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Enterprise Software Development: Benefits and Process

Explore the key benefits and processes of enterprise software development, from CRM and ERP systems to custom solutions for business efficiency.

Enterprise Software Development: Benefits and Process
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Enterprise software is transforming business operations and decision-making processes. This type of software helps companies better run and scale their day-to-day tasks in a way that optimizes performance across an entire organization. These tools can provide value for government entities, schools, nonprofits, and businesses.

Many companies are considering incorporating enterprise application software into their daily workflows to enhance project optimization and overall team efficiency, if they haven’t already done so. This article will provide an overview of the key components of enterprise software development and the benefits it can provide. We’ll cover what goes into developing enterprise software and what best practices you can implement in your developmental work.

Table of contents:

What is enterprise software development?

Enterprise software development involves building enterprise application software (EAS) to serve the needs of an entire organization rather than simply an individual user. Enterprise software is typically helpful for medium or large businesses, where software users have many different roles and responsibilities.  

Some enterprise systems can be custom-built. As you can imagine, developing or purchasing custom software development is not as cost-effective as employing a more universal solution. Some companies will work with in-house providers to meet specific business needs and stakeholder goals. If you choose to go this route, keep in mind that the timelines may need to be more fluid.

Common applications of enterprise software solutions include customer service, communication, operations support, and sales and marketing. For example, a customer relationship management (CRM) tool, which allows companies to hold and maintain customer information and notes on customer relationships, would fit this mold. The same could be said for an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, which organizations often use to build automation and support diverse processes.

In the following sections, we’ll talk more about specific components of enterprise software and what benefits these tools can offer your organization.  

Key components

Enterprise software consists of various components, including applications, systems, and custom solutions. Although the application of each form of enterprise software can be different, some pieces you can expect to see often include:  

  • CRM tools. Enterprise-level CRM solutions can be valuable for organizations with several departments or an intricate sales process since they make it easier to manage a large base of current or prospective clients.
  • ERP systems. Large companies with ERP systems will benefit from the ability to gather real-time data while lowering operational costs by streamlining and enhancing current processes.
  • Supply chain management (SCM) and human resource modules. By integrating these modules into the broader system through enterprise-level software, companies can develop streamlined communication and data sharing across multiple departments.
  • Data storage and security. Enterprise software maintains secure and efficient data storage solutions for on-premises options and  SaaS (software as a service) and EaaS (environment as a service) cloud solutions. This is especially important in a world where nearly 73% of organizations fell victim to a cybersecurity threat last year.
  • Low-code platforms and customization. Low-code platforms are on the rise in custom enterprise software development. These tools help teams collaborate more effectively and keep track of all changes while working on a shared project.
  • Frameworks and APIs. Frameworks and APIs are often used in enterprise application development since APIs make it possible to access and use data from a large number of sources.

Role of the development team

Since the development team plays such a critical role in creating, testing, and implementing enterprise software, building a team with the right composition is incredibly important. When properly constructed, the development team can be a valuable asset that works together to produce a high-quality finished product that suits the needs of businesses and consumers.

Different teams will employ different structures. Some organizations prefer a more generalized team where each member has a broad understanding of the entire software development process. In contrast, others will use a specialized group of professionals with niche experience in a particular developmental component.  

Whatever structure you choose, you should ensure your team prioritizes effective communication, shares the same goals, and defines clear roles and responsibilities. Essential roles include developers, analysts, engineers, project managers, and owners, providing leadership and overseeing the entire process.

Benefits of enterprise software development

Below, we’ll break down some key benefits of enterprise software development to help you envision how this approach might serve you and your organization.

1. Automation

Automation in enterprise software enhances efficiency by enabling key functions to continue without your direct involvement (or your team’s) each time the need arises. Certain functions such as code generation, testing, and deployment can be automated to some degree, as can project management and generation of documentation.

An example of this type of software is ClickUp, which allows users to automate routine tasks based on preloaded settings and supports customized functions that you can set up yourself. ClickUp includes more than 100 automations, such as moving statuses, posting comments, and assigning team members.

2. Scalability

To best meet the needs of growing businesses, enterprise software development must be scalable. Scalability means that it is built to sustain growing work without deteriorating in quality or diminishing. When scalable, software can continue to meet increased demands and larger amounts of data without developing bugs or becoming unresponsive. Over time, this can reduce costs while improving the overall user experience.

