Custom software should make your life easier. When designed well, it will save you time, cut down costs, be enjoyable to use, and deliver a ton of value. In order to ensure these benefits, a well-managed software project kicks off with clarification of the big-picture strategy. What key problem needs to be solved? What functionality will be the core of the new application?

Financial software might be designed to more efficiently track and forecast expenses. Human Resources software might be built to more effectively facilitate the hiring process. But let’s think for a moment on a more granular level: what happens when someone actually uses the software day-to-day? What is their experience like from start to finish?

Exceptional core functionality is essential to the success of your new software. But feature selection can make or break the user experience as well. Implementing the most important features early - while forgoing or holding off on those that are merely nice to have - will ensure that you maximize value, minimize costs, and get the solution you truly want.

When selecting your initial features, consider these key questions: How essential is the feature to your goals and business needs? How much value will it provide? The features you rank most highly should be prioritized in the earliest versions of the application. Features ranked lower can be placed further down the product roadmap or discarded altogether.

Here are several features to consider when designing your new software:

User interface

Excessive user error or frustration can derail the effectiveness of a software application faster than a tire blowout sidelines a race car. An intuitive user interface and strong UX (user experience) design can prevent these problems from the start. What’s more, a very well designed interface can delight users, encouraging them to utilize the application to the fullest and derive maximum value.

When designing the user interface, consider whether a client self-service portal will be needed, or if only internal employees will need to interact directly with the application. Especially in cases where the interface will be client-facing, make sure branding is on-point as well (company logo, colors, images, copy, etc.).

Automations

In many cases, a key goal of custom software is to increase the efficiency of one or more business processes and save time. Building automations into your software can contribute significantly toward achieving this goal.

Common process automations include time-saving features like automatic file transfers, task scheduling, notifications and reminders, workflow approvals, auto-generated reports, and shortcut keys. You most likely don’t need all of these - but it’s worthwhile to consider including any automations that will add notable value.

Admin functionality

Chances are someone in your organization is going to need to perform at least a few basic administrative tasks with your new software. For example, there may be a need to manually add and remove users as positions turn over. Or you may have an admin responsible for basic troubleshooting and error resolution.

With good design, admin processes don’t need to be overly cumbersome. You may find it very useful to implement a good error logging feature or an administrative dashboard. Carefully consider what sort of in-house administration will need to be handled and which corresponding features will maximize efficiency.

Data reporting

What type of data will you need to retrieve from your new software system? Do you want to track usage statistics like how many people have interacted with the application, how often they’ve accessed it, and which tasks they’ve performed? Will you need to extract certain data to perform a business operation or conduct an analysis?

Your application should include features that facilitate a quick and easy way to extract any data you need, whenever you need it. And if there are certain types of data you’ll regularly need to examine, it may be a good idea to build in a reporting feature or data dashboard.

Security features

Another important consideration is what sort of security features you may need. How sensitive is the data you’ll be managing with your software? What level of protection does it require? Will you need data encryption, two-factor authentication, or access tracking? How will you know if any data has been compromised?

Each user will need a way to securely log in and access the data they need, but only the data they need. Features should be implemented to ensure that this is possible, to minimize the chance of a data breach by unauthorized access, and to flag such occurrences. Take care to determine upfront which security features will be necessary to adequately protect your data.

Integrations

Another critical consideration when selecting software features is which other systems you’ll need your new application to communicate with. Do you have data stored somewhere else that you’ll need to pull in? Will you need to extract certain data to send to another application? How will you migrate data from your legacy system?

A major benefit of custom software is that you can choose the exact integrations you need to implement. APIs (application programming interfaces) can be created to seamlessly facilitate interactions between the systems you need to connect. Identifying your integration needs up front is essential to maximizing the effectiveness of your new software.

Scalability

Changes in market conditions and user needs may necessitate rapid innovation at any point in time. It’s important that your software has the flexibility to scale and evolve as required. Fortunately, custom software is ideal for this, as a well-designed custom application should allow you to add new features quickly whenever you need them.

Clean code that is easy for developers to understand and update is vital to the long-term success of your application. Code should also be well-documented, in case the original developer is no longer available. Make sure that best practices are utilized in both the front-end and back-end development of your application.

