Custom Software Development Process: 7 Step Guide
Are you planning on investing in the development of a custom software? Or perhaps you’re just interested in finding out what the typical custom software development process looks like?
Whatever the case might be, to help you get a better understanding of what custom software development is all about, in this article, we’re going to cover:
- The 7-step blueprint for successful custom software development
- Best practices for successful custom software development
- Common challenges in custom software development
But before we cover any of the topics above in greater detail, we’d first like to explain what custom software development is and why following a defined development process is important.
What is Custom Software Development?
As the name suggests, custom software development refers to the process of building out a software application (usually from the ground up) that is tailored to meet the specific needs of a business or organisation.
Unlike an off-the-shelf solution, which is built to resolve a range of problems that a broader audience might have, a custom software is built to address a very specific set of challenges that are unique to the company that’s investing in the development of the custom software.
Why Follow a Defined Development Process?
Following a pre-defined development process is important for a number of reasons, but mainly because it ensures:
- Clarity: Minimising misunderstandings by clearly defining goals and expectations
- Quality Assurance: Systematic testing and improvement at every stage of the development process
- Risk Management: Identifying and addressing potential challenges early
- Efficiency: Ensuring that everyone knows exactly what their responsibilities are at every stage of the development process
Custom Software Development Process
Although the exact custom software development process can vary from project to project, most custom software developers follow a very similar blueprint, which looks something like this:
Step 1: Requirement Gathering and Analysis
The first step of developing a custom software is speaking to the client and gathering as much information as possible in regards to their objectives, challenges, and desired outcomes. This helps with creating a comprehensive project brief that will set the stage for success.
Step 2: Planning and Strategy
Once the development team knows exactly what is expected of them, they will begin to plan out the project and create a strategy to ensure that the software is not only built on time but within budget.
Step 3: Designing the Software
In this stage, the development team will create wireframes, prototypes, and user interface designs that reflect the software’s functionality and user experience. This is typically then presented to the stakeholders to gather further feedback and refine the design before development begins.
Step 4: Software Development
Once the overall design of the software is agreed upon with the stakeholders, the software development process will begin. This is usually the stage that takes the longest time, especially if a software with many custom features and functionalities is being developed.
Step 5: Testing and Quality Assurance
When the software is finally ready, before it goes live, it will undergo rigorous testing and quality assurance to ensure that there are no bugs and that the software looks, feels, and works as intended.
Step 6: Deployment and Launch
After the software has passed the testing and quality assurance phase, it will be deployed to the live environment. This stage typically includes user training, documentation, and technical support to ensure a smooth transition for the end user.
Step 7: Maintenance and Support
Once the final product is live, the last step of the process is providing continuous support and helping maintain the software, which typically includes implementing updates, addressing issues, and adapting the software to the changing needs of the business it’s built for.
Best Practices for Successful Custom Software Development
To succeed in developing a custom software for a competitive advantage and one that can address the specific needs of a business, there are a number of best practices that must be followed, including:
Clear and Consistent Communication Between Stakeholders
Communicating with the stakeholders every step of the way is crucial to ensure that everyone is on the same page at all times. This will minimise misunderstandings, which are one of the most common reasons for costly delays in software development.
Regular Progress Reviews and Updates
The bigger and more complex the project, the longer the development of the software will take. While this is normal, it also makes it much more likely for deadlines to be missed or pushed back as there are more things that can go wrong.
To avoid delays, plan out regular progress reviews and updates to ensure that if any problems were to arise, the software development team can react quickly before the problem gets bigger.
Prioritising Security and Scalability
Every modern-day software must be built with robust security measures and scalable architecture to ensure its long-term reliability and adaptability to growing demand.
Testing at Every Stage of Development
To ensure that every aspect of the software works as intended, taking the time to rigorously test its functionality at every stage of development is key. This will allow you to fix any bugs or issues before moving on to the next stage.
Involving End-Users in the Development Process
Gathering feedback from the very people that will use the software during the development phase will ensure that all of their needs are met. This will greatly enhance user satisfaction and adoption rate.
Common Challenges in Custom Software Development
Custom software development not only requires a range of skills and expertise, but also comes with a series of other challenges that can get in the way, including:
Scope Creep
Changes to the scope of the project can derail timelines and impact the budget. To prevent scope creep from impacting the project, clear documentation and stakeholder approval are vital.
Budget and Timeline Overruns
Inaccurate estimations or unforeseen costs can lead to overruns. To mitigate the risk of going over budget or missing deadlines, effective planning and regular reviews are often recommended.
Technical Complexities
The use of advanced technologies or integrations may introduce challenges, which can cause delays. To overcome these, working with an experienced team that understands the complexities around your software is important.
Lack of Stakeholder Alignment
If stakeholders disagree on certain aspects of the software or the development process, that can cause delays and confusion. To overcome this challenge, clear and regular communication is key.
Insufficient Documentation
Documenting every step of the development process can feel like a chore but it’s crucial in the long term. Without proper documentation, teams may struggle to onboard new members, address unexpected issues, or update the software effectively
Final Thoughts
It’s not uncommon for larger businesses and organisations to face specific challenges that can only be addressed through a bespoke solution. And that is when investing in a custom software for unique business needs makes a lot of sense.
If you’re considering investing in a custom software, hopefully, after reading this article, you now have a better understanding of what goes into developing a custom software and what needs to be done for it to be developed on time and within budget.
