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The software that your computers run is,
without question, far more important than the type, brand or
configuration of the hardware. Without the right software a
computer can often be an obstacle rather than a help.
Unfortunately, when buying computer systems the emphasis tends
to be on the hardware - the fastest Gigahertz processor, the
largest Gigabyte disk drive etc.
It is surprising how even a modest PC can reduce the
administrative overheads of a business, or enhance the
capabilities of a business as long as the right software is put in
place.
£10,000 spent on upgrading the office's computers may not make
a jot of difference to the running of the business. However I can
guarantee that £5,000 spent on some bespoke software will
make a big difference.
What actually is bespoke software?
Quite simply it is software that is written specifically for a
business to help carry out that business's procedures.
Typically a bespoke software project will consist of:
- Analysis of the business requirements and design of a
solution
- Development of the software
- Installation of the software at the customer's premises
- Training of staff in the use of the new software
As you can see, before development actually starts the
business's needs are worked out and understood so that the final
software solution actually does what the business needs it to do.
Why
do I need bespoke software?
Businesses, like people, come in all shapes and sizes. In
fact there is no such thing as an average business so, if you
think about it, how on earth can some packaged software, which
by definition is built to an average or typical specification,
meet your business needs.
In some areas, such as accounting, where the rules are fairly
stable and very similar from business to business, a packaged
software solution will perform adequately. However most
businesses have, at their core, processing which is unique in some
way. This is where packaged software just gets in the way!
Inevitably, if you try to use some average, packaged software
to actually run your business you will have to change some
aspect of your business to work around limitations or quirks in
the software. This will result in disruption, frustration and
additional training requirements.
To be truly beneficial to your business, the software you use
needs to:
- Reflect the way that your business works
- Embody the rules that your business operates by
- Actually help to get the work done
Only bespoke software can guarantee to achieve this.
Can
I afford bespoke software?
Contrary to popular belief, bespoke software doesn't have to
cost 7, 6 or even 5 figure sums. These are the spectacular
projects that hit the headlines more often because they have
gone dramatically wrong.
Using modern development technologies and by working closely
with the customer to understand what it is that the business
needs, a software solution can be developed quickly and
inexpensively, usually for far less than the annual cost of the
most junior member of staff.
Buying a package of software off the shelf may, on the face
of it, seem a cheaper option, however there are significant
hidden costs if you take that route. For example, someone has to
work out:
- how to install it
- how it works
- how to carry out your business operations using it
- how to alter your business procedures to cope with its
limitations or quirks
- how to train your staff in the new procedures and in the use
of the new software
All of these can be hugely time consuming and hence costly.
There are also lots of opportunities for mistakes to be
made.
Bespoke software avoids all of these pitfalls and extra costs
because the software works exactly the way your business works and
hence your staff will have a relatively easy job learning the new
software because it's already familiar to them.
Although the up-front cost of bespoke software
appears more than off-the-shelf packages, the true 'cost of
ownership' over 2 years, or often less, will be significantly
lower.
SUMMIT has been developing bespoke software for its customers
since 1998 and has successfully installed many tailored
solutions.
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