How to Hire Bespoke Software Developers: A Simple Guide (2024 Edition)

In today’s technology-driven world, where the efficiency and effectiveness of technology could make all the difference in profit or loss, businesses of all sizes rely on software to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and gain a competitive edge. While off-the-shelf software solutions can be readily available, they often lack the flexibility and customization needed to address specific business requirements. Era Biz Solutions is here to explain to you how bespoke software developers comes into play.

Bespoke Software Developers: Statistics

According to a report by KBV Research, the Global Software Development market is expected to reach US $85.9 billion by 2028, with a CAGR of 20.3 in the forecast period from 2022-2028. The report took into consideration market growth factors such as AI and the effects of COVID. On the other hand, the research done by Grand View Research this year in 2023 put the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) at 22.4% showing that growth of the Custom Software Development Market is accelerating.

According to TechTarget the customization of existing software is usually much lesser, at around half the cost of building a fully bespoke software solution. However, they also mention that despite the high cost, a fully bespoke solution makes up for it with the amenities and ease of use it offers in accordance to your needs.

Hence, it is undoubted that you are making the right decision if you decided to or are considering hiring bespoke software developers for your software solution.

What is Bespoke Software Development?

Bespoke software development, also known as custom software development, involves creating software developed to meet the unique needs and specifications of a particular organization. This approach allows businesses to achieve a higher degree of control over the software’s functionality. Unlike off the shelf software, it aligns perfectly with their business processes and objectives. Bespoke software solutions also allow for smoother integration with existing software as they are taken into consideration during development

Benefits of Bespoke Software Developers

Bespoke Software Development offers many advantages. Here are the key benefits.

• Tailored Solutions: Bespoke software is designed specifically for your business or business functions, addressing your unique needs and challenges.
• Enhanced Functionality: You can customize the software to match your specific workflows and business processes.
• Improved Efficiency: Bespoke software can automate tasks, streamline operations, and boost productivity.
• Competitive Advantage: A well-designed bespoke software solution can give you a competitive edge in the market.
• Scalability: Bespoke software can be scaled as your business grows, accommodating future needs.

Challenges of Hiring Bespoke Software Developers

Despite the advantages, as in all cases, there are some challenges that some businesses may face when hiring bespoke software developers. However, the good thing is that they are easy solutions too. Here are the key challenges you may face.

• Cost: Bespoke software development can be more expensive than off-the-shelf solutions due to the customization involved.

Solution: Consider doing your development with an offshore software development company such as Era Biz that uses developers from a lower cost country, hence reducing costs overall. In addition, these countries have better access to developers too.

• Time: Developing bespoke software can take longer than implementing ready-made solutions.

Solution: When making a schedule take this into consideration. In addition, working with companies such as Era Biz, which have solid flagship solutions that can be customized using a headless architecture or modular architecture, allows speedy development with a reasonable amount of customization as per your needs.  Also ensure that your bespoke software development partners use Agile development methodologies.

• Finding the Right Developer: Hiring a skilled and experienced bespoke software developer can be challenging.

Solution: Access to skilled bespoke software developers can be related to the location where you are sourcing from. Countries far offshore to the Western world, such as Sri Lanka, do not suffer from the same problems. Instead, for them the problem is the opposite – a large number of skilled and experienced bespoke software developers are in unemployment due to a lack of jobs. Hence, it’s much easier and more cost-effective to hire from such offshore countries. Even though you will be working with them remotely, developers from countries such as Sri Lanka which have fairly high levels of English communication, and high Westernization are easy enough to work with without communication difficulties or culture shock.

• Project Management: Effectively managing the development process requires careful planning and communication.

Solution: Project Managers play a key role in any IT project. Some software development companies offer reliable dedicated project managers as part of the package when you do a bespoke software development project with them (We do this at Era Biz Solutions too). Usually this is the most cost-effective solution they are usually provided free or at a lower rate. Otherwise, you can also hire a dedicated project manager separately from companies such as Era Biz or from freelancing platforms (though they may be less secure if freelancers).

Steps to Hiring a Bespoke Software Developer

Step 1: Define Your Project Requirements

Before embarking on the journey of hiring a bespoke software developer, it’s crucial to clearly define your project requirements. This involves:

• Goals and Objectives: What do you want to achieve with the bespoke software? What are your specific business goals? State your business requirements.
• Features and Functionalities: Identify the specific features and functionalities you need to fulfill your requirements.
• Target Audience: Who will be using the software? Consider their needs, usage patterns, and technical expertise.
• Budget: Determine the budget you have allocated for the project, considering both development and maintenance costs.

Step 2: Research and Shortlist Potential Candidates

With a clear understanding of your project requirements, you can start researching and shortlisting potential software developers. Consider the following options:

• Online Job Boards and Freelance Platforms: Utilize popular job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Upwork to find freelance developers or software development companies.
• Find Software Development Companies through Browser Search: Check established software development companies that are ranked well in Google and other search engines.
• Industry Events and Conferences: Attend industry events and conferences to network with potential developers and get a feel for their expertise.
• Referrals from Your Network: Seek recommendations from colleagues, friends, or business associates who have hired software developers in the past.
• Online Reviews and Portfolio: Evaluate candidates based on their online reviews, portfolio, and experience in developing similar projects.

