Custom software development: full process from planning to launch

Customers typically choose custom software development for three reasons. First, they need customized functions without constraints. Second, they want a design that fully meets their requirements. Third, the software becomes their property, meaning they receive the source code.

If you have such needs, our article provides valuable information for you. We explain each step of the software development process in detail, from initial needs assessment to planning, development, testing, and deployment, following agile software development practices, which are popular among software development companies.

What is software development? In its most basic sense, it is the process of creating applications or systems that fulfil specific requirements. Custom software development goes beyond generic solutions and delivers specialized software tailored directly to the needs of an organization or individual. This approach offers numerous advantages compared to off-the-shelf software, such as better integration and precisely targeted features for users. Though custom software development services generally require more investment and time, the benefits and ROI can be substantial over time.

The solutions provided by bespoke software development span a wide range, allowing companies to create software tailored to their specific needs. Custom software development companies offer services such as nearshore software development and software development outsourcing, providing more flexibility to businesses.

Custom web development enables the creation of websites, digital solutions, cloud-based platforms, and webshops that align with corporate branding and integrate seamlessly with existing services like CRM and ERP. Many of LogiNet’s projects were also developed through bespoke software development, including Instacash, xLab, and Assa Abloy.

The RFP in software development plays a key role in defining the requirements and expectations. This document, often used by businesses seeking software development outsourcing solutions, describes the goals and specific needs in detail. For companies considering nearshore software development or outsourcing, the RFP outlines everything from the desired features to the timeframe for implementation.

For accurate comparison of proposals, a detailed IT functional specification is essential, as the software development company providing services may work across various software development methodologies like agile software development. At LogiNet, we assist companies with their projects by offering both pre-specification and specification services.

The specification phase is critical in the software development lifecycle. It lays out the detailed requirements, functions, and design parameters of the future software. This is the guiding document for every party involved in the software development process, ensuring that the software development team has a clear direction.

The specification typically includes what functions the software needs to perform, what tasks it must execute, and what performance, security, and user experience requirements must be met. It also outlines the software development methodologies, programming languages, and frameworks that should be used in the project.

The design planning runs parallel to the specification. During software development, UX and UI design are crucial as they directly impact the software's usability and success. Good UX/UI design ensures that the software is easy to navigate and provides an optimal user experience. The process typically includes the following steps: research and user analysis (understanding the target audience's needs and behaviour), information architecture design (structuring navigation and content), creating wireframes and prototypes, and finalizing the design (colour palette, typography, and element layout). Finally, iterative user testing helps fine-tune the interface.

The actual software development phase, which is the core of the software development lifecycle,

includes coding, programming, and creating applications according to the specifications. The goal is to transform the plans on paper into concrete, functioning software.

The steps in the software development process include coding and implementation. For larger projects, development can be broken down into modules or components, which are developed separately and then integrated into a complete system.

During development, regular testing is conducted to identify bugs and issues in time before they affect the rest of the project.

During this phase, regular testing takes place to identify bugs and ensure quality. Development teams, particularly those using agile software development practices, work in iterations, delivering parts of the solution for client review throughout the software development process.

Project managers coordinate with clients during this phase to ensure that the software development process stays on track and that the end product meets expectations.

At the end of the software development phase, the software is ready for more detailed testing, bug fixing, and finally, deployment and launch.

The testing phase is crucial to the software development lifecycle. Its purpose is to ensure the quality of the software, identify and fix bugs, and verify that the software meets the initial requirements and expectations. This phase ensures that the final product is reliable, efficient, and user-friendly and that it meets the business and technological objectives.

The deployment or "go live" phase is when the software is moved into a real-world environment. This is the final step of the software development lifecycle, and bridges the development and testing phases with the software's actual business use. Besides thorough testing, it is advisable to consider various system integration issues before going live, including domain redirection. Additionally, data migration may occur from the test environment or another system to the databases.

The deployment process can involve several steps, including configuring servers, databases, and other infrastructure to meet the software's requirements.

After deployment, it is advisable to conduct checks, including testing configurations, connections, and functions, to ensure the system operates correctly.

Continuous monitoring of the software and system performance should not be overlooked after going live.

Support plays a crucial role in custom software development, ensuring the software's continuous, smooth, and efficient operation after going live. Support and maintenance services not only allow for the quick resolution of technical issues but also provide long-term value to the software and its users by ensuring constant availability, minimizing downtime, and preventing disruptions to business operations.

The support team identifies and resolves bugs and issues that arise during software use, keeps the system updated to meet new requirements, and ensures its efficient and secure operation.

Custom software development companies bring together multidisciplinary teams, including project managers, developers, UX/UI designers, testers, system architects, and DevOps engineers. This collaboration ensures the custom software development project’s success from start to finish. Whether through software development outsourcing, nearshore software development, or in-house teams, these experts work together to meet the project's goals.

In addition, depending on the specifics and complexity of the project, other experts—such as data privacy specialists, security analysts, or developers specializing in specific technologies—may also join the team. The key to success in custom software development is close collaboration and communication among team members.