Most software that you use will be ‘off the shelf’ packages and the same application will typically be run by thousands or even millions of users. The other type of software that you may use is bespoke software applications which has been custom developed for your particular organization. Bespoke software applications, written to meet specific client requirements, offer many advantages over standard, off-the-shelf software. There are various advantages and disadvantages to Bespoke software application approaches.

Advantages of Bespoke Software Development

• Customized software application will work with you
• Bespoke software is easy to use because it works the way you work.
• Ease of use of a custom software solution
• You are in control – you can make the changes you require when you like.
• Ease of use of a custom software solution
• Bespoke software precisely matches your working practices, requiring less supervision and generating fewer errors
• Greater efficiency from a bespoke software application
• Bespoke applications increase productivity by automating repetitive tasks.
• Innovate and be creative with software only you use
• Your own software differentiates you from the competition with unique products and services.
• More intelligence in a bespoke solution makes understanding your information simple
• Business information is easier to understand because bespoke applications incorporate your business know-how.
• All knowledge from one source
• Information can be integrated from disparate existing applications.

Whatever your application, whatever your type of business, your business could benefit from bespoke software.

Bespoke Software v Off The Shelf

A custom application may be a better solution than standard, off the shelf, software products. Off the shelf software is designed for a wide range of businesses and may not be ideally suited for a specific business.

With off the shelf software you can be left to do everything yourself including installation, defining fields, importing data. Costs can be deceptive as they don’t include setup, customization of reports, support nor your own learning time.

Off-the-shelf software often forces you to work in ways that are not always natural or efficient. They must cater for a wide range of organizations and may include many functions you will never use. You may have to use clumsy, general purpose screens not designed specifically for your needs.

Custom software applications can actually cost less, especially for large number of users. You pay a one off fee regardless of the number of users.

Conclusions
Having a bespoke application developed for you can potentially provide you with major business and commercial benefits and allow you to gain significant competitive advantage. However you have to expect to pay more for it than for a packaged solution and it is also essential that you use a professional developer who works to Best Practice standards and who is happy to provide you with the source code to your application.