As the mania around AI continues to swirl, let’s not forget about the solutions we already have. Artificial intelligence is definitely having an impact on everything from social media to medicine, but it’s no panacea. At least, not yet. So, let’s take a look at one of the tools we’ve had for a while now – one that’s proven its value over and over again.
We’re talking about custom application development. While off-the-shelf software can meet basic needs, many businesses find that they have to use workarounds to suit their particular operations.
Custom applications, on the other hand, are built around your unique processes. An example of this is a sales system we created for one of our clients that sells plants. Different types of plants are sold in different sized case lots. An off-the-shelf e-commerce program couldn’t account for this, so we created one that did. Here are some of the other advantages of custom-built software apps.
Scalability and Adaptability: Custom applications can grow and change with your business. You don’t need to buy something new when you want to expand, or things like industry regulations change. This ensures that your technology investments remain relevant over time.
Enhanced Security: Off-the-shelf software can be more vulnerable to cyber threats because they are widely used and known targets. Custom applications can be built with robust security measures specific to your business needs, reducing risks.
Integration Capabilities: Customized apps can be seamlessly integrated with existing software and systems within your organization. A custom inventory management system, for example, can be integrated with your accounting software.
Improved Data Analysis: Custom applications can include advanced analytics and reporting features tailored to your specific business metrics. This enables better decision-making by collecting data from various sources, which provides deeper insights into key performance indicators.
Cost Efficiency in the Long Run: While initial development costs might be higher than buying off-the-shelf software, custom applications often lead to long-term cost savings.
Taking a bit of time to think about where you might be wasting time, could lead you to ask another question – could this problem be solved with a custom application? Call us for the answer.