3. Real-time data analytics

Enterprise software development enables the use of enhanced data analytics and business intelligence features, which can have an undeniable impact on decision-making processes. Not only does the software streamline the data collection process, but it also makes the information easily accessible and up-to-date. Teams and organizations can use this data to inform their decision-making and expedite coming to conclusions together.

4. Enhanced user experience

Although enterprise software is built to be used by many people, the individual user experience still matters. Your design will play an essential role in user adoption, and when done well, enterprise software development can enhance the overall design and user interface. A higher-quality design also aids in better and more efficient decision-making because of how the data is presented, a benefit enabling enterprise application software to further meet user needs.  

5. Streamlined business processes

Enterprise software helps in optimizing workflow and business operations. By cutting out common logistical tasks, employees become more efficient and can devote their attention to other pressing matters. This approach can save time, money, and energy in the long run while increasing the capacity of individuals and organizations.

The enterprise software development process

Now that you understand how enterprise software can be helpful, we’ll take some time to cover the development process.

Planning and analysis

To best align software with your business objectives, you should set aside time for thorough planning and analysis at the beginning of the process. Start by envisioning the end goal and working backward to plan the steps to help you get there. Consider adopting the Agile philosophy, a common methodology used in software development that focuses on continual refinement and improvement.

Design and development

As we mentioned previously, interface design plays a major role in user experience and is an important component of the development process. Typically, users prefer software with a simple, easy-to-use appearance. Implementing user experience best practices doesn’t mean the work can’t be highly complex and intricate behind the scenes. Still, you want to produce an attractive and usable product for both non-tech people and tech-savvy people.

One way to enhance the design of your software is to conduct extensive user research. Conducting user research will give you a better idea of what users do and don’t like in their software, and it will give you a clearer understanding of how to make the best product possible. Another option is to conduct rigorous testing to look for ways to improve the software.  

Testing and deployment

Before deploying your new enterprise software, testing is necessary to ensure the highest quality. Testing involves running simulations based on how various users use the application to ensure it runs smoothly without any unexpected bugs or issues. You can run several types of tests, including functional testing, unit testing, and integration testing.

Some teams will use a test-driven development (TDD) approach to refine their product throughout development. TDD can result in an improved design and reduce potential bugs in the future.

Other teams will integrate DevOps practices into their software deployment by merging teams and involving each member throughout the entire lifecycle. The goal is to enhance (and even automate) processes that typically take more time.

Best practices for enterprise software development

Before you begin working on your enterprise software development, here are a few tips to help you achieve the best possible results.

  • Automate the testing process. Since your development isn’t complete until your software has been adequately tested, you can’t fully eliminate this step. However, you can automate certain components to optimize your time and resources across your team.
  • Keep your applications secure. Because cybersecurity threats are so common, data security is as important now as ever. Consider implementing multi-factor authentication or an enterprise authentication service as a way of keeping your sensitive data protected.
  • Choose the right team. The success of your software rests in the hands of your developers, making it ever-important to select the right team to work on the project. Remember that the best teams are not simply a sum of their parts. Consider how the individuals you’re employing to work together may best collaborate.
  • Select the best programming language. While Java and Python are among the most common programming languages, they are not the only options available. If you aren’t sure what language to choose, consider hiring an outside consultant who can provide advice or feedback based on your plans.
  • Define all desired features and functionalities. Changing your mind after you’ve already started working on the project could slow down development. While clarifying these details before you begin working may take more time initially, being clear at the beginning can save time, energy, and frustration later on.

Find enterprise software developers on Upwork

Enterprise software development can be a great large-scale solution for teams who are looking to implement new tools and technologies at the organizational level. If you take the time to build the right team and understand the key components necessary for success, you can enhance your business operations and experience the benefits offered by enterprise software.

Upwork’s Enterprise Suite can help you find the top 1% of talent to meet your specific business needs. Our solutions will enhance the skill sets of your existing team and boost your business’s overall impact through a customized talent solution.

You can also find software developers on Upwork to help with all your needs. If you’re looking to connect with someone experienced in enterprise software development, consider posting a job opening. software development project.

If you’re a software developer looking for new opportunities, Upwork can help you showcase your skills and connect with businesses needing enterprise software solutions. Join a global network of professionals and discover a variety of projects where your expertise can make a significant impact.

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Enterprise Software Development: Benefits and Process
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