Findan Software is a leading custom software development company serving clients throughout North America. We support startups as well as Fortune 500 companies and bring the same level of skill, expertise, and knowledge to every project we work on.
Our goal is to be your trusted custom software guide, and as part of that commitment, we offer free, no-obligation consultations to anyone who is interested. In other words, if you’re a little curious about how custom software can help support your business, you can chat with our team completely risk-free. To us, that’s the cost of doing business, and we’ll happily chat with you about how and where custom software may help you improve efficiency and boost your bottom line.
But if you’re not familiar with the custom software space, what questions should you be asking during your consultation? Worry not; we’ve got your back. Here are the essential questions to ask during your custom software consultation (be it with us or another provider). If you ask these questions, you’ll be making good use of your consultation time.
Can you give me a general overview of how you could help my business?
Custom software has the potential to boost productivity, smooth out workflows, turn an idea into reality, and increase revenues. However, given that it is custom, the specifics of how it can help you will be uncovered through a deeper discussion. This question will help you understand what custom software can do for your business generally before you get into a bits-and-bytes conversation.
Can you provide me with case studies or testimonials from past clients?
This is a great way to verify if the custom software provider you’re talking to has a track record of success. You can check out the Findan Software portfolio containing a sampling of case studies here.
Do you have any experience with organizations or projects similar to mine?
Determining your developer’s experience with organizations in your field or similar projects will enable you to make an informed decision about their ability to handle your needs.
What does your typical software development process look like?
Understanding your developer’s process will give you insights into how they work, how they manage projects and how they handle any potential challenges that may come up. You can learn about the Findan Software development process here.
How will you ensure the project stays on schedule and within budget?
This is a vital question that will enable you to learn more about the developer’s project management approach and will help you avoid unpleasant surprises down the road. Learn more about our project management approach here.
How do you handle changes or revisions to the project scope?
Changes and revisions may be necessary as a project progresses, so it’s important to understand how adaptable your provider will be.
Who will be my main point of contact, and how often will we communicate?
Understanding your developer’s communication process and how you will receive project updates is crucial to ensuring you stay in the loop and your custom software project runs smoothly.
What is your approach to testing and quality assurance?
Asking about testing procedures will give you insight into how your provider will ensure you receive a high-quality product with minimal bugs.
How will you ensure the security of the data and software?
Security and understanding how your developer plans to protect your sensitive information and software is critical.
Will I own the source code and intellectual property and have full rights to the software?
Understanding how the ownership rights will work is vital. Clarify this with your software developer in your initial consultation.
What is your typical project value and duration?
Given the nature of custom software, every project is different, but it’s wise to understand the general budget size and timeline space your provider typically operates in. Learn about how we price projects here.
What are your post-launch support and maintenance options?
Your new software will need maintaining and keeping up to date. Understanding how your provider will meet your ongoing needs post-launch is crucial.
What is your approach to confidentiality?
Asking how your provider handles confidentiality is critical as it will give you clarity on how well your ideas are protected. In some cases, an NDA may be required.
Will what you develop integrate with my existing software tools?
Most organizations use some form of software in their operations, and it may be necessary for your new custom software solution to integrate with your existing setup. In some cases, your new software may supersede and replace your old setup. Asking this question will help you get to grips with the best course of action for your organization.
How will you ensure the final software product aligns with my business needs and goals?
This is a very important question. Ask your provider what they need from you to properly understand your business objectives. At its best, the custom software development process is collaborative.
If you’ve thought of a question that isn’t on our list, great! There are likely additional questions specific to your business or industry that are well worth asking, but this list should give you a good starting point. When you’re chatting with us, always feel free to ask. We don’t believe in ‘silly questions’—communication is how we will build something truly awesome together, so ask away.
Findan Software Inc. is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We’re proud to work with organizations of all sizes and specialties throughout North America. If you would like to book a free consultation with our team, please get in touch. We’d be delighted to connect with you!
FAQs
How do you handle data migration from existing systems to the new custom software?
This really depends on your specific needs and requirements. What’s consistent is that we handle our work with the utmost care so you can feel confident in a seamless transition that minimizes any downtime.
What level of post-launch training and support do you provide?
We’d be happy to work with you on this. Our support doesn’t end at launch; we offer ongoing technical support and maintenance services to help you address any issues and keep your software up-to-date. In addition, our team is always available to answer questions, provide assistance, and ensure that you get the most out of your custom software solution.
How do you ensure that the custom software is scalable to accommodate future growth and changes in my business?
At Findan Software, we design custom software with scalability in mind, ensuring it can grow and evolve alongside your business. During the initial consultation and planning stages, we discuss your long-term goals and future requirements to create a flexible architecture that can, as appropriate, accommodate increased users, data, and functionalities. We use modern technologies and best practices to build scalable solutions that can be easily updated and expanded. Our approach ensures that your software remains robust and efficient as your business grows and changes, providing continuous value over time.