In the emerging age of XaaS (Everything as a Service), businesses are increasingly benefiting from cloud applications. Indeed, the more cloud-computing solutions available, the greater the flexibility you have. Now's the time to consider the many ways custom application development can shore up business opportunities and streamline processes for your organization.

Tailor-made solutions
By investing in custom applications, companies seek to optimize efficiency, productivity, and profitability. Imagine a tool crafted specifically for your business, evolving at the same rate, and shaping itself to your processes with near-surgical precision! Simply put, a custom application is likely to be one of the best investments your business will ever make.

The 6 big benefits of a custom application are:

• Seamless integration with the tools and systems already in place
• Easily adoptable, adhering to specific user processes
• Precisely meets current needs while remaining malleable to adapt to future functionality
• A secure and scalable solution
• Makes business processes more profitable
• Provides a competitive advantage

À la carte development
It all starts with a vision—your short-, medium-, and long-term goals. To gauge the potential platform's functionality, you must first assess immediate and future needs while identifying the daily tasks that are eating up your time and valuable resources. From there, a business analyst can determine whether an existing application is available or if you should opt for a 100% tailor-made solution.

Once a solution has been pinpointed, the analyst will work with you to assess the project's scope and methodology. In the case of large-scale projects (i.e., a full platform with multiple modules and process automation), a great deal of thought and planning is required. Often, these types of projects move forward in different phases.

Take the analogy of purchasing a house…

A pair of young professionals are hunting for their first home. They plan on having two children within five years. Therefore, their purchasing criteria reflect their current needs: number of rooms, neighborhood, proximity to schools, nearby parks and services, commuting time, etc. And even if a pool and garage are not on the list of immediate requirements, they should nevertheless consider the land's size and configuration potential for possible future additions.

It's very much the same for custom applications. A business's medium- and long-term vision will significantly influence the solution's architecture and module development. Additionally, just like property must be maintained to preserve its value, application maintenance is recommended to ensure a solution can be upgraded and maintain an appropriate level of security.

So, to summarize, it's necessary to consider the following for a healthy ROI:

• Fully articulate the application's objectives
• Flesh out short-, medium-, and long-term objectives wherever possible
• Identify users
• List the desired features
• Specify the technical features
• Plan for future additions and adjustments

System integration for greater efficiency
Of course, application development isn't always so complex. We often call on experts to build bridges between existing systems, IT infrastructures, and hardware. System integration facilitates smooth communication between different assets, thus reducing manual data entry and human error. Obviously, the more elements involved, the more complex the task—but the bigger the payoff!

The keys to success: Change Management and Agile Project Management!
As discussed in previous articles, change management helps businesses adopt new technologies with greater efficiency. And, of course, the easier it is to adopt, the quicker you'll see a return on investment. When it comes to application development, the first change-management factor to consider is how clear, concise communications reduce errors and delays. Newsletters are highly effective tools for information sharing and cohesion. Of course, you'll also need to plan for more technical documentation such as detailed user and administrator guides. But remember, documentation shouldn't be too heavy—keep the content as accessible and up-to-date and the tools themselves.

The Agile Project Management approach is yet another vital ingredient in modernizing your business. This methodology offers excellent flexibility during every stage, from development to deployment. By rolling out your application in phases and leaving room for different iterations at each step, you create a more gradual adjustment period, ensuring all expectations are met while anticipating future opportunities.

Grow with the right IT partner
To effectively modernize your business, be sure to take the time to choose the right IT partner. Technical skills are essential, but interpersonal skills just as important. If you want a solution that fits seamlessly into your business operations and works for your team members, it’s essential to regularly communicate with your IT company. Designing a custom application is a highly collaborative process of assessing variables such as workflow optimization, technical support, training, and even periodic application maintenance to keep everything up to date.

For 25 years, Kezber has been developing tailor-made applications that integrate seamlessly intoexisting processes. Flexible and agile management, infallible security, constant support, involved advisors, and return on investment—this is our commitment to you.