by David N. Lowland

Has your business grown to the point where you think there would be some advantage to having customized software? Perhaps a better way to track customers, to process orders or something more closely aligned with your unique processes?

 It's hard to overestimate the potential value of technology, particularly software, to help your business. Properly implemented, it can provide a foundation for efficient growth, robust management and excellent service. Given that, custom applications would seem to be the best fit for certain areas of your business. They can be tailored to your exact needs and unique challenges. Custom applications even can be a competitive advantage and a significant differentiator for you.

But is custom software really right for you? Before embarking on a development project, keep the following four tips in mind.

1. Do Your Research
Don't assume you have to start from scratch. Software is a tool, and there are a lot of tool-builders already out there. Evaluate all your options:

• Retail (boxed) software. With lower cost of entry and more efficient distribution via the Internet, commercial software development remains vibrant. Look beyond the biggest players, and you might find something that meets your needs.
  
• Open source, freeware and shareware. Don't automatically assume these products aren't for you. Many offer high-quality software, active developer networks and good online support. Some have "premium" or commercial versions that you can upgrade to, and some feature live support options.
  
• Software as a service or hosted applications. Rather than investing in locally installed applications, license them for access via the Internet. You may be able to afford more powerful tools; plus, you have more flexible access.
  
• Specialized developers in your industry. Every vertical market has a number of companies actively developing specialized software to meet the needs of that industry. Look around. Ask for references. Inquire about custom modules that might work with their core application.

2. Consider How "Unique" Your Business Really Is
Most business owners rightfully have a sense of pride about their business, but many have unrealistic views of how unique they really are. Remember, you're considering the development of software that will parallel your business. Are your business and operational models sustainable?

• Does your unique or custom process add value to your business?
• Does it enhance the customer's experience?
• Look at your business processes. Can they be streamlined? Can they scale? Can they be extended?

If you answered "no" to any of these questions, you might consider revising how you operate before you go down the path of developing software. Keep in mind that any changes in your business will have to be reflected in your custom software. Management, maintenance, reliability and scalability are all issues of concern.

3. Be Prepared for Planning
You need a blueprint-a scope of development. Design and planning are paramount. Be prepared to pay for it. Without proper planning you might encounter:

• Unexpected, hard-to-troubleshoot errors
  
• Performance limitations as usage increases or your dataset grows
  
• Structural weaknesses that hinder expansion and changes
  
• Training issues as the software might not follow conventional interface practices
  
• Weak or incomplete documentation
  
• Incomplete testing and quality assurance

4. Consider Other Options
Rather than developing an integrated application that may be expensive, complex, hard to manage and maintain, and lack the long-term scalability and flexibility your business requires, you might consider smaller, more focused projects that can have immediate and productive benefits.

Web-based applications are a perfect example of this. These custom applications can provide things like data collection through Web-based forms, specialized customer modules and product configuration tools, as well as sales, customer support and management tools.

Further, approach Web-based custom applications with the idea of exchanging or sharing data with other applications to extend their functionality and increase their positive impact. Think of ways that you can:

• Build on or extend the functionality of another application
  
• Collect or share information from multiple data sources
  
• Increase the functional use of data already in your organization by using it for new purposes
  

These kinds of projects also can offer you a more modular development approach, creating more options. You can prioritize development, focusing initial work on those pieces with the most potential benefit. Updates and changes often can be done more quickly and far more cheaply.

Custom software might be right for your business, but take the time to do some research and see if that approach is the best solution.

David Lowland is president of Ebeacon, which specializes in online catalogs and commerce applications. He can be reached at (816) 221-1905 or online at ebeacon.com.