5 out of 468... Here are 5 ways you can tell if it's time for your business to build its own software:

If you're in business for any length of time, chances are you've felt the need to build your own software tool. Whether it's a custom-built inventory management solution or just a modified version of one that already exists, we all start out with something different than what is available and find ourselves wanting to adjust and adapt until our needs fit the options. Add in collaboration among employees and IT professionals and there's no telling how far you will take the project before realizing the best option is to create your own software tool. If this sounds like where your company is at, here are five things that show it's time:

1) Your current software doesn't allow for enough flexibility

You can make any program work if you're willing to put in enough time and effort, but that's not always the best course of action. If your current inventory management solution is bringing you frustration on a consistent basis because it doesn't allow for customizations, it's probably time to look at building something new.

2) You need something with increased security

Depending on how your company operates, chances are some confidential customer or employee information is being shared through the software tool currently being used. In addition to adding flexibility, developing a custom-built program will provide added security features that aren't available from off-the-shelf solutions. This way you know no one can access the information they shouldn't have access to without going through strict authentication efforts first.

3) Your employees need increased productivity

If your employees are spending the majority of their day using the software tool, chances are it's out-of-date or just not efficient enough. This can be due to any number of things, but in order to remain competitive, you need tools that allow for improved efficiency. While off-the-shelf options might be faster to implement than creating a custom solution, there is no way they compare when it comes to matching your company's needs.

4) You don't have time to keep up with changes in functionality

It's one thing if you find what you're using isn't working and make changes moving forward, but if you know more will come down the road and aren't prepared for them, it's time to take matters into your own hands. Look for an inventory management solution that can easily be expanded on when changes are needed or, better yet, build one in-house. This way you'll always have the latest capabilities without having to wait for someone else to be able to make them available.

5) You've hit a roadblock in integrating with other software tools

When you find yourself hitting a wall trying to integrate existing inventory management solutions with other third-party software tools vital to daily operations, it might mean it's time for something new. While there are plenty of options out there when it comes to building your own software tool, sometimes what you need is completely custom rather than off-the-shelf pieces that don't necessarily integrate.