Extract
Meeting a company's technology needs involves a balance between adopting existing solutions for common needs and developing customized solutions when a specific adaptation to the organization's unique business processes is required. By considering not only short- and long-term costs, but also implementation times, the scalability of the systems, their ease of use, and the ability to integrate with existing systems, companies can meet their technological needs that move them closer to the achievement of their goals.
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Transforming the Business World in the Digital Age
In the current digital age, the implementation of technology has become the engine that drives the growth and efficiency of companies around the world. In this context, business applications play a critical role by allowing organizations to optimize their operations, automate processes, improve internal and external communication, and obtain valuable information about business performance for decision making.
Business applications, computer programs that cover a wide range of functions, can be aimed at different business areas. Currently, there are various solutions available on the market that offer tools to meet specific needs in each of these areas. However, diversity in programming languages, versions, and design practices often makes it difficult to integrate these solutions. Therefore, the question arises: is it better to adopt them or create them?
Both approaches seek to satisfy the technological needs of a company to improve its operations. In many cases, a combination of both strategies may be the best option, given that:
Adoption: It is ideal when you are looking for a quick and cost-effective solution for common or standard needs, such as human resources management, accounting, customer monitoring or project management, you can opt for existing solutions on the market.
Creation: It is most appropriate when a highly customized solution is sought or when existing solutions do not meet the specific needs of the organization.
Adopting Existing Business Applications: Proven Solutions
The adoption of existing solutions consists of acquiring business software already developed by third parties such as SAP, Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, among others. This approach often represents faster implementation, since the software is already developed and ready to use, and it is cheaper in terms of initial costs since you do not have to invest in development from scratch.
However, heThe adoption of existing business applications on the market can be a complex process that requires careful planning and execution since many organizations already have a variety of systems and platforms in operation that must be integrable to ensure compatibility and interoperability between said solutions, which can be a challenge that must be addressed at different stages of the adoption process:
Gathering of requirements: Brainstorm user stories and ideas to understand and understand their needs and preferences when selecting and deploying business applications.
Scope definition: Determine the adjustments, improvements and systems expected in the implementation.
Risk analysis: Identification of project risks regarding its quantitative and qualitative impacts in the short, medium and long term; especially in the data protection and prevention of cyber attacks.
Supplier search and analysis: Contact with suppliers who have the human and technical capacity necessary to satisfy the demands of the project, budgets are requested and validated.
Supplier selection and presentation: Presentation of the chosen supplier along with the documentation of the selection analysis.
Implementation and monitoring: Appropriate training and ongoing support is received to ensure maximum use of new tools.
System maintenance: Needs for improvement are analyzed at least once a year.
The adoption process is more convenient when the technological maturity of the equipment is low, and the documentation and systematization of the processes are scarce, since the adopted solution includes its own processes, allowing the user to quickly adjust to the system. However, if the user has a high technological maturity or already has their highly refined processes, the adoption of market solutions can result in problems at a technical or human level due to the change in the way of working.
Although many companies that provide these tools offer support, update and adjustment services for certain specific needs, these may be inefficient in the greater context of the system; Therefore, some companies choose to develop their own custom applications to satisfy specific needs that cannot be covered by pre-existing solutions.
Creating Custom Business Applications: Custom Solutions
Developing business applications from scratch provides the possibility of adapting them exactly to the organization's requirements and business processes for greater efficiency and competitiveness in the market, since you have full control over all functions and features of the application, allowing it to be adapted according to changing business demands.
However, the creation of custom business applications usually requires a significant initial investment in terms of time and financial resources compared to the adoption of existing solutions; as well as constant maintenance to correct errors, implement new functions, and guarantee data security and the usability of the final product.
The development of these solutions starts from a solid understanding of business needs and the systematization of processes, which should, in itself, reduce time and eliminate redundant tasks. In turn, there are a series of factors to take into account at each stage of the development process:
Gathering of requirements: Starting from existing processes (written and unwritten).
Scope definition: Take into consideration the user experience and the design of simple and understandable interfaces.
Risk analysis: Especially the post-development service.
Supplier search and analysis: Consultants or freelancers with experience not only in systems development, but also with prior knowledge of the industry.
Supplier selection and presentation: Develop monitoring mechanisms from day one.
Development and monitoring: Periodic sessions are held to guarantee the correct functioning and testing of the system.
System maintenance: System maintenance and update agreements are generated.
In turn, having a user-centered approach and a commitment to continuous improvement allows companies to make the most of the transformative power of technology to drive business growth and achieve business goals by optimizing your operations. Many times through task automation which allows repetitive activities to take up as little time as possible, thus freeing resources for other activities or even to have a more balanced personal life.
Although most companies cannot afford to dedicate unlimited resources to internal software development, the initial development of certain solutions and scripts in Excel can be positive in the first steps towards the digitization and automation of the company and there is no need for an experienced and dedicated development team to ensure that applications meet the functions to operate intelligently. However, it is important to take into consideration the necessary quality and security standards depending on the information being handled.
Investing in custom app development pays off in the long run, as these solutions can offer a greater return on investment by providing a level of customization and functionality not found in commercially available solutions.
Conclusions: The Best Option is the one that Adjusts to your Conditions and Realities
Business applications play a crucial role in the digital transformation of companies, enabling process automation, data-driven decision making and improving operational efficiency. Whether adopting existing solutions or creating custom applications, businesses have a wide range of tools at their disposal to meet their specific needs. and adapt to a constantly changing business environment. A summary of points to consider when choosing whether to adopt or develop is:
Short and long term costs: Custom development may be expensive initially, but can provide significant savings and greater efficiency in the long term.
Implementation time: Existing solutions typically have shorter implementation times, while custom development can take longer.
Systems scalability: Both existing and customized solutions must be able to adapt as the business evolves, and grow with the company.
Easy to use: An intuitive interface and proper training can make a difference in the adoption and success of the solution by accelerating the learning curve and making the application easier to use.
Integration with existing systems: Ensure that the chosen solution can integrate seamlessly with existing systems to avoid compatibility and data redundancy issues.
With careful planning and a strategic approach, business applications can be a powerful tool for boosting organizational performance and ensure business growth and success in today's digital world.
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About Pablo Tellaeche (Author):
Owner and main consultant of TACs Consultores, Speaker and University Professor; seeks to bring a true and positive Lean Culture and Digital Transformation to every company with which he has the pleasure of collaborating.
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