It seems that there’s an off-the-shelf software product for everything these days. The internet and the cloud have enabled software developers to reach more customers than previously possible. And if you can’t find an off-the-shelf product that meets your requirements, automation tools like Zapier and Power Automate promise integrations between multiple products to meet your needs.
Technology is integral to modern business and off-the-shelf solutions often fall short in meeting specific business needs. Tailored solutions are critical for standing out in competitive markets, optimising internal processes, and address business-specific challenges.
Here’s why a business should consider a custom software solution:
Unique Business Requirements
Every business has unique requirements although many don’t realise it until they’re implementing an off-the-shelf product. Pre-built solutions may not always address unique processes, customer needs, or industry-specific requirements.
Custom development permits businesses to create features and functions that align tightly with their business model, increasing efficiency and customer satisfaction. Custom development is ideal for start-ups looking to bring a new product or service to market but without the overhead of maintaining an internal development team.
For example, CIBIS was approached by a legal firm searching for a way of ensuring legal compliance for several of their clients. They could not find an off-the-shelf solution that met their requirements and didn’t have the internal expertise to develop one. CIBIS built a custom solution to meet their requirements.
Competitive Advantage
Custom software enables a business to stand out by providing unique services and capabilities that off-the-shelf products lack. In addition to streamlining current processes, custom software encourages innovation and allows a forward-looking business to introduce new products or features ahead of the curve.
For example, CIBIS was contacted by a not for profit providing support to a vulnerable group of people. They wanted to take an innovative approach to providing a digital tool to assist that group with the issues they are facing whilst placing utmost importance on client security as the information being captured was highly sensitive. CIBIS assisted this client in building a solution to meet their needs and assisting them in ensuring such a sensitive solution was compliant with legal and regulatory requirements.
Scalability & Flexibility
Custom software is more adaptable and can evolve with a business as their technology needs grow. Custom-built solutions can be updated and adapted to new goals, market demands, or customer feedback without being restricted by the limitations of pre-built software.
For example, CIBIS developed a specialised lead generation tracking system for an Australia-wide services company. Over time, the business has grown and evolved with new products and services and CIBIS has adapted the system to meet their needs including integration with their other in-house systems.
Integration with Existing Systems
Custom development can ensure that new software integrates smoothly with existing tools, be it CRM, ERP, or any other system the business relies upon. A custom solution can bridge the gap between different platforms, reducing manual work and helping to prevent errors inherent in double-handling information.
For example, CIBIS developed Government to Government (G2G) middleware for local government authorities to enable integration of their enterprise management software with a state government authority. This significantly reduced the need for double entry and manual processing of development applications.
Improved Security
Custom software allows a business to focus on their unique security needs regarding data protection, privacy and compliance with regulations like APP and GDPR. Off-the-shelf solutions may have vulnerabilities that hackers target due to their large number of users. Custom software can be built to mitigate these risks and delivered in a way that meets the security posture of the business e.g. being only accessible internally or during business hours.
CIBIS has provided client-specific managed instances of its SaaS software for customers with specialised security and functionality requirements.
Long-term cost efficiency
Whilst custom software often has a higher initial development cost, businesses can save money in the long term by avoiding expensive subscription fees, licensing costs or hidden charges associated with off-the-shelf solutions. Off-the-shelf solutions often require the next version or another module to meet a new business requirement.
Recently CIBIS was approached to develop a specialised reporting system for a service business operating in NSW and QLD. The possibility of developing this in a low code platform was explored, however licensing this platform for the required number of users over a multi-year period proved to be cost prohibitive. Whilst factoring in the differential development costs (whether custom developed or using low code platforms), CIBIS demonstrated that a custom developed solution would be the more cost-effective with a payback period of only 3 years.
Customer Experience
Custom software can be designed to meet the specific needs or preferences of customers. It offers the possibility to tailor the experience based on different customer segments or expertise, increasing engagement and satisfaction.
As an example within retail, CIBIS enhanced their ERP system to provide eCommerce functionality allowing real-time integration between online ordering and stock management. This was to meet customer expectations regarding the availability of products.
Support for New Business Models or Processes
If your business is testing a new model or process (for example subscription-based billing), custom software allows the building of software to support these unique requirements. Custom software can automate business processes which reduces costs and improves productivity specifically tailored to a company’s workflows.
As an example, CIBIS has developed an international student applications processing platform used by major Australian universities. As the international student market has changed in Australia, CIBIS has adapting the platform to their ever-evolving requirements.
Better Support
Many modern off-the-shelf software vendors are faceless companies where it’s practically impossible to speak to a real person. Off the shelf companies also control the release cycle and can terminate a product if it is no longer profitable.
Developing custom software is a partnership between a business and a software development firm. Custom software provides the business with direct access to the developers who are invested in ensuring the solution meets their client needs. Whilst custom software may seem expensive compared to off-the-shelf solutions, an established and mature custom software vendor can provide a business with the assurance of getting help when needed, from someone with intimate knowledge of their client’s use, throughout the long term.
CIBIS has maintained long-term relationships with clients (some for over two decades) with multiple solutions - due to our ability to support them over the life of their products.
How CIBIS can help you
CIBIS has been developing custom software for business of all sizes for more than 20 years. While we are based in Newcastle NSW, our clients are all over the country. We work closely with our clients ensuring they maximise the cost/benefit advantage of developing a custom solution.
CIBIS is also ISO 27001 certified, and all our staff are Australian-based ensuring your interactions and data remain local. Australian-based staff means that you’re always dealing with someone who speaks your language, understands your needs, and you don’t need to worry about different time zones.
If you’re a start-up looking for a partner to realise your dreams, a business who has outgrown their off-the-shelf software, or an enterprise looking to integrate or augment an existing enterprise platform, we can help.
CIBIS International