As a business owner of a manufacturing company no doubt you will have typed, ‘How can I work more efficiently?’ or ‘How can I automate processes and what are the benefits?’ into the search bar. And as a result, you’ll have seen a plethora of order management system brands appear on your screen all claiming to have the solution you need. Considering these brands don’t know the first thing about you, your product, or your processes, that’s quite a bold claim!
You’ll have noticed that there are a lot of off-the-shelf solutions available to choose from. It can be overwhelming, so much so that in this early investigative stage you can be put off the idea altogether, and go back to your clunky processes and complicated spreadsheets.
But what if we told you that there was a better way. A way that will put you in full control of your future, save you money over time, massively help you grow, impress your workforce, delight your customers, and give you complete peace of mind? A way that means that at any time you need support, there’s an actual human being available on the other end of a phone that acts as your one point of contact. Sounds good, right?
In this blog, we’re going to be championing bespoke manufacturing software. Stay with us as we explain the difference between bespoke and off-the-shelf solutions.
One size doesn’t fit all
Off-the-shelf manufacturing process automation software will do the job, they may be quick to set up, and they’ll be cheaper than their tailored counterparts – in the short-term anyway, but more about that in a bit. But in order for them to meet your needs, these solutions will be full to the brim with every functionality there is. It’s highly likely that you’ll only ever use a few of them.
Knowing that these off-the-shelf solutions will contain features that you’ll never deploy, how do you feel knowing that you’ll have paid for them? It doesn’t give you a rosy feeling, does it?
Nor will the fact that it’s common for businesses to adjust their in-house processes to fit the software, rather than the other way around. This approach will only ever lead to inefficiencies and mistakes which can ultimately hurt your business not to mention your reputation!
And what if you need ongoing personal support – sorry to say it, but it’s highly likely that you’re going to be on your own.
The perfect fit
The alternative is to invest in a custom manufacturing software solution that prevents you from wasting money on features that will never be used.
To have a custom-made OMS means that it’s purpose built for your unique needs. They’re scalable and sustainable and you’ll have full control over how and when you want to expand it. As your business grows, the OMS will grow and evolve in functionality as well. This means that you have an OMS that can accommodate your needs and you’ll never be limited by its capabilities.
When was the cheapest option ever cost-effective?
The adage "buy cheap, buy twice" rings true when it comes to choosing the cheapest option. Opting for lower-priced solutions may seem like a good decision at the start, but in the long run, it can end up costing you more than you bargained for.
When it comes to choosing an OMS, basing your decision solely on cost is not good business sense. Cheaper options lack the flexibility to grow with your business and may even hinder your progress. In the end, you may end up spending more on additional software solutions to address the underlying issue of scalability.
Which OMS is right for you?
The decision between custom-made and off-the-shelf OMS ultimately comes down to your business's individual needs. If your business processes are unique, and you need a system that can grow and evolve with your business, a custom-made OMS is the way to go. You'll get a system that's purpose-built for your business, and you'll have ongoing support to ensure that it's always optimised for your needs.
If your processes are relatively simple and order volumes are manageable, an off-the-shelf OMS might be a good option. Just keep in mind that you may face bottlenecks in the future, you may have to adjust your own processes to fit the software, and ongoing support may be limited.
Before we go, let’s sum up by listing five reasons why you should consider custom-built above off-the-shelf:
Can we help?
If you’re interested to learn more about our transformational business automation software solutions, get in touch with us today.