Are you struggling to make technology work for your business? Does it seem like every new program creates more issues than it solves? Are you tired of being let down when you purchase a program that says it will do something yet never lives up to your expectations? If so, the problem may lie with the software that you’re choosing, more so than your inability to use the software. Many business owners have found that the only way to incorporate technology into their day-to-day operations is to have the technology specially built for their unique needs. Having custom software designed to do exactly what you want, when you want, and how you want is really the only way to solve the problems mentioned above.
Although this sounds difficult, and more importantly, expensive, the truth is that it can be very cost effective. Further, software design is a simple process if you follow the right steps.
First, find an IT staffing firm with trained professional consultants that know your field. Most major metropolitan areas have numerous IT staffing firms, so talk with collegues to get recommendations. If you don’t live in or near a big city, you will be able to find what you need online and have all the work done remotely.
Next, help the consultant(s) with the requirements analysis. This is the process they use to determine exactly what you need from your new software program. They will likely have a series of questions that they’ll ask about what your requirements are, what kind of other software the custom software needs to interface with, and so on. The more specific and clear you can be, the better. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions either. Make sure you understand that they understand the goal.
Another step you’ll need to take is to determine the budget and schedule for the project. This, simply put, is deciding how much the software will cost and when it will be ready for use. This should not be done willy-nilly. Beyond the cost of acquiring the software, you need to account for training and implementation costs.
Once you’ve agreed to hire a specific software design firm, wait as patiently as possible while the designers create a unique program that is perfect for your business and your needs. The time you have to wait will depend largely on the complexity of the program as well as the programmers background and experience working with similar programs, systems, industry software, and so on.
Finally, once the custom software is complete, test the product to ensure that it meets all expectations. It is important that this test run is not “live.” In other words, don’t install the software and test it at the risk of losing business or crashing your entire system. Test the software in a “vacuum” that won’t have any impact on your business operations.
After testing the software, you are ready to implement the software and maintain it according to your consultant’s recommendations.
Although this sounds like a long and drawn out process, for most people it requires only a few short meetings. Most of the work is done behind the scenes by the team professionals employed by the IT staffing company. With only minimal communication from you, a software design expert can determine and create the program that will change the face of your company.
If your technology is not currently meeting your needs, you may be wondering whether you can afford to have software designed specifically for you. The real question is: can you afford not to?
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#1 by Kate94582 on December 4th, 2009
I've worked in management for several years and I have never really had to understand software development to perform my job. It is good to know VB for when you are dealing with a program like Excel (depending upon what kind of business, you may use a lot of analytical spreadsheets). Or if your company uses inventory software like AS400 then understanding some programming can help you to understand that program more in depth. The most I've used programming is when dealing with spreadsheets to make customer price box guidelines or just create a sheet to perform a commonly used formula, like for sales and marketing. I guess that about sums it up. You will usually have an IT help desk on site, if you work for a major company, to handle programming.
#2 by guzen on December 4th, 2009
Please keep the Videos coming. I like to learn from examples.
Example isn’t another way to teach, it is the only way to teach by Albert Einstein. A good rule of thumb.
#3 by Alan on December 4th, 2009
Hi,
There are several things you should be looking for, to name a few:
Simplicity and Functionality: The ability for a user to do what they want in a simple manner, without too many bells and whistles.
Aesthetics: Does it look good to you? Does it compare to other software applications you like?
There was a recent post written about this on Newton's software blog that should provide some more in depth advice: http://www.newtonondemand.com/blog/2009/04/17/making-it-easy-for-everyone/
#4 by Tootsie on December 5th, 2009
Honestly. Teach yourself C++.
#5 by ?pathtotake? on December 5th, 2009
You'd tell them, maybe, you know in advance you don't have the background for software design (like heavy duty math skills), and that you're being mature and realistic enough to know that software design is not your sensible direction for highest achievement.
Or describe visual and graphics interests as opposed to grim and tedious pure full-time grunge logic.
#6 by amonra on December 6th, 2009
Hi,
The following book is the currently the best book and its not even language specific, totally general so good for you.
Design Patterns: Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software
Varun
#7 by Heath-tO on December 6th, 2009
That's a very broad question, I'm not sure exactly what you are asking. But the importance of algorithms in software is usually related to software performance. The classical example is two computer programs used to sort numbers. One uses the bubble sort algorithm and the other uses quicksort. Both programs will accomplish the sort, but the quicksort version will finish much quicker when the list of numbers is very large. Do a websearch on "O-notation" and "quicksort vs. bubblesort".
#8 by Trixielolo77 on December 7th, 2009
They have these lego-like robot programming kits. They can be pretty sophisticated, and include tutorials and things to build in a book. There is room to experiment freely too. They can be expensive, but are great for educational learning.
Edit: Check out the Mindstorms legos.