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Custom Software Guide - Is custom software right for my business?
This guide will help you answer some of your questions about custom software and whether it is right for your business. Click through the sections a. to d. listed below. Do I need new software? Custom Software or 'off-the-shelf' software? What is the process involved with Custom Software? A sample Custom Software quote

a. Do I need new software?

You probably need new software if some of these are true for your business:-

there are too many admin/clerical errors you need several spreadsheets to tie things together spreadsheets are needed to compensate for current software routine tasks (invoicing, mailouts, stock control, reports, quotes, jobsheets, orders) are time-consuming your current setup is not capturing customer marketing data (it is much easier to resell to existing customers) you do not have instant access to up-to-the-minute reports
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b. Custom Software or 'Off-the-shelf' Software?

The three categories of businesses as defined by the software they need are; Standard, Non-Standard and Unique.
Standard If your business is standard, e.g. accountancy, there is a large number of 'off-the-shelf' programs to suit. Non-Standard Most businesses are in this category. There may be a few 'off-the-shelf' programs in your field. Investigating these will determine if there is sufficient similarity between how they work and how your business works. If it seems like a good fit, the next thing to find is a consultant to help you install the program and transfer your existing data. If it looks like the discrepancy would create extra work and require workarounds (e.g. spreadsheets), then it is worth considering custom software. Unique If your business is unique and there are no 'off-the-shelf' programs to consider, or you may have tried this path and become frustrated with the lack of flexibility, then your choice is simple, custom software.
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c. What is the process for implementing custom software? Implementing new software into your business requires a thought-through process whether it be Custom Software or 'off-the-shelf'. This process can be broken down into stages. We have performed this many times and thought it might be useful to outline the general process and stages that we go through with clients. Go To the process.
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d. Custom Software − An Example Quote Custom software is made specifically for your business. Therefore, we can not give you your specific quote until after the initial, absolutely free consultation. However, we would like to give you an insight into the breakdown of time and cost within a quote, and have prepared an Example Quote based on a simple system. Go To the Example Quote.
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Do you have questions?

Please contact us with any questions you may have.