Custom Vs Off-The-Shelf: Navigating Mobile Apps Now!

Navigating Mobile Apps: Custom Vs Off-The-Shelf

Choose between white-label, off-the-shelf, and customized mobile apps for your company. How can you tell whether hiring a mobile app developer to develop from scratch would be appropriate or whether pre-built solutions may be more suitable?

We are happy to provide the solution: this blog compares off-the-shelf mobile applications and custom app development services.

Lets start by exploring two more prevalent mobile application development approaches. Companies have two options when searching for solutions to business problems: purchase pre existing software that meets their specifications or design their solution from scratch.

People tend to favor off-the-shelf software because it seems fast and affordable; however, other factors could reduce its usefulness as an all-encompassing solution.

Companies need tailored approaches to reach their objectives successfully; using off-the-shelf products could do more damage than good. What are the best methods of helping companies choose their path? Read on to gain an understanding of both approaches, along with strategies for when they dont seem suitable.

Two thousand twenty-two estimates indicate that consumers will download around 150 billion apps onto mobile phones - most commonly through Apple App Store and Google Play.

To remain competitive in this marketplace, high-quality applications must be released. No longer can an app simply be released and expect an audience of thousands of users to flock immediately - instead, you need a strategy tailored specifically for your business and its goals.


Building Custom Apps: The Basic Concept

Building Custom Apps: The Basic Concept

Custom mobile app development entails creating an application tailored to your business, featuring unique functionality.

Such custom business apps have proven highly sought-after as off-the-shelf solutions often only cover basic functionality without providing the required functionality.

There are typically two ways of approaching custom application development: you either allocate resources internally and create a team to implement solutions or outsource to a third-party service provider - this latter option offers numerous advantages, including cost savings, rapid project delivery, and access to expert knowledge.

The lack of software engineers in the IT market is another good reason for contracting out your app creation to a company specializing in it rather than spending your time searching for suitable teams to take up various projects yourself.


Custom Mobile App Development: What Is It?

Custom Mobile App Development: What Is It?

Custom application development allows you to craft a truly original mobile app. Though its similarities might overlap with others within its category, each custom app developed is original and distinctive.

Large corporations once exclusively utilized custom mobile applications; however, advances in the mobile app development industry have made custom mobile apps more cost-effective for mid-sized and smaller enterprises.

Custom mobile app solutions are essential across virtually every industry. Still, they are especially beneficial in fintech, healthcare, logistics, and the development of apps.

Cost factors associated with developing custom mobile applications vary based on several criteria, such as business domain, project implementation timeline, size, features, and design complexity.


What is Off-the-shelf Mobile App Development?

What is Off-the-shelf Mobile App Development?

These pre-built mobile apps require minimal customization before release. They are ideal for customer service apps, e-commerce apps, travel booking services, and on-demand delivery platforms.

Most off-the-shelf mobile apps require monthly subscription fees that depend on various factors, including team size, features used, and duration.

You will pay a certain sum each month depending on which app you purchase or licenses purchased from one. As mobile apps can do almost everything, most are tailored for bookkeeping and accounting, processing documents, dealing with customer inquiries, and shopping online.


Whats Better: Custom Versus Off-the-Shelf Apps?

Whats Better: Custom Versus Off-the-Shelf Apps?

We are often asked, "Why should we choose a customized app over a canned solution?" Lets take a quick look at the difference between off-the-shelf or canned apps and custom-made ones.


Apps That are Available Off-the-shelf

Canned solutions are exactly as they sound; applications with pre-installed features often suffice to bring value to any business, and you dont always have to create something from scratch.

Apps designed for team collaboration or mobile versions of ERP or CRM solutions may fit this category well; you dont have to create anything new here, so apps with fewer customization options might be best.

Cans of Solutions can be an attractive option for new businesses exploring mobile apps for their business, offering simple installation at a lower initial expense; however, they lack the flexibility or tailored features offered by custom applications that would better meet business requirements.


Custom Apps

Are your business requirements unique, unlike those of other organizations? An app designed specifically to support them could help.

Just be careful that there arent too many services, as too much may confuse users or cause the application to crash altogether.

You should consider building a customized app if any of the questions above have been answered in the affirmative.

We can explain why creating an application that fully fulfills your requirements can be invaluable for your business.


What Can Custom-built Apps Do for Your Business?

What Can Custom-built Apps Do for Your Business?

Many businesses choose bespoke solutions because of the advantages they can bring to their company. Implementing applications that have been customized specifically to you and your industry will increase efficiency while making you more cost competitive.

