Why do you need a tailor made software application?
If you are setting up or are already in business and have a specific task that you will be performing day in and day out then you should consider a specially written software application.
A prime example of the need for custom software is a video rental shop where the propriator needs to control and keep track of members and their details and also manage the rental and return of video films. This could be done using a database program such as Microsoft's Access which would be quite acceptable to the computer literate but consider the position of the shop staff, some of whom might not have used a computer before. The design brief for such a tailor made application could include an ease of use parameter to allow the user to complete training of staff in the minimum time possible.
There are several other considerations to be taken into account when deciding where to look for your software.
- Price: A custom package will be more expensive initially but could save you many times the extra cost in the long run.
- Support: A custom application will come with technical support included in the package for a set time, the only support for an Access application will be for Access, not your database.
- Modifications: You can request any changes to your application and they can be implemented without disruption to your daily business.
A custom software application will do exactly what you require with none of the "extra features" included in off the shelf programs. It will also grow with your business, extra features can be added at any time without you having to learn a new layout of buttons and menu's which can happen with upgrades to mass produced software.
