1. Failing to Identify a Purpose
Unfortunately, some software projects fail before they even get started. Many times a CEO or CTO recognizes that there’s a problem that needs solving, but they often don’t take the appropriate time to fully examine it. Without a properly fleshed out idea, software projects tend to fail because there is no clear purpose. Essentially, you should ask yourself the following questions:
- What value does this software project bring to the efficiency of my business?
- What is the exact challenge or area of inefficiency and when would I consider this issue resolved?
- How will this software continue to be efficient for this purpose both now and over the long-term?
- Will this project help generate added revenue and profit?
All of these questions will help you narrow down what you want from your custom software, and ensure that the final project is something that can make your business more productive and responsive to changing market conditions.
2. Inaccurate Estimates Regarding Resources and Project Scale
Custom software has benefited countless companies and helped them to transform their businesses for the better. However, it’s important to always be realistic about the required amount of resources and timelines involved in the development. Both custom software engineers and their clients are guilty of forgetting about both. Inaccurate estimates regarding budgets and developer resources required, can lead to software projects that aren’t finished on time or at all due to forced abandonment! Additionally, projects that are completed might not have the software features that were initially desired.
To avoid these challenges, draw up estimates that factor in all costs throughout each step of the process, build a comprehensive project timeline, and organize a thorough review of the technical skills needed for the project. This can assist in keeping project costs in line and even help development teams respond to specification changes as the project progresses.
3. A Lack of Communication
3. A Lack of CommunicationIt’s important for the client and the commissioned software development team to keep open lines of communication throughout the life of the project. This includes updates on problems, design issues, and whether new features need to be incorporated into the scope of the project.
In order to assure desirable results, software development teams must respond to client needs as they arise and show a willingness to incorporate feedback into the project design.
4. Poor Development Implementation
Unfortunately, some companies don’t practice agile software development. This highly efficient and productive approach, promotes; adaptive planning, evolutionary development, early delivery, continuous improvement, while encouraging rapid and flexible response to change. Be wary of companies who rush through testing, don’t consult their client, don’t properly test for bugs, and don’t do the research necessary to understand the company they’re building a product for. Make sure to thoroughly research your custom software developer before commissioning them to ensure that they follow industry best practices to deliver the high-quality product you expect.
Ultimately, following these tips will help ensure that you get exactly what you want from your custom software project — a product with seamless functionality, an intuitive user experience, and a project that’s on time and within budget.
CompuSmart’s Custom software development will provide smart solutions for the unique requirements of your small or midsize company. Tailor-made specifically for your needs, it will help streamline and improve your business to level the playing field between you and even larger competitors.