Your app gives you full control. This enables you to define features, manage projects efficiently, comprehend software costs, and own the final result.

Here are the advantages of creating custom applications as part of your research process:


1. The Apps You Need Are Customized

As previously discussed, your company will likely have its own distinct needs that should be catered for when creating its application.

Tailoring it specifically will support and further advance the goals of your business.

Experienced software vendors recognize each client is an individual with specific requirements and goals for customization.

Business analysts begin the customization process by first understanding your goals. Developers translate your requirements for app functionality into a platform and hardware-specific requirements.


2. You Can Get the Functionality You Need

Prepackaged canned solutions contain many unnecessary add-ons that create a collection of unnecessary tools in your app that waste time and resources, hindering its success.

This waste could cost the success of your apps ventures.

Statista reports that while mobile app usage has seen an upswing since 2020 (due mainly to COVID-19), active monthly app use has decreased.

Developers typically focus on designing apps that perform one function exceptionally well. All-in-one mobile applications dominate this category of mobile applications.


3. Flexible Maintenance and Support

Save money when working with software vendors who create customized mobile apps according to specifications, making maintenance simpler and cheaper than with generic solutions.

Consider dedicating 10-20% of your annual development budget to updating existing apps. Maintaining compliance with current UI/UX trends.


4. The Scalability You Can Handle

No one builds an app so that it will sit idly on Google Play or the AppStore - they want their product to make an impactful statement about themselves! Custom solutions may offer these capabilities more readily; their designs often keep scalability in mind.

License costs may also become prohibitively expensive as your app expands; app builders such as AppGyver or Appian become increasingly costly the larger it grows.

Companies reliant on these platforms for developing mobile applications could face serious risks.


5. Advance Integration Opportunities

Your software platform must integrate easily with countless other programs today. Our native mobile applications integrate easily with Salesforce, RingCentral, or QuickBooks.

API.


6. Personalized Customer Service

A canned solution is not known for its customer service. On the other hand, a custom solution has a dedicated team that works to complete your project.

If you encounter any problems with your app, the account manager and the developer are available to help.


7. Secure Your Security

You may not know that up to 95 percent of mobile apps are susceptible to security attacks. You need to ensure that your mobile app is protected.

Some companies that offer pre-made mobile applications are slow to provide solutions.

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Off-the-Shelf Solutions

Off-the-Shelf Solutions

Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) is a term that refers to all software designed for a particular market. The COTS product has a set of commonly needed functions, plus additional features that depend on the market.


Off-the-Shelf Solutions: Advantages


Startup Costs

An initial investment in COTS systems is minimal because the cost is split between all users. Subscription software is a better option than one-time purchases for companies to reduce initial costs.


Rapid Deployment

COTS is ready to use as soon as the configuration has been completed. Software as a Service option (SaaS) doesnt require a company to download anything; they can start using them immediately after purchasing.


Feature-Rich

Of course, the exact number of functions depends on the software, but finding a wide range of options in off-the-shelf products is common.

You can experiment with your digital strategy and business model by using the extra features without buying another software.


Users Support and Maintenance

The parent company provides support for COTS. A service contract will usually provide a higher level of technical support.

Most maintenance is done for many years after the product is discontinued. So, there is no need to purchase newer versions of the same item if it still works.


A Wide Range of Users

Many people love talking about the software they use. Locating reviews, tutorials, and hacks online is easy when using COTS.


Trainees

Some staff may be already familiar with software that is available off-the-shelf. Vendors often provide training for a competitive price when the product is brand new (or include it in large purchases).


Interoperability

Some COTSs may have built-in connections to similar software. Analytics and CRM software are particularly affected.

Microsoft Power BI offers seamless interoperability across a wide range of enterprise-wide software.


The Downsides of Off-the-shelf Solutions


Low Functional Coverage

COTS was designed with maximum customer appeal and should meet most business requirements. They cannot afford to develop tailored solutions for an exclusively small market; therefore, their software must address only those needs with broad appeal.

Vendors may offer additional customization at an extra cost, but features that dont fit might have to go. Modifying COTS without permission from its licensee could also be illegal.

However, such efforts tend to be both costly and time-consuming despite not requiring license agreements. Developers do not need to add features requested in future updates.


Big Security Target

Malicious actors are more likely to target companies that use specific software. Although COTS vendors have security teams dedicated to them, theyre not infallible.

Some companies are concerned about not being able to control this security aspect.


Regulation and Legal Issues

The COSTS may not meet all regulatory requirements. The software may not properly protect HIPAA information or sensitive data or comply with legal guidelines specific to a particular domain.

Its not hard to miss the warnings in the terms of service of major software programs.


