Bespoke or Off-the-Shelf?

<div><div><p><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://mirror.spiria.com/site/assets/files/1997/bespoke-472679242-en.400x0.webp" media="(max-width: 599px)"><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://mirror.spiria.com/site/assets/files/1997/bespoke-472679242-en.760x0.webp" media="(max-width: 999px)"><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://mirror.spiria.com/site/assets/files/1997/bespoke-472679242-en.1039x0.webp" media="(min-width: 1000px)"><img src="https://mirror.spiria.com/site/assets/files/1997/bespoke-472679242-en.webp" alt="Sur mesure - Bespoke." title="Sur mesure - Bespoke."></source></source></source></picture></p><p>Bespoke or not bespoke? That is the question that, sooner or later, any IT director will ask about software.</p><p>Buying off-the-shelf software can make a lot of sense: more often than not, it is the cheapest option, and it can be up and running quickly. On the other hand, there are always special situations when investing in<a href="https://www.spiria.com/en/services/purpose-built-development/custom-software-development/">custom-made software</a> can be the better choice.</p><p>As a general rule, the more specialized the company and the more complex and unique its processes, the less likely it is that its needs will be met by off-the-shelf software. And when using a new platform, sometimes there is no compatible software at all.</p><h2>Things to Consider</h2><p>The following issues should be considered before making a decision.</p><ul> <li><b>Your company’s specific needs</b>: Even the most powerful software may not match up exactly with your particular processes and operations.</li> <li><b>Compatibility</b>: Can any given software easily integrate with software that is essential to your company’s functioning, now and in the future?</li> <li><b>Flexibility</b>: Is it possible to adapt the software, for example by adding or removing modules, now or down the line?</li> <li><b>Upgradability</b>: Will any given software be able to evolve as your company grows and develops new processes?</li></ul><h2>Advantages of Off-the-Shelf Software</h2><p>As enterprise software has been commercially available for several generations now, most common enterprise problems and needs have a ready-made solution. You may have to make a few compromises, but there probably is a program out there that pretty much meets your needs.</p><p>Simply put: since these applications are developed for many potential clients, development costs can be spread out over all potential buyers, optimizing return on investment.</p><h2>Advantages of Bespoke Software</h2><p>For companies with specific needs, bespoke solutions mean better workflow and increased productivity.</p><p>Another advantage of bespoke solutions is adaptability to your specific situation. With this type of solution, you’ll never find yourself wishing you had a certain feature, or putting up with useless features… nor will you experience any problems integrating the software into your environment.</p><p>Besides, off-the-shelf is not necessarily cheaper: licensing fees are such that over the long run, it can be smarter to create your own solution.</p><p>Finally, in some industries, especially in the technology field, if all players are using the same software, a bespoke solution can become a competitive advantage.</p><h2>Drawbacks</h2><p>There are some drawbacks to using off-the-shelf software: recurrent licensing fees, integration costs and delays… In some cases, these systems can be too rigid to accommodate your processes, creating extra work.</p><p>The greatest drawback of bespoke software is its cost. Building software from the ground up is an expensive and lengthy process. Not to mention medium-to-long-term maintenance: can your IT team handle it?</p><p>The decision to have software custom-made is an important one for any company. All the more reason to weigh the pros and cons, and to be fully aware of all the issues at stake.</p></div>