Package Or Bespoke Software?

The Problem

You recognise that a bespoke system would be a better solution for your organisation, but you feel that it is too expensive and too risky. We believe that we can prove to you that a bespoke solution is always better.

Packaged Solution

At first sight, it may seem obvious that a packaged solution is safer in terms of cost and risk. This is true where the package fits perfectly into your business environment.

However, where the fit is not perfect, the following problems arise:

• significant costs will be incurred to implement the functionality you require
• you will have to change the way you work to conform to the system.

Both problems will substantially increase the risk involved, as well as the cost. The second point could lead to serious problems with quality, efficiency and staff morale.

Packaged systems represent a lowest common denominator, in that they have to compromise their functionality to suit the maximum number of users. Any changes you request will have to be agreed by the supplier and the user group and may never be implemented, or might take a year or more to appear.

Bespoke Solution

If a bespoke software development project is successful, then it clearly will offer you the best solution to your business needs.

The key factors are:

• the system will automate your existing processes
• upgrades and enhancements may be carried out quickly
• the development of the system can be part of a larger project (e.g. total quality management)
• your staff can be involved in the design and implementation of the system
• the system becomes an integral part of your organisation and the way that it works
• efficiency will be increased and hence the cost of service delivery will be reduced
• because it is different to everyone else’s, the system will give you a competitive edge
• you own the system.

How Do You Ensure Success?

Running a successful development project involves the following:

• controlling costs
• meeting schedules
• specifying requirements correctly
• implementing those requirements to produce a robust and user-friendly system
• managing users’ expectations.

We have developed a project management methodology which addresses all of these concerns.

We use a joint application development approach which involves users at all stages of requirements analysis and design. This ensures that we fully understand your requirements and that users have a stake in the success of the system.

Our project managers will advise you of the cost implications of your requirements and will thus help you to keep within your overall budget for the system.

Costs

Modern development tools and techniques mean that the cost of bespoke systems in niche markets are of the same order as packages - in some cases they even cost less.

We can develop highly functional systems very quickly (and hence at low cost) because of the following:

• we have a powerful development system
• we have invested in many tools which enhance productivity in analysis, design, development and management
• we have rigorous selection procedures and hence have excellent staff
• we have developed class libraries which provide extensive functionality at minimal cost.