Development & Technology
Custom software that solves specific problems of your business
Custom software development to automate processes, manage complex operations, handle critical information. Solutions designed specifically for your workflows, not generic software you must adapt.
Custom software: technology designed for YOUR process
Custom software development is creating applications or systems from scratch specifically designed to solve unique problems of your business. Unlike commercial software (SAP, Salesforce, QuickBooks) that serves multiple companies with standard processes, custom software is built for your specific workflows, your particular industry, your unique business rules.
Typical use cases: enterprise management systems adapted to specific industry (distribution, manufacturing, services), internal tools to automate complex processes, applications to manage proprietary or regulated information, platforms that are the core of your business (if you are a tech company).
Main advantage: Software does exactly what you need, you don't have to adapt your process to software. Disadvantage: Development cost and time greater than buying off-the-shelf license. When it justifies: When your differentiation is in unique process, when commercial software doesn't exist for your niche, or when customizations to commercial software would cost more than development from scratch.
When is custom software development the solution?
Unique operational processes of your industry
Your operation has specific flows that no standard software handles. Generic ERP doesn't support critical particularities of your business.
Complex or regulated information management
You handle data with complex business rules, strict traceability, specific regulatory compliance that generic software doesn't support.
Automation of repetitive internal processes
Manual processes that consume time: data consolidation, report generation, approval flows, complex calculations.
Software is your product or competitive advantage
Your differentiation is in proprietary technology: algorithms, unique experience, digital platform that is your core business.
Commercial software is prohibitive or inflexible
Licenses of $100K+ annually to use 30% of features. Or vendor doesn't allow critical customizations for your operation.
Replacement of obsolete legacy systems
Old system (15+ years) that no one maintains, obsolete technology, but is critical for operation. You need to modernize.
5 types of custom software according to need
ENTERPRISE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (ERP/ERM)
Software that manages core business operations: sales, inventory, purchases, finance, production, logistics.
Very specific industry (pharmaceutical distribution, batch manufacturing, specialized services) where generic ERPs don't fit.
- Management system for distributor with optimized routes
- ERP for manufacturing with lot/expiration control
- System for service company with complex billing
OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT APPLICATIONS
Tools to manage specific operations: production, logistics, maintenance, projects, resources.
Very particular operational process that doesn't map to standard software.
- Fleet management system with GPS tracking
- Predictive machinery maintenance application
- Production planning tool
- Project management system with billing
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS (MIS)
Platforms that consolidate data from multiple sources for analysis, reports and decision making.
You need to consolidate data from heterogeneous systems with specific business logic that generic BI doesn't handle.
- Management dashboard consolidating 5+ systems
- Profitability analysis platform by client/product
- Automated regulatory reporting system
INTERNAL PRODUCTIVITY TOOLS
Applications that automate internal tasks: calculations, validations, workflows, document generation.
Repetitive manual process that consumes hours/week and has specific business rules.
- Quotation tool with complex pricing
- Approval system with customized workflows
- Automatic contract/document generator
- Commission calculator with specific rules
DIGITAL PLATFORMS (CORE BUSINESS)
Software that IS your main product or service. Your business depends completely on this technology.
You are a tech or digital-first company where platform is your differentiator.
- SaaS platform for specific industry
- Vertical marketplace (B2B or B2C)
- Client management system for niche
- Digital services portal
Alternative agile development methodology
DISCOVERY AND REQUIREMENTS
Interviews with key stakeholders, Mapping of current processes (as-is), Identification of pain points and requirements, Main use cases, Definition of users and roles
SOLUTION DESIGN
Software architecture (components, integrations), Database design, Main interface wireframes, Technology stack selection, Detailed effort estimation
ITERATIVE DEVELOPMENT
Methodology: 2-3 week sprints. Each Sprint includes: Development of prioritized features, Continuous internal testing, Client demo at end of sprint, Feedback and adjustments for next sprint
TESTING AND QA
Exhaustive functional testing, Integration testing with existing systems, Load/performance testing, Security testing, UAT (User Acceptance Testing) with real users
DEPLOYMENT AND TRAINING
Deployment in production environment, Data migration (if applicable), End user training, Administrator training, User documentation
POST-LAUNCH SUPPORT
Intensive support first weeks, Bug fixes, Adjustments based on real usage, Performance optimizations, Minor new features
DISCOVERY AND REQUIREMENTS
Interviews with key stakeholders, Mapping of current processes (as-is), Identification of pain points and requirements, Main use cases, Definition of users and roles
SOLUTION DESIGN
Software architecture (components, integrations), Database design, Main interface wireframes, Technology stack selection, Detailed effort estimation
ITERATIVE DEVELOPMENT
Methodology: 2-3 week sprints. Each Sprint includes: Development of prioritized features, Continuous internal testing, Client demo at end of sprint, Feedback and adjustments for next sprint
TESTING AND QA
Exhaustive functional testing, Integration testing with existing systems, Load/performance testing, Security testing, UAT (User Acceptance Testing) with real users
DEPLOYMENT AND TRAINING
Deployment in production environment, Data migration (if applicable), End user training, Administrator training, User documentation
POST-LAUNCH SUPPORT
Intensive support first weeks, Bug fixes, Adjustments based on real usage, Performance optimizations, Minor new features
TOTAL DURATION: 3-6 months typically according to complexity
What's included
Development
- Complete source code (client property)
- Designed and optimized database
- Responsive user interfaces
- Integrations with existing systems
- APIs for future extensions
Infrastructure
- Cloud hosting (Azure/AWS) configured
- Security (SSL, encryption, backups)
- Scalability for growth
- Monitoring and alerts
- Disaster recovery
Training and Documentation
- End user training
- Administrator/IT training
- User manual
- Technical documentation
- Tutorial videos
Support
- 3-6 month post-launch warranty
- Bug fixes at no cost
- Technical support via email/phone
- Minor adjustments based on usage
- Option for ongoing support contract
Benefits
Adapted to your specific processes
Source code is completely yours
Grows with your business without limits
With any system you have
Continuous support available
Typical 150-300% in 18-24 months
Develop custom vs buy commercial software?