Step 3: Conduct Thorough Interviews

Once you have a shortlist of potential candidates, it’s time to conduct thorough interviews to assess their qualifications and suitability for your project. During the interviews, focus on:

• Technical Expertise: Evaluate their knowledge of programming languages, frameworks, and relevant technologies.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Assess their ability to analyze problems, identify solutions, and implement them effectively.
• Communication Skills: Gauge their ability to communicate technical concepts clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Project Management Skills: Evaluate their understanding of project management methodologies, their ability to plan and execute projects, and their experience in meeting deadlines.
• Cultural Fit: Assess whether their personality and work ethic align with your company culture and team dynamics.

Step 4: Negotiate Terms and Agreement

After selecting the most suitable candidate, it’s time to negotiate the terms and conditions of the engagement. This includes:

• Scope of Work: Clearly define the scope of work, including deliverables, milestones, and acceptance criteria.
• Timeline and Milestones: Establish a realistic timeline for the project, setting clear milestones for each phase of development.
• Payment Terms and Methods: Agree on the payment terms, including the total project cost, payment schedule, and invoicing process.
• Intellectual Property Rights: Clearly define ownership of the intellectual property rights for the developed software.
• Revisions and Changes: Establish a process for handling revisions and changes during the development process.

Step 5: Manage the Development Process Effectively

Once the agreement is in place, effective project management is crucial to ensure the project’s success. Here are some key practices to follow:

• Communication Channels and Protocols: Establish clear communication channels and protocols for regular updates, feedback, and issue
• Regular Checkpoints and Review Meetings: Schedule regular checkpoints and review meetings to assess progress, identify potential issues, and make necessary adjustments.
• Timely Feedback and Address Concerns: Provide timely feedback to the developer, addressing concerns and suggestions promptly to maintain project momentum.
• Proactive Risk Management: Proactively identify and manage potential risks or issues that could disrupt the development process.

Step 6: Test and Deploy the Software

Before deploying the software to production, rigorous testing is essential to ensure its quality and functionality. This involves:

• Thorough Testing: Conduct thorough testing to identify and fix bugs, ensuring the software meets all requirements and specifications.
• Gather User Feedback: Gather feedback from potential users to identify any usability issues or areas for improvement.
• Deployment to Production: Deploy the software to a production environment, closely monitoring its performance and resolving any issues promptly.
• Ongoing Support: Provide ongoing support to users, addressing any technical issues or questions that arise after deployment.

About Us

Era Biz Solutions is an offshore software development company in the UK and Sri Lanka that was formed in 2011. The organization focuses on providing custom software development, web development, and mobile app development services to clients in a transparent and reliable manner. It is known for the innovation and creativity of its talented dedicated developers and dedicated teams sourced by its tech hub in Sri Lanka. In addition to the custom development projects offered in the form of full project outsourcing, Era Biz also provides flagship solutions for CRM, ERP, LMS and Logistics that have many loyal users over the years.

Bespoke Software Developers for Your Business: How Era Biz Can Help

At Era Biz Solutions, we understand the power of bespoke software. Off-the-shelf solutions fall short, offering a one-size-fits-all approach that doesn’t cater to your unique needs. That’s where we come in, your dedicated partner in crafting software tailored to your vision.

The Era Biz Difference:

• Cost-effectiveness: Leverage our offshore development team in Sri Lanka and benefit from highly skilled developers at Era Biz Solutions with competitive rates.
• Speed and Efficiency: Our Agile methodologies deliver solutions quickly, without compromising quality, thanks to dedicated project managers and a modular development approach.
• Expertise: We boast a team of talented developers with diverse skillsets, ready to tackle your specific needs.
• Communication and Transparency: Clear communication channels and regular updates that Era Biz Solutions offers ensure you’re always in the loop.
• Proven Track Record: Era Biz has partnered with numerous businesses, delivering bespoke solutions that drive growth and success.

Hiring Challenges Solved:

• Finding the Right Developers: Access our vast pool of skilled developers in Sri Lanka, known for their high levels of English communication and Westernization.
• Project Management: Our dedicated project managers handle everything, from planning to execution, ensuring smooth development.
• Time and Cost: Our efficient processes and offshore development model keep costs and timelines under control.

Our Bespoke Software Development Process:

1. Define Your Needs: Work with our consultants to clearly define your goals, functionalities, budget, and target audience.
2. Explore Your Options: We’ll introduce you to our flagship solutions (CRM, ERP, LMS, and Logistics) that can be customized to your needs, or build a solution from scratch.
3. Hire the Team: Hire and get to know the talented developers who will bring your vision to life. Some of the team will be made of our existing members, with new hires added from our end to fill any skill gaps. Of course, you have to do none of the hiring work!!
4. Development and Testing: We use Agile methodologies for iterative development and thorough testing to ensure a high-quality solution.
5. Deployment and Support: We seamlessly deploy your software and provide ongoing support within the contract period to ensure your success.

Ready to unlock the power of bespoke software?

Contact Era Biz Solutions today! We’ll guide you through the process, answer your questions, and help you craft a software solution that fuels your business growth.

Don’t settle for off-the-shelf. Choose Era Biz and create a software that’s uniquely yours!

Conclusion

Hiring a bespoke software developer is a significant investment that can yield substantial benefits for your business. By following this comprehensive guide, carefully defining your requirements, conducting thorough research and interviews, managing the development process effectively, and ensuring thorough testing and deployment, you can increase your chances of success and achieve a bespoke software solution that truly aligns with your business needs. If you’re still unsure about how to hire a bespoke software developer, consider seeking guidance from an experienced software consultant or agency such as Era Biz Solutions. They can provide valuable insights, help you refine your requirements, and connect you with qualified developers