What is custom software?
Custom software is software that is built specifically for one organization, exactly on its own work process, instead of a standard package that you have to bend your process around. You decide what’s in it, how it works and when it changes.
Most companies start with standard software, and rightly so. It’s cheap, it’s there tomorrow and it works fine as long as you do whatever the others do. It doesn’t matter until you’re in something other than your competitors. Then suddenly you’re stuck with workarounds, exports and an Excel file next to it that “a little” was temporary and there’s still three years later.
At that point, tailor-made software becomes interesting, not because it is more beautiful, but because it is cheaper than muddying.
Three moments when customization makes sense.
If you recognize one, the conversation is probably worth it.
You’ve outgrown your package.
The standard package does eighty percent and the remaining twenty percent takes you most time. Every month the same manual step, because the system does not provide for it.
Your process is your competitive advantage
You’re doing something smarter than the rest. Standard software forces you to square that down to how everyone does it, and you throw away your distinction.
You are paying for features you do not use
Licenses per user for a package of which you use a quarter. Enough users will simply have their own application cheaper within a few years.
What custom business software usually includes.
The application itself
- A web application that works on laptop, tablet and phone
- Users, roles and rights by function
- Screens that follow the order of your process
- Dashboards and reports on the numbers you send on
- Search, filter and export without detour
The integrations
- API integrations with your accounting, web shop, ERP or CRM
- Import your existing data, including the mess in it
- Automatic emails and notifications at the right time
- Documents and invoices that self-formulate
- Logging so you can see when something goes wrong
And then
- Hosting, backups and monitoring
- Security updates in a fixed rhythm
- Continuation of fixed capacity per month
- Full ownership of code and data: with you
- Documentation allowing another party to continue
When customization adds demonstrable value.
Not every question requires customization. When a proven standard package supports your process well, it is often the most efficient choice. For common applications such as accounting, salary administration or a simple web shop, we therefore recommend existing software first.
A successful solution also starts with a clear process. That’s why we first map the method, bottlenecks and desired results. Only then do we determine which automation adds demonstrable value.
Do you doubt between your own application and a existing product?We compare both possibilities to functionality, cost, management and future resilience, so that you can make a well-founded choice.
What we built earlier.
A selection of previous customized trajectories, anonymized where to do so.
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A
Accounting integration for an online shop
Orders that automatically and with the correct VAT rule per country in the accounting package landed. Shoved twenty hours of manual work per month and retrieved the overtyping errors from the declaration. Links and integrations.
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B
Internal dashboard for project planning
Real-time view of occupancy, availability and lead times with a service provider with 30 employees. Replace a spreadsheet system that nobody dared to touch anymore. Replace Excel with Software.
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C
Customer Portal for a Maintenance Company
Customers will see their work certificates, invoices and maintenance history themselves. Less calls with “when are you coming?” More on Build customer portal.
Clear answers to frequently asked questions.
How much does custom software cost?
That depends on the size and complexity. A first working version is usually a journey of a few weeks with a fixed monthly capacity. A non-binding conversation almost always provides a concrete assessment within a week, including the parts that you should not build. See sample paths and build up your quote.How long before I get something?
A first version that you can actually use is usually within four to eight weeks. After that, the application grows in rounds of a few weeks. So you don’t wait months for a delivery, which you only see at the end if it’s true.Who owns the software when it’s done?
Yours. Code and data are entirely your property, including documentation that another party can continue with. We don’t work with constructions that you won’t come out of later.What is the difference between custom software and a standard package?
A standard package is built for the average customer and you adapt to it. Custom software is built around your process, and changes when that process changes. Standard is faster and cheaper at startup; customization wins if you deviate from the average.Can you take over existing software as well?
Yes. Not every trajectory starts at zero. We regularly take over existing applications, modernise them or build them out, usually with a technical audit as a starting point, so it’s clear what can stay and what needs to be replaced.Who builds the software?
Altena, a Dutch software company of Marcel Altena. You have direct contact with the developer who is involved in the process. Read more about our approach.Custom software that adds demonstrable value.
Send a few sentences about what you’re stuck on right now. No detailed briefing required: a description of the situation is enough for a clear first assessment, within one working day.