Is your business getting what it needs using off-the-shelf (COTS) apps?
If not, it is time for your own custom app done your way.
- Avoid settling for what was designed for the masses.
Get exactly what your business needs and no more.- Know what the app can do from day one since you can define it!
For example, have you ever been frustrated because…
- You cannot make the app do what your business needs it to do.
- Your employees find an app difficult to use.
- You end up paying for all those unneeded bells and whistles!
How Custom Apps are different than off-the-shelf solutions
Custom apps are sometimes perceived as having higher costs, taking longer to develop, and having a shorter shelf-life. On the contrary, if you are wasting critical time using off-the-shelf solutions that do not meet your business and customer needs you are wasting time, money and even risking losing customers. Off-the-shelf solutions follow the lowest common denominator model. Conversely, Custom apps are designed specifically for your business and customer needs; and nothing else.
Custom app’s focus on your specific requirements is what Six Sigma would term “designing out the defects upfront” to save you time and money..
Second, you are the architect of the features and functionality included in your custom app. Third, the developer of your custom app will provide advice based on knowledge and experience of what has been proven effective. And a custom app is developed in phases aligned with your top priorities and can easily adapt to business and market changes. Have you ever tried to change an off-the-shelf solution?
When it comes to high maintenance costs or short shelf-life a custom app is actually better. Explicitly you control the enhancements and freshness of your custom app. As a result, you get to decide when changes are made, and balance costs based on your business priorities and budget. Conversely, off-the-shelf solutions are controlled by their makers. And you have no control when they get pulled off the shelves! Ever received a notice that support has expired for the version of an off-the-shelf solution you are using? And then they insist you go through the business interruption of a major upgrade for changes that help the masses but not you.
Without a custom app, your business will be forced into following procedures that are designed for the masses. Therefore you will serve your customers the same way your competitors do who use the same off-the-shelf solution. Hence you do not differentiate your business. Consequently, you risk losing customers.
Without a custom app, you will follow the prescribed routines of your off-the-shelf solution. Furthermore, you will be forced to create workarounds to operate more effectively and efficiently. And your employees may realize the “solution” creates more work, not less.
Considerations when choosing a developer of your Custom app
- Are they recognized and verified in the marketplace?
- Do they have reference customers you can verify their competence?
- Are they able to demonstrate their accountability and promises kept?
- Do they have domain experience in your industry?
You may wonder why it matters to select a development partner who has experience in your industry. Not having it does not mean they are not a quality developer. But having it can mean they talk your language and have a better understanding of some of your challenges and opportunities.
In summary, let go of the myths about custom apps. Be in control of your app costs, and how it helps you run your business. A custom app helps you operate your business more effectively and efficiently. And custom apps are designed the way you know will best serve and grow your customer base. Finally, do your homework when selecting a development partner.
If you’d like to discuss how a custom app can help you run your business operate more efficiently and effectively schedule a call with us! After all, TIMIT made DesignRush’s list of top custom software development companies. Check out our profile on DesignRush here >> https://www.designrush.com/search-agency?query=TIMIT