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Standard Software or Custom Software?
"Digitalization" is at the top of the agenda for most companies in 2017. Systems and applications for business processes have become indispensable.
English image not yet available...But should it be standard software or custom software?
It all depends on your needs and expectations. Standard software is designed to appeal to many companies. Custom software is intended to fit the company perfectly. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, which we will discuss below.
Custom Software
Custom software is usually only an option for large companies. On one hand, because a large company does not have flexible adaptable processes – on the other hand, because the development of tailor-made software is associated with considerable costs and a longer waiting time. The starting point is not a finished product, but the specific requirement profile of a company. This must have a clear idea of the desired solution and implement it in active collaboration with the software developers. Supposedly clear solutions often turn out to be not so clear after all. The complexity is also often underestimated. It is also important to find a good partner for the implementation, who will guide you through the development and not just implement wishes. The procurement of custom software is not to be underestimated and is usually even more difficult than that of standard solutions. This can be viewed, tested, and experienced in actual use by reference customers before purchase. If a solution is newly developed, there are hardly any opportunities for comparison.
Ask yourself the following questions before considering a custom solution:
- Is there a special strategic benefit in using custom software?
- Does the benefit justify the significant additional costs for the custom solution?
- Has the market been thoroughly researched to see if there is a suitable standard solution?
- Could another IT partner maintain and further develop the custom software if the original supplier is no longer available?
- Is there enough time and know-how internally to actively accompany the software development?
- Is there a budget available to look after the software even after implementation? Here you can expect about 10-20% of the investment sum.
Standard Software
Standard software, in the best case, is aimed at companies with the same or at least similar requirements. A certain pragmatism is required here, because there is no standard software that can fulfill all wishes. However, the software can be tested and evaluated before committing to its use, and the costs are clear from the beginning.
The 10 Advantages of Standard Software (from the cloud or web-based):
- Is continuously developed and up to date
- Users benefit from new functions that arise from the needs of many companies.
- Can be conveniently purchased.
- Has a broader user base
- Offers support with comprehensive knowledge of the software
- Users often benefit from explanations and FAQs that are accessible to every new employee.
- Has higher software quality, as multiple users test the solution almost daily. The manufacturer can focus on improving a single product.
- Provides more information, documentation material, and training opportunities. This allows the application to be learned and used more quickly.
- Can be introduced more quickly, as the product does not need to be newly developed.
- Is mature in terms of interface and ergonomics.
Where does MOCO make the difference?
Most standard solutions have various application modules and numerous configuration options.
However, for most companies, a reduced degree of individuality is sufficient. It is not uncommon in practice for companies to be glad to be able to orient themselves to the standard processes of the software. According to the motto: With little effort to achieve 90% instead of with a lot of effort to achieve 95%, while saving time and nerves.
However, for most companies, a reduced degree of individuality is sufficient. It is not uncommon in practice for companies to be glad to be able to orient themselves to the standard processes of the software. According to the motto: With little effort to achieve 90% instead of with a lot of effort to achieve 95%, while saving time and nerves.
This is exactly where MOCO comes in: During development, particular emphasis was placed on making it as easy as possible for the user and as complicated as necessary. In short: "Reduce to the max" - as a well-known beverage brand has already anticipated.
This makes MOCO special. We are a standard software aimed at companies with similar requirements – but so flexible and simple that you don't feel restricted. MOCO proves that software does not have to be complex and tedious, as is generally assumed. MOCO liberates, and its use is simple.
