Every business is different from the other and has its own specific needs, so one size fit all solution is not always a great solution. There is no denying the fact that the process of developing an application or business solution is complex and also includes steps like designing, development or testing, which needs great expertise of various professionals. It is because of that reason that so many companies consider developing bespoke solutions to add specific features that are needed to run the business efficiently.
Bespoke software development can be defined as a process of designing, creating and deploying and also maintaining the software for a specific set of users or organization. This is in contrast to the commercial off the shelf software, which focuses at a narrowly defined set of requirements. Successful bespoke software development depends on a lot of factors and it is a complex process that involves various parties like the client, the bespoke development company and the project manager.
Here is a List of Best Practices Which is Valuable When it Comes to Bespoke Software Development:
Know Your Business Goals:
Always remember that your business goals are the whys of your solution and whether you are preparing a small website or a mobile application, understanding your basic objectives is important to get the best possible solution. In order to understand the need of developing a bespoke solution, focus on the expectations from the site, problems and visions and the demands of the visitors.
Divide Your Project into Small Chunks:
Even when you are delivering a huge ecommerce system with many integrated services, it is crucial to divide it into the best possible chunks. This will make it easier for you to define your clear requirement and make things easier for the bespoke developers. You will be more precise and the team will be able to develop the solution while testing it at the same time. A single task should now take more than 6 hours and in case it takes more time to be done, then it’s better to break the work.
Have a Single Source of Communication:
Communication is a core factor that plays a great role in the success of an application development. It concerns not only the client, but the entire team. The better you communicate, the more you will be able to ensure that the solution meets each and every needs of your business. Daily standups and weekly meetings will ensure that the feedback loop is also alive and functioning.
Also Read:How Bespoke Development Solutions Help Your Business Thrive in The Market
Having a single point of communication will also reduce any confusion and misunderstandings. You can also take progress report of your project to know if its meeting the deadlines.
Describe All Your Requirements in Details:
The root cause of software projects failure is incomplete requirements and last minute changes. Though it is a tough job to describe the requirement in details, but if it is put together with descriptions, then each application can be developed in the right way. A well-defined requirement should always include:
- A description of the task
- The business goals based on which the features will be developed
- Some acceptance criteria or a checklist that shows when the application is ready
Speak About the Problem that You are Facing:
Teams that develop bespoke solutions often brainstorm and search for optimal solutions. So it is very important to mention the problem that your business in facing instead of talking about the solution. Bespoke developers are aware about the system and the technology, but all they need to know is where they can consider some shortcuts that can help them save both time and money. When you have a discussion with the team, you should discuss your problems in details so that they can offer the best possible solution.