So, you’ve taken the plunge and signed up for a bespoke software development project - exciting times! But now what? What happens between now and the moment your new software is ready to use?

Unlike off-the-shelf solutions, bespoke software is designed from the ground up to fit your business needs. This means there’s a carefully planned process ahead. Whether you’re replacing an outdated system, streamlining internal processes, or creating an entirely new digital product, bespoke software requires a collaborative approach. It’s not just about handing a list of requirements to a developer and waiting for a finished product. Instead, you’ll be closely involved in key stages of the process to ensure the result truly meets your business needs.

So, what should you expect after signing on the dotted line?

Phase 1: Discovery and Specification

First things first - before any coding happens, there will be a deep dive into your business. This is where you and your development team map out exactly what your software needs to do. Expect to spend some time with the developers, answering questions about workflows, user needs, integrations, and key pain points.

This stage is all about creating a detailed specification, which acts as the blueprint for your software. It will outline:

• The core features and functionalities
• User roles and permissions
• Integration requirements with existing systems
• Data security considerations
• Key milestones and project timeline

This upfront time investment helps to ensure that your software actually meets your needs and avoids costly changes further down the line.

Phase 2: Wireframing and Prototyping

Once the specification is locked down, your developers will create wireframes and prototypes. Think of this as a rough sketch of your software - like an architect’s blueprint before building a house. These early-stage designs allow you to see how the software will look and function before development begins so that your developers don't spend loads of time on something that isn't exactly what you’re looking for.

This is an excellent opportunity to provide feedback. Do the layouts make sense? Is the navigation intuitive? Does it align with how your team works? It’s much easier (and cheaper) to make tweaks at this stage than further down the line when the coding is underway.

Phase 3: Development and Regular Check-Ins

Now the real magic happens - development begins. Unlike traditional project models where you don’t see the end result until the final delivery, bespoke software development typically follows an iterative process. This means your development team will build the software in stages, testing and refining as they go.

Expect regular check-ins throughout the process. You’ll have mapped out your key milestones in phase 1 of the project but might also have review meetings every few weeks to see progress, test early features, and provide feedback. These checkpoints help to make sure that everything is moving in the right direction and that any necessary changes can be made before too much time is invested.

Phase 4: Testing, Testing, and More Testing

By now, your software is starting to take shape, but before it’s handed over, it needs rigorous testing. This includes:

• User testing to make sure real users can navigate the system easily.
• Functional testing to check everything works as expected.
• Security testing that identifies and fixes any vulnerabilities.
• Performance testing to see how the system handles different loads.

You and your team will likely be involved in testing too. Expect to try out various features, report any issues, and provide feedback. Your input here is essential to catching any small usability snags before the software goes live.

Phase 5: Deployment and Training

Once testing is complete and everything is signed off, it’s time for launch!

Deployment might be done in stages, starting with a soft launch for a small group of users before rolling out to everyone. If you’re on a tight timescale, you might also launch a minimum viable version of your software to test how your users really use your software before another round of development. This will all be discussed and accounted for in the scoping phase of your project though.

If needed, your development team can also provide training and documentation to ensure your staff knows how to use the new system efficiently. This might include user guides, walkthrough videos, or live training sessions.

Phase 6: Deployment and Training

Unlike lots of projects, your software journey doesn’t end at launch. Bespoke software is designed to evolve with your business, so ongoing support and maintenance are key (otherwise you’d have gone for an off-the-shelf alternative that lacks that personalisation and needs upgrading or changing every 3 to 5 years). Whether it’s bug fixes, performance optimisations, or adding new features as your needs change, your development team will be there to help.

Many businesses also choose to continue working with their developers on a long-term roadmap, planning future enhancements and integrations to get the most value out of their investment.

Final Thoughts

A bespoke software project is a collaboration, not a one-and-done transaction. The more engaged you are in the process (especially in the early stages), the better the results will be. And, by knowing what to expect, you can work more effectively with your development team and ensure a smoother, more successful project.

If you’re about to start your bespoke software journey and want to make sure it’s as seamless as possible, get in touch with us today. We’ll guide you every step of the way.