2022 was the year when the world started recovering from the pandemic. It made businesses realize the importance of digitization for enhancing their processes. This made several businesses across multiple industries get on the digital bandwagon by developing custom software applications.
As we head towards the end of 2022, it is safe to say that the trend of developing robust custom software applications is here to stay. Custom software development allows you to build applications that are unique to your business and sport exclusive features that are limited to your business.
However, it is common for businesses to get confused between hiring a custom software development company and purchasing an off-the-shelf software application. If you can purchase a pre-developed application, why should you choose custom software development?
Here are some of the most important reasons why you should always go for custom software development to get on the digital bandwagon:
Greater Flexibility
High flexibility is one of the biggest highlights of custom software development. Getting an off-the-shelf application makes it difficult to make changes and configurations in it once it is purchased. As the codes of these applications are not written by your developers, it reduces the flexibility they provide.
A custom software application is much more flexible as you have complete control over the codes written. It allows you to make necessary changes, upgrades, customizations, and configurations to your application without facing any major issues. Custom software is more malleable and can be easily molded according to the requirements of your business.
High Efficiency
When the coding is completely under your control, you can decide the efficiency of the software you build. While purchasing an off-the-shelf application, you may need to make compromises in certain specific aspects as you have little control over the development.
On the other hand, custom software applications are more efficient as you can add the tools, features, architecture, and every other component that best suits the application and your business. Highly efficient applications help you fulfill your business objectives and get you closer to your goals.
Low-cost Integrations
Software integrations let you expand the functionality of your applications by merging them with third-party apps and services. It involves the merging of data between multiple applications to provide users with a unified platform. By integrating your software application, you can prevent users from working on two different platforms.
Integrations require your software to be flexible and readily customizable. This makes integrating off-the-shelf applications difficult. Even when integrating such applications is possible, it costs you a fortune for the same. Altering pre-coded applications is often a lengthy and expensive process.
On the other hand, custom software applications can be integrated with suitable third parties with ease and efficiency. They can be customized according to the integration needs and gets the work done faster. Moreover, as custom software applications are more flexible and can be integrated with little to no difficulty, the integrations are less expensive than working with an off-the-shelf application.
Higher Profitability
Businesses often criticize custom software development because of the cost of development involved. While building a custom software application is more expensive than purchasing an off-the-shelf application, it is also a more profitable investment than the latter.
Custom software development allows you to add specific tools and features to your application that yield the desired results. A business-specific application’s functionality would be strictly limited to your business objectives and the outcome you are looking for. This increases your chances of getting the desired engagement and earning high revenue.
As a custom software application lets you earn higher revenue as compared to the expenses incurred, it increases your profitability despite costing more than purchasing an off-the-shelf application.
High Scalability
We live in uncertain times where you may need to scale your business up or down based on specific circumstances. Off-the-shelf software applications come with a certain degree of rigidity in them that prevents you from scaling them well.
As custom software applications are completely under your control down to the code level, you can scale them according to different circumstances. Scaling your application up lets you accommodate more traffic and customers. On the other hand, scaling your application down lets you limit your processes to accommodate lower traffic and customers. A custom software app also lets you add or remove features to suit the scalability of your business.
Data Security
As you build a software application and launch it for the end-users, you need to ensure its security. Whether you are developing an application for external users or your internal team, data security cannot be compromised. Off-the-shelf software applications are easier to hack as they have a consistent code pattern across the board. Also, these applications do not let you choose their security standards.
However, a custom software application doesn’t let you compromise your data security. It allows you to set security protocols and standards according to your business objectives and preferences. From secure authentication to user management, you can ensure the complete security and privacy of your business data.
Personalized User Experience
Personalization is the key to getting the desired traction in 2022. Customers no longer accept generic services and UIs from the applications they use. With custom software development, you can build applications that specifically cater to the needs of the end users. It lets you tailor the functionality of your application based on the choices, preferences, and requirements of your target audience.
When you personalize the end-user experience, you can build a strong and healthy relationship with your customers. It helps you get more traction and persuade more prospects to use your application to fulfill their needs.
The Final Word
These were some of the major reasons why you should always go for custom software development. Before starting your project, look for skilled custom software developers who are in tune with your business objectives and possess the right expertise to build a robust and business-specific application. Working with the right team of developers will enhance your application and give you an edge over your competitors.