Bespoke Versus SAAS Uniform Ordering Software
In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, the allure of crafting a bespoke uniform ordering system from scratch may seem enticing. If you’ve got your own dev team they’ll unreservedly tell you bespoke is a good idea.
However, beneath the surface lies a realm where customisation reigns supreme, demanding a level of flexibility and adaptability that surpasses conventional eCommerce platforms. From uniform customisations and the not so simple task of getting the right product to the right person at the right time, with the right ordering permissions. There’s a lot you need to get right and a lot that can go wrong.
The complexity can quickly ramp up from what seemed like a simple project to a behemoth of requirements unique to each client.
The True Cost Of Building
And when you do go live, you realise the initial build cost is just the tip of the iceberg. As you add more clients, each with their own unique needs, the platform will need to evolve. This means more money, time, and resources spent on development.
To put things into perspective, Get WorkGear was conceived 12 years ago with the current version being the third iteration. It’s a continuous journey of development and refinement. The cost and time investment are often much more than initially expected. Given that we’ve developed 3, we’ve got a firm understanding of the time and money commitment required.
Customisation Can Be A Double-Edged Sword
Every client will come with a wishlist of features unique to their operations. While customisation is great, it also means you’re signing up for an ongoing development task as you try to meet everyone’s specific needs.
Don’t Underestimate Support Cost
Support costs can quickly spiral. Not every user will be tech-savvy, and providing the necessary support to ensure everyone can use the platform smoothly can become a costly affair.
Bundling Issues and User Experience
Trying to integrate CRM, B2B, and ERP functionalities into a single platform often means you’ll end up with a jack of all trades but master of none. Often, the weak point is the user interface which is the coal face where users give you money. Giving your customers an easy to use interface, can make them a customer for life.
The user experience should never be an afterthought. If customers find the platform cumbersome or unintuitive, they’ll quickly look elsewhere. A platform that’s easy to navigate and meets the users’ needs can be a significant competitive advantage, potentially more important than pricing or product range in retaining clients.
Now What?
In summarising, while the idea of building a tailor-made uniform ordering system sounds appealing, the practicalities and costs involved make it a risky endeavor. The reality is, there are platforms out there that have already gone through the growing pains of development and refinement. Opting for a proven solution not only saves time and money but also lets you focus on what you do best – serving your clients with great products and excellent service.
If you’re ready to streamline your uniform ordering process and elevate your customer experience, it’s time to take the next step. Contact the Get WorkGear team today and embark on a journey towards efficiency, reliability, and unparalleled service excellence. Your future success awaits.
Published on Thursday, 28 March 2024 under Supplier Uniform Management, Uniform Management.
