Here, we are exploring custom software vs. off-the-shelf solutions for logistics and will tell you how the app we developed in just three months was able to achieve:
- 4639 registered buyers;
- 1946 registered shoppers;
- 4972 shopping lists;
- 4027 orders.
Highlights:
- Ready-made solutions offer immediate benefits but lack flexibility and scalability.
- Custom logistics solutions come with tailored features that can align with unique operational workflows.
- Choosing the right solution can help you stay competitive and reach maximum efficiency in a rapidly changing industry.
Many logistics companies face a familiar dilemma — should they choose quick fixes or opt for custom logistics software? What’s the best choice, or is there even one at all?
As a growing logistics company, you probably have a lot on your plate: juggling tight schedules, rising operational costs, as well as evolving customer needs. The quick solution is to get ready-made software that gives you instant benefits.
But as your operations expand, the limitations of such a solution become painfully apparent: suddenly, you can’t integrate custom workflows or scale up and meet new demands. Frustration only grows, and so do inefficiencies. Is this worth your investment?
At Mind Studios, we know for sure how quickly logistics software evolves, and that having outdated or poorly aligned systems can hold businesses back. That is why we specialize in custom development, which means our clients get solutions that evolve together with their business needs and fit their business processes like a glove.
Are you looking for expert advice on which logistics solution to choose? Contact us today for a free consultation.
When off-the-shelf solutions make sense for logistics
Off-the-shelf supply chain software (aka ready-made, generic, or out-of-the-box software) is basically a prepackaged solution built to address some common business needs. They are usually very fast to implement and come with lower initial costs, which make them extremely lucrative to businesses that want to get immediate functionality.
There are several scenarios when generic solutions might come in handy, such as:
However, such instant benefits come with limitations:
- off-the-shelf software solutions may not align perfectly with your specific processes
- they can create challenges when integrating with your existing systems
Today, logistics and transportation businesses do not only require tools that support operations, but they should also highlight their unique value proposition. While off-the-shelf solutions are a useful starting point, they may lack the customization capabilities to meet specialized needs. Plus, such solutions sometimes add complexity that doesn’t add value to your business.
Mind Studios’ tip: Ready-made solutions often require additional integration to work seamlessly with your existing systems, which means potential delays and unexpected expenses. Our experience shows that integration should be your key consideration from the start. For this, you should create an integration roadmap before committing to the off-the-shelf solution to minimize chances of setbacks.
When and why to choose custom software development for logistics
Custom logistic software, or bespoke software, is a solution specifically developed to meet any unique requirements of the business. If we speak about custom vs. off-the-shelf software for logistics, custom software can be fully adapted to your business workflows and evolve as your business grows. Apart from this, by implementing custom software, you can expect the following advantages:
- unique features fully tailored to your operations and helping you stand out in the market
- automation of your operations and workflows
- tailored security protocols to protect any sensitive data and build clients’ trust
- ability to integrate modern smart technologies like artificial intelligence or machine learning
Choosing between custom software vs. off-the-shelf solutions for logistics goes well beyond a simple cost analysis. Custom solutions are made to address specific business challenges, optimize operations, and adapt seamlessly to market demands. Unlike generic solutions, such solutions provide the necessary tools to create a unique competitive edge, which ensures long-term scalability and relevance in the industry. Isn’t that what every business is looking for?
— says Dmytro Dobrytskyi, CEO of Mind Studios.
Here are some cases when such software is invaluable:
Mind Studios’ recommendation: Always prioritize scalability. Many businesses often underestimate how fast their operations need to grow. By choosing a scalable logistics solution upfront, you can avoid costly overhauls later. We recommend conducting a thorough growth projection to ensure that the solution you choose can accommodate your future requirements without significant disruptions.
Mind Studios’ example in logistics custom development
In 99% of our projects, when we have to choose between custom and off-the-shelf logistic solutions, our tech team employs a custom development approach. James Butler, or simply James, is no exception.
James is one of many projects we developed in the logistics sector. It is a mobile food delivery application (for both Android and iOS platforms) that we built for the Danish market. Since this was a custom development, we created two apps: one for buyers who place orders and one for shoppers who fulfill them.
