Have you assessed your needs and challenges and conclude that your software doesn’t meet your requirements or could be improved? Do you feel like you’re adapting to your software when it should be the other way around?
If you find yourself asking these questions, then YES, you need custom software. Don’t worry, nowadays there are companies that offer these services for all budgets. Equipping your business with custom software is a strategic investment that will enhance operational efficiency and keep you ahead of the competition. The question on your mind now is probably:
How do I choose the right custom software development provider? Here are 5 points to consider:
1. Rely on experts:
By choosing experts in software development, you ensure high-quality work. Your provider should listen to your needs to understand your operational reality and challenges. Opt for experienced experts who have been in the market for several years. Consider their location—do they understand the specificities of your industry and the Quebec market? Local experienced experts with references provide a solid foundation for your project. Also, make sure your provider is not a sole individual but rather a team of experts. This mitigates the risk of losing a single resource. Building trust with your provider becomes easier, increasing your chances of success.
2. Which methodologies and technologies does the provider use?
The heart of the project lies in the technologies mastered by the provider. What technologies do they use? Do they have examples of projects they’ve worked on using these technologies? You can also inquire about the project team and the type of follow-up they offer. Are there dedicated resources for your project, and do they have the necessary qualifications? As for methodologies, one of the most commonly used project management approaches is Scrum—an Agile framework that promotes collaboration within teams and helps them deliver high-value tasks. Typically, Scrum operates in two-week sprint iterations. Opting for an Agile provider ensures frequent communication among the project team and alignment with your objectives.
3. The proposed solution should allow you to address your future needs.
Is the solution sustainable? Will it support your company’s growth over time? Does their approach involve completely changing the ecosystem or selling you a complete transformation when you actually need software optimization? It’s crucial that the solution offered by the provider is adaptable and can evolve. As your needs are likely to change over the years, planning for an adaptive and scalable solution is wise—it will support your growth.
4. Choose experts who will adapt to your budget.
Many companies still mistakenly believe that custom software will be more expensive than pre-built software. They fail to consider the performance improvements, productivity gains, and user experience enhancements that custom software provides. A good provider will be able to offer you a solution that fits within your budget. You don’t need to be a large enterprise to invest in custom software. If the idea of a digital transformation intimidates you, remember that your provider can provide a step-by-step project roadmap to align with your objectives and budget, spreading costs over time.
5. Finally, what happens after the software implementation?
Consider asking the provider if they offer post-project support. Do they provide additional services such as training, hosting, and technical support? Is this included in the contract or offered à la carte? Will there be recurring fees?
You now have some points to consider when choosing a custom software development provider. At GTI, we’ve been developing custom software for clients of all types and budgets for 35 years. Do you have a project in mind? Let’s discuss it!
