Bespoke software can be a fantastic way to save a bit of bank, especially when you don’t require a fully fledged software system that does everything from automating invoices to making you a hot cuppa in the morning. But how far can a home-grown spreadsheet go? In this article, we’ll be looking at some of the common issues that arise, and when it’s probably about time to contact a consultant!

Analysing data, automating tasks, streamlining business processes; a Spreadsheet can be a powerful tool in the right hands. But, like the tender leaves of a Bonsai Tree, they need care, attention and a loving prune once in a while if they are to stand the test of time.

Often a spreadsheet solution arises out of a specific business need - but, then again, what type of solution doesn’t - and it falls to your local tech guy or gal to take it upon themselves to create it. It’s all well and good, and it works just fine; exactly as intended. But the lack of formal training in spreadsheet design may yet reveal itself as a problem further down the line... 

These hand-made solutions often work well. For a while. But over time new requirements are added, staff members (that actually knew what was going on) move on, newbies start adding more and more code, tangling and weaving like a kid’s bowl of spaghetti, and eventually you end up with a bloated, tangled mess of software that no-one quite understands. Not only that, but this poor, bloated piece of software might even become slow, buggy, or just plain broken.

But, just as a weed-ridden flowerbed needs the green fingers of a gardener, the tangled roots of old spreadsheet software often needs the deft hand of an IT consultant. It’s actually a far more common problem than you’d think, stretching across all types of industry, and it’s a problem we’re often asked to deal with. 

In short, bespoke software often takes on a life of its own when multiple people contribute, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be reigned in and returned to its former, succinct glory. It’s not necessarily just a matter of cleaning out some old, nasty code though, but when it comes to rebuilding a solution, we’ve spent years refining and perfecting our spreadsheet know-how like some sort of techie Sherlock. Not to toot our own horn. 

So, terrible analogies aside, is your home-grown spreadsheet:

• A tangled mess of code?
• Slow?
• Buggy?
• Just plain broken?
• All of the above?

Then it’s probably about time to call in the big guns. Don’t worry, we’ll have your bespoke pride-and-joy back up and running in no time.

Need help with sorting out old and outdated spreadsheet solutions, or need some new bespoke software creating? Take a glance at our website to see how we can help.

You may have heard IT wizards ramble on about tactical solutions, bespoke solutions and every solution under the sun. But what exactly is a tactical solution? And how does it work for businesses? In this article we’ll delve into the Better Technology psyche, and explore exactly what we mean when we say “tactical solution.”

In short, it’s pretty much exactly as it sounds - a plan or software tactically put in place to solve a specific challenge within a business. But there’s a key difference between designing a “tactical” solution and, let’s say, a “strategic” one. It may just sound like a different word for the same old thing, but when it comes to a tactical solution, it’s all about designing a plan or architecturing a piece of software quickly - and generally with a very specific goal in mind.

The buzz-phrase when it comes to tactical solutions is to deliver high on ROI, making sure to invest minimal time and budget from the client, but making as significant an impact as possible. It’s an interim, a quick-fix, and whether or not it’s a stepping stone to a larger plan, it’s a solution generally designed to scratch a very immediate itch.

Not only that, but tactical software and solutions also allow you to quickly see how a fully fledged solution might operate. The benefits of this are vast, allowing for new requirements and issues to be visualised, which can then easily be implemented, as opposed to diving straight into the fully fledged system (eg. ERP, Oracle or SAP). It’d be like bringing a brand-new toolbox full of specialist tools to put up a picture, when in reality your old-reliable hammer and nail would probably do the trick.

As you can probably imagine, a system such as this will take far longer to change, as well as potentially being far more expensive. And that’s not the aim of the game.

Let’s think of it this way.

You’re finally moving out of mum’s place, but you’re relying on a bicycle to move all of your stuff. Unsurprisingly, It’s a time-consuming venture, not to mention unreliable and generally more of a hassle than it’s worth. You’d like to start using a lorry, but unfortunately, that requires training and a significant monetary investment well above your budget and time constraints.

Do you:

• Keep using the bicycle, despite taking forever to move all of your things?
  
  
• Find a car within your budget and start using that in the interim until you have the required money and training for the truck?

• Take out a huge loan so you can afford an intense HGV training course and shiny new Globetrotter?
  
  

Realistically, option two is probably the way to go. In this scenario, you may even discover that a Lorry was never actually necessary, as your trusty Ford Focus provides adequate space for all of your dusty vinyls and records. Although you’d be done in one trip, the ROI just isn’t there; huge debt, possibly months of driving lessons and good luck parking your new lorry outside your city-centre flat.

As you probably guessed, the car represents a bespoke, tactical solution. Even if you’ve got your eyes set on a brand-spanking-new HGV, the car will certainly tide you over until you’ve got the time and money.

So, why choose a tactical solution?

Whether or not a tactical solution is the right fit really boils down to what makes a tactical solution, tactical. More often than not, there’s going to be multiple possible solutions for every problem. There will be cheaper or more dear solutions, limited or more flexible options, quick-fixes and more long term solutions, but the tact comes from designing an interim solution which is the perfect fit for your business’ specific requirements.

And that’s where we come in. At Better Technology Consulting we understand that there’s never a one-size-fits-all fix, and every single business or problem is unique. Bringing a juicy combination of business know-how and technical ability, we design bespoke plans and software that put the business first, not the tech. This means that each bespoke piece of software will be precisely what you need, so you can cash in on high ROI without breaking the proverbial bank.

If you’re looking to scope up a project and need a helping hand, get in touch with us today.