In today’s fast-paced business world, custom app development has become a necessity for companies looking to stay ahead of the competition. With the right custom app, your business can increase productivity, efficiency, and profitability while enhancing the overall user experience.
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What is Custom App Development?
Custom App Development involves a high degree of adaptability to customer needs when creating software applications for users within an organization to meet particular business needs. It is possible to create a custom app for external users (e-commerce, games, or educational purposes), but internal users (customer management, production monitoring, time tracking) are its main focus.
Custom web application development
Custom web development is concentrated on creating software that users can access from their computers, phones, tablets, and other devices using web browsers. Through the creation of a custom web application, you can give your business application features like scalability, usability, and cross-platform and cross-browser compatibility. The main benefit and feature of developing a custom web application is that the client can make sure their solution is usable and responsive on screens of all sizes and in all browsers.
Custom Mobile App Development
Custom mobile app development is similar to the web services previously mentioned, but focuses on providing the best options for the current operating systems and mobile devices. It can offer end-to-end Custom Android App Development services and also build award- winning solutions. Therefore, a tailored mobile solution must guarantee that the app:
- is accessible on the most popular mobile phone, tablet, and wearable device models
- it can adjust to any screen size
- is also compatible with the best operating systems
- it will adjust to the upcoming OSs, screen sizes, and models (for example, to the foldable smartphones)
Outsourcing Software Development from A – Z in 2023
The differences between Custom Software Development and Software Development
It might appear that all software development is based on a custom design. It’s true that a development team builds a brand-new solution for a specific business based on defined needs and specific requirements. However, there is a distinction between software development and custom software development.
There are several ways traditional software development can proceed:
- No code: The knowledge of the code is not necessary for developers. They have a visually appealing interface and an intuitive user experience for those without technical knowledge. When a straightforward app needs to be released quickly and without the need for any specialized features, no-code solutions are advantageous.
- Low code: Low-code app development sits in between no-code and Custom App Development Services. Low-code platforms offer a similar simple user interface with app features that can be added to the finished product. They do, however, offer some customization options for the final product’s layout or aesthetics.
But custom software development necessitates advanced coding abilities and yields sophisticated yet adaptable solutions. With this method, it is possible to develop an app that meets specific business needs and specifications and then modify it as the company’s direction or market demands change.
The advantages of custom software development
1. Security
This is a unique and crucial aspect of customization because the development team can incorporate any security feature you might need (two-step verification, blockchain, ciphered data, etc.). As a result, there is less chance of piracy, and customer loyalty is raised.
2. Cross-platform software
In the case of custom app development, the client specifies the OSs, devices, models, browsers, and iterations of each of those that the app will support. Often, there is a very small selection of low/no-code solutions. A user’s session from a web app can also be seamlessly transferred into an Android or desktop version of an app that was created specifically for you. Such UX is always well-liked by users.
3. Planning features
A custom app may be created with the intention of scaling, connecting to other services, expanding for new features, etc. in the future. This benefit is most effective if you employ the same development team for both the current and future iterations of the app.
4. Stable connection
Some low-code applications can be challenging to integrate with existing systems, particularly when the coding or programming languages don’t match. This issue does not exist with a custom solution because the app is made specifically to integrate seamlessly with legacy systems as well as current systems.
5. Storage Capacity
Today, customized applications need a server to run from, whereas customized apps are frequently stored on the cloud to allow for quick and efficient app operation. A higher chance of the app crashing results from this, along with an additional cost.
7 steps to create custom business application development
The process of developing a custom app can go in many different directions because it is tailored to the needs and specifications of the client. Some businesses request the development of a custom web app with an already-made MVP and all the necessary details listed, while others only have a general idea of what they want in the end. The client, the project, the software, the specifics, and the process all play a significant role. The list of possible changes to the stages is provided below.
Enterprise Software Development: Definition and How To Build
Step #1: Analyzing
This step should be completed before approaching a custom software development company. If you are an investor looking for an opportunity, brainstorming would be a good place to start. Consider the issues that exist in your country, region, or company, and how an app can help to solve them.
