| Management Software Tools | | | | processes work. This means more time at the design |
| Looking for business management software tools but | | | | stage to ensure that the solution fulfils all your |
| don’t know whether to buy off-the-shelf or | | | | requirements. However, a well-designed bespoke |
| bespoke? | | | | system can reproduce your business systems exactly; |
| When deciding to buy some new management | | | | this cuts down hugely on training time for staff as the |
| software the choice between off-the-shelf solutions or | | | | final system will be familiar to them in many ways and |
| bespoke software tools can be a difficult one. This | | | | intuitive for them to use. |
| article looks at some of the areas you should think | | | | A bespoke solution can evolve, adapt and extend with |
| about before deciding on the choice for you. | | | | your changing needs, and you never have to pay for |
| It is easy to assume that an off-the-shelf solution must | | | | an update that you don’t need, just to have the |
| be cheaper, but this is not always the case. | | | | most up-to-date version. |
| Off-the-shelf solutions are designed to work for | | | | With an off-the-shelf solution training is likely to be |
| everyone, so the chances are you’ll be paying for | | | | general, aimed at the capabilities of the software more |
| functionality you don’t need and probably won’t | | | | than the specific needs of your business. With a |
| use. | | | | bespoke system supplied by a good company, any |
| Many off-the-shelf business software tools will charge | | | | training you need should be specific, structured to the |
| for user licenses whilst customised solutions cover | | | | needs of your company and your staff. |
| unlimited user licenses so 10 users can use the system | | | | With off-the-shelf solutions phone support may be |
| as cheaply as one. | | | | available for longer hours than if your software is |
| You understand your business – you know exactly | | | | designed especially for you, but the staff are unlikely to |
| how things are done, the terminology you use and the | | | | be aware of your particular set-up. With bespoke |
| way in which you charge for jobs. Some businesses | | | | software, phone support should be easily accessible, |
| have complicated processes where parts must be | | | | and supplied by people who understand your system. |
| ordered or installed, or approvals gained before the | | | | This article was written by Robin George at |
| next stage of the process can be started. The | | | | Software-Matters. They offer free initial consultations |
| designer of bespoke software will start by learning | | | | and can answer related questions. |
| exactly what you do, and how your company | | | | |