The right software company - How to choose it? | Tips

Do you run a company or business? You are surely aware that every company requires appropriate tools which allow it to function. Many things can be done manually, of course. But there remains a simple question - for what? In most cases, the answer is: running. Accounting, ledgers, warehouses, or even stores are currently leaning towards digitization. However, each entrepreneur has different specifics of work, sizes, and needs of companies differ. This is where the software provider has the most to say. What exactly?

‍

Custom software - a response to individual customer preferences

In fact, every major brand has its own CRM or any other software that optimizes a huge amount of tasks performed during a working day. Custom software for companies simply supports their overall operation. Unfortunately, but in most cases, it is not possible to use something like templates. Every client has their own preferences, that is why they require an individual approach. Here, software development becomes the answer. Depending on the size, industry, or needs, specialists will create custom-made software ideally suited to the needs. How to choose the right company? What does Custom software give you in practice? Find out in this article!

‍

Start by identifying your own needs!

Before you start looking for a specific software company, think about what you really want to get by purchasing the software. If you know what you are looking for, it is always easier to find. It is important to define your own needs and goals. If you keep accounting, effective cataloging of files is definitely necessary. However, in the case of production lines, it is necessary to fully automate the processes performed, for example, by robotic sleeves or individual assembly stations. Define precisely what you really need and a dedicated developer will complete project assumptions faster.

Correct identification of requirements and functions makes it easier to find the right contractor. You must be aware that it looks different when creating a system for, e.g., personalized invitations for customers, connecting a module to an online store, or writing an application that will automate orders on a sales platform. So, how do you verbalize your own requirements?

‍

Describe the specifics of your industry

Remember that not everyone knows what, for example, assembling cars from scratch or assembling tools is. Each industry has its own needs. So, describe what the processes you would like to optimize look like. Let us assume, for example, that you have a production line and you intend to automate some tasks. So, break down into factors how a given object or component is created. This is just the beginning, but you have to start somewhere, right? In addition, a software developer will certainly explain clearly what it is that you may need. This is important, but not the only criterion.

Each brand is associated with a different service sector. Warehouses, for example, require logistic optimization. Can you imagine Amazon shipping without assistance? It is not possible. At least not on that scale. A production entity functions completely differently than a contractor from a typical service industry. In turn, custom software, depending on the general predisposition of the company, allows you to choose the right system for its most effective operation.

‍

Think how big is your company?

Here the matter is probably the simplest. This criterion clearly defines the overall costs. Larger companies operating on the market not only have great financial possibilities but also operate on a much larger scale. This means that, for example, a CMS will have to be designed completely differently than for a smaller entrepreneur. Thanks to this, custom software is dedicated to their activities. Software customization allows you to operate much more effectively within your own industry.

‍

Do you know what the general needs of your company are?

In practice, this means answering the question: “do you know what you want and what can be improved?” Software development will enable you, among others automation of some tasks. Thanks to this, you will reduce the consumption of human resources, and your employees will be able to perform other duties. Some of them, especially repetitive ones, can execute the program. People managing a given enterprise certainly know how their company functions. So it is important to describe it well and convey it to the performer.

For example, perhaps it is a good idea to introduce a reporting system. Thanks to brief opinions, as well as better information exchange, it will be possible to react faster to problems. Custom software can thus facilitate the detection of errors and thus prevent crises. Software for enterprises usually allows you to take care of the basic KPIs (Key performance indicators). Remember that something needs to calculate financial and non-financial indicators that are used as measures in the processes of measuring the achievement of goals. IT systems support the company’s achievement of operational and strategic goals. Thanks to this, you can improve control, exercise more effective supervision, and thus take care of the condition of the entire company properly.

‍

Give up cheap software companies

This is crucial. If you buy household appliances, you can afford a cheaper purchase. It will, of course, generate more costs and break down over time, but you will save on your investment. But is it worth it? Definitely not. In terms of custom software, we can also choose specialists who offer implementation at the lowest price. Unfortunately, such a web application design will make the end result simply unsatisfactory. For example, what if the program will run extremely slowly? What if the setup system will have a lot of bugs and security gaps? In the case of the latter, the leakage of customer or user data may cause an increase in costs that will exceed the price of a decent software provider several times. It is simply impossible to write good software in the absence of adequate resources. Anyone can tell you that. Here it is worth noting that some companies charge you by the hour, and others, according to the value of the entire project. It is necessary to consider what is more profitable for us.

‍

Determine your budget!

Remember that cheap implementation is a bad idea. However, you can also go to the other extreme. You have to do research among software providers. So setting your budget is essential. Set a limit that you are willing to pay, but also set the average market price for this type of service. If you do not currently have a sufficient budget, it is better to wait than waste your funds aimlessly. Setting your budget helps to narrow down the search list.

‍

Check the portfolio and customer opinions about a given software provider

You would not choose a brand that has no idea about it, right? Therefore, it is worth checking if a company has already performed orders in your industry in the past. If so, it is good to check if their clients have issued them with references. If so, you can be 100% sure that this is the software developer you are looking for. A portfolio is also helpful, as you can directly check the skills of a given team. It will also help you prepare for a business meeting. You will surely have some questions. If a company is good, it always has a lot of positive feedback. However, please note that feedback may be purchased. So check negative comments and think if they can have any factual basis.

‍

A good software developer is a communicative software developer

Software companies must maintain constant communication with their clients. The exchange of information helps in faster software development. In addition, it allows you to eliminate a lot of errors that arise simply during the use of custom software. Therefore, it is good to check if your future contractor tells you clearly what they are able to do, what problems they may encounter during the implementation, and what they will not do (because they cannot or it is not effective). Often, programmers make it clear that they are just NOT going to do something. What is going on?

‍

Let yourself say no

You should never insist on your ideas or solutions unless you have knowledge in that field. In which case, you would have written the necessary software yourself. However, there is another very important point related to “no”. You need to be vigilant that your prospective partner does not nod to you too often. After all, a software company must have some limitations. Do not hire developers who think they can fit all of your needs and meet all your requirements. This is not possible. How to check it? Just ask if they can write software in a language they do not use. Simple? Of course.

‍

Pay attention to the reputation of the company in question

Check the market credibility of a given brand. It is best to simply contact a client listed in the portfolio. Check if it exists at all! It happens that the realizations may be fictitious. Ask about the quality of cooperation, whether the software developer is timely and how quickly the project assumptions were carried out. Why? Because creating dedicated software, it is not just about writing code and using the right technology. It is all about business. You are consumers, so you have certain needs and you also have your own customers. Your development partner needs to understand this. Therefore, you need to be sure that they will focus on your priorities and also give you advice from a technical point of view.

‍

Take your time - choose the right contractor

Remember that the software must be tailored to you and your needs. In addition, it is extremely important that it works perfectly. There are a lot of companies on the market that deal with creating custom software. So do not insist on a particular one. Apart from that, take your time to decide. You have time. If you have done well so far, you can delay software development a bit. First of all, choose well. Analyze everything carefully to avoid any complications. A proper and conscious purchase is an investment in the future. Provide your company with measurable benefits! The above tips will surely help you find the best programming company fitting your preferences. If not, at least they will make it easier! Check it out for yourself!

‍

‍