Step #2: Choosing the appropriate audience
After identifying a problem, you must consider the audience for your proposed solution. Starting your marketing research by determining the application’s target market is a great idea. Answering the following questions will help you identify your target audience the quickest:
- Who are they? (gender, age, income, location, occupation, etc.)
- How frequently do you anticipate them using the app?
- What sets your app apart from others on the market?
You can also create online polls to determine the preferences of the potential audience. Don’t forget to gather their information so you can create a target user profile.
Step #3: Business tactics
It is time to carefully plan how your custom development solutions will generate revenue once the user and the issue are ready. Customer satisfaction levels and the speed at which your goal will be attained will both be impacted by the type of strategy you choose for the new project.
First, respond to the following inquiries:
- How will you connect with end users? How will they discover your app?
- How much will it cost to acquire just one user?
- How much of a budget is required to gain market traction?
However, the sooner you start marketing after the app is released, the faster you will start to see revenue. Additionally, the business strategy affects the need for deep linking, ad slots, SEO optimization (to make the apps searchable in Google or App/Google Play Stores), etc. for the app. These components are helpful for the application’s technological side as well.
When developing a business strategy, take into account how the upcoming app will be distributed: either to individuals via stores or possibly to businesses who will purchase it for internal use. There is typically less marketing-specific development needed when developing a custom mobile application in-house. To be compatible with the client’s internal systems and the remaining apps, more work is still required. The widespread public accessibility necessitates more effort in app optimization and device compatibility.
Step #4: Specifications and fundamental capabilities
Creating specifications is an important step, even if you are not a tech person and cannot define them in IT terms. The overall functional and technical specifications, as well as your expectations for future software, will help website and mobile app developers understand your vision and create the exact solution you require. Here’s what will be extremely useful:
- Identify user roles: Consider who will use the app, such as teachers and students, self-learners, registered/unregistered users, returning or new customers, and so on. The roles are heavily reliant on the overall concept of your app.
- User journeys: Take into account how each of the identified roles will use or be intended to use your app. A flow chart with arrows and specific app components is the simplest method.
- Plan the app: This only refers to high-level planning, such as the anticipated number of screens, their names, button placement, and functional design.
- Create a feature list: how the app will be used and what you anticipate it to do; Plan any integrations (for example, with banking systems or YouTube), app analytics to change your future marketing efforts, and monetization strategies (in-app purchases, ads, pay-per-download, etc.)
There are no right or wrong decisions to be made during the planning stage because the more data you can gather and define for the mobile and web application development company, the quicker and simpler the final product will be.
Step #5: Locating experts to develop an app
It’s the ideal time to find a trustworthy experts to create an app when you have an idea, technical requirements, marketing strategy, and a business plan.
- Go through listings: Start your search by browsing listing websites and using the filters to find a custom software development company in your area or a specific list of services.
- Check the portfolio: Look through the websites of a few teams to see if they have experience developing similar applications. Try to stick with the businesses that have previously operated in your sector because they can provide deeper insights into consumer needs and market trends.
- Read the blog: You can read the articles to learn more about the company’s focus, and you can see how knowledgeable they are as a sign of experience.
- Verify the company’s market presence: Look at any conferences it has attended or potential awards it may have won. Additionally, check to see if they have any well-liked apps and how effective their social media strategy is.
- Check customer reviews or recommendations from reliable sources: Doing business with a company that has received good feedback or recommendations from people you know is much simpler. However, take into account online user opinions as well when comparing the feedback.
- Focus on data and technology security: This aspect can only be assessed through direct communication with the chosen company. It will help you understand their strategy if you can find a team that can define their security strategy for you right away.
- Focus on delivery time: Be prepared for software development delays. However, go over the delivery schedule and timeline with the chosen custom application development company. An indication of good time management is how they conduct themselves during your initial meeting or virtual meeting. Another query is whether the team at your outsourcer is located onshore or offshore. While offering a comparable and frequently higher level of support and expertise, offshore companies typically charge less. The onshore teams would be more expensive, but since they are in the same time zone, communication would be easier.
- Sign a contract: The contract will be helpful to you in the event of a dispute is a contract that contains all the details, deadlines, technical requirements, etc. Always read the documents carefully before signing them to protect your business from any unfortunate occurrences.
