When it comes to a custom software system, there’s no one size fits all approach to this work. Companies need new custom software at various points in the company’s life, and updating this will depend on various criteria. In this blog post, we share some of the key times when you need to update your custom software. We will also explore what you should be looking out for to avoid your software becoming outdated and unusable.
How many years will custom software last?
There are many different factors to consider when asking how long custom software will last. You’ll find that many custom software projects can last for years without updates. However, the lifespan of legacy software is often dependent on the technology they rely on. One of the biggest advantages of custom software is that you don’t have to rely on the creator to decide on an update schedule. Instead, you’ll be able to make your custom software last longer than off-the-shelf software, as you can choose when to update it. As the owner of a bespoke software system updates can be commissioned as needed. This is one of the top reasons we always recommend using bespoke software and why many companies are seeing the benefits of this solution.
When should you update custom software?
The answer to the question of how often you should update custom software is simply as and when it’s needed. No two pieces of software will need updating at exactly the same time. It’s all about working with the software to ensure it still offers you and your team the same benefits as it did on day one. As you can see, there’s no exact time that you need to update your software, and our team will be here to support you when the time comes to update your custom software.
Key signs that it’s time to update your custom software
While there is no set time to update your custom software, there are certain signs to look out for when it comes to updating this. When these issues begin to appear, you’ll want to get in contact with our team to discuss the upgrade options on offer to you.
The software is slowing down
If you notice that your custom software is starting to slow down or make it challenging to complete the same number of tasks in a day, it’s time to think about an update. This shouldn’t happen for some time, and there may be other issues that are causing the software to function less effectively. Our team will be happy to check your software and see if that’s the cause of the issue or if it’s related to your computers or any other piece of hardware. There’s nothing more frustrating than a slow system to work on, and this is a key sign that you need to update your software.
The software is missing critical features
As time goes on, companies are adapting to the advancing technology in our world. Regardless of the industry you operate within, you’ll want to ensure you keep up to date with your competition by having all of the features you need to get your work done efficiently. If you find that you are missing something that could improve your processes significantly, it’s time to upgrade your software and add these new features. This is a clear indication that your software is becoming outdated, but you don’t need to worry about starting from scratch. This is one of the great benefits of custom software, and you’ll be able to work with our team to add new features that will benefit everyone who uses it.
Changing company processes
As your company grows and evolves, there will no doubt be some changes to your processes. If your custom software no longer supports your current way of working, then it’s time for an update. We’ll be able to tweak the features that you have so that they work with your new methods, and you’ll be back to using your efficient custom software in no time at all. Most companies will find that they need to make these updates every year or two, but there’s no correct answer when it comes to how often you need to make an update. You should always keep your company’s processes and requirements in mind when designing new technology, and this can help to reduce the number of updates needed in the future.
Technology advancements
As time passes, technology continues to develop at a rapid rate. What was considered to be a modern and innovative solution last year might not be valid today. Therefore, you’ll want to keep up to date with the changing technology in the industry and the features you could add to your software to make it more modern and competitive. If you’re looking to scale your business in the upcoming years, you’ll want to ensure you remain competitive at all times and using modern technology is one of the best ways to do this. Our team is very knowledgeable about the changes to the software industry and will be here to advise you about the applicable changes you could make to your software.
Final Thoughts…
There are many different reasons why a company would decide to update their custom software system, but generally, it’s for one of the reasons listed above. You don’t need to update this software at a certain time each year. Instead, focus on always offering your team or customers an effective solution that maximizes productivity and contains modern and useful features. When you are ready to update your software, contact our team, who will be happy to discuss your software development needs and help you upgrade your current features.
