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Off-The-Shelf VS Custom Systems: Why Customisation Is Better


Off-the-Shelf Systems

While an off-the-shelf system could appear to be a simple answer, these applications are frequently created to focus on a few particular problems while disregarding others. Purchasing off-the-shelf systems typically result in companies needing to acquire extra apps to bridge these gaps, which can be detrimental and counter-productive over time.

If you are looking to propel your business forward, it is imperative that your employees are operating at peak productivity. Hence, the right software applications are essential to eliminate inefficiency with various operational processes. In this article, we discuss the problems with off-the-shelf systems, and why you should outsource custom app development in Singapore.

Disadvantages of off-the-shelf systems


1. A one-size-fits-all approach that does not work

No two businesses are the same, which means that each business has its own unique needs and goals. With that being said, it is unlikely that an off-the-shelf system, which is designed to meet the general needs of companies, would be able to offer the flexibility needed to customise its features specific to your business needs.

Moreover, the majority of off-the-shelf systems are rigid and lack adaptability. Off-the-shelf systems do not allow you to have control over adjustments and upgrades, so you would not be able to alter the system along with your business as it grows.

2. Lacks innovation

Off-the-shelf systems do not offer the competitive advantage you need to stand out from the crowd. In fact, they do quite the opposite. By selecting an off-the-shelf software application, you are selecting a solution that is accessible to all of your competitors. This means that it would be challenging to put forward ground-breaking and innovative ideas as they can be easily replicated by your competitors.

3. Not cost-efficient

Applications that are available off-the-shelf often have relatively few integration options. Your business’s systems were not in mind when software developers created these applications. Instead, they are focusing on the broad market. This indicates that while they could interact effectively with certain widely used systems, they are unlikely to do so with your current applications and business processes.

This could result in sunk cost fallacy – which is when you have to allocate additional funds to get these off-the-shelf systems to work with your business needs. Overall, off-the-shelf systems are not a cost-efficient choice, especially for young start-ups.

So, where does customisation come into play?

As you may have gathered from the points mentioned above, while off-the-shelf systems may be an easy option to gravitate towards, they only offer a temporary fix. You will eventually want an enterprise solution that will grow with your company, connect with your current systems, and assist you in creating a distinct competitive edge. And that is where the various types of custom app development come in!

Custom software is, by definition, created to address the particular problems you are facing. It is created just for your particular set of circumstances and, when done effectively, offers a nearly ideal solution to your business needs. They can be carefully designed to meet every requirement you have, giving you an exclusive competitive edge over your competitors. Plus, they can be easily modified as well, so you don’t have to worry about getting completely new software once your business expands.

Conclusion

PROTEUS-DT is the company to contact if you’re seeking customised solutions in Singapore. As a young app development firm, we provide exceptional app development services from a skilled team of developers, including start-up mobile app development in Singapore. We hope to better understand your company’s specific needs through our discovery meetings and collaborate with you to not only meet your expectations, but also to exceed them.

We can assist your business in expanding and achieving greater heights with our custom solutions. Get in touch with us today!

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