Having software built without the costs running away: 5 tips
Having a website, app or integration built often costs more than planned. Usually that is not because of the programming itself, but because of what happens afterwards: parts that have to be redone, errors that only show up after delivery and requirements that were never properly written down. The later an error is found, the more expensive it is to fix.
That is why these five tips revolve around one idea: prevention is cheaper than cure, and early prevention is cheaper than late prevention.
1. Write down what you need from day one
Describe what the software must be able to do (the functions) and how well it must do it (speed, security, ease of use). Have the developer confirm it. Unclear agreements are the biggest source of extra work: the developer delivers exactly what was asked, but not what you meant.
2. Work with a prototype
First have a simple design or clickable example made, before a single line of code is written. You and a few future users can then react to it. A change in a prototype takes minutes; the same change in finished software takes days.
3. Keep track of errors, in one place
Every error that is found belongs in one overview: what goes wrong, where, who found it, and a screenshot. That way nothing gets lost, you can see which parts often cause problems, and you avoid paying twice for the same error.
4. Let users test early
Do not wait until delivery. Let real users look along during development and try out the most important tasks. If you only discover at the end that staff or customers cannot work with it, it gets expensive.
5. Have an independent review
A second pair of eyes at the start of a project almost always pays for itself. An independent specialist checks whether the requirements are clear and testable, whether the set-up fits your budget, and whether there are standard solutions that are cheaper and work just as well. Many companies pay too much for custom work where every small change costs money again.
Need help?
PIDORAC has more than 20 years of experience in IT automation. With our website and code review we look along independently, before or during your project, or at software you already have. You receive a clear report with concrete improvements. Have a look at our business services or contact us.