2011 January Issue – The Pitfalls of Custom Software

There are several disadvantages of custom software when compared to an out-of-the-box configurable software solution.

1. Custom Software Provides Exactly What You THINK You Need

Companies routinely change their requirements and redefine their needs shortly after a new system goes live.  Why?  Because, once you use the software, you form a different impression of what it can do for you than a PowerPoint Presentation or demo could show.  Evolving requirements are difficult to control and they dramatically increase the cost of custom software development.

2.  Expense

It is always more expensive to contract for custom software than to buy configurable “off-the-shelf” software in which the development is amortized over many customers.  Initial implementation and “consulting” fees for custom software are typically 2 – 4 times the cost of the software licenses.

3.  Lengthy Implementation Time

Custom software implementation times are measured in years. Configurable off-the-shelf system implementation times are measured in months.

4. It Is Difficult and Expensive to Upgrade

Most custom software is many revisions behind.  Why? Because upgrading custom software typically requires a re-write of key components of the software, including established integrations. You are tied to the programmers and the high cost of re-writes.

5. Creeping Obsolescence

Features get too costly to re-engineer or re-write as processes and needs change.  This eventually leads to a solution that no longer serves the needs of the shop floor.  It becomes obsolete and is ultimately replaced by an alternate system.

Customizable Software Without the Difficulties and Explosive Costs

CIMx Software recognized the need for a configurable and adaptable off-the-shelf solution that could be modified and enhanced to meet complex business process needs without creating the problems of custom software.