It seems hardly a day goes by without artificial intelligence (AI) being in the news in a significant way. To call it a buzzword is an understatement at this point. AI is rapidly transforming industries and changing the way businesses operate.
At Findan Software, we’re broadly very optimistic about the future of AI and its power to change lives and the world. To be sure, there will be, and are, challenges with it. Just as there are challenges with the Internet or other technological advancements, we have seen in recent decades. However, it also has enormous potential to improve many things.
This blog post’s starting point was a question that was asked of us at a recent event. It’s a good and fair question. To our minds, the short answer is a resounding yes! Custom software is still relevant in the age of AI. However, why it is still relevant is nuanced and multifaceted, so we wanted to outline why we feel custom software remains important at this time. We also figured if one person has asked this question, others may be curious, too.
One thing we should note off the hop is that given how rapidly things are changing, there’s a good chance that this blog post will become ‘stale’ quite quickly. However, that’s just the nature of our current era. Ok, let’s get into it.
Integration between AI and custom software
While the original question is entirely valid, and we’re glad it was asked, the assumption in the question is that AI will only close doors in our industry. However, it will, of course, also open up doors and fresh opportunities. While it will undoubtedly revolutionize work across the world, including what we do in the software space, there’s a lot of power in how artificial intelligence can be utilized to enhance good work that is already being done. Indeed, we recently developed an app for Xerox called Intelligent Filer that uses AI as a key feature—more on that in our portfolio.
The critical point here is that AI and custom software development are not mutually exclusive. As AI technologies continue to improve, we will be able to develop even more robust bespoke software solutions tailored to an organization’s specific needs. AI is a tool our team can use to help organizations, not something that will entirely replace what we do.
Understanding AI
Remember how we said this post could get stale quite quickly? We’re getting into risky territory here, but let’s briefly discuss AI’s capabilities (this section could be entirely different in a couple of months!) While AI is in the news regularly and on many people’s lips, many are still learning exactly what it is. To put it succinctly, some of AI’s current primary skills are processing vast amounts of data, making predictions, identifying patterns and automating certain repetitive tasks.
With that in mind, it can undoubtedly enhance what we do. However, at its core, it’s a tool. Like any tool, it requires a framework within which to operate (a hammer alone does not build a house). Our team and the custom software we provide can deliver this framework, ultimately determining how AI can be used to benefit an organization.
Understanding custom software
The sky’s the limit with custom software. There are many off-the-shelf software solutions that folks are familiar with and that are useful for businesses, such as Quickbooks, Trello, etc. While these tools have benefits, one size does not always fit all. That’s where custom software comes in. Custom software can be developed to integrate several disparate systems, automate a time-consuming billing process, or address regulatory requirements (to name just a few things).
In other words, every organization has distinct challenges, workflows and goals that may not always be addressed by generic solutions, even if those solutions are enhanced by AI. Custom software offers a tailored solution that fits perfectly within an organization’s specific context.
Consider a healthcare provider that needs a robust patient management system that integrates with several internal systems but also has rigorous (and necessary) regulatory requirements. Custom software can be created to meet that organization’s exact requirements. Crucially, at this point, a human being is still required to understand all the different requirements and to help uncover and understand all of the distinct needs. At the moment, human insight and creativity are still required, and AI has not been able to replicate those things fully. Ultimately, AI excels at automation, not customization.
Long story short, AI is an enabler, not a replacement for custom software. AI serves as a powerful tool that can be integrated into custom software to boost functionality. It may make certain tasks easier for some of our team members and, in time, even replace certain job functions, but it will also open up some new and exciting opportunities that are yet to be revealed.
If you’re curious about custom software and how it may be able to help your business, please get in touch. At Findan Software, we’re committed to being your trusted guide and taking an educational approach to our industry. Custom software is not suitable for every organization, but for some, it can be a game-changer, helping drive an organization to new heights. We’d love to discuss your needs and how and where custom software can help you.
Findan Software Inc. is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We serve clients throughout North America and are proud to support a diverse range of organizations across many industries.
FAQs
How do businesses determine whether they need custom software or if off-the-shelf solutions will suffice?
Businesses can determine their need for custom software versus off-the-shelf solutions by evaluating their specific requirements. If the company has unique workflows, complex integration needs, or specific regulatory requirements, custom software may be necessary to address these unique aspects effectively. Conversely, if the business needs are more generic and can be met by existing software with minimal customization, off-the-shelf solutions might be more cost-effective and quicker to implement.
What are the long-term implications of relying on AI-integrated custom software for a business?
The long-term implications of relying on AI-integrated custom software include enhanced scalability and the ability to stay competitive by leveraging advanced technologies. However, businesses must also consider the need for ongoing updates and maintenance to keep the software relevant and functional as AI technologies evolve. Investing in custom software with AI can lead to significant long-term benefits, but it requires a commitment to continuous improvement and adaptation to future technological advancements.
What are the specific steps involved in developing custom software with integrated AI?
Developing custom software with integrated AI involves several key steps. First, a comprehensive requirement analysis is needed to understand the specific needs and goals of the business. Next, the design phase outlines the software architecture, including how AI components will be integrated. Following this, the development phase involves coding and creating the software, with particular attention to the AI algorithms. Once developed, the software undergoes rigorous testing to ensure functionality and performance. Finally, the deployment phase rolls out the software to the end users, and ongoing maintenance ensures the software remains effective and up-to-date.