Within just three months (deadlines were very tight because our client wanted to attract investments with a complete solution that very year), we were able to create a fully functioning app — from just a strategic vision and basic visual mockups we had at hand. After its launch, we thoroughly studied the users’ feedback to make them even more user-centric and increase customer satisfaction.
James successfully got the needed funding and became so popular that even renowned Danish singer Medina joined it as a board member and started participating in its marketing campaign.
Want to repeat their success or achieve even better results? Our tech team is just a call away to turn your ideas for logistics management software into reality.
Custom software vs. off-the-shelf solutions for logistics: Which is better?
Choosing off-the-shelf logistics software might be a good choice if you need simplicity and cost-efficiency when you just start out. However, if your logistics business requires scalability, integration, or tailored features for sustainable growth of your business, custom solutions should be your go-to choice.
Here is a detailed comparison of both options:
Criteria | Off-the-shelf solution | Custom solution |
---|---|---|
Setup time | Fast to deploy, minimal setup required. | Longer development of features that align with your specific business goals. |
Costs | Lower initial costs, but may require additional costs for new features and scalability later on. | Higher initial costs, but stronger long-term value as well as ROI. |
Customization | Very limited flexibility, oftentimes unsuitable for unique business requirements. | Fully adaptable and scalable to meet any business demands or operational needs. |
Scalability | Often not scalable. | Built to scale seamlessly as your business grows. |
System compatibility | Often requires extra integrations and/or workarounds to fit your existing infrastructure. | Seamlessly integrates with your current systems and workflows. |
Long-term adaptability | Limited adaptability, might require replacement if your business evolves. | Is future-ready for continuous improvement. |
Features | Include basic standard features that might not suit all user needs fully. Extra features might be available at extra cost. | Offers tailored features that precisely fit your operations. |
Security | Employs generic security measures, may not address all vulnerabilities. | Uses robust security protocols tailored to your business needs and industry standards. |
Data ownership | Limiting control, data is often stored on third-party servers. | You get full control over your data access and storage, ensuring both privacy and compliance. |
In fact, custom development doesn’t have to be slow. Using agile practices allows for iterative development, which means you will see value early in the development process. Plus, at Mind Studios, we’ve delivered MVPs in under six months, allowing our clients to test and refine features while still continuing development.
Mind Studios’ recommendation: Undoubtedly, off-the-shelf solutions might seem cost-effective from the first glance, but the overall long-term costs for all upgrades, customization, as well as inefficiencies may outweigh the benefits. We recommend conducting a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) check to choose between custom and off-the-shelf logistic solutions.
Want to know the exact cost of a solution tailored to your business needs? Get a detailed project estimation by contacting our tech team.
Finding the right solutions for your business
When choosing between custom software vs. off-the-shelf solutions for logistics, we can confidently say there is no one-size-fits-all answer. There are various pros and cons of custom logistics software development, and the same goes for ready-made solutions. However, what we can say for sure is that the decision you make should fully align with your business needs, goals, and growth trajectory.
To make an informed decision, consider such factors as:
- Budget. Go beyond initial costs. Evaluate both short- and long-term costs of two options to find out the best value for you.
- Scalability. Ensure that the solution you choose easily grows alongside your business (if that’s your goal, of course) and adapts to future demands.
- Your business specifics. Does your business have unique requirements or niche workflows? Find out whether your business operations require tailored functionality or standard features would be more than enough for you.
- Integration. Consider whether the solution you choose seamlessly integrates with your existing systems.
- Timeframe. How fast do you need your solution? Consider whether you need quick deployment or you can wait for a custom development, which is a much longer process.
- Business goals. Most importantly, always align your choice with your long-term business goals and what you want to achieve.
Undoubtedly, every business is unique, and so are its challenges and opportunities. Working with experts will help you avoid potential pitfalls, maximize your investment, as well as ensure the chosen solution aligns perfectly with your operations and strategic goals.
Want to make the best choice for your business? We at Mind Studios are always ready to help you out.