What Are The Advantages of Buying Readymade Software in 2020?
Startups and small businesses can face a genuine dilemma between choosing to implement a readymade software which is industry-specific & a customized software (a tailor-made application). There are many advantages that buying a readymade software can have over customized software, which are as follows.
Development Time
Readymade software generally does not require any development time since it is already pre-developed. Thus, it can be installed immediately after purchase. In contrast to this, a customized software requires a significant amount of development time since the application must develop from scratch. For example, a small business will have to have detailed meetings with the development team of the IT company for discussing his complex processes in order to get a customized solution. This time will be saved if he implements an effective readymade solution.
Error Correction
Typically, no error-correcting time is required for a readymade software. Errors, if any are removed in the software upgrade. This is due to the extensive testing in the development stage. Comparatively, customized software requires extensive error correction. Now one of few among companies like Coderobotics offering readymade software including with editable source code, so companies can easily fix the code with no help from the developed company.
Low Cost
Readymade software is relatively low cost to acquire because development cost is spread out among numerous customers. Thus, cost overruns are not an issue. However, in the case of customized software, the following two scenarios are possible –
(a) Cost is usually significantly higher than that of comparable off-the-shelf packages. There is a distinct possibility of cost overruns.
(b) If cost is low, the customer is probably dealing with a freelancer thus, reliability and technical support may then be suspect.
Technical Support
The developer of a readymade software has the experience of dealing with a wide user base. Thus, the developer already knows the usual problem areas and has quick solutions for the same. The users are aware of the functionality of the software & not its technical aspects. The user of customized software, unless dealing with an established organization (which has made the application), technical support for a unique software may not be systematic, reliable or even available at all.
Ease of Use
Readymade software products are generally very user-friendly. Since many customers would have used this software & given their inputs, therefore the same becomes more user centric due to multiple upgrades. In a customization situation, the application is unique. Some problems will be first-time experiences for all involved, and therefore may be time-consuming to resolve.
Configurability
Readymade software products can be highly configured to the individual’s requirements. For example, which bill has to be raised when or which tax has to be applied where is already worked on by the developer who is updated with the industry happenings. In contrast to this, customized software is reengineered out of processes. The processes of the company may be inefficient, but they survive because of the custom-tailoring approach. I.e., inefficiencies may get institutionalized.
Industry Standard
Readymade software is made according to global best practices. It is validated & perfected over the years. The adoption of best practices can help to achieve better growth. In contrast to this, customized software is developed according to the processes being used by the company. This can lead to stagnation as the processes are not benchmarked according to the industry.
