Many companies make the mistake of using generic software programs because they think it’s convenient and will save money. However, there are better benefits to using industry specific software as illustrated below.
Customized Fit
Industry specific software provides unique functions and exclusive solutions. For example, lumber manufacturers will need different industry specific software depending on whether they import or export lumber. This is because foreign markets will need metric based measurements, products and even shipping documentation. Keep in mind that industry competitors will most likely be also using similar software platforms, so regular software programs will be insufficient. In addition to this, the company that sells the industry specific program will have the programming and IT expertise to help problem solve common issues. In fact, the software vendor will most likely have experience with competitors and therefore be able to provide unique insight into what does and doesn’t work.
Reduced Programming Costs
Creating custom software is an expensive and laborious process. Experts estimate that one dollar spent on industry specific software will cost 100 dollars for programming a new software. Even worse, the innovative software program will come with a lot of bugs and glitches. It is well understood within the software industry that every new software program or update may result in minor and major bugs. The smartest consumers and businesses wait until beta software versions have been on the market for a while because a software release process involves continual feedback from online users who help to tweak and improve the program. On the other hand, a company that orders a custom software program will be forced to pay for continual tweaks and updates.
Flexibility
Using industry common software packages means that the company must adapt to the software system. That is, the company will buy a name brand software package and experience limited benefits and functionality. As a result, they will have to adjust their business processes and practices according to the software specifications. Conversely, industry specific programs mean that the business is free to adapt their processes according to the special functions of the software. As a result, the business will be able to streamline operations through increasing efficiency, accuracy and timeliness.
Reduced Training
Industry standard software means that the company will have to train employees how to adapt to the limited functionality. For example, Entrepreneur magazine recommends that construction companies use industry specific software in order to increase efficiency and management effectiveness. On the down side, training employees how to use generic software is an expensive and cumbersome process. It decreases employment engagement and satisfaction. Instead, industry specific software will be pre-designed to work better because the content and functions will be familiar to employees.
In the end, generic software has limited functionality, but industry specific programs are flexible and cost-effective. It will help the company remain competitive and reduce training costs and concerns.