Looking to build software with an optimal feature set?

At Basecode we help you conduct a thorough assessment of your goals and needs before we write the first line of code. Only when we have a solid strategy in place do we move forward, building out the most valuable features first and ensuring that you get the highest return on your investment - right from Day 1. Find out more.

Making smart decisions on when to hire new talent and when to outsource instead is critical for the success of your business. Each option will have significant financial and operational impact. When building a new software product, if you don’t already have the necessary in-house resources you’ll be looking at a substantial long-term investment to obtain both the talent and infrastructure to build internally.

According to Deloitte’s 2020 Global Outsourcing Survey, a majority of business respondents (about 70%) cited cost reduction as their primary reason for outsourcing. Flexibility and speed to market were also highlighted as top drivers of the decision to outsource. Here are some important factors to consider before pulling the trigger on sourcing in-house tech talent for your upcoming software project:

It’s expensive to hire and retain the right tech talent
The demand for senior software developers and other talent with advanced technical expertise has long exceeded the supply, leaving employers scrambling to scrape together increasingly competitive offers.

All new recruiters in the tech space are immediately confronted with the most important truth: competent senior talent is already employed and junior talent isn’t equipped to handle a full product lifecycle. This often-overlooked truth means that the only truly viable recruiting options are generous negotiations or outsourcing.

Hiring any employee with a full-time salary and benefits entails a significant long-term expense for an organization, let alone someone with advanced software skills. And if you make the wrong hire, you’re essentially pouring all that money down the drain.

Recruiting and hiring high-quality tech talent also takes significant HR resources. Then once you have your new team member on board, there will be additional costs associated with both initial and ongoing training. Turnover rates in tech are also notoriously high. After all this investment there’s no guarantee you won’t lose your coveted new hire to a competitor within a year.

Building an in-house team means slower time-to-market
How urgent is the need for your new solution? Are you eager to end the hassle of struggling with inadequate software and start saving time and money as soon as possible? Locating and recruiting the right tech talent often takes months. Depending on your location, it could even be a challenge to find people with the right skill set at all. And once you do make a hire, you’ll need to factor in additional onboarding time before you begin to see a return on your investment.

Even a single-function software or a proof-of-concept project will likely require you to bring on more than one new team member. Beyond hiring and onboarding each person, there will also be substantial time required to set up new workflows and processes, and someone will need to oversee the project and manage the team. Additional resources to accomplish this will have to be acquired or diverted from core business activities.

Your project needs may not be consistent over time
Hiring in-house talent may make sense if you intend to invest in a steady stream of ongoing project work over an extended period of time, and you anticipate that your projects will all have similar tech requirements. However, if you’re looking at a potential one-time project, a variable project load, or the development of applications that require diverse skills to build, you’ll likely need greater flexibility.

Project scaling is much easier and more efficient with outsourcing. Costs can also be saved by outsourcing on an as-needed basis only. Once you’ve hired a permanent employee, you’ll be paying their salary regardless of workload (or skill set). In order to stay competitive in the marketplace, independent software firms are more likely to have tech talent with expertise in the latest and most advanced technologies - and you won’t be covering their internal team members’ training expenses.

In-house teams incur significant infrastructure costs
Every time you hire an employee to work in your physical office space you’ll need to cover all the overhead costs associated with having another body in the building: their desk, office supplies, computer, phone, etc. - plus incremental increases in everything from electric bills to plumbing repairs. Even if your hire will be a remote worker, you’ll still have some of these operating costs to cover.

When you hire tech talent, certain additional infrastructure costs are incurred as well. Each new team member will require specialized hardware and software to perform their job. In addition to the initial outlay of capital costs, there will be additional fees down the road for licenses and maintenance. And with constantly evolving technology, before long there will be even further costs for necessary upgrades to the on-premise IT infrastructure, if applicable.

Don’t have the resources to hire in-house?
When you outsource your software project to Basecode, we partner with you to create the exact product you need, overhead-free. Our tech talent is equipped to handle a variety of advanced projects on-demand. We'll work with you to efficiently craft a solution that fits your business, delights your customers, and maximizes your return on investment. Find out why our customers love working with us.

