Selecting Software for a New Business

When approaching investors for a new business, aim high and consider making a strong case for Custom Software Development. Off the shelf business software will be cheap and convenient, but often requires the business to adjust to the software instead of the other way around. That is fine for an ordinary business, not one that is unique.

Building Up

A new business is the perfect opportunity for stakeholders, management, and system end users to sit down with a software developer and discuss exactly what is needed. Systems and applications created specifically for the business will help the business introduce products or services to the market in a strong manner. There will be less of a learning curve and competing right away will not be difficult. Custom software can also help a business beat the odds of closing within the first year of opening.

The initial cost will be higher than off the shelf products but will save money for years to come by eliminating the annual renewal of license fees. Updates will not be a problem either. Updates can interrupt business, reduce productivity, and result in a certain amount of down time. New software will not need to be purchased every few years either when regular business software becomes obsolete.

Options for Low Start Up Capital

Should total capital fall short of the ideal level, there are still a few options available. Regular business software does allow for some degree of customization. If changes will not compromise the product or service delivery, beginning the business with this software can be done. Try different settings and report filters to get results that will best suit the needs.

Another choice falls in between completely custom and off the shelf products. A developer can be hired for minimal software development. Custom applications, for example, can be added to basic business software. Report layouts can be altered, and dashboards and functions can be customized. This option will be less expensive than custom software and not take as long for development time.

It is a few steps above off the shelf products, so the business can operate outside the parameters of competitors. The opportunity to provide a different approach to customer service, invoicing, and marketing is realized, just on a smaller scale. Do not completely abandoned the idea of completely custom because it may be feasible as the business grows and prospers. Make due if need be, but keep a journal of needs as they arise.