Custom Software Development

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Custom Software Development
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What is Custom Software Development?

• Custom software development is the designing of
  software applications for a specific user or
  group of users within an organization. Such
  software is designed to specifically address
  these users' needs better than more traditional
  and widespread off-the-shelf software can. Custom
  software is typically created just for these
  specific users by a third-party or in-house group
  of developers and is not packaged for resale.
• Custom software development is the creation of
  unique technology solutions.
• Custom solutions are typically more expensive
  than out-of-the-box software options.
• Custom software development requires a detailed
  plan.

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Custom software vs. off-the-shelf software

• Off-the-shelf software consists of a packaged
  software application available to a large
  audience with varying, albeit fundamentally
  similar, needs. For example, Microsoft Word is
  designed for the mass public as a solution to the
  diverse needs of its users. However, it does not
  cater to a specific group or need as custom
  software would.
• Customized software development entails the
  commissioning, development and release of a
  software product tailored to a single entity. For
  example, an application created for JPMorgan
  Chase would be used only by that company and the
  department for which it was designed. The
  software is designed with the company's
  infrastructure, branding and implementation needs
  in mind, so it works only for that organization.

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Pros of Custom Software Development

• The biggest benefit of custom software is that it
  provides features that off-the-shelf software
  doesn't. Designing an application with your
  organization's needs in mind typically leads to
  an increased level of productivity once the
  solution is implemented.
• If you have a software application designed to
  increase productivity or address an internal
  need, its cost is offset by the promise of
  increased efficiency. If your organization has a
  need that's specific enough to warrant custom
  software, then customizing a solution becomes a
  smart course of action.

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Best practices for developing Custom Software

• Define your current process and future needs.
• Choose the right people for the work.
• Make a realistic plan with milestones.
• Conduct appropriate testing.
• Document the entire process.

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 Define your current process and future needs

• To build anything, including software, it's
  critical to define your current process, your
  expectations and your measurement of success.
  Defining these things is so important to the
  overall project management process that methods
  such as 18 Pixels give "Define" its own phase.
• Make sure you know the following
• What the current process is. Don't make
  assumptions ask subject-matter experts who
  handle the work daily.
• Why you want to make changes. Again, don't assume
  something will be better. Test the theory, or at
  least get stakeholder feedback from all levels.
• What the desired state is. Sketch out desired
  workflows and other processes that the software
  is meant to support.

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Choose the right people for the work.

• Custom software can be developed by the following
  people
• Your internal IT team.
• People you hire or contract specifically for the
  job.
• Software development vendors and companies.
• It's tempting to say you'll handle everything
  in-house to save money. But using your own IT
  team for this purpose has drawbacks. First, your
  team already has obligations pulling them from
  daily work could cause slowdowns for the entire
  business. Second, your tech personnel may not be
  trained or experienced in development.
• Outsourcing this process often makes the most
  sense. You can work with teams that have
  successfully designed and implemented other
  customer software. You may even be able to find a
  company that specializes in products for your
  industry.

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Make a realistic plan with milestones

• Create a team that includes your developers, some
  subject-matter experts, and someone to lead and
  direct the overall initiative. Together, create a
  road map for the project. Ensure it's realistic
  you can't create a complex workflow and shipping
  system in a week, for example.
• Plan for milestones to keep the project on track.
  These are various stages of the development that
  should be completed at a certain time and budget
  amount. You can review the work at each schedule
  milestone to understand if you need to make
  changes to your planned timeline or budget.

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Conduct appropriate testing

• Before you implement the new software across your
  entire business, test it. Testing usually occurs
  on two levels
• Technical testing is conducted by the developers
  and IT professionals. It tests that the
  foundational elements are working.
• User testing is conducted by business beta users.
  It tests that the software works as expected and
  desired.

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Document the entire process

• Documentation is important for all stages of
  development and implementation. You know you have
  to define what you have and what you want. Your
  project plan documents who is responsible for
  each piece, and sets dates and expectations. But
  you should also have the following
• A test plan and checklist to ensure the software
  is fully vetted.
• A statement of scope to ensure you don't end up
  trying to solve too many problems with the
  software.
• An implementation plan that defines who begins to
  use the software, and when.
• A training plan and detailed user documentation
  so that people aren't left frustrated and with
  questions when you roll out the new resource.

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Conclusion

• Custom software development lets you use
  technology to solve specific problems for your
  business. When you know how to determine whether
  custom solutions are right for you and how to
  implement them, you can support growth and
  success.
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