How do I find the right software?
Choosing the right software is crucial for the efficiency and success of your company. Whether it's project management, data analysis or specialised industry solutions - the right software can optimise work processes, reduce costs and increase productivity.
But with so many options on the market, how do you find the software that best suits your company's requirements? Is there a standard solution that meets your needs or should you also consider the option of customised software?
Avoid these 5 common mistakes when making the ‘buy or make’ decision
Insufficient requirements analysis
Many companies fail to clearly define their specific needs and objectives before selecting software. Without a thorough analysis of the requirements, there is a risk that the chosen solution will not optimally match the actual business processes.
Focus on price instead of benefits
It's tempting to choose the cheaper software, but focusing too much on price can lead to important features and long-term benefits being overlooked. A low-cost solution can be more expensive in the long run if it does not fully meet requirements or entails high customisation costs.
Missing consideration of scalability
In many companies, different software solutions need to communicate with each other. If the new software cannot be integrated well into the existing system landscape, isolated solutions may be created and business processes and the associated data flows may be hindered.
Insufficient user-friendliness
Even the best software is of little use if it is not accepted by employees. A complicated user interface or a lack of user-friendliness can impair productivity and lead to resistance among users.
Disregarding integration opportunities
In many companies, different software solutions have to communicate with each other. If the new software cannot be integrated well into the existing system landscape, isolated solutions may be created and data flows may be hindered.
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Standard or customised solution?
The decision between standard and customised software is a question of cost, time and flexibility. Standard software is usually 50-70% cheaper to purchase and can often be implemented within a few days. It offers tried and tested functions, regular updates and a large user base. However, it may not cover up to 20% of the required functions, which leads to compromises. Customised software, on the other hand, requires a development time of several weeks and an investment that is often significantly higher. In return, it enables customised mapping of business processes and offers up to 100% of the required functions, giving companies a competitive advantage in the long term.
Advantages of a standard solution
Cost efficiency:
Standard software is generally cheaper than customised solutions, as the development costs are spread across many users and no individual adaptations are required.
Fast availability:
Standard software can usually be used immediately after purchase, without long development and customisation times as with individual software.
Regular updates and further development:
Providers of standard software regularly offer updates that integrate new functions and close security gaps without the company having to take action itself.
Broad support and community:
Standard software is supported by a large user base, which facilitates access to documentation, support and best practices.
Reduced risk:
Standard software is already in use in many companies and has proven itself, which minimises the risk of errors and failures.
Advantages of a customised solution
Customised functionality:
Customised software is tailored specifically to the needs and processes of a company so that it fits in perfectly with workflows and has no unnecessary or missing functions.
Greater flexibility:
Customised software can be flexibly developed and adapted as required to adapt to changing business conditions, new requirements or growth.
Competitive advantage:
Because the software was developed specifically for the company, it can offer unique features that competitors do not have, which can provide a strategic advantage.
Optimum integration:
Customised software can be developed in such a way that it is perfectly integrated into the existing IT infrastructure and other systems, providing optimum support for data flows and processes.
Control and independence:
Companies have full control over the software, including the source code, updates and further development, which makes them independent of third-party providers.
Long-term investment security:
As the software is owned by the company, there is no risk of support being discontinued or the software being withdrawn from the market, as can happen with standard software.
Optimised user-friendliness:
The software can be customised precisely to the requirements and knowledge of the users, which increases acceptance and reduces training costs.
The development of customised software
The stages of development
The development of customised software usually begins with a detailed requirements analysis. In this phase, the developers work closely with the customer to understand the business processes and define the specific requirements for the software. These requirements are recorded in the form of so-called user stories or requirements documents, which serve as the basis for further development.
This is followed by the conception and design phase, in which a suitable software architecture is designed. Here, attention is paid not only to functionality, but also to aspects such as scalability, security and maintainability. The design is often visualised in the form of models, diagrams and prototypes in order to give the customer a first impression of the future software.
The software is programmed in the development phase. Depending on the project requirements, this can be done using an agile, iterative approach in which the software is developed in small, functioning increments. Alternatively, a more traditional approach can be chosen, in which the software is created in a coherent development cycle.
The software is comprehensively tested in parallel with development. Both automated and manual tests are used to ensure that the software is error-free and fulfils the customer's requirements. Tests are an integral part of quality assurance and help to ensure the reliability and stability of the software.
After successful development and testing, the software is implemented in the customer's production environment. This step, also known as deployment, ensures that the software goes live and is available to end users. During this phase, users are often also trained to ensure that they can use the new software efficiently.
Why agile methods?
The agile method is particularly well suited to the development of customised software, as it offers a high degree of flexibility and customer focus. Through iterative development in short cycles, known as sprints, the development team can react quickly to changes and regularly involve the customer in the development process. This enables the software to be continuously adapted to the customer's actual needs and minimises the risk of the final solution not meeting expectations. Agile methods also promote collaboration and transparency in the project, which leads to greater satisfaction for both the development team and the customer.
Overall, the development of customised software is a complex but rewarding process that enables companies to obtain tailor-made solutions that optimally meet their specific requirements. The use of agile methods reinforces the benefits of these customised approaches by placing flexibility, quality and customer satisfaction at the centre.