| Factor | Custom Development | Commercial Software |
|---|---|---|
| Adaptation | 100% adapted to your process | 60-80% fit, you must adapt process |
| Initial cost | Higher | Lower |
| Annual cost | Low (support only) | High (annual licenses) |
| Implementation time | 3-6 months | 1-4 months |
| Ownership | Yours (code + data) | Vendor's (dependency) |
| Customization | Unlimited | Limited or expensive |
| Support | Continuous with provider or internal | You depend on vendor |
| Scalability | Unlimited | According to vendor plans |
| Vendor risk | None (it's yours) | High (vendor discontinues, raises prices) |
Buy commercial software if:
- Process is standard (accounting, basic CRM)
- Limited initial budget
- You need solution in 1-2 months
- Multiple vendors have proven solutions
Develop custom if:
- Process is unique/differentiator
- Commercial software doesn't exist for your niche
- You need deep customizations (would cost more than custom)
- Your differentiation is in technology
- Budget allows
Frequently Asked Questions
Typical ranges according to complexity: Simple software (1-2 modules, <20 screens, limited users): $25K-$50K. Medium software (3-5 modules, integration with 2-3 systems, <100 users): $50K-$120K. Complex software (5+ modules, multiple integrations, >100 users, high transactionality): $120K-$300K+. Factors that influence: number of features, integrations, concurrent users, security/compliance, mobile in addition to web, business logic complexity. We do discovery and estimate accurately before execution.
Agile (our preference): We develop in 2-3 week sprints. Each sprint delivers working features you can see and test. You can adjust priorities between sprints. Advantage: flexibility, you see constant progress, reduce risk (if something goes wrong, you detect it early). Waterfall: We define EVERYTHING upfront, develop 6 months, deliver at end. Risk: if requirements changed or there were misunderstandings, you discover them at end. We use waterfall only when client prefers or government contract requires it. 90% of projects are agile.
In agile methodology, changes are expected and manageable. Minor changes (adjust form, change validation): Incorporated in current or next sprint at no additional cost. Significant changes (new module, new integration): We evaluate impact on time/cost, present options (add to scope with budget adjustment, or defer to phase 2). Major changes (fundamental concept change): May require project re-estimation. Total transparency: we always communicate impact of changes BEFORE executing.
Client owns 100% of source code from day 1. Upon project completion we deliver: complete source code, GitHub/Azure DevOps repository access, database with scripts, technical documentation. Client can: (1) Hire Alternative for ongoing support (typical), (2) Hire another provider, (3) Maintain internally if they have developers. No lock-in. Difference vs many vendors that retain code and client becomes dependent.
You see progress every 2-3 weeks (each sprint). At end of each sprint: (1) Live demo of completed features (15-30 min), (2) You can test in testing environment, (3) We give feedback on what's coming in next sprint, (4) You prioritize what's most important next. We never wait 6 months to show you something. If you don't like something, we adjust it in next sprint. Transparency and continuous feedback are key to agile.
Post-launch warranty: 3-6 months included (according to project). Covers: bug fixes, adjustments based on real usage, user support. After warranty: Three options: (1) Alternative support contract: Maintenance, minor updates, technical support, new features negotiated separately. (2) On-demand support: Pay per hour as needed (no contract). (3) Maintain internally: If you have developers (you have source code). Majority of clients (80%) continue with Alternative support contract for continuity and system knowledge.
Does your business need custom software?
Free 30-minute discovery session. We understand your need, evaluate technical feasibility and develop preliminary estimation.