Step #6: Pre-development
Pre-development refers to the meeting between your team and the outsourced company where all the specifics of the project are defined before custom web app development can start. Don’t rush into creating every feature and putting it out there as soon as you can. A development team will typically produce a rapid prototype for your approval prior to getting started.
- Create a quick prototype: A quick prototype is a section of the app with clickable components that allows you to quickly grasp how the app will function and feel once it is released. However, given that it still takes time and effort, some website and mobile app developers would not be open to creating a free prototype. In this instance, you’ll probably get some design sketches and visual user journeys to help you understand the impending working prototype. This section ought to be sufficient to determine which team works better for your values and who has a clearer vision for your future app in order to begin working together.
- Create an MVP: An MVP is a shorthand for minimum viable product. This is a condensed version of your finished application with just enough features to be made available to beta testers or early adopters. Early tests may indicate that your initial idea for an app needs significant changes, so this stage is still considered pre-development. It might lead to the development director being drastically changed or even the idea being completely scrapped. MVPs check to see if you are giving users an engaging experience.
With the help of the Custom Business Apps team you’ve chosen, organize this test run and see what kind of feedback you can gather. For an internal app, invite several staff members to begin using the new tool to assess its benefits and drawbacks. Ask people to use your app on websites like UserTesting or Userbrain for mass-apps that are accessible to everyone through an App Store or Google Play. Pay attention to the demographics and analytics, then adjust your target audience and approach as necessary after seeing how many interested users respond and what they have to say.
Step #7: Development
In any case, the following system would govern how traditional custom website and mobile app developers would operate.
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- Design: The majority of your users’ needs are already met by your MVP. Instead of starting from scratch right now, think about incorporating user experience feedback, updating your app with new design trends, experimenting with subtle animations for buttons and page transitions, etc. Make modest, observable changes.
- Development: At this stage, controlling the process and deciding how the app will be handed off are both crucial. The former means that you must make plans for how you will manage the app once development is complete as well as the location of the app storage before development even starts (your servers or the cloud). Make sure you talk it over with the developers, schedule regular meetings with the team to monitor progress, and confirm that they are adhering to the development schedule.
- Testing: Every development requires testing as a crucial component. Some testers can notify the development team before the problem is introduced to the market if they notice significant problems with the app’s functionality or performance. The same company that is creating the custom application can also handle testing, or a separate group of QA experts from outside the company can do it. Upon contract signing, the option would be discussed. To lessen the impact that bugs and app inconsistencies have on users, testers are typically present at every stage of development.
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- Training: Your team should be familiar with the application’s functionality before it is released and made accessible to end users. Custom apps created for internal use are especially in need of it. Internal staff who will use the app directly should be familiar with how it operates, test it out, and conduct a follow-up Q&A session. Training entails the transfer of knowledge from the outsourced development team to the in-house specialists whenever you are developing an mobile app for the end users. Once it is released and end users have access to its content, your IT department needs to know how to manage, watch over, and control the app.
- Launch: The software goes live and becomes accessible in all stores once all the details have been resolved and you are satisfied with the product.
What Is the Time Frame for building custom business apps?
When it comes to the development of custom business apps, the duration of the process can vary depending on a number of factors. Typically, it takes four to nine months to complete, with each phase lasting between 2-4 weeks for preparation and requirements, 2 weeks for design and construction, 3-8 months for development, 2-4 weeks for implementation, 3-6 weeks for examinations and upkeep, and 3+ weeks for production. The scope of the project can significantly impact the timeline, with a simple time-tracking app taking three months to complete, while a comprehensive online shopping app could take up to 9-12 months. Factors such as the number of screens, need for an admin portal, support for multiple devices and platforms, integrations with other programs and systems, data migration, business logic, reporting requirements, and changes in requirements can all affect the complexity and duration of the app development process.
6 main types of cost for custom app development
One of the most important considerations for businesses seeking the best solution at the lowest cost is the price of developing a custom app. Clients frequently ask for extremely precise estimates for upcoming projects, but the reality is that the price of developing custom software varies greatly depending on the specifics of each project. Determining what has the greatest impact on the overall cost of developing an app is still crucial.
