a dangerous impact on manufacturing companies.
All of these facts leave manufacturing companies in a bind, with company owners knowing that they need custom software but finding themselves unable to develop it. By outsourcing their software, manufacturers can solve this problem. Their own IT teams can keep up with their regular workflow while the new software is in the development phase. Once that new software gets deployed, their companies get to enjoy all of the efficiency that custom software brings.
How to Choose a Custom Software Developer?
As you’ve seen above, outsourcing your custom software development can provide your company with exactly what it needs without overextending your own IT team or missing out on all of the available possibilities. Once you’ve decided to outsource, though, you’ll want to choose the right software developer for your company’s needs. It’s not an easy decision, but there are some things that you can do to make the process simpler.
How to Test a Software Vendor
- How good are the questions they ask? Judge the vendor on the questions they ask, not the answers they claim to have.
- Can the vendor restate your business goals or problems? How well do they know your company? If they can’t explain your operations, can you imagine what their software will look like?
- What options or suggestions does the vendor offer? Do they make suggestions without prompting? What ideas do they bring to the table?
- Remember, the vendor does not have to be an expert in your industry. You are the expert – and, you have a deep understanding of the problems you’re trying to solve. It’s more important that your vendor can ask good questions, demonstrate curiosity, and show that they can retain what you say.
Know Your Custom Software Development Needs
As stated above, it’s not at all unusual to stumble across new software needs while you’re in the middle of the software development process. It helps to do a deep dive into your company’s software needs before you get started. This way, you can know from the start whether or not a certain software developer is equipped to handle your needs. Furthermore, you should choose a software development team that understands your industry. If you’re interested in a software company, look for case studies and other indications that they’ve worked with your industry in the past. If your team knows how your industry works, they’ll be better prepared to anticipate the needs that might arise during the development process.
Take a Look at Technologies
Next, see what technologies different software companies use in their development. Are those technologies compatible with what you’re hoping to build? If you’re unsure which technologies will be best for your project, look for software teams that are comfortable with a wide range of tools and resources. For example, at Ayoka Systems, we use several technologies in our custom software development, including the following:
- AWS (Amazon Web Services) / Azure cloud computing
- Linux / Windows Server operating systems
- Database development (Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, MongoDB, etc.)
- C# development / .NET developer
- Java
- Python
- JavaScript (Vue, React, Angular, Node, Backbone, Ember, etc.)
- PLC / SCADA / HMI / Modbus & other control systems tech
- ERP integration (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, Sage, Dynamics, etc.)
- Mobile apps (Swift, iOS, Android, Xamarin, ReactNative)
The list goes on. We’re well-versed in a broad spectrum of technologies, so we can match the software needs to the right process for the job.
Communication is Key
Next, keep communication in mind when you choose your custom software development team. You and your team will be communicating back and forth a lot during the development process, and you want to make sure that this communication goes smoothly. Pay attention to what happens during the consultation phase. If your team actively listens to you, translates your ideas into solid concepts, and explains themselves effectively, then you’ve probably got a great team.
Case Studies and Reputation
When looking into software development companies, ask yourself how people perceive these companies. How are their reputations? Are they well-known for customer service, work in a particular field, and other positive factors? Or are they notorious for unpleasant reasons? Can you find reliable and verifiable reviews for these companies?
Another thing that you can do is look for case studies that show exactly how your software company responds to specific needs. Spend some time exploring their solutions so that you can get a feel for their development process. Are their ideas simple, creative, and innovative? If so, then you’re on the right track.
Ayoka Custom Software Development
Ayoka Systems is a third-party custom software development service. We’re known for a lot of things, including the factors that we’ve listed above. Clients choose Ayoka for several reasons, but it all boils down to our ability to craft custom solutions to complex software issues. Ayoka offers a range of services, including the following:
- Custom software development
- Custom application development
- Custom database solutions
- Business intelligence solutions
- Technology due diligence
Essentially, Ayoka handles all software needs that can’t be met with COTS.
Working Closely With Our Clients
At Ayoka Systems, we provide consistent communication with our clients while we develop their software. We value collaboration in our work, and we want to make sure that the clients always get exactly what they need. We work very closely with our clients during each step of the development process, and of course, we’re always available when our clients have questions about their software.
Nearly 20 Years in Business
Ayoka Systems has been in business since 2002, so we’ve seen software trends come and go over the years. Throughout the past couple of decades, we’ve kept up with research and innovation, staying ahead of the game.
Ongoing Testing and Risk Assessment
Earlier, we mentioned that in-house custom software development can result in bugs and glitches. At Ayoka, we avoid those bugs and glitches with our ongoing testing and risk assessment. Each step comes with its own testing phase to ensure effectiveness and security for your software.
Based in the US
Working with a US-based company is always a great idea when it comes to custom software development. For one thing, you’ll get more product quality accountability. When you work with a team in the US, it’s much easier to see exactly where your software components come from, which means that you get more quality assurance and transparency. For another thing, US companies provide simpler communication. While the US has a few different time zones, your time differences will only be a few hours at most. On the other hand, some overseas companies have a time difference of half a day or more. These time differences can delay your communication and make the development process longer. Speaking of which, with their close proximity, US development companies can deploy your software faster, too. Ayoka Systems is a US-based custom software development company with centers in Dallas, Houston, and Denver. We have access to top technology, and we give you the transparency and communication that you deserve.
Trusted
Ayoka’s software development team is trusted by businesses of all sizes. We’ve worked with startups, major corporations, and everything in between. For example, DFW Airport in Texas used Ayoka Systems to perform systems integration in one of its terminals. We’ve gained a reputation for trustworthiness and capacity to handle difficult jobs. We apply innovative solutions to difficult business problems, providing our clients with the software that best meets their needs. Of course, whether we’re working with a small business or a Fortune 500 company, we bring the same level of respect and focus for each one of our clients.
Bringing Joy to All
Choosing the right software company for your custom software development is a tough and complex process. Ayoka Systems would like to make that process easier. The Ayoka name means “bringing joy to all,” and we do everything we can to live up to that name every day.
Contact us today to talk to us about your software project. Let’s discuss what we can do to bring your project to life.
FAQs
How will custom software help my business?
Custom software development can serve your business in many ways. Custom software gives you scalability so that your business can grow effectively. It also gives you efficiency and reliability, and it sets your business apart from the competition. To learn how custom software can help your business specifically, feel free to set up a consultation with us.
Why is custom software a big investment?
Custom software takes much more work than COTS, especially if your software team is starting from scratch. The process can take several months. It includes consultations, a design phase, building phases, testing, retesting, and deployment. Business owners find that custom software is worth the investment because it can save them money over time and help them run their businesses more effectively. However, you can use several techniques to save money on your custom software, including using a semi-custom option.
Does Ayoka offer custom application services?
We do. Ayoka develops custom applications for all kinds of businesses and industries.
What industries do you serve?
We serve many industries, including healthcare, finance, retail, transportation, education, and more. These industries include those with the most complex custom software needs, including healthcare, finance, manufacturing, e-commerce, and government. Contact us to ask about our work with your particular industry.
Are you experienced with compliance laws?
Yes, we often work with industries that require specific compliance regulations. For example, we often develop software for the healthcare industry, so we’re very familiar with HIPAA compliance.
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