Do you clearly stand out amongst your competitors? Are you known as the go-to business for personalized customer service, fast turnaround times, or some other coveted differentiator? Or are you lost in the crowd, still struggling to make the case for why you’re the best option?

Businesses that can offer a unique product or service - one that facilitates a delightful customer experience - easily set themselves apart, magnetically attract more customers, and command premium pricing. In fact, a PwC research report indicates that people are willing to pay up to a 16% price premium in exchange for a great customer experience.

Investing in a custom software solution offers the opportunity to supercharge your customer experience, differentiate your organization, and gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Here are four ways custom software gives you that competitive edge:

Custom software makes you stand out

When you develop a custom software solution for your business, you are able to offer something unique and difficult to replicate - something your competitors don’t have. Custom software allows you to solve problems in new and innovative ways. Your upgraded capabilities will naturally capture attention and cause you to stand out, even in a crowded marketplace.

As the provider of a unique solution, your market positioning will improve and generate a corresponding increase in market share. As your reputation grows and your status in the industry rises, you become widely known for your intellectual property and what you now do very well. You can also charge higher prices in exchange for a better customer experience.

Custom software increases adaptability

Market conditions tend to change over time, and sometimes change quickly or unexpectedly. New government regulations are enacted, new security requirements evolve, new competitors emerge on the scene. Those who can update their systems and processes quickly and efficiently will enjoy a significant competitive advantage over those who cannot.

With custom software, you are in control. Updates are customized just for you, and rolled out exactly when you need them. It’s easy to scale your software application as required for current circumstances, unlike an out-of-the-box solution. If you don’t control your software, you’re at the mercy of the company you purchased or licensed it from.

Custom software improves efficiency

Because custom software is built specifically to fit your business, it optimally streamlines your workflow and processes. Your employees can perform their jobs with maximum efficiency and increase their productivity. Time and effort are saved all around as tasks are completed faster and more easily.

A custom solution also reduces operating costs by saving you from paying for licensing fees or unneeded functionality that’s been pre-packaged into an off-the-shelf application designed for the mass market. Custom software can also be designed to integrate easily with your other software systems, further increasing efficiency and ease of use.

Custom software elevates the customer experience

Custom software’s perfect fit and design facilitate improved customer service and an upgraded customer experience. Your customers are delighted when they realize they actually enjoy using your software. This great experience, in turn, increases their affinity for your brand and the likelihood they will continue to do business with you.

Thrilled customers also tend to enthusiastically recommend you to their friends and associates. Can you recall the last time you had a standout experience with a brand? Perhaps the ordering process was significantly easier than anything you’d experienced. Or maybe you received a personalized follow-up message or thank you note. You walked away pleasantly surprised - and felt like raving about the business. Custom software can create these experiences.

Ready to gain a competitive advantage?

At Basecode we partner with you to design and build software that perfectly fits your business and delights your customers. Your bespoke solution will help you stand out in the marketplace and gain a competitive advantage. Find out more.

Your new custom software is going to be amazing - and you can’t wait to use it in your business. But you know that high quality software doesn’t just materialize overnight, and you want to make sure it gets built right. Which project methodology is going to get you the results you want, in the most efficient and effective way? 

Perhaps you’ve heard of new software being introduced as a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). But what does this actually mean, and is it a good idea? The MVP concept became popular after the 2011 publication of startup founder Eric Ries’s book The Lean Startup, in which Ries purports that launching an MVP prior to building a full-fledged product can minimize risks. 

Though Ries’s points may be valid, the MVP methodology also has some inherent flaws and isn’t the only option for getting a product to market quickly. Attempts to address MVP shortcomings and shifting philosophies eventually gave rise to the Simple, Lovable and Complete (SLC) methodology as a promising alternative.

So what’s the difference between a Minimum Viable Product and a Simple, Lovable and Complete Product - and how can you decide which is right for you?

Benefits of building an MVP

Minimum
Because an MVP is designed to be the smallest possible iteration of a software product, it is inexpensive to create. It can be built and tested quickly and easily, and brought to the market with maximum speed.

