11 Reasons To Use Custom Software
Eleven reasons to consider custom software, from ownership and integrations to automation, security, support and growth.
Should you build custom software or buy something off the shelf? If standard software cannot fit a material workflow after sensible configuration and integration, custom software may be worth considering. At Code23 we've delivered 350+ projects since 2005, and the businesses that get the most from it are the ones whose workflows, users or growth plans don't fit a generic tool. Off-the-shelf software is built for the needs shared by lots of companies. Custom software is built for yours: your users, your data and the way your team actually works, which is often where a competitive edge comes from. Custom software often costs more upfront than adopting an existing product. Ownership and usage rights depend on the contract; with Code23, agreed IP transfers when the relevant invoices are settled. Here are the 11 reasons we think custom software is worth it, starting with the people it's built for.
1. It’s for your users
Whether the target end-user for your software is your staff or customers, no one knows them better than you. So who better to define the user journey, or UX, than you? Choosing custom software development gives you the freedom to get involved from the very beginning, so the functionality and design are built around your users rather than a generic best guess. If the software is for internal use, considering the user experience can help your staff accept the new system, and if it’s for external use, a usable experience may support adoption or sales, but measure the result.
"There are lots of ways of getting websites built, but choosing Code23 turned out to be a great investment for us. James and his team are at the cutting-edge of web design and technologies, and after initial discussions they completed the build needing very little input from us thereafter... James understood exactly what we were looking for and managed to make the whole process exciting rather than tedious."
2. It’s personalised
Custom software isn’t only tailored to your users, but your business. Your involvement in the development process helps the end product match your business needs. In other words, the applications and programs can be created to streamline your business workflow and give you options to grow. Custom web design can distinguish the experience where that difference serves a clear user or business need; it does not by itself guarantee attention or sales. Don’t just take our word for it though, here’s our guide to the pros and cons of custom web design or theme build.
3. It’s one solution for many tasks
We’ve all been there. There’s that show we really want to see on Netflix, the latest series everyone’s talking about on Amazon Prime, and then there’s that movie you really want to watch but it’s only available on Disney+. Before you know it, you’re paying for multiple solutions to your entertainment needs! The same applies to software, where some companies have one application for sales, another for invoicing, and yet another for shipping. Before you know it, it’s all getting rather costly. Custom software can consolidate selected workflows where the savings justify the integration and maintenance cost.
4. It’s a long-term saving
Custom software isn’t a short-term solution. It can be a long-term investment when measured benefits exceed build and upkeep costs. That’s because, after the initial cost of the build, you’re left with a solution designed to support your current and future needs, by having the flexibility to grow with your business. Off-the-shelf software may seem a cheaper alternative but you should factor in the cost of additional hardware or updates that may be required to allow the software to meet your ever-changing needs. Custom software can also help reduce inefficiency by making commonly repeated tasks quicker and easier to complete, giving you an edge over competitors doing them manually.
5. It puts you in the driving seat
There’s no denying there is some great off-the-shelf software out there, yet one thing to consider is what would happen if the developer stopped supporting or updating it. You might need to find a new off-the-shelf software provider and start afresh. You’re also beholden to future cost increases and potential restrictions due to the terms and conditions. Custom software, on the other hand, leaves you in control. Ownership depends on the contract; with Code23, agreed IP transfers when the relevant invoices are settled, and you have independence from the software solution company that provided it.
6. It grows with your business
It’s possible you could outgrow off-the-shelf software. As your business expands your needs change. The business requirements of a start-up would look very different from those of a market-leader. Custom software can be designed to reduce avoidable growth constraints, but scalability still depends on architecture and ongoing operation. It can give you the structure and functionality to develop at your own pace, and adapt as your needs change.
7. It works with what you already have
Earlier we discussed using different software applications for different business needs. If your business is tied into a lengthy contract with an application – or has legacy software that would be too costly to completely replace – a targeted integration or custom component may be worth considering. Whereas off-the-shelf software can run into problems when trying to integrate with other systems (leading to lower productivity and raised costs), custom software can be designed to integrate cleanly with your existing set-up.
8. Security can be designed for your risk
Security is one of the biggest concerns businesses raise about their software, and it only gets more important as threats evolve. Neither custom nor off-the-shelf software is secure by default. Security depends on the threat model, architecture, access controls, testing, patching and ongoing operation. Custom software lets you design those measures around your unique system, your staff and customer data, and your brand reputation.
9. It’s a time saver
Does your company have any everyday business tasks that are repeated on a loop, day in, day out? Then think how much time you could save with a piece of software designed to automate that task for you. Custom software designed to quickly and accurately complete these everyday needs can increase productivity by freeing up staff members to spend time on other tasks such as lead generation or training.
10. It’s super-supportive
Another advantage of custom software is the support you can get from the company that built it. Rather than waiting on a scheduled update that may or may not fix your issue, ongoing support gives you another route. If it's included in the contract, the team that built the system may be able to diagnose it with more context. It's reassuring to know your software, and your business, has people behind it who understand it.
11. It’s not taxing
Did you know you might be able to claim tax relief on the cost of custom software development? Some software work may qualify where it seeks an advance in science or technology and resolves genuine technological uncertainty; routine development or customisation does not qualify. Eligibility depends on the current scheme and accounting period, so use HMRC’s software R&D guidance and obtain tax advice. Code23 is not a tax adviser.
So there you have it. Custom software can help make your business more efficient and realise your business ambition. You can check out our even deeper dive into custom software vs. off the shelf here.
Do we do custom software? Of course. Design, build and support for custom-written software unique to your business is exactly what this list has been building towards.
Frequently asked questions
Is custom software more expensive than off-the-shelf software?
Usually, upfront. Off-the-shelf software is cheaper to start because you're sharing the cost with everyone else using it. Custom software often costs more upfront than adopting an existing product. You may avoid a core product licence, although hosting, support and third-party services can still carry recurring fees. Ownership and usage rights depend on the contract; with Code23, agreed IP transfers when the relevant invoices are settled. We agree a fixed price before any work starts, so there's no guessing at the bill.
Is custom software worth it for a small business?
It depends on how well off-the-shelf tools fit the way you actually work. If you're stitching together several subscriptions, working around a tool's limits, or your process is properly different from most businesses in your sector, custom software may justify its cost where measured savings or additional value exceed its build and maintenance costs. If a standard tool already fits, it's not worth the extra cost.
Can I claim R&D tax relief on custom software development?
Possibly. Some software work may qualify where it seeks an advance in science or technology and resolves genuine technological uncertainty; routine development or customisation does not qualify. Eligibility depends on the current scheme and accounting period, so use HMRC's software R&D guidance and obtain tax advice before you claim. Code23 is not a tax adviser.
Next step
Custom software often costs more upfront than adopting an existing product. Ownership and usage rights depend on the contract; with Code23, agreed IP transfers when the relevant invoices are settled. What you get for that is software built around your users, your data and the way your team actually works, rather than the needs you happen to share with everyone else buying the same off-the-shelf tool.
We agree a fixed price and a fixed scope before we write a line of code, so you know what you’re paying for before the build starts. We’ve delivered 350+ projects since 2005, and custom software and websites are still the core of what we do.
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