When companies struggle to adapt their operations to accommodate generic off-the-shelf applications, they start thinking about investing in bespoke software solutions. 

After all, software that’s customised to your specific needs has the potential to optimise processes and create new opportunities to generate revenue. But the costs of developing bespoke applications can put off business owners. However, it’s generally a myth as off-the-shelf software often ends up costing much more than customised solutions.

For example, it takes more time to implement generic software and make it work for your business. This equals more labour costs (and tech talent doesn’t come cheap). 

Or suppose your off-the-shelf application fails to align with your unique business needs. In that case, you risk the loss of opportunities, loss of revenue, customisation costs (down the road), loss of productivity, and more.

In other words, after bad experiences with generic solutions, enterprises finally take a bespoke software development approach. In this scenario, it’s always better to start early as tailor-made software solutions are designed to grow with your business, adapt to the changing marketplace, and so on.

Some key benefits of building bespoke software are as follows:

• Cost efficiency – your bespoke development partner will ensure that your infrastructure is up and running and maintained by SLAs with flexible pricing models;

• Flexible growth – the software is customised at pace with your business growth;

• Happy staff – tailor-made software supports them effectively;

• Improved privacy and security – your bespoke development partner will ensure that your business applications comply with all security best practices and regulatory compliance requirements;

• Total ownership of your software – after all, you paid to build it.

While all enterprises can take advantage of tailor-made software solutions, some are better placed to reap the most benefits. So, what are the types of businesses that’ll benefit the most from bespoke software? Let’s take a look. 

1. Recruitment & HR

Most recruitment firms and HR departments leverage turnkey recruitment solutions to attract candidates, reach a wider audience, enhance communications, and effectively manage the recruitment cycle. However, if you trawl product reviews, you’ll notice that most companies and recruiters wish that these platforms were better aligned with their unique needs. 

Bespoke recruitment applications optimise the search and selection of candidates. One way to achieve this is by automating some of the mundane tasks within the processes. This approach also helps better analyse candidate skills, enable seamless communication, organise customer requirements, and a whole lot more. 

Check out how a UK-based innovative startup Offerd is building a bespoke application to automate recruitment admin and get more done.

2. Construction

Bespoke software can be an excellent asset for any construction business. Most construction companies are still working with pen and paper today, and information can be easily lost, misunderstood and compromised. Over the past couple of years, however, more construction companies have started focusing on digital transformation to improve efficiency and productivity.

Here are some of the main benefits of bespoke software development for construction businesses:

• Minimise/eliminate redundancy and human errors

One of the biggest benefits of using a bespoke application instead of pen and paper is that it helps reduce redundancy and human errors. For example, you can create special software for project planning employees, equipment tracking, etc.

Check out how Seddon Construction leveraged our consulting team in the UK to build a bespoke user-friendly and scalable version of Microsoft Sharepoint for their contracting needs.

• Receive and analyse data in real time for informed decision-making

Without a proper data entry system, paper documents can be lost, leading to errors in payroll. Also, because employees enter data into the system instead of writing it down on a piece of paper, administrators do not need to enter information into their accounting system manually. This leap in efficiency can save a lot of time, money, and resources.

When information is logged into the system, managers can get real-time data to make smarter decisions. They can see the progress of any project and generate custom reports at any time.

For instance, it can help track the time and number of employees working on your projects, providing managers with the ability to set and manage expectations more precisely. Clients can see their projects’ status in real-time, reducing the likelihood of “surprises” in the process. All these benefits result in much happier customers who will likely return to work or recommend your services to others.

• Ensure compliance with safety and other standards and requirements

Since construction is a highly regulated industry, you can build bespoke software to ensure you stay compliant across all stages of project development (e.g., digital checklists integrated with your internal ERP system, etc.).

Check out how we built a bespoke proof of delivery portal for Breedon –  the largest independent construction materials group in the UK.

3. HoReCa

One of the leading customers of bespoke solutions are hotels (and the hospitality industry in general). This is because bespoke applications optimise operations and enable seamless management—for example, a booking system connected to the company website to eliminate the risk of double bookings. 

Custom solutions also help better manage customer feedback, conduct inspections and payment processes. With the help of smart algorithms, you can also save time on countless routine management tasks.

3. Entertainment

Today’s tech-savvy consumers are highly accustomed to accessing whatever content they want, when they want it, with just a click of a button. In a fiercely competitive marketplace, you need a bespoke solution that helps differentiate your offering in a crowded marketplace. It’s (almost) impossible to do this with a generic solution.

Successful entertainment companies leverage tailor-made software to go above and beyond audience demands. In this scenario, they find ways to make a statement with innovative features, eye-catching designs, and more to make them stand out from the competition.

4. Large-Scale Manufacturing

Most large-scale manufacturers benefit from leveraging custom software. This approach helps manufacturing businesses optimise processes (in factories), synchronise department work, better manage procurement, process sales orders, and engage in financial reporting. 

As every factory is different, it’s challenging to adequately support the needs of different manufacturers. As such, each manufacturer demands a bespoke approach to work like a well-oiled machine. Furthermore, off-the-shelf solutions often fail to process the amount of data factories usually deal with. 

5. Real Estate 

Real estate management evolved considerably in the digital age. Today, they have to adapt to cater to tech-savvy customers who like to engage through their preferred tools and devices. 

Custom real estate applications are designed to optimise processes, build unique homes, and keep tenants happy. As the sector is rife with different components and procedures, it can be challenging to get everyone on the same page. 

A bespoke solution will help manage it effectively through a centralised platform, accounting for all the moving pieces, and enhance end-user experiences (especially the customers). This approach also leads to better project management.

Does Your Business Require Bespoke Software?

If you’re working in supply chain and logistics or healthcare, the answer would be a resounding “yes!” However, anyone can benefit from tailor-made solutions as they solve unique problems.

If you’ve already wondered if a bespoke software solution is right for your organisation, we’d love to discuss your needs. Schedule a commitment-free call now.