Viable
An MVP is built with just enough features to accomplish a basic task or function. It provides a viable solution to a problem, yet also incurs minimal losses if it’s not a hit with the target market, since few resources are used in its creation.

Product
Though it’s minimal, an MVP is still a real product rolled out to real users. This methodology allows the software team to get quick feedback from actual customers and learn as they go, continuing to build out the application if it seems to be a success.

Drawbacks of building an MVP

Minimum
One common criticism of MVPs is that they’re often so minimal it’s questionable if they can actually be considered a complete product. There is usually little or no consideration of what the customer considers complete, which dangerously discounts the fact that no one wants to use a mediocre product. Furthermore, pressure to do the least possible amount of work prior to launching the application disincentivizes quality.

Viable
When it comes down to the bottom line, many MVPs aren’t actually all that viable. They are designed for a quick release, not for functional efficiency or user experience. Working “just ok enough” is not the same as working great, and customers are savvy enough to tell the difference. If better alternatives exist, it’s a safe bet many will flock to them.

Product
While software teams may enjoy controlling what goes into their MVP, it’s highly risky not to have the customer define acceptable functionality from the outset. Not only is an uninspiring product likely to lose much of its user base, complaints from dissatisfied customers can negatively affect a company’s reputation. MVPs also have a low barrier to imitation and can easily be outshone by superior products.

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Why consider building SLC instead

Simple
When you build a Simple, Lovable and Complete product the focus is on creating a simple application that does its job very well, not a minimal one that just does ok. This applies to both the functionality of the product and the UX design. Most customers don’t need lots of bells and whistles - but they do want a great user experience.

Lovable
Because SLC products are designed with the customers emotions in mind, people actually enjoy using them right from the start. The product provides real value, not just minimum viability. If done well, it will even surprise and delight. This makes it much easier for customers to develop a genuine affinity for the new product, which can also extend to brand loyalty toward the company.

Complete
Though it may be small at first, an SLC application is still built to be a complete product. Customer needs are thoroughly understood and optimized for right from the start, and the product is designed to provide the most important functionality, not just the most basic. Genuine value is created without any further development. 

Interested in building an SLC product?
At Basecode, we don’t settle for building MVPs. They’re usually too M to be V. We use the Simple, Lovable, and Complete heuristics to build rock-solid iterations of products that deliver clear value as early as the 0.1 version. Find out more about our philosophy.

Are you done battling the constraints of your off-the-shelf software? Finally ready to kick it to the curb and enjoy the benefits of a fully customized solution?

A well-designed custom software application can save you from the never-ending hassle of a pre-packaged solution that just doesn’t fit your business. It can even improve your market positioning and give you a genuine edge over the competition.

There’s a lot to look forward to - but what’s the first step? In order to achieve a successful outcome from your custom software project, you’ll need to pick the right development partner. And this is no trivial task - according to Statistica, a 2020 study by Evans Data indicated there are currently more than 23 million software developers worldwide (and growing).

Here are some important factors to consider that will help you choose the right custom software development firm for your project:

1. Your Objectives

What problems should your new software solve?

Before beginning a custom software project it’s essential to get clear on your goals and objectives for the software. Where exactly is your old software falling short? Is it difficult to use, creating a bottleneck in your workflow, or unable to accomplish certain tasks? Are you hearing the same complaints over and over from your customers or employees? What would the ideal software be able to do differently? Gaining clarity around the features and functionality you need will ensure you select a development partner who can provide them.

What deliverables will you need?

Once you have clarity on your desired functionality, consider what sort of project deliverables will be necessary. Should your project kick-off with an audit or strategy consultation? Will you need a desktop app, a mobile app, or both? What about ongoing maintenance and support? Having an idea of the project scope and deliverables will help you plan your project well and select a software firm that can meet all of your needs.

What are your budget and timeline?

Knowing the scope of your project will also allow you to determine a realistic budget and timeline. When evaluating your budget, be sure to consider the value of your new software and the time or costs it may save you down the road. In regard to timeline, is there a hard date by which you need the desired functionality or can you get by ok until a high-quality solution can be properly built? A good software firm should be able to give you at least a rough ballpark of how long it will take them to build your application.

