construction company workers

Custom Software Pros and Cons 

On the plus side, custom software is designed and built to your specifications. Custom software also provides differentiation—none of your competitors will have this solution, so you can include all those nice-to-haves that make you stand out from the rest.

 Other pros include: 

  • Ownership. You own the software and its data. You have complete control and can change or add features as needed.
  • Integration. You likely use myriad other apps and software. A custom system can accommodate your precise needs and adapt your workflow.
  • Migration. If transitioning from a legacy system, you can do it incrementally and on your own timetable. This is a vital need for utility companies, as any downtime could affect entire populations.

 Challenges include:

You’ll also need to consider the challenges and barriers.

  • Time and money. A custom software build takes significantly more time to create and will cost a good deal more. If you need a new solution right away or need a budget option, this may not be the best choice for you.
  • Ongoing maintenance, monitoring, and support. You likely have an in-house IT team, but you’ll need a dedicated team within the department, 24/7 monitoring, and a help desk to ensure the software is secure and running well for all users. 
  • Computing power. Custom software is a stand-alone entity and requires hardware, cloud servers, and a ton of redundancy to ensure uptime. Consider whether you have the resources or desire to manage the extra load.

Pros and Cons of Buying Pre-Built Software 

There are hundreds of software solutions in the market today, many of which may meet your needs while providing all the features you’re looking for. Here’s the skinny on built software. 

In favor of buying: 

  • Money. Most enterprise solutions are offered as SaaS and are billed monthly. You benefit from a predictable budget and can allocate your resources to other areas.
  • Time. SaaS solutions can be deployed much more quickly, helping you achieve your goals faster.
  • Maintenance. SaaS is managed by the provider, meaning you won’t have to worry about updates and will always have the latest security options.

On the other hand… 

  • Lack of customization. You might have to compromise on features or pay for some you don’t need.
  • Risk. Due diligence is essential to ensure all third-party vendors associated with the solution comply with data privacy laws and adhere to ethical business practices. 
  • Buy-in. Employees may be challenged to learn a new product if their workflows will change dramatically. A good user experience is a must!

Bottom Line 

What we’ve covered today is intended to be food for thought. The right choice for you should be based on your business goals, budget, and capacity to manage the product.