Attract clients to your business using custom software applications

As a small business grows, so its accounting and financial management software must grow, but what happens when the limitations of that software start to limit the business? What are the options for customising software? What are the costs, and what advantages does custom software deliver?

Who can use custom software?

Stephen Coldwell, director of Acute Solutions, says any business operating in any industry can use tailored software.

"The software we provide, for example, has over 600 different modules that provide specialisation on an industry or functional basis," he says. 

"From that point there is a lot of scope for customisation, so we can match the requirements of just about any business - small, medium or large."

Custom software solutions

Stephen cites the example of a plastic water tank manufacturer who came to Acute Solutions in search of an accounting system. 

"They needed a system that had a lot of flexibility and potential for development," Stephen recalls. 

As a result of discussing their needs, Acute Solutions implemented an accounting package that, among other things, delivered three key services:

• custom reporting
• inventory management
• manufacturing control.

"Over the 10 years we worked with them, the company grew from about six users to over 40 and became so successful a major listed public company walked in and bought them," Stephen says.

Custom software: the process

According to Stephen, the process for tailoring a software solution will be different for each business situation, but usually entails:

• Initial meeting: To obtain an overview of business goals and software needs, IT-related issues needed to achieve goals and identify opportunities for solutions to reach those goals.
• Investigation, demonstration, consultation: To establish a strong fit between the client's needs and a custom software application.
• Source and supply: From software to go onto an existing network all the way through to supply of complete computer networks, installation, customisation, training and ongoing systems support and development.

Typical uses 

The uses of custom software are as many and varied as there are types of businesses. For example, Stephen says his company provides software that helps with: 

• accounting functions including general ledger, financial management, accounts payable/receivable
• inventory and logistics management
• manufacturing and distribution organisation.

Custom software costs

"We generally find businesses have wide ranges of budgets, depending on their size," says Stephen. "The range of solutions suits a wide range of organisations.

"We work with organisations that have outgrown the more common systems such as Quicken and MYOB. Our products and services are aimed at people who require a solution that is more comprehensive or specific to their needs."

The right solution 

Whether it is a program to manage inventory, an expanded accounting package or a total overhaul of your IT systems, ask a custom software designer how a tailored software solution can help your business grow.