2. The Process

How will the project begin?

Each custom software firm will have its own unique process, and it’s important to make sure you select a partner who will be the right fit. Does their process kick off with taking the time to really get to know you and understand your business? Are they readily willing and able to answer all of your questions upfront? What sort of project management methodologies do they use? A top-notch development partner will seek to thoroughly understand your needs and be transparent about their process.

What will happen in the middle?

Find out what will be included and prioritized during the project. Does the firm care about delivering only the best quality work? Will the software code be well written and easy to maintain? Is user experience considered a high priority? Are testing and quality assurance incorporated into the process? How will the process affect the project timeline? A software firm with a highly effective process will be happy to discuss every implementation detail.

What happens at the end?

Also, consider what will happen after your new application is built out and put into production. Will product ownership be transferred to you? Is training available? Are ongoing maintenance and support provided? If so, what will that look like? Be sure to choose a development partner who is able to provide any long-term support you need in order to maximize the value and efficacy of your software.

3. Cultural Fit

Who are they?

A great custom software firm will not only be a service provider but a true partner. They’ll work hand in hand with you on strategy, implementation, and delivery. Inquire about their mission, vision, and values - are they well aligned with your own? What is their communication style? How is their team structured? Are they flexible, dependable, responsive? Will they be a good fit for the long term? Make sure you consider not only what they can do but how they will do it.

Where are they?

If you are open to working with a firm outside your local area, consider any potential effects of the geographical difference. If they are located across the globe, will time zones be an issue? What about broader cultural differences? Are they fluent in your primary language? Will the exchange rate affect the cost of the project? Carefully weigh the drawbacks of any potential language, culture, or time zone incompatibilities against any potential cost savings from outsourcing abroad.

4. Relevant Experience

What are their technical skills?

A vast array of programming languages, platforms, tools, and frameworks exist today - too many for any one person or team to master them all. Which means that each custom software firm must specialize. Which tech stack (set of technologies) will be used to build your software? Is this the best option? If so, why? What level of expertise does the team have? Are they savvy about data security? What else will they need to know? The software firm’s team and the technologies they plan to use should both be a good fit for your project.

Have they worked on similar projects?

Also, consider whether the custom software firm has produced anything comparable before. Can they discuss a similar project? Have they worked with others in the same industry? What is their market positioning? Look for a development partner who specializes in your type of project or industry, or has created similar applications.

Is there any social proof?

See if you can find any outside sources that lend additional credibility. Were you connected through a referral? If so, what sort of experience did they have with the firm? Is the firm able to provide any references or testimonials? Are they listed on any review sites? What have they shared on social media? Is their team active in the local dev community? Checking out additional sources can help ensure that you select a reputable partner.

3. Project Rates

When evaluating the anticipated cost of your project, consider more than just whether the total price tag fits your budget. What is the expected return on your investment (ROI) - in both the short and long term? Also, what is the firm’s pricing model, and how will it affect your project? For example, many software firms bill by the hour but this can decentivize efficiency and lead to escalated project costs.

Partnering with Basecode

At Basecode we partner with you to strategically plan, design, and develop bespoke scalable software that alleviates your pains, provides maximum value, and performs the exact tasks you need done - beautifully. Unlike traditional software firms, our team uses medical diagnostics to accurately diagnose and treat your software maladies. Our high-quality custom solutions don’t simply solve problems, they unlock opportunities.

Find out more

Do you ever get tired of struggling with software that clearly wasn’t designed for your business?
Yet you can’t get by without it and haven’t been able to find a better alternative? 

In today’s digital world it’s simply impossible to run a business without reliable software. Chances are you’re using software to manage your finances, your personnel, your inventory, your customer service, and myriad other business operations. 

And if you’ve started out like most organizations, a large percentage of your current software applications - maybe even all of them - are off-the-shelf solutions. But are pre-packaged applications truly meeting your needs? 

Gartner is forecasting that one of the top strategic technology trends for 2021 will be a focus on total experience: implementing technologies and processes which simultaneously improve customer, employee, and user experience in a holistic way. Total-experience improvements not only help your business run better they also differentiate and create a competitive advantage. But you’ll need more than off-the-shelf software to embrace this opportunity.

