Why should we avoid software customization as much as possible?

The risks of software customization

Expense

One of the main barriers to software customization is high cost . Unlike off-the-shelf solutions where development costs are distributed over a large number of users, custom software requires a large initial investment. 

To make it easier to understand, you can imagine that you buy a ready-made shirt and a custom-designed shirt. Of course, a custom-designed shirt will have a much higher selling price because it is unique, designed specifically for you, according to your preferences and needs.

The same goes for custom software development. If you use software that is specifically designed to meet your needs and is used only by your business, that cost will only be borne by the business and not shared by other customers.

In addition to development costs, you also incur maintenance and upgrade costs for those custom features, which can quickly add up, putting pressure on project budgets.

Time

Time is an important factor to ensure for ERP implementation projects. Instead of optimizing time through implementing existing features or making complex operational changes, many customers often choose to develop their own features to meet "infrequently performed" tasks. their "present".

The time to deploy a custom feature can vary from short to long, depending on the requirements gathering process, status analysis, development, testing, and deployment into the system. However, custom feature development usually takes a long time.

With small features that deliver big value, we encourage customers to make customizations. Or businesses with excess human, time, and financial resources can perform this customization. But in most cases, if it is not necessary, you should not waste time developing custom features, prolonging the project schedule and affecting the overall goal of the ERP implementation project.

Technical challenges

Building a custom software solution requires facing a series of technical challenges. From scalability issues to compatibility with existing systems, the complexity is quite large. Businesses must assemble a team of highly qualified developers, architects and project managers to be able to tackle these challenges effectively. However, even with a best-case scenario, technical problems are inevitable, posing a significant risk to project success. The accumulation of technical debt can further exacerbate these challenges, leading to incremental development costs and longer time-to-market.

Maintenance

Once a custom software has been implemented, the journey is not over. Businesses face ongoing maintenance and support to keep systems running smoothly. Every update or improvement must be carefully planned and implemented, increasing overall cost and complexity. This maintenance can drain resources and reduce focus on core business goals.

Lack of flexibility

In the context of a constantly changing business market, flexibility is an important factor. Custom software solutions, although designed to specific requirements, often lack the flexibility to adapt to changes. Businesses need to consider the long-term consequences of investing in a rigid system that may become outdated or require major modifications in the future. In contrast, off-the-shelf solutions often provide a flexible solution, with customizable features and modules to suit a variety of business needs.

Concerns about security

With cyber security risks on the rise, security is an important issue for businesses of all sizes. Software customization introduces a range of security risks ranging from source code vulnerabilities to insufficiently secure encryption protocols. Businesses must prioritize protecting their sensitive data and intellectual property, which could be at risk in the event of a security breach. Off-the-shelf solutions typically undergo rigorous security testing and follow security best practices, ensuring a stronger defense against cyber threats.

Bind to the supplier

Choosing to customize software ties a business to a single supplier, limiting the ability to switch suppliers or negotiate favorable terms. Businesses need to carefully consider the consequences of being tied to that supplier, including price increases, service interruptions and dependence on another third supplier. Off-the-shelf solutions offer greater flexibility, allowing businesses to choose from multiple suppliers and switch suppliers if necessary.