Custom software development process: 7 steps from analysis to launch

The custom software development process is predictable when you plan it well. This guide walks through the seven steps from requirements analysis to launch. It also lists the questions to ask a vendor and the most common mistakes.

How does the custom software development process begin?

A project starts with a problem, not with an idea. For example, your team may type the same data into three separate sheets. Or your current program may not support a new business model. First, write that problem down in one sentence. Then decide who will benefit from the solution, and how.

If the concept is new to you, first read our article on what custom software is. There we compare it in detail with off-the-shelf products.

The custom software development process in 7 steps

1. Requirements analysis: The team reviews your processes, user roles and existing systems.
2. Scope and priorities: Together you choose the features that go into the first release.
3. Architecture design: The team plans the data model, the integration points and the infrastructure.
4. Interface design: You approve the screen flows before development starts.
5. Staged development: The team delivers the software in parts, and you then test each part.
6. Testing and data migration: The team runs automated tests and then migrates your existing data.
7. Launch and support: The system goes live, and after that monitoring, maintenance and support begin.

Why should the first release be small?

Asking for everything at once stretches the project. Instead, start with the features that create the most value. As a result, your team uses the system early and gives feedback. You then plan the later stages around that feedback.

Which companies benefit from the custom software development process?

Not every business needs to go through a custom software development process. In some situations, however, it is the most sensible route. These companies benefit in particular:

• Manufacturing and service companies whose process does not fit the packaged programs in their sector
• Businesses with dealers, branches or field teams that need shared data
• Teams that use several programs at once and move data between them by hand
• Start-ups that want to bring their own software product to market

On the other hand, if your process is standard, a ready-made product delivers results faster. Therefore review the packaged options on the market before you decide.

Why does the agile method work?

The agile method proposes building software in short cycles. The Manifesto for Agile Software Development sets out the core principles. According to it, working software is worth more than comprehensive documentation. Responding to change also comes before following a plan.

In practice, this means you see a working piece every few weeks. Consequently, you notice a misunderstood requirement at once, not months later.

A checklist before the first meeting

If you arrive prepared, the proposal will be more accurate. For this reason, gather the following in advance:

• A one-sentence definition of the problem you want to solve
• The roles that will use the system, and an approximate user count
• The programs and spreadsheets you use today
• The accounting, ERP or payment services the system must also connect to
• Your target start date and, if you have one, a budget range

6 questions to ask when you request a proposal

1. Is the scope written down, and which features belong to the first release?
2. Does the schedule follow stages, or a single final date?
3. Does the contract state clearly who owns the source code and the data?
4. How does the team price change requests?
5. What are the maintenance, response time and support terms after launch?
6. Where does the team host the data, and how does it also take backups?

5 common mistakes

• Skipping analysis: A price and date you agree without analysis rarely hold.
• Putting everything in the first release: The project drags, and feedback arrives late.
• Naming no single decision maker: Approvals slow down because the direction keeps changing.
• Leaving data migration to the end: Old data is usually messier than you expect.
• Not planning maintenance: Software still needs attention after launch.

How do you plan the budget?

The budget for a custom software development process has more than one line. Therefore split the plan into three headings from the start:

• First release: Analysis, design, development and testing effort.
• Infrastructure: Servers, backups and also third-party service fees.
• Maintenance and growth: Bug fixes and new features after launch.

Also leave room in the budget for needs you cannot foresee, because new ideas appear as the team uses the system. In short, the custom software development process is an ongoing investment, not a one-off purchase.

How long does the custom software development process take?

The custom software development process takes as long as its scope demands. An admin panel with limited scope takes weeks. A multi-module platform, however, takes months. Still, with staged development you use the first working release before the project ends. So focus on the date of the first delivery more than on the total duration.

How does Coratlas run this process?

At Coratlas we define stages, deliverables and responsibilities at the start of every project. We run the work through requirements analysis, architecture design, development and launch. We also report progress regularly. After launch, we continue maintenance and technical support under a service agreement.

The initial analysis meeting is free, and we reply to your request within 1 business day. For details, see our custom software development page. If your project also has a mobile side, look at our mobile app development service.

Frequently asked questions