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Custom Software Guide - Is custom software right
for my business?
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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
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a. Do I need new software?
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You probably need new software if some of these are true for you:-
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- 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?
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The three categories of businesses as defined by the software they need are;
Standard, Non-Standard and Unique.
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- 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 involved with 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.
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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.
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