The Role of Custom Software, with Regards to Forms
Companies are continually seeking ways to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and stay ahead of the competition. One area where significant advancements have been made is in moving away from traditional paper forms to digital versions instead. Implementing new digital forms is effortless for companies with custom software solutions, as each new required form seamlessly fits into their existing framework.
At BSPOKE Software, we specialise in crafting personalised software solutions tailored to suit the unique needs of businesses across various industries. Many of our clients incorporate digital forms into their customised software systems. They find that this not only benefits their team but also improves the experience for their customers.
Paper vs Digital Forms
Let’s take a closer look at custom digital forms and how they can truly transform businesses. Building on the idea of making operations smoother and improving customer experiences, we’ll dig into the many advantages they bring. From saving time and boosting security to making data easier to find and integrate, bespoke digital forms are game-changers. If you’re interested in discovering how digital forms can enhance your business operations, feel free to reach out to us for a personalised consultation.
Smoother Operations
Efficiency
The problem: Paper forms require physical storage space, leading to clutter and limited accessibility. Retrieving data from paper forms is time-consuming and often involves manual searching through numerous documents, hindering productivity.
The solution: Custom digital forms streamline the process by eliminating the need for physical storage space. Data is stored electronically, reducing clutter and enabling easy access from anywhere with an internet connection. Retrieval becomes instantaneous with digital search functionalities, removing the need for manual searching through stacks of paper.
Data Security
The problem: Paper forms lack built-in security measures, making it easier for sensitive information to be accessed by unauthorised individuals. Physical documents are susceptible to loss, theft, or damage, compromising data integrity and confidentiality.
The solution: Digital forms come with built-in security features such as encryption and access controls, safeguarding sensitive information from unauthorised access. Electronic storage reduces the risk of loss, theft, or damage associated with physical documents, ensuring data integrity and confidentiality.
Searchability
The problem: Paper forms are inherently less searchable compared to digital forms. Finding specific information within paper documents requires manual scanning and reading, which can be slow and inefficient, especially when dealing with large volumes of data.
The solution: Digital forms offer superior searchability through electronic keyword searches, allowing users to quickly locate specific information within seconds.
Integration
The problem: Integrating paper forms with existing systems and databases is challenging and often requires manual data entry, leading to errors and inconsistencies. Paper-based processes create data silos, making it difficult to share information across different departments or platforms.
The solution: Digital forms seamlessly integrate with existing systems and databases, eliminating the need for manual data entry and minimising errors. Data captured electronically can be easily shared across departments and platforms, breaking down data silos and improving overall efficiency.
Cost Savings
The problem: Paper forms incur expenses related to printing and manual data entry, which can accumulate over time. Additionally, the need for physical storage areas incurs extra costs for office space and maintenance.
The solution: Adopting custom digital forms eliminates expenses related to printing and manual data entry associated with paper forms. Additionally, digital storage reduces the need for physical office space, resulting in long-term cost savings for organisations.
Case study: Streamlining Grant Claims with Digital Forms
Smart Home Charge, a leading UK charger installer, partnered with BSPOKE Software to transform their grant application process. By implementing custom digital forms, Smart Home Charge significantly reduced paperwork, improved efficiency, and enhanced customer satisfaction, with features like pre-populated forms, user-friendly interfaces, and data validation alerts. Read the full case study.
Improving Customer Experience
Convenience
The problem: Paper forms limit customer convenience as they often require physical submission or mailing, leading to delays.
The solution: Digital forms offer customers the convenience of submitting information from any device with internet access, eliminating the need for physical submission or mailing. This flexibility enables customers to complete forms at their own pace and convenience, enhancing their overall experience.
Accuracy
The problem: Handwritten paper forms are prone to errors due to illegible handwriting or incomplete information.
The solution: Custom digital forms include validation checks and prompts to ensure accurate and complete data entry, minimising errors commonly found in handwritten paper forms. This accuracy not only improves data quality but also reduces the need to follow-up missing or incorrect information.
Real-time Feedback
The problem: Paper forms lack the capability to provide instant validation or feedback to customers.
The solution: Digital forms provide instant validation messages and progress indicators, offering users real-time feedback as they fill out the form. This interactive experience enhances user engagement and satisfaction by guiding them through the process and reducing uncertainty.
Personalisation
The problem: Paper forms cannot capture specific customer preferences or data in real-time. Digital forms can dynamically adjust questions or options based on user input, creating a personalised experience for each customer.
The solution: Digital forms can dynamically adjust questions or options based on user input, tailoring the experience to each individual user. This personalisation creates a more engaging and relevant interaction, leading to higher satisfaction and conversion rates.
Data Prefilling
The problem: Paper forms require customers to manually fill out information each time, leading to redundancy and inefficiency.
The solution: Digital forms can prefill customer data based on previous interactions or stored information. This saves time and effort for both customers and employees. This feature streamlines the form-filling process, making it more efficient and user-friendly.
How we can Help!
At BSPOKE Software, our experienced developers dedicate themselves to delivering customised software that can empower your company and enhance your customers’ experience. Contact BSPOKE Software to learn more about our custom software development services and how we can help your business succeed.