Business software is increasingly focused on a specific industry. Software partners specialize in one or a few industries and develop a software package that optimally supports the processes in that industry or industries. I often get questions from customers that start with "Why? Why does this work this way in your system? Why did you choose that solution? Why can't we do it another way? In fact, they ask what are the key factors that determine the design, technology and development of industry-specific software. In other words, how does industry-specific software come about?
The customer!
Every day we talk to our customers about their organizations and the challenges they face. They determine our software solution to a very large extent. The questions and comments we receive in conversations with our customers are important input for us for new software developments. By listening carefully, we find out what is going on in the industry. Of course, this does not mean that everything a customer calls out is developed without question. Only when we see a trend do we decide whether and how we want to continue these developments into a generic solution that we can then deploy widely in our market.
The basic package
The basis of our industry-specific software has been Microsoft Dynamics NAV for many years. We therefore also keep a close eye on developments at Microsoft. How are they improving their package? What new technologies are being applied? Which functionalities are being developed? How is integration with other Microsoft products being optimized? We can hitch a ride with the developments at Microsoft and thus keep our industry-specific software up-to-date and user-friendly, and enrich it with new features. This provides our product from which our customers benefit directly.
Technological trends
Of course, we also look at technology trends in a general sense. What technological developments should we take into account in our product development? We want to offer our customers a robust and future-proof software solution that allows them to be ahead in their industry, now and in the future. New technology also offers new opportunities. We keep a close eye on whether something is just hype or becomes mainstream technology. We apply proven successful technology into usable applications and solutions for our customers.
The software partner
Discussions with our customers, Microsoft's plans and technology trends are valuable input for our software, but ultimately we decide what will be developed by us in our industry-specific solution. Because of our years of experience supporting organizations, we have very extensive industry knowledge. And applying that knowledge into powerful, successful software is what we do best and what we continue to focus on.
Peter Gerhardt is Senior Lead Consultant Logistics at Dysel and helps customers achieve maximum results with business software.
