No matter what industry or sector your business is in, the chances are that you have to use computer software for at least a part of your operation. Whether it is in managing staff, making sales, or virtually any daily tasks undertaken, software has become an essential to almost every company.
However, it is unfortunately the case that many businesses don’t put enough thought or investment into their software requirements. This can leave them in a position where their competitors’ operations are actually far more advanced than their own, and make it very difficult for them to remain competitive.
In this article, we will take a look at the specifics of business software, and why it is essential that you should not underestimate the importance of software to your company.
The rise of industry-specific software
For a long time it was the case that almost every business made use of a small number of software providers. For those businesses that moved beyond tracking the specifics of their company via Microsoft Excel, there were catch-all project management or business management software solutions.
These were often used by companies varying from restaurants through to construction firms, with the software itself falling firmly into the category of being jack-of-all-trades. And of course, these forms of software can be effective to a point. But ultimately, for businesses to maximise their efficiency and productivity, specialist software becomes a necessity.
Software is rapidly being developed for virtually every business sector you can imagine. From the legal industry and carpet cleaners to pizza takeaways and barber shops. For any business looking to streamline their operation, specific software has become an essential. And this effectively gives you two options: develop your own software or licence software that has been designed for your industry.
Developing your own software
If your business needs a completely bespoke piece of software that caters to the exact needs of the company, your best option is always going to involve developing your own software. Doing so can ensure that you design and own a piece of software that none of your competitors have access to, and that is entirely personalised around your needs.
By developing your own software, you have complete control over the technology and can adapt it as needed. This can be particularly useful for businesses in niche industries, where off-the-shelf software solutions might not meet their requirements.
However, developing your own software requires significant investment in terms of both money and resources, including technical expertise and software development skills. This can be a challenge for smaller businesses or those with limited budgets.
There is the consideration that developing software requires ongoing maintenance and support, which will require both time and resources. Similarly, if software development is not your business’s core competency, this may mean that it is a far less efficient wayto proceed than opting to work with a team of experts. There is also always the risk that the software may not work as intended, which can cause major disruptions to business operations.
Is licencing software the right move for you?
The other option is licencing industry-specific software that has already been developed. This can have a range of advantages of its own. Firstly, it saves time and resources. Developing bespoke software from scratch can be a time-consuming and expensive process, as it requires hiring specialised developers, designing and testing. On the other hand, pre-made software is already available, tested, and proven to work, allowing businesses to start using it right away.
Industry-specific software is developed by experts in the field who understand the needs and challenges of the industry. They have the experience and knowledge to develop software that meets industry standards and regulations, which reduces the risk of errors or compliance issues.
In addition, licensing industry-specific software also provides businesses with access to regular updates and upgrades. This means that businesses can keep up-to-date with the latest features and functionalities, ensuring that they remain competitive in the market. Furthermore, many software vendors offer technical support and customer service, which can help businesses to quickly resolve any issues that arise.
Challenges with software adoption
Adopting software can be a major challenge for businesses, particularly when it comes to integrating new systems into existing processes and infrastructure. This can be a time, skill and cost intensive process, requiring significant planning of resource and expertise to ensure a smooth and effective transition.
One of the main challenges of software adoption is compatibility. Businesses need to ensure that the new software is compatible with their existing systems, as well as ensuring that it integrates seamlessly with their current processes. This can often require significant IT support to prevent compatibility issues that would otherwise result in reduced functionality, or even data loss.
Another important focus area is training. The new software may require staff to change the way they work, and this can naturally lead to a level of resistance from employees. Properly trained staff are key to successful implementation and effective day to day operations. Again, time, effort and resource are central to ensuring the new software is smoothly executed and managed. Businesses need to ensure that their employees similarly have the necessary technical skills to be able to use the new software in an ongoing capacity, which can be a challenge for companies with limited IT resources.
A further key consideration is ensuring that the true cost of software adoption is understood. This needs to include not only the cost of the software itself, but any related hardware upgrades or implementation costs. The initial process of adoption can also result in lost productivity, as staff become familiar with the new software, which may result in a negative impact on business operations for a length of time.
The importance of software to businesses cannot be underestimated in today’s increasingly digital world. Whether it’s through licensing industry-specific software, developing bespoke software, or adopting expensive software solutions, businesses must ensure they have high-quality software and are using it to its full potential.
While there are challenges to software adoption, the benefits are clear: increased efficiency, improved customer experiences, and a competitive edge. By recognising the significance of software and making strategic decisions in this area, businesses can secure their place in a future driven by technology.
