A quarter of all SMEs consider the difficulties of developing and implementing unique, productive software to be a ‘top challenge’. That’s according to the 2022 World Economic Forum report, Future Readiness of SMEs and Mid-Sized Companies: A Year On (pages 9 to 11).
The result of these software challenges? SMEs face significant inefficiencies and data risks, putting their businesses at risk of wasted costs, reduced income and brand damage from failing to meet regulatory standards.
So, as an SME, having bespoke software tailored to your unique needs is a fantastic advantage.
But how do you get started?
And more importantly, how do you ensure it remains effective over time?
At Evergreen Computing Ltd, we believe the secret to futureproofing your bespoke business software lies in dedicated support. This page explores some proven practical strategies to keep your system relevant, secure and ready to grow.
Bring in a dedicated support team
Let’s kick this blog off by assuming you’ve already invested in bespoke business software. Whether that’s an ERP, CRM or accounting system, you now have software that sets you apart. It’s shiny, new and perfectly aligned with your operations. But what happens when the initial excitement fades? That’s where ongoing support becomes the backbone of your software’s success.
Software support – and IT support, in general – has a bit of a poor brand image across the sector. Contrary to what you might be picturing, software support shouldn’t ever be a case of waiting three hours on a phone line for a bored-sounding individual to tell you to try turning your PC on and off again. It’s much more involved.
Dedicated software support includes trained experts with qualifications and years of experience. They’ll help you diagnose and fix bugs. If your system breaks down, they’ll get it up and working again. On top of all this, they’ll pay specific attention to functionality and security, plugging holes and suggesting improvements to further streamline your processes. Think of them as a mix of personal trainers and doctors, keeping your software fit, healthy and ready to take on the world.
And so, the lesson here is basically: pay someone to maintain your bespoke business software. Your support team could be in-house or a consultant. Most importantly, they must be reliable, trustworthy and a cost-effective use of time.
Bespoke software support: cyber security
Modern cyber threats are increasingly clever and dangerous. Hackers now use techniques like ransomware, phishing and sophisticated malware to exploit weaknesses in outdated systems. Not good.
Regular updates fix security holes, preventing cybercriminals from getting into your systems. These updates also protect sensitive data (such as customer information and financial records). In turn, this helps you maintain customer trust and supports your brand reputation.
A proactive support team is vital here. They monitor your systems for you and roll out updates quickly and effectively. Their expertise allows them to spot potential risks before they become serious problems.
Bespoke software support: regular updates and maintenance
Just like the business world is constantly evolving, so must your software adapt to meet changing needs. Regular updates and maintenance are the key here – as simple as they sound. Each allows your bespoke business software to keep pace with advances in technology and changing business needs, perfectly positioning you to take advantage of the current market.
As you’d expect, regular maintenance extends your software’s lifespan, much like a car. Addressing minor issues before they develop into major headaches is a cost-effective, goal-aligned strategy that protects your initial investment. It ensures your bespoke software solution continues to serve your business well into the future.
The most critical part of your updates and maintenance is, of course, the support team behind them. They should understand your system inside out. That means they can quickly implement necessary updates, repairs and changes. With adaptability like this, you can implement new tools or features (like AI or machine learning) as seamlessly as possible, minimising downtime and expensive code or infrastructure adjustments.
Bespoke software support: scalability
A bespoke software solution should be an integral part of your business. As a result, when your organisation expands, so does your software. Such scalability is vital to futureproofing your software. You want a solution that grows alongside your business, adapting to increased user loads and new requirements. Growing ‘alongside’ is crucial here. You don’t want your business to expand, leaving your software behind and playing catch-up. Neither is it cost-effective, efficient or practical to grow your software before your business is ready. The two operations must happen side-by-side (or, technically, all as part of the same thing).
There’s another advantage to scalability: market positioning. Use scalability to adopt emerging technologies and adapt to changing consumer demands. This keeps you ahead of the competition and maximises your market position.
Once again, we come back to the dedicated bespoke software support team. They implement the upgrades and modifications when you scale up. This means no more scrambling for new solutions as your needs change. Instead, leave your support team to it and focus on what you do best – a holistic approach to growing your overall business.
Invest in your software’s future with Evergreen
The conclusion is simple. Embrace dedicated bespoke business software support and encourage a culture of responsibility. With a strong focus on maintenance, updates, security and continuous feedback, you’ll futureproof your bespoke business software and have it ready for anything.
Don’t let your initial investment go to waste. At Evergreen, we’re here to support your bespoke business software and ensure it serves you well for years to come. Get in touch with us today to learn how we can support your journey to long-term success.
