Customisable Software Drives Effective IT Innovations
Published: 11/06/2023
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Unlike popular belief, you don’t need intricate software to successfully implement effective IT innovations. Often, simple solutions suffice—as long as you can customise them to meet your specific business needs. In this article, we will focus on why customise options are among the most important software features.
Although the market is full of digital solutions and the common saying suggests there’s a perfect fit tool for every business, it would take ages to find it. This is why the ability to adopt a tool and effectively adapt it to meet your business's needs is incredibly valuable. In other words - customisation. Not only is this meant to save time, but it also puts you in control of tailoring your and your team’s experience when using the tool. Additionally, it can also influence the experience of your clients and other external communications.
But how is software customisation related to IT innovations? The answer is very closely. If anything, we dare to say it’s at the heart of it. In this blog, we will discuss its effects on your company’s security, reputation, processes, and ultimately growth. While this may seem like a lot to unpack, we won’t ramble and instead will focus on sharing actionable tips you can start implementing right away.
Yes, absolutely. Most out-of-the-box solutions offer varying levels of customisation. The extent of applicable changes and which areas can be customised will depend on the vendor. Usually, the end user can build their own dashboards, reports, and automation routes.
In fact, customisation is not only possible but also highly recommended for achieving the best results in successful IT innovations.
We cannot emphasise this enough. No tool will be fully effective if used with default settings. In fact, some vendors intentionally make their tools unusable unless basic customised settings are applied. Of course, there are many reasons why customisation is held in such high regard, but we want to focus on a couple of key points.
No business is identical, meaning the need for features will also differ. It depends on your existing processes, your goals, the working style of your team, and many other factors. What we are saying is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution that suits every company. Setting one up is a process where you select the right configurations that align closely with the tasks you expect the software to perform. Naturally, the more options for customisation you have, the better you can tailor the tool to behave exactly as needed.
The appeal of highly customisable software is that you control how it is shaped and built around your existing systems, rather than needing to alter your processes to fit its functions. Even if your closest competitor uses the same solution, the likelihood of it looking exactly the same is quite low. As a result, the outcomes will naturally differ as well. In other words, customisation is likely to lead to success in the way you choose it.
Another advantage of being able to customise the software you use is that it can be made to look like part of your company. Whether you use it internally or to maintain communication with clients, it is in your best interest to ensure the experience is seamless. For example, if the tool has email features integrated, you want the correspondence sent through it to look the same as it would if done otherwise - or else the recipient may become suspicious that it is spam or that someone is impersonating you. In the worst case, this could be the other way around, and due to the lack of distinct branding, the recipient may mistake a spam email for a genuine one.
Generally speaking, proper branding and a consistent experience across all types of communication are signs of a trustworthy and professional business. As discussed above, it can help ensure the security of your team and clients, not to mention it generally makes your business appear more credible. However, don’t get too hung up on visual aspects alone - while they are important, they shouldn’t take too much time to set up.
The process of software implementation is essentially about customisation. It involves a series of steps to adjust the default settings of the tool so it aligns with your company’s processes. It also ensures the new software integrates smoothly with your existing strategy, improving it over time.
We’ve discussed how different setups can cause the same software to perform various operations and meet different needs. Therefore, it’s vital to understand what your needs are first. We recognise that in many cases with IT innovations, companies feel compelled to discard existing processes and replace them with new ones, but we strongly advise against this. Instead, focus on fixing or optimising what you already have. Simply put, even if your processes aren’t as effective, they still record data that can inform your decisions.
Starting from scratch, on the other hand, means having to wait until any data is collected. And we are sure you don’t have time to spare. So, to understand your needs and give them a clear definition, audit your processes. Then, sort the issues you find by their severity and difficulty. You might be tempted to start fixing the most glaring bits first, but we suggest beginning small. Chances are those smaller, less significant problems are directly feeding into the bigger ones.
Unless you’re genuinely starting your business from nothing, you probably already possess some tools. Before adding any new software, remember that the essence of IT innovation isn’t about having the latest and most impressive tools but about how you utilise them. One of the best approaches is to ensure they are all connected, functioning together rather than operating in isolation. So, if you’re considering a new tool, it’s wise to check if it integrates with your existing solutions.
An integrated tech stack is not just a ‘new shiny thing’ to have because it’s popularised - it is actually a valuable asset that will help you develop smoother, quicker processes. Not to mention, once you already have other solutions as a foundation, setting up the new tool becomes both easier and faster. Going forward, an integrated stack also functions as a well-oiled machine, saving you time on manual file transfers, unlocking new automation options, and providing insights that would otherwise be inaccessible.
We understand that change can be frightening, and sometimes you just don’t know where to start or how to move forward. That’s perfectly normal. After all, innovations are, as the name suggests, uncharted and unfamiliar territory. You don’t have to explore them on your own, and if you feel overwhelmed - remember, you can always ask for help.
Often, vendors are aware that setting up their platform to meet specific needs can be complicated. However, it is also in their best interest for you to succeed with their product. Because of this, most software companies have dedicated implementation teams ready to handle the setup for you and answer any questions you might have. Depending on the company, this service may be free or incur a charge.
Even if you’re confident in your abilities and tech-savviness, we still recommend working with an allocated specialist. Simply put, they know the ins and outs of the software and can introduce you to features you would otherwise not find. In addition, instead of experimenting to find the best way, you will be guided on the right track from the beginning. This will significantly reduce the time needed to fully utilise the tool, meaning success will come more quickly. In other words - if specialists are available for you, it would be a waste not to utilise them.
The ability to customise software is one of the most important aspects when pursuing IT innovations. Since most out-of-the-box software can be optimised to some degree, you shouldn’t overlook this opportunity. Adding your personal touch to your company’s processes offers numerous benefits, including consistency, optimisation, and security.
Although there is undeniably an ideal fit solution for every business, nobody has time to find it in a constantly growing market. Instead, tailoring a solution to meet your needs is more practical. It also helps ensure brand consistency in both internal and external communications. Furthermore, compatibility with other solutions is part of customisation, allowing you to create your own unique tech stack to manage complex processes with just a few clicks. In most cases, you won’t have to figure it out alone—most vendors are happy to assist, as they prioritise your success.
Ready to customise for innovation? We are prepared to assist.