7 Secrets to Successfully Utilising Software Development to Empower Business
How can Software Development enhance your business?
Software development is the backbone of most businesses. Whether you're a startup or an established business, utilising software development can empower your organisation in ways you never thought possible. In this article we'll be sharing seven secrets to successfully leveraging software development for your business, and how to ensure your project develops smoothly to provide the resulting bespoke software that you are looking for.
1. Have a plan for testing and deploying the software once it's completed.
2. Appreciate that software development is an investment, not an expense
3. Train your staff on how to use the new software
4. Respect the importance of quality assurance in software development
5. Embrace change and be flexible during software development projects
6. Communicate effectively with your team throughout the project
7. Keep your business goals in mind when working with software developers
1 - Have a plan for testing and deploying the software once it’s completed.
Testing the software prior to deployment is critical. This helps to identify any potential issues with the software and allows for them to be fixed before it is released. It also allows for users to be trained on how to use the software. Deploying untested software can lead to problems and interruptions in business operations.
Ensuring that the software is properly deployed is also important. This includes making sure that all of the required systems are in place and that the software is configured correctly. There can be significant costs and delays associated with re-deploying or fixing improperly deployed software.
By planning ahead and taking the necessary steps, businesses can ensure that their software development projects are successful and provide the most value to their organisation.
2 - Keep your business goals in mind when working with software developers
Understand your business goals and find a software development partner that aligns with those goals. By ensuring the project goals are aligned with the overarching business goals, it becomes easier to make decisions during the project and ensure that the end result produces what is expected.
A good partner not only understands your technical requirements but also your business processes and flows. At Harding Scott we go that extra step by ensuring we not only understand your technical requirements but also have a deeper understanding of the processes at play BEFORE we put code to pad.
3 - Train your staff on how to use the new software
They are the ones who will be using it on a daily basis, as amazing as your new application may be, if the staff using it are not properly trained it can lead to users making mistakes, feeling resentful of their workflows being interfered with and generally lowering productivity when it should be increasing it. Teach your staff so that they are familiar with how it works and how to navigate through it with ease and provide all the needed supporting docs.
4 - Respect the importance of quality assurance in software development
When it comes to software development, quality assurance is key. This is often overlooked by businesses who are looking to cut corners and save time and money. However, doing so can have disastrous consequences.
Quality assurance should always be a top priority in any software development project. This involves testing the software throughout the development process to ensure that it meets the required standards. Failing to do so can lead to problems such as system crashes, data loss, and even security breaches.
Keep in mind that quality assurance is an ongoing process. The software should be continually tested and updated as new features are added and changes are made. By neglecting this aspect of software development, businesses can quickly find themselves dealing with a mess of a system that’s difficult and expensive to fix.
Ultimately, respecting the importance of quality assurance is essential for ensuring that any software development project is successful. By taking the time to do things right from the start, businesses can avoid many of the common pitfalls and enjoy all the benefits that software development has to offer.
Finding a software development partner that understands this is a pivotal step when developing and maintaining bespoke software.
5- Embrace change and be flexible during software development projects
Making your business flexible and able to embrace change is crucial when it comes to software development projects. Too often businesses try to put a strict plan in place and stick to it, but in the world of software development that can often lead to disaster. Things change quickly during these projects and being inflexible will only lead to problems.
Depending on the purpose of the software, if workflows are going to change or new aspects/products are going to be released due to it, being able to accept that aspects within the business will change is useful to remember.
Often this will lead to not only an increase to your efficiency but your bottom line.
6 - Communicate effectively with your team throughout the project
One of the most important things to keep in mind when working with a developer is communication. You need to be able to effectively communicate your vision for the project, as well as any changes or updates that occur along the way. This way, the developer can better understand your needs and work more efficiently.
In order to get the most out of your software as it’s developed, keeping organised and providing clear guidelines/requests. Make sure all requirements and specifications are outlined before work begins; if in doubt, ask! A good software development partner is there to help you, and defining these variables is critical for both parties. It will help avoid any confusion or delays in the project.
7- Appreciate that software development is an investment, not an expense
When it comes to software development, it's important for businesses to remember that it's an investment, not an expense. Too often, businesses view software development as a necessary evil that needs to be done in order to keep up with the competition. However, if businesses want to get the most out of their software development investments, they need to appreciate that it's an ongoing process that requires continual effort and resources.
One way to think about it is to consider the long-term value that good software can bring to a business. A well-executed software development project can result in significant cost savings and increased profits down the road. In addition, businesses that invest in quality software will be able to keep up with changing technologies and remain competitive in their industry.
Attempting to cut corners and save on cost (both time and money) will ultimately prevent a business from utilising software development to its full potential.
Conclusion
Successfully utilising software development to empower business requires careful planning and execution. At Harding-Scott, we have the experience and expertise to help you plan, design, develop and deploy high-quality software solutions that meet your unique business needs. Our team of dedicated professionals will work with you every step of the way to ensure a smooth and successful outcome for your project. Contact us today to discuss your bespoke software development needs.