- The complexity of features: What might seem simple to a typical app user may require additional work for a developer. There are many features that can be added to an app but are not required, such as push notifications, chat, feedback, integrations, the use of a microphone or camera, and many others. The total cost will increase as you have more of them.
Detailing of the design: The designer’s job goes beyond creating simple mockups in pleasing colors and textures. Some experts find the user experience perplexing. If your application is large, it wouldn’t be cluttered if all of its features fit on a single screen. It may therefore be difficult for users of all ages and nationalities to comprehend how it functions. The design budget and consequently the overall app cost are directly impacted by the app structure. - Cross-platform app development: Since custom mobile app development only works with one medium, such as Android/iOS phones, it is significantly less expensive than cross-platform app development. More development work is needed as you increase the number of supported OS versions, device types, browsers, and their combinations.
- Data usage and storage: In addition to publishing and sharing options, every application that transfers or uses user-generated content in any way—such as photos in a messenger or articles on a platform—needs a place to store it. The cost of cloud storage, any integrations with outside sources, and access to a user’s device are all extra features.
- Human resources involved in the development: The development of large apps requires a lot of human resources, which results in high costs. On a budget, smaller applications can be created. Every custom web app development has a direct cost relationship with the team members required and used for the project. Your budget would be greatly impacted in this case by the team’s experience, location, and local salary.
- Maintenance: Future bug fixes, maintenance, cleaning, and monitoring should all be factored into the price estimate. The costs are not entirely covered once an application is released because, to put it mildly, every product requires the assistance of a support agent (to gather the data) and a developer (to fix the reported issues). Most frequently, a group of tech experts will be responsible for the daily maintenance. Therefore, either plan a separate project for maintenance or include it in the initial budget to keep the recently released application in good shape.
Custom app development services of BiPlus
As a leading Custom Apps Development company, BiPlus consists of engineers that are experienced, knowledgeable and have deep expertise to ensure the best project results for customers in different industries:
1. Quality
BiPlus graduate the product’s quality for our customers through:
- Applying standard production processes and having an independent, professional QA control quality from obtaining customer requirements through product deployment.
- Agile development activities include flexible request reception, ability to react to changes, customer involvement and acceptance, evaluation.
- Applying and utilizing modern programming tools and techniques such as TDD, pair programming, refactoring, CI/CD, simple design, clean architecture, and etc.
2. Speed
With the optimal production management system and the Scrum software development operating process, BiPlus development teams always keep the commitment to the highest and best speed for customers.
- Deliver a portion of the usable product after each Sprint ( 2 weeks) and maintain continuous delivery.
- Fast and flexible problem detection and resolution mechanism through the efficient operation of decentralized, cross -functional Scrum teams
- Production planning and organization are implemented in a methodical and systematic way, and they are constantly improved.
3. Effectiveness
- Consulting solutions and providing suitable solutions for customers from large enterprises to SME companies, small start-ups
- Agile development is minimal risk since it may quickly update and adapt changes based on client demands.
- Cost-effectiveness: Reduce the chance of going over budget.
Specific and detailed process
Development process of BiPlus includes 8 specific and detailed steps:
- Receive and analyze requests: Customers having needs will contact BiPlus and BiPlus will call/meet directly to collect information. Then, BiPlus analyzes and advises suitable solutions
- Build & propose solutions: BiPlus will receive and clarify the Request Form so that they can build detailed solutions and smooth the Product Backlog
Customers confirmed
Production planning: In planning phase, it happens from Preparing – Meeting to Sprint Planning – Getting Started
Development: Coding, Unit test, Review Code, Handing over products to testers and fixing bugs
- Testing: Test execution and Packing and handing over
- Handover and acceptance
- Rate, feedback and improvement: BiPlus will support 24/7, warranty and guarantee for solving problems arising from using the product
In conclusion, custom app development can be a complex process that requires careful planning and execution to deliver high-quality, user-friendly apps that meet the unique needs of your business. By understanding the key factors that impact the timeline for custom app development, you can ensure that your project is completed on time and within budget. At BiPlus, we have years of experience in custom app development and can work with you to design and build a custom app that meets your exact specifications. Don’t miss out on our future articles and insights, sign up for our newsletter today to stay up to date with the latest trends and best practices in custom app development.
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