What is custom software? Definition & examples of successful projects
What is custom software and when is it the right choice? That's not always easy to decide. Using selected case studies, we show how companies optimize a range of processes with custom software.
Custom software refers to software that is developed specifically for the requirements of a particular company. It is the counterpart to standard software and enables tailor-made solutions that align precisely with processes, users, and systems.
In addition to defining custom software, this article presents real-world examples from various industries and links to detailed case studies from 15 years of project experience.
The article also offers a free downloadable whitepaper that includes a checklist to help you decide: Custom software or standard software – which is right for our company?
Custom software definition: What is a custom solution?
Custom software is software that is built specifically for a company or organization to meet its unique business requirements and processes.
What are the advantages and features of custom-made software?
- Flexibility and adaptability: The software is adapted to existing structures and can be modified as needed.
- Increased efficiency: Tailor-made solutions increase efficiency and reduce errors.
- Integration: Existing systems can be integrated seamlessly.
- Security: Individual rights and role concepts increase data protection.
- Competitive advantage: Companies receive solutions that no competitor has.
Examples of use cases:
- Digital administrative processes for associations, public authorities, and SMEs
- Platforms in the education sector
- Comparison portals in the energy sector
- Custom CMS for corporations
Custom software is always useful when standard software is too rigid or inflexible to map company-specific processes. For more details, check out our article: Standard software vs. custom software.
Custom software examples from real-world use cases
The following case studies show how companies can reach their full potential through customized software development. We show you how a large, nationwide association made its complex processes more efficient and less prone to errors. We present the success story of a startup in the e-learning sector and the implementation of a comparison platform for another startup that specializes in selecting electricity and gas tariffs.
Finally, we present the customized CRM solution of an international corporation that would have reached its limits with a classic CRM due to security requirements and complex user roles.
Complex processes, simply digitized
With over 60,000 members nationwide, Deutsche Verkehrswacht e.V. is committed to road safety.
However, the complex application and billing processes of more than 600 local and state traffic safety organizations were still handled on paper, making them slow, error-prone, and difficult to manage.
Standard software was unable to cope with the multitude of formalities and regulations. That is why makandra developed a comprehensive software solution that can be used by all parties involved, digitizes all processes, and remains user-friendly at the same time.
Functions of the traffic safety app:
- Digital application, examination, and billing processes
- Audit-proof tracking of all changes
- Guided form mode for beginners and quick mode for professionals
- Integrated budget management and trend analyses for financial optimization
After winning the tender, we started development shortly after being commissioned in May 2017. In just five months of intensive work, the app was successfully handed over to Deutsche Verkehrswacht e.V. in October 2017. The seamless transfer of data from the old system enabled a smooth transition.
This example shows that custom software can simplify complex structures while greatly increasing efficiency.
Custom software in e-learning
Studyflix is a prime example of how custom software development enables scaling and innovation.
If you’ve studied in recent years or are the parent of a school-age child or student, you’re probably familiar with the platform. Studyflix was founded in 2018 with the goal of making complex academic content accessible to pupils, students, and trainees through free, practical video lessons. It quickly became clear that standard applications alone couldn’t meet the platform’s specific needs, making a custom solution the obvious choice.
The customized and SEO-optimized platform was launched in 2018 and has been continuously developed to cover the demanding field of education.
Further development in 2022: the new job board
The next milestone in the company’s young history came in 2022: the range of services was expanded with the integration of a job board. The platform has grown into a comprehensive resource for students, pupils, and trainees, now offering an extensive career section with over 100,000 job listings. In addition to job tips, this section also includes content on career preparation, from job applications to interviews.
Successes of Studyflix:
- 6 million monthly users, over 5,200 educational videos
- Expansion to a career platform from 2022
- 2023: Sale to Bertelsmann for €50 million
The acquisition of Studyflix marks Bertelsmann Investments’ largest transaction to date, highlighting the platform’s strong market potential and strategic value.
The key factor for success:
- User-centered approach
From the outset, the platform was tailored to the needs of the target group. - Innovative expansion
The new job board and expanded career section support users during their studies and as they transition into the professional world.
- Accessibility and security
The implementation of Level A of the Web and Content Accessibility Guidelines guarantees accessibility, while a highly available infrastructure located in Germany ensures security and stability.
This success story shows how customized software solutions can revolutionize business models in the education sector. If the initial situation in this specific case sounds familiar to you, a customized solution tailored to your needs could help you achieve tangible success.
Automatic switching for the best rate
Cheapenergy24 allows customers to switch electricity and gas providers through a smart, fully automated switching service. The goal is simple and reflects the company’s name: customers should always receive the best possible rate. The platform handles the entire process and continuously compares energy providers to optimize contracts at the right time.
For the digital relaunch, makandra was commissioned to redesign and automate the entire platform.
Optimization at a glance:
- Redesign of the front- and back-end
- Automated management and maintenance of contract and customer data
- Tool-based data analysis for business planning and reporting
- An improved customer journey and streamlined internal processes
Result of the improvements:
- Fully automated switching process
- Improved internal processes
- Clear increase in efficiency for customers and team
The success story of cheapenergy24 is another strong example of customized software, as it shows that automation through tailor-made software creates real added value and competitive advantages.
A customized content management system
Audi proves that even large corporations can benefit from individually developed CMS solutions.
Even with seemingly standardized services such as a content management system (CMS), individual requirements may make a customized solution more effective and cost-efficient in the long run. The global automotive group Audi was looking for a solution tailored to its needs.
makandra developed a customized CMS that was perfectly made for the requirements:
- Smooth integration with third-party systems
- Custom user roles and security functions
- Penetration testing and adjustments to the hosting infrastructure
- Optimized workflow for international media representatives
The Audi MediaCenter is the central online platform for Audi communications and an excellent example of customized CMS that offer a "Vorsprung durch Technik" (advance through technology).
How does custom software increase a company's potential?
Custom software unlocks a company's potential by digitizing workflows, reducing employee workload, and enabling scalable growth.
The advantages of custom software at a glance:
- Tailor-made digitization of processes
- Time and cost savings through automation
- Possibility of continuous development and scaling
- High security and transparency
- Future-proof, scalable systems
Yes, the examples clearly show that everyone from non-profit organizations to large corporations can benefit from individually developed software.
