Programming Your Vision with Customized Software

Credit: 123rf

Are you frustrated enough with your current software to consider Customized Software? In other words, does your current software lack features you wished it contained, with a unique process of flowing and handling the WORK the way YOU envision - the way YOU like it?

Prior to developing System100 Software years ago, we encountered the same frustration, when realizing that our very expensive, out-of-box-software COULD NOT do certain things. Therefore, doing what most business owners do, in that case, we came up with workarounds. Simply stated, we incorporated our out-of-box-software with manual documents, or sometimes added yet another out-of-box-software to our management process.

They worked okay, for a while, until we found we were using more and more workarounds, due to our business growth.  At that point, Customized Software became a viable option for our company.

It was time to move forward!

Don’t Start from Scratch | Do Your Homework

We started by contacting our current out-of-box software vendor, asking if they would consider custom programming for us, using their software as the base model. When they said NO, we started our search for a new business management software. We wanted software with certain features, whereby we could eliminate our workarounds. More importantly, we wanted our management software to integrate with systems for Total Quality Management.

In addition, we looked for a software vendor that was not too big, so we could engage directly by phone with their upper management when critical issues arouse. I decided we were NOT going to invest thousands of dollars, not to mention our time, only to find out later, we couldn’t get the top decision maker on the phone to help us.

Also, we wanted a software vendor with the same determination to solve problems as we do. We needed one that would not leave us stranded, being unwilling to find REASONABLE SOLUTIONS to solve our business frustrations. We insisted on a software vendor that would allow integration with other third-party software when we decided to integrate.

Don’t overlook this! Many software vendors make it extremely difficult, as they do not want other software integrating with them.

Customized Software Cost

Yes, Customized Software programming is expensive; however, the investment can return measurable cost-saving benefits and other immeasurable benefits. Benefits such as fewer errors, quality product and service, on-time delivery, a peaceful work environment, and happy employees. I’m talking about more quality time for owners to do those things they dreamed of when first starting their business.

But again, don’t start from scratch, IF you can find a software that has most of the features you need. Once located, just ask the software vendor if they are willing to do some customizing or integration, to help you with YOUR vision to build a great company.

Total Quality Mission | Customized Software

Before, developing System100 we first looked for MIS, ERP and other software that had the solutions to help us totally systematize our company. However, our search was in vain. Therefore, we made the decision to build custom software from the ground up. We wanted Quality Control, CAPA Corrective Action Systems, PM (Preventive Maintenance) Systems, Request for Leave Systems and many other features, ALL under one roof.

Who’s Open to Your Vision?

In conclusion, always search for vendors who are open to your vision for your company; a vendor who appreciates the continual improvement process. Find one who is willing to do what it takes to ensure quality of service and products.

The decision for Customized Software sprang from the desire and vision to totally organize every aspect of our company, systematically.  Surprisingly, I never dreamed it would change the life of many others.

Did I mention? Great systems work!