Custom software or a ready-made solution? Questions to ask when deciding

Not every need requires custom software. If an off-the-shelf tool does the job, starting with it is often faster. Custom software makes sense when ready-made tools don't fit the way you work. The questions below will help you decide.

When is a ready-made solution enough?

• If your need is shared by many businesses (for example a simple corporate site)
• If adapting your process to the tool isn't a problem for you
• If you want to start quickly and go with a smaller scope at first

When should custom software be considered?

• If your processes are specific to your industry or company
• If you enter the same information by hand in several places
• If you want to see data from different programs on a single screen
• If you have to use many extra solutions to connect off-the-shelf tools

Questions before deciding

• How do we do this work today, and where do we lose time?
• How many people will use it, and how often?
• Which systems does it need to exchange data with?
• How might our needs change in the coming period?

If you're unsure, write the process down. A clear description of the process makes it easier both to evaluate ready-made solutions and to explain your custom software need correctly.

This article is for general information. We recommend consulting the relevant specialist for legal, financial or technical decisions.