A lot of people think custom application development means building a new application from the ground up, but that isn’t always the case. Depending on circumstances, a custom application can be built as a simple and economical solution to streamline systems or workflows.
What is Custom Application Development?
Custom application development is the process of designing a software application to meet the needs of a specific user or group of users. It can involve designing a brand-new application based on requirements defined by the end user or designing a solution that connects two or more existing applications so they can be more efficiently used. In either case, there are many benefits which we’ll discuss here.
Benefits of Custom Application Development
- Personalization
- Efficiency
- Iteration
- Scalable Growth
- Outside Perspective
1. Personalization
When using an application developed for more general use, your organization has to adapt workflow to fit the constraints with which it was designed. However, a custom application allows you to consider your ideal workflow scenario. This means that you can personalize every aspect of the application to fit your strategic direction and optimize workflow as much as possible. For example, a behavioral health services organization might customize an app to include streamlined access to all patient forms and data. This access would cut down on processing time and ultimately conserve company resources.
2. Efficiency
One of the main benefits of utilizing a custom application is an increase in efficiency. Rather than juggling multiple tools to accomplish a task or project, employees can consolidate their workflow on one platform. Users have one login and smoother access to all functionalities. It’s also much more efficient to train a new hire on one platform rather than multiple platforms. And from an analysis perspective, management can aggregate reporting across several tools within one system. This gives the whole organization faster access to data and a more streamlined workflow. Additionally, custom applications can often plug into existing and established user authentication – like what the team uses today to login into their laptop or portal. Having fewer passwords to remember is always appreciated, and allowing some permissions driven by groups setup by your organization can streamline audits and controls if someone leaves the organization.
3. Iteration
Many of today’s custom applications are made with an agile development style. This means that the developers create the platform in sprints, starting with the minimal viable product (MVP). Your organization can test the MVP and suggest changes early in the development process. These frequent touch points allow your company to pivot your approach or change priorities, while keeping the development process on schedule. Keep in mind, an agile approach isn’t the best choice in every situation. At InfoWorks, we base our development approach on a thorough understanding of application requirements and client and user goals, resulting in a cost-effective and timely delivery.
4. Scalable Growth
Imagine the time and cost savings you could realize with an application developed for your business needs, with the flexibility to evolve as your business needs evolve. As new clients are onboarded, new departments are opened, or new product offerings are developed, the application can evolve quickly to match your new tasks and objectives.
5. Outside Perspective
True process improvement can be challenging when you’re seeing workflow and best practices through an internal lens. It’s common for organizations to get stuck in everyday rhythms, even when the approach isn’t the most beneficial. Working with a development firm to build an application offers an outside perspective on existing workflows. The agency might see areas for improvement that your team hasn’t noticed, and they can then create an application to support these enhancements.
Today’s organizations are often as productive as their technologies. As discussed, investing in custom application development can enhance user satisfaction, streamline workflows, and grow with your business among other benefits. Review this case study to see how InfoWorks helped an organization transform their workflow by building them a custom application. When you’re ready, contact us to discuss how a custom application could benefit your business.
