Timing is Everything When Choosing a Software Solution

When it comes to choosing between a bespoke or off the shelf solution for your business, there’s actually more to take into account than just the pros and cons you hear from software companies and bloggers. By all means don’t dismiss the advice on offer, but be sure that you’re also questioning at what stage your business is currently at, and the type of solution that can push it further.

Addressing the effect timing has on choosing a business’ software solution, Forbes published an interesting article from Chuck Cohn. In the article, Cohn highlights specific areas for consideration, such as:

• Plans to scale your company
• Your team’s current productivity levels
• The necessity of a competitive advantage

Evaluating how your business is faring in each of these different areas provides an opportunity to spot how specific types of software can benefit the organisation at different times in the business’ life cycle – once this is understood, the choice between off the shelf and bespoke becomes far simpler.

For some of Kaleida’s clients, the decision to invest in a bespoke software solution is made after a specific limitation or flaw is identified within their existing systems or processes, whereas others find themselves at a certain size and looking to scale their growth even further with help from a more specialist tool.

Speaking about his own experiences within the article, Cohn reminisces about starting with an off the shelf solution before realising his tutoring business was facing mounting challenges as they attempted to grow the business:

“As we grew, these challenges became more and more pronounced and scalability became harder to reach.”

Finding the business in that stage of its life cycle spurred Cohn on to consider his options, taking into account a more bespoke approach.

So before considering which type of software solution to opt for, consider the timing and what stage your business is currently at, as well as how different types of solution can add value to your business. For more advice from Chuck Cohn, read the full article over on the Forbes website.

Interested in embracing a bespoke solution to create reliable scalability, pronounced growth, and streamlined processes across the organisation? Talk to us to find out how Kaleida can help build a tailored solution to fit your business’ needs and long-term goals.