Undertaking the development of custom software solutions is not a small decision.
Finding the right custom software development partner can be challenging between the high price tag and the long journey to implementation.
To help you find the right provider, we explore three definable characteristics that a truly excellent custom software vendor will possess.
While some companies may view custom software services as an aspirational solution, these tailor-made services can drive huge benefits across your organization.
These include:
If your team struggles with unwieldy solutions that devour their valuable time, you should consider investing in custom software solutions that are designed specifically for your business processes. Having a software solution that has been designed from the ground up to align with your business processes solves the typical challenge of a ‘round peg in a square hole’ that so often occurs with Packaged Software solutions.
Packaged software will also have a degree of obsolescence built into the pricing. Any updates or upgrades are at the software vendor’s discretion and not part of your agenda. Having software that better aligns with your business, and any updates/upgrades aligned to your business cycles means you should get a more favourable return on your investment. I say “should” as there are other factors as highlighted below relating to your software development partner and how they work with your business.
As the proprietary owner of your own custom software solution, you don’t have to rely on scheduled software updates or rollout–you’re free to make whatever changes are necessary whenever necessary. In some cases you can decide to have a very frequent set of new releases, to bring out functionality faster than your competitors. Equally, you may decide to have one or two major new releases of functionality per year. Either way – you are in the driving seat.
As stated above, choosing the right custom software solution provider is a big decision. As you weigh vendors against one another, be sure to assess whether they have the three following qualities:
When you make the big decision to invest in custom software solutions, you want to ensure that your employees/customers can easily learn and use the solution. There is a real opportunity to work very closely with your Software Development Partner to ensure the user interface and experience of using the software is a good representation of your business and Brand. If you find that other purchasers have complained of complex processes and non-intuitive workflows, it’s time to reconsider that vendor.
Your business needs can change rapidly, and you need software that can scale with you. Whether you’re entering a new market, acquiring, or merging with a market competitor or adding new functionality to adapt to changing business needs, you need to ensure that your custom software solutions are nimble enough to easily scale to meet your evolving needs.
For a successful custom software solution design, you must ensure that your technology vendor understands the nuances of your business needs. If it feels like they’re rushing to understand your business at a micro level, rather than taking time to define your business need, you may want to reevaluate.
Regardless of industry, if you’re looking for custom software development with an unmatched track record, look no further than SCAD Software. We’re committed to understanding your needs as if they were our own and building a product that meets and exceeds your expectations. In the words of Donovan Sargo Founder and CEO of TechTech: “They don’t just build software. They make sure they understand the business inside and out to make proper recommendations and add insight into best practices and overall functionality, which has been invaluable to us”
Want to learn more about custom software solutions with SCAD Software?
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With an illustrious career spanning three decades, Dawie Martins has cultivated expertise in diverse technology-related businesses across various sectors, including Retail, Hospitality, and Consultancy. His journey, which has taken him from a developer's role to Product Management, uniquely positions Dawie to lead the charge in Customer Success and Product Management services for our clients.
In his role as Head of Customer Success, Dawie operates at the intersection of commerce and technology. His mission is to ensure the seamless translation of commercial imperatives into highly effective software applications that not only meet but exceed the outcomes specified by our clients.
For clients engaging SCAD Software to build applications destined for the market, Dawie and his team offer Fractional Product Management Services. They become invaluable partners in crafting and maintaining a product roadmap, assuming the mantle of the product champion within the client organization. This collaborative approach ensures that our clients' visions are realized efficiently and effectively.
Dawie's wealth of experience and his dedication to driving success for our clients make him an indispensable part of SCAD Software's commitment to delivering excellence in every project we undertake.
Shawn De Wet brings to SCAD Software over two decades of unparalleled expertise in software systems delivery. His career exemplifies a relentless pursuit of problem-solving excellence and a commitment to end-user satisfaction, achieved through meticulous system architecture and design. Proficient in core enterprise ERP systems, Shaun's recent achievements stand as a testament to his prowess, including the conception and successful launch of two cutting-edge SaaS products on the robust Azure platform.
While Shawn's professional accolades are impressive, his vitality extends beyond the confines of the office. An ardent lover of the outdoors, as evidenced by his passion for mountain biking, Shawn's dynamic and adventurous spirit infuses our technological endeavors with a fresh perspective and boundless energy.
At SCAD Software, Shawn leads the charge in Operational Delivery of Client solutions. He heads the development team and works closely with our valued clients to ensure they realize their desired outcomes from our technology solutions. His commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction is a driving force behind our success.
Andy Fensham's journey is a testament to his unwavering commitment to reshape the software development landscape. With a background in global banking software consultancy, he founded SCAD Software in 1998 with a visionary goal – to address the mounting technical debt that was becoming a liability for businesses worldwide.
Andy's unique blend of technical expertise and business acumen empowers our clients with pragmatic, robust software solutions that yield tangible results. Recognizing the risks posed by outdated software, he pioneered an innovative approach to custom software development, consistently delivering large-scale projects at an astonishing pace – 75% faster than traditional methods.
Andy's dedication not only safeguards our clients' future but also cements SCAD Software's position as an industry trailblazer. He continues to lead our innovation roadmap, constantly seeking new ways to enhance our offerings with more examples of how we can turn “minutes to seconds”.
With an impressive career spanning over three decades in the Technology and Telecoms sectors, Shaun Orpen brings a wealth of experience to his role as Group CEO. His journey began with the groundbreaking entry of Microsoft Excel into the UK market, a stepping stone that eventually led him to play pivotal roles on the UK Executive Board during Microsoft's meteoric rise from £10 million to £1 billion in revenue.
During his tenure at Orange, Shaun spearheaded the division responsible for catering to Small and Medium Businesses in the UK. Since then, he has continued to shape the success of a number of small and global technology enterprises, leveraging his strategic acumen and commercial leadership.
Shaun's unwavering commitment to the convergence of technology and business is evident in his track record of elevating every organization he's been a part of. As the driving force behind SCAD Software's commercial endeavors, Shaun is leading our expansion across the UK, Europe, and the USA.
His steadfast ethical stance, mirrored by his partner Andy Fensham, forms the bedrock of SCAD Software's principles, defining our approach to client interactions and business dealings.
Stephen Moore's illustrious career speaks volumes about his leadership capabilities. With a rich background spanning diverse industries such as Retail, Events, Technology, Telecoms, and Media, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to craft and execute growth, differentiation, and exit strategies in highly competitive markets.
As the visionary Founder/CEO of multiple successful ventures, Stephen has guided five companies from their inception to remarkable exits and IPOs, including the noteworthy £117 million listing of Expocentric Plc on Techmark 2000. His track record extends beyond entrepreneurship; he has played a pivotal role in over 40 companies as a Non-Executive Director, Chairman, Consultant, and Advisor, raising more than £85 million in private and public markets.
What sets Stephen apart is his global perspective, cultivated through extensive work in the UAE, US, Singapore, Hong Kong, and EMEA. This international experience enriches SCAD Software's strategic direction, making him an invaluable asset in our mission to navigate the complex landscape of digital transformation and empower our clients to achieve enduring success.