Workflow Disruptions

Companies carefully plan standard operating procedures. Available software off-the-shelf may not be in sync with internal business processes, which forces companies to overhaul or limit the utility of their software.


Hidden Costs

It is not true that a lower investment will translate to lower costs. Costs of COTS are often hidden and can add up over time: premium tools, upgrades to services, customizations, etc.

The opportunity costs and lost productivity associated with rearranging workflows to accommodate the new software should be included.


Slow Evolution

Software vendors resist the latest trends. Vendors want to maximize ROI before they change direction. Updates and patches that add new features can help to ease the pain.


The Rigidity

To maximize the number of customers, vendors need to standardize or flatten processes at a larger scale. All companies using this software will likely be similar in their operations.

This could also stifle innovation and agility.


Complexity

Due to COTS not meeting all their companies needs, businesses have developed their software suites. Employees and managers often utilize this unofficial practice in their everyday tasks.

These incoherences produce cumbersome processes and are more susceptible to losing data or having redundant work than desired. While initially perceived as beneficial, these extra features may become sources of disorganization between departments when used differently.


Customized to Your Needs

Customized to Your Needs

A custom software program is developed on request to meet a businesss exact needs and requirements. The firm still owns the software, but a third party may support and maintain it.


Benefits of Building Your Solution


Perfect Fit

The software created for a business is customized to meet specific needs. Its not about "making due" or being "close enough." Software that does exactly whats needed without a bloated list of features.


You Can Start Small and Scale Up

Although building custom software can take time, many developers begin with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), which they can use immediately while other components are being completed.

The features are created in the desired order, but with the flexibility to change this order as your business goals may shift.


There Are Fewer Compliance Issues

The ability to ensure that everything works as it should lies with companies operating within strict legal and regulatory guidelines.

This additional level of supervision reduces financial risks associated with security breaches or legal issues.


The Responsive

Modifications to custom software can be made easily to adapt it to changing business requirements. The software is highly adaptable to changing trends and can easily be scaled up as the demand grows.


The Smaller Target for Security

Custom-made products are less likely to be harmed by malicious people. Its less likely for anyone to go to the trouble of bypassing security measures because fewer people are trying to get in.

It is also possible for the commissioning firm to fine-tune its security measures in response to potential threats.


Competitive Advantage

Companies can react differently when they use software no other company has. This sets the company apart from its competitors and encourages innovation.


Streamlines Workflows

Software is designed to fit the needs of a business and not how a vendor believes the business operates. This makes it easy for everything to function the way that it should.


The Disadvantages of Building Your Solution


Prices Are a Little Higher Than Usual

Custom software development costs more than COTS solutions; therefore, custom solutions typically incur greater development expenses.

Additional features and upgrades may incur fees (unless included as part of the original contract agreement). Time should also be considered. Conceivably, building software from scratch takes more time and resources than simply purchasing prepackaged solutions from retailers.

Be ready for surprises if you take this path. Be aware of potential disruption.


Good Relationship Required With the Developer

The quality of the software is determined by its creator. Hire dedicated developer is essential to building custom software.

The relationship does not end once the software has been completed. It is easier for developers to maintain custom software.


Trainees

A third party cannot train custom solutions. Software developers train the first users, who must create training material and maintain their skills to assist future employees.


Stand-Alone Solution

A larger community does not support custom software. Companies cant ask their peers in the industry for reviews, advice, or tool hacks.

Read More: 7 Advantages of Using Custom Mobile App For Businesses


Can There Be a Middle Ground?

Can There Be a Middle Ground?

Custom software may not always be appropriate when standard solutions dont cover all bases. Sometimes it is possible to achieve some form of compromise using different strategies and solutions.

Companies can choose among numerous COTS to meet their reporting or functional needs and then build custom connections to integrate reporting or functions seamlessly.

Many companies rely on MailChimp or Salesforces powerful analytic capabilities to achieve this task. COTS solutions allow businesses to maximize the effectiveness of software while customizing it further and integrating existing tools.

However, using such an approach still necessitates going through a programmer.

While buying all desired software may cost less, its complexity still may result in an expensive solution. Third-party vendors sell COTS software that third parties have enhanced.

They serve to fill any functional voids or address specific market challenges.

Cost-cutting might mean investing in additional features rather than embarking on the entire development process yourself.

However, Issues surrounding availability remain; no guarantee can be given regarding third-party modifications effect on software functionality and breaching service contracts. Create custom software by incorporating components from stores into an entirely new product.

Writing new code to create custom software isnt essential. It may even prove futile in terms of time spent and return generated.

