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This accompanies our article on custom software.

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First establish which limitation of existing software your

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organisation needs to solve.

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A fictional inspection service uses an existing product for customers

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and appointments.

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Its planner-to-inspector handover needs an additional check, currently

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tracked by employees in separate files.

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Follow one assignment from preparation to handover.

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What information does each user need, who can change it, and

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when is the assignment ready for the next responsible person?

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First investigate product configuration.

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Then examine a supported integration.

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Only a remaining relevant constraint establishes which part might

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justify custom development rather than replacing something that already works.

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Perhaps only a review screen beside the existing product is needed.

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Customer management and scheduling can remain.

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The first version covers one complete user flow rather than rebuilding everything.

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Ask intended users to complete the handover with permitted example

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records.

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Test missing information and limited permissions.

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A working demonstration does not establish support for everyday operational work.

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Compare development with maintenance, dependencies and change costs.

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Agree who controls records, source code and configuration, and who

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must be able to resolve problems after the initial delivery.

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Document the limitation and selected approach.

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Describe installation, access, data transfer and recovery, so another

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developer can understand the component and make controlled changes when required.

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Custom development starts with a justified choice for your process.

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Our source article on custom software compares configuration,

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integration, new development and the responsibilities of long-term maintenance.