Management Software Tools

Looking for business management software tools but don't know whether to buy off-the-shelf or bespoke?

When deciding to invest in some new management tool software the choice between off-the-shelf solutions or bespoke software tools can be a difficult one. This article looks at some of the areas you should think about before deciding on the choice for you.

It is easy to assume that an off-the-shelf solution must be cheaper, but this is not always the case. Off-the-shelf solutions are designed to work for everyone, so the chances are you'll be paying for functionality you don't need and probably won't use.

Many off-the-shelf business software tools will charge for user licenses whilst customised solutions can include unlimited user licenses so 10 users can use the same tools as cheaply as one.

You understand your business - you know exactly how things are done, the terminology you use and the way in which you charge for jobs. Some businesses have complicated processes where parts must be ordered or installed, or approvals gained before the next stage of the process can be started. The designer of bespoke software tools will start by learning exactly what you do, and how your company processes work. This means more time at the design stage to ensure that the solution fulfils all your requirements. However, a well-designed bespoke tool can reproduce your business systems exactly; this can cut down training time for staff as the final system will be familiar to them in many ways.

A bespoke solution can evolve, adapt and extend with your changing needs, and you never have to pay for an update that you don't need, just to have the most up-to-date version.

With an off-the-shelf solution training is likely to be general, aimed at the capabilities of the software more than the specific needs of your business. With a bespoke tools system supplied by a good company, training should be specific, structured to the needs of your company and your staff.

With off-the-shelf solutions phone support may be available for longer hours than if your software is designed especially for you, but the staff are unlikely to be aware of your particular set-up. With bespoke software tools, phone support should be easily accessible, and supplied by people who understand your system.

As you can see, it is always worth considering a bespoke solution, and with Software-Matters initial consultations are free, so pick up the phone and call us today or complete our contact form to find out more about management software tools.

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