Developers can combine components available off the shelves that meet specific requirements to develop custom solutions that fully address their companys requirements. Costly options of fully customized software often lack a competitive edge or design specificity. Yet, this approach provides comparable results and design features.

Caution: Layering components that already exist could result in reduced performance. Reinventing the wheel by creating something functionally identical to existing products or using subpar design materials could prove futile.

Costwise, this method compares favorably to custom software development projects.


Choose a Path

Choose a Path

What path would best serve your company? That decision depends on various considerations. As a rule of thumb, off-the-shelf software should be considered when your budget is small, your requirements are straightforward, an instant solution is required, or staff turnover rates are high.

This tool can also assist with defining exact needs before developing custom software solutions. Custom software may be the ideal choice when there is an unusual requirement or legal or regulatory issues that necessitate specific solutions, as well as funds being available and competitive advantages being desired by businesses.

Custom solutions tend to deliver better returns over the longer haul. For instance, some of the leading energy industry players - Exelon Energy, DTE Energy, and NextEra Energy all decided to select custom-built mobile apps over commercially available ones.

Custom software can offer your utility clients an outstanding experience at reduced costs.

Loyal customers of utility companies who use mobile apps have seen their loyalty increase 15 percent year over year.

Loyal customers spend more money, support costs have decreased considerably, and they often recommend the provider theyve selected for services.

Understanding the advantages and drawbacks of each digital transformation path will enable your company to make an informed decision about the right path.

Select an intermediate solution when COTS almost fits, yet certain key requirements have yet to be fulfilled.

Software should always be treated as an investment that will last throughout a companys existence, regardless of its ultimate path of expansion or decline.

Select solutions that align with your companys budget, workflows, and digital strategy. Initial investments can produce long-term profits through greater agility and efficiency in operations.


Success Stories in Custom App Development

Success Stories in Custom App Development

You now know the benefits of developing custom mobile apps. Lets look at some businesses that have outsmarted competitors using custom app development.


1. Ubers Intelligent Custom App

Uber has proven itself an unprecedented success, providing drivers and passengers alike with a smooth journey and convenient means of connecting.

Uber is a formidable brand on the ridesharing scene today, with creative strategies behind its success.

Custom applications involve many complex aspects:

  1. Geolocation is seamlessly integrated to find a device.
  2. The app provides point-to-point navigation on a map, which makes it easy to navigate.
  3. Push notifications can be sent and received via SMS.
  4. Automation of pricing to ensure competitive rates for riders.
  5. Schedule rides at a time that suits the rider.

2. Netflix Blockbuster Custom App

Netflix has come a long way since its early struggles to compete. Their platform has been enhanced with custom apps and innovations.

One major advancement is access to box-office hits and cult films from around the world at an extremely reasonable subscription cost - much lower than one ticket at the theater!

What have we achieved through custom app development? Take a peek at this sneak preview:

  1. Content is automatically suggested based on the viewing history of a user.
  2. Multi-language Subtitles Generation.
  3. Customizing content artwork can increase viewership.
  4. The back end supports seamless viewing across all devices.

3. Amazons Custom App Development Technology is a Success for Retailers

Amazon is one of the top retailers online for apparel and electronics purchases, expanding over time from apparel to food offerings.

The company used custom software development to collect essential customer information to deliver products tailored to specific preferences while making shopping an effortless experience; returns were processed without hassle, further enriching customer satisfaction.

Want More Information About Our Services? Talk to Our Consultants!


Last Thoughts

Start from scratch or build from an off-the-shelf app! When starting any venture, many applications could benefit from adding that personal touch by customizing their app according to user needs and ideas.

We have an experienced team of mobile app developers ready to tackle your project - they possess all the skills required to produce secure and efficient solutions that match them!

Web application development company have two options when faced with business problems: purchasing pre existing software that meets their requirements or developing their own.

At first glance, off-the-shelf software appears convenient and cost-effective. However, there may be factors that reduce its utility based on one size fitting all approach to software implementation.

Although a ready-made app may provide the easiest starting point, most applications would benefit from having their look and feel.

We can assist in crafting customized solutions by discussing your app ideas with us - our experienced mobile app developers will take on any task with confidence to deliver secure and efficient apps that serve users well.

Some companies need a tailored approach to realize their objectives; off-the-shelf products could do more damage than good.

What are the best strategies to assist companies in choosing their path? Continue reading to gain more knowledge of both approaches, their pros and cons, and strategies that might work if one doesnt seem quite suitable.


References

  1. 🔗 Google scholar
  2. 🔗 Wikipedia
  3. 🔗 NyTimes