Choosing a custom software company is a big decision, and knowing which is the right one can be tough. Custom software can be one of the best things for your company if you don’t make a bad choice.
Here are the most common mistakes people make when choosing a software company:
Choosing a Custom Software Company with Only Single Industry Experience
Software development is not one-size-fits-all. Just because a company is great for someone else doesn’t mean they’ll be great for you. One mistake people make when choosing a company is hiring one that has no experience in their field. They do this because they think software is the same across industry lines. Nothing is further from the truth. Your software needs to meet and surpass the demands of your field. A company may be excellent at serving another industry, but if they don’t know your industry, then you become the trial client. Don’t settle for less, or it will cost you more.
Multiple industry software companies know how to adapt. Because of their experience, they don’t get stuck on one method or one structure. These companies are used to being flexible, which is what you’ll want from a custom software company. This is especially true if a multiple industry company has experience in your industry. Not only can they adapt, but they are familiar with your needs.
Choosing a Non-local Software Company
Many people make the mistake of choosing large overseas software companies. They do this for different reasons, but it’s far from the best option. In most cases, communication becomes difficult, even frustrating, and efficiency takes a hit. It’s also difficult for these companies to invest enough time and energy to get to know a person’s software needs across the world. The physical gap reflects knowledge and communication gaps.
However, choosing a local company has significant advantages when it comes to custom software. Communication is easier when you’re local, which is crucial for the customization process and following maintenance. Better communication leads to a deeper understanding of your needs and a faster turnaround for solving them.
Local US software companies are more knowledgeable and experienced with how software functions in the States. The details are everything when it comes to customizing software, and US companies can handle these details efficiently.
Local companies understand your business. They also know your competition. There’s a certain knowledge that only comes with being in close contact. Local software companies are a step ahead just by having experience in your area and industry.
Choosing a Company Only Because of Price
Everyone struggles with how to determine value. There are several factors that should be considered. On one hand, for the cheapest choice, you usually get what you pay for. On the other, the most expensive choice usually catches you paying extra for nothing. This isn’t always the case, but it’s important to think about what matters the most to you. Custom software companies can be valuable, but price alone doesn’t decide how much.
In addition to price, you value support, modernization, efficiency, risk management, a unique knowledge of your company industry, and more. Consider these when deciding the value of a software company. The right software company will contribute to the bottom-line in a significant way in the long-run. Don’t get distracted by the immediate costs. Cost is important, but it isn’t everything, and chasing after the cheapest or most expensive option can end in regret.
Efficiency determines value more than you might think. Efficient software saves time, increases accuracy, simplifies your processes, and remains reliable. This means that you and your employees also become more efficient. You can do more with less– less people, less time, and less headache.
Choosing Companies Stuck in the Past
It’s an age old story. A custom software company develops a solid reputation. For a time, they rightfully gain a lot of business. After a while, they fall behind in a fast-paced industry, but people still come to them for their reputation. They don’t know any better. They aren’t software experts, so they look for the household name– a name they can trust. It’s only a matter of time until these people realize their custom software has become frustratingly outdated, even though they paid a premium price.
Loyalty is a great thing and reputation matters. But another aspect that people should prioritize is modernization. If custom software companies don’t take modernization seriously, then their company and yours will quickly become irrelevant in today’s world.
Make the Right Choice
Ayoka Systems is local to the US, serves several industries, has competitive pricing, and specializes in software modernization. They prioritize clear and effective communication, and see all stages of customer software development through, from the brainstorming to finished software product and on to maintenance and service. Make the right choice and reach out to Ayoka.