Bespoke Software Development Guide

Cloud Construct UK coding software to streamline a business’ processes - 30 years of software development expertise

Bespoke Software Development Guide

Author: Pete Barfield

You’ve come to the conclusion that “off the shelf” software isn’t right for your business.

You’ve been spending thousands on multiple licences across the business. It’s not online so people have to be in the office to use it.

That was fine in the past when there weren’t viable alternatives.

But now there are.

Bespoke software development can streamline business systems and processes to such an extent that it can save days’ worth of time per person.

(One of our customers cut invoicing time from 3 days to just 1.5 hours!)

And when you’re saving time, you’re saving money.

At Cloud Construct we have 30 years of experience building computer systems and software.

We’re an Amazon Web Services (AWS) Select Consulting Partner. This means that we’ve gone through rigorous training and approval systems. We also have hundreds of AWS’ services and cutting-edge technology at our fingertips for building next generation software that’s tailored to your business’ unique needs.

The possibilities are limitless and we’re here to help you

Developments with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are unlocking previously impossible ways of working all of the time. This is exciting, but we appreciate so much choice can be overwhelming… especially if it’s the first time you’ve invested in bespoke software.

Here’s how we’d work with you to develop your new software.

It all starts with your systems and processes

At the start of every project, we explore your systems and processes. You take us through your current business systems and show us which functionalities you use and don’t use, and/or which you’d like to be improved.

We also talk to your stakeholders and the people who will use the software. (You should always seek buy-in from the people who are going to use it).

Then we start prototyping

In our meetings we’ll show you interactive mock-ups so you can visually understand the flow of the software. (We use Adobe XD for prototyping.)

We find that it’s when you see the prototype interface that the ideas really start to flow. It won’t be the first time we’ve heard: “Oh, yeah! It would be good if it could do this… or this….!”

And that’s what drives a successful software development project. We want to know exactly what you want to achieve not only today, but also in the future.

We want to know all your thoughts and ideas on how it’s going to work best in your business. The sky’s the limit!
Tell us everything. When we understand your wish list, we can develop a project roadmap. It starts off with the “must-haves” and builds up to more advanced functionalities with an affordable budgeted approach.

The next stage is the MVP.

What is an MVP?

An MVP means Minimum Viable Product.

It’s a bit like a pilot for a new TV series – they make one episode to gauge their target audience’s reactions before investing in a full season.

Similarly, we take the core elements of the project and develop the software as cost efficiently as possible. It might not be super polished, but it does the job well. It’s usable.

An MVP is a good option when you’ve got an idea but you’re not sure if it’s going to work or if it’s going to be well received.
It tests the waters.

It helps you to avoid costly mistakes, like spending thousands on building a web app which you think is perfect, only for your users to tell you otherwise.

The MVP gives you invaluable insight into what your users want.

Remember – this is a test phase

You shouldn’t launch the MVP to everybody.

You share it with a select number of trusted users. Users who are going to understand that there may be some teething problems, but understand your business objectives and are willing to help you fine tune your ideas.

You’re never going to get it right the first time around. And that’s the idea of an MVP. It’s never a case of launching it and leaving it.

We’ll look at how your users respond to the MVP and how they actually use it. What are they doing and how are they doing it. More likely than not, your users will reveal something you hadn’t even considered.

How long should an MVP be in use?

It depends on the project, number of users and how quickly you want to iterate.

After the MVP...

We feed all the feedback and information from the MVP trial into producing and fine tuning the application into the final product.

You get software which will streamline your business systems and improve your productivity… And all the benefits that it entails.

…but it doesn’t have to be the end

Technology is developing at a rapid rate. That’s what’s so exciting.

We want to build long term relationships and work with you to ensure that your software is always the best it can be.

We launch, then we iterate. Launch, then iterate…

That’s how the best software is developed.

We’re always looking at ways new technology can be used to enhance existing software, improve business processes and maximise profit.

The only limit is your imagination.