What is off-the-shelf software, and why should you care?
Off-the-shelf software is mass-produced, pre-configured commercial software available for immediate use by anyone. It usually requires the purchase of a license or subscription. It is generally favored by those looking for quick implementation of a pre-existing solution, or a relatively low upfront cost. 

The alternative to off-the-shelf software, known as custom or bespoke software, is designed specifically for your unique business use case. 

How certain are you that your current software is adequately meeting your business needs and providing the highest possible ROI? If you’re questioning whether to keep your off-the-shelf software or kick it to the curb, several key factors should be taken into consideration.

Common disadvantages of off-the-shelf software

Missing features/functionality
Most off-the-shelf software has been mass-produced to generically meet the needs of a wide array of different organizations and end users. Because of this, not every business use case can be covered. Software providers must decide which features and functionality are most important to the largest percentage of their customers and prioritize those in their product development and future upgrades.

Unfortunately, this means that many users will encounter limitations that hinder their ability to perform necessary business operations. Customizing an off-the-shelf application is often difficult and expensive, and in some cases may even be impossible.

Extra features/functionality
On the flip side, off-the-shelf software will most likely contain certain features that your business doesn’t actually need. Which might not sound so bad - except for the part where you’re paying for them anyway. In some cases, you might only actually need a small fraction of the functionality you’re purchasing, but what you need is only available as part of a more complex package. And even in cases where you’re using a majority of a product’s features, you’re still paying for those you aren’t and never will.

Support, licensing, and upgrade costs
Off-the-shelf software typically requires the purchase of a license or subscription, and this cost usually rises in proportion to the number of end-users. What may start out as a reasonable expense can potentially balloon over time as your team and operations grow. You may also find that a software provider doesn’t offer the best licensing model for your particular needs. 

Upgrade fees can also add up substantially over time as new features and improvements rollout. And even if you don’t need the upgrades, in some cases you may still be required to pay for them. Ongoing support costs can also stack up, and if you choose not to accept optional upgrades you may risk the eventual loss of support. 

Reduced control of business operations
The pre-configurations of an off-the-shelf software system may not be a good fit for your unique business operations and processes. If the software you’re using can’t accommodate your existing workflows, then the workflows will have to be modified to accommodate the software. This is likely to result in procedural inefficiencies and other potentially expensive and time-consuming problems.

No control over development
Though off-the-shelf software providers may welcome your feedback and suggestions, there is no guarantee that they will actually implement your desired features and upgrades. And even if they do, you’ll have no control over the development timeline or how your requests are prioritized compared to others. The more unique your business use cases are, the lower the likelihood the functionality you need will ever make it to production. 

There is also a danger that off-the-shelf software providers may be sluggish to adapt to changing market conditions. This is especially of concern for those in industries experiencing high growth or operating within a volatile ecosystem. An off-the-shelf software application may even suddenly become obsolete, leaving users scrambling to find an alternative.

Integration issues
Because off-the-shelf software wasn’t designed for your specific business operations, you may encounter difficulty integrating it with the other software systems you rely on. You could find yourself having to pay for complicated customizations to facilitate the integration, or even having to purchase or replace another application.

No Competitive Edge
Anyone can purchase the same off-the-shelf software as you - including your direct competitors. This leaves little to no opportunity to gain a competitive edge with your software. Even if you invest in innovative customizations, those same customizations can be replicated by others and may quickly become the new normal. There is no real opportunity to differentiate or provide unique value with an off-the-shelf solution.

How custom software is different
Unlike off-the-shelf solutions, custom software is built around your existing business workflows, processes, and requirements. A bespoke application is developed from scratch to your exact specifications and has all of the features and functionality you want - and nothing extra you don’t need.

Because you own the product, there are no ongoing licensing fees, and product ownership also means that you have control over all future upgrades. Desired integrations can be built upfront. And a custom solution creates a competitive advantage - no one else will be able to provide the same unique value.

Are you ready to leave off-the-shelf software behind?
At Basecode we partner with you to create innovative, world-class software that uniquely positions you in your marketplace.
Find out more at https://basecode.ca.