Before we dive straight into the best practices for enterprise applications software development, we must ask ourselves - what are enterprise software applications?
Enterprise software applications are platforms that a specialist software development company designs to solve crucial problems, reduce inefficiencies, and improve employees' experience within the company.
The enterprise application development process does not answer the needs of a few individuals; instead, it focuses on meeting the needs of an organization with a system also in place. Therefore, a trusted enterprise software development company can be trusted to design the product based on the framework and requirements of the company.
Business enterprises have been spending heavily on enterprise softwares. In 2022, the approximate
IT spending to be spent on enterprise apps is estimated to be around $675 billion. However, while it is established that enterprise software apps are the talk of the town, its implementation is no joke.
Read More: Top 10 Software Consulting Companies for Enterprise Software Development Needs
One of the most critical questions you must answer before developing an enterprise application is - what will it take to create a custom application?
It is difficult to answer this question because many costs are incurred during the project. Sometimes, the project sucks in more resources than expected and takes more time to complete than decided upon.
Thankfully some application development best practices can help build effective CI/CD pipelines. The exercises help to merge all codes of the different developers and ensure that code can be released quickly at any time, even when it changes constantly.
Challenges Related to Enterprise Software Development
A trusted software development company such as BoTree Technologies develops enterprise software applications to help clients improve their productivity, efficiency, and functionality. However, even with the best intentions in the heart, the developers face several challenges during development. Here are some challenges faced during the development phases -
- Security
- An enterprise application works with sensitive data making it prone to potential cyberattacks and hacking efforts. Moreover, as the company scales its business, the existing configuration evolves, creating more openings for malicious attacks.
- Thus, keeping up with the application security becomes a constant challenge. A good team of developers is consistently needed to carry out fast bug fixing and preventive measures.
- Necessity for Quick Adaptation
- One thing we can say about the market is that - it changes. Therefore the companies must have a flexible orientation towards the surrounding environment.
- The company's IT requirements also see a change in response to the changes. Unfortunately, this makes developing an enterprise software application a daunting task.
- Flexibility and the ability to quickly respond to changes using the best development methodology are a mark of all successful software solutions companies.
- Finding and Retaining the Right Talent
- You may need developers with specific skill sets to develop an enterprise software solution that fits your business requirements. Unfortunately, finding such developers is a significant challenge.
- However, you can easily manage this problem by carefully outsourcing the software development servicesto experienced custom application developers such as BoTree Technologies.
- Automation of Testing Process
- No development process is helpful until the proper testing is concluded. A good testing process helps identify which tests to use, create these tests, and then push the functionality.
- It can be very beneficial to automate testing phases in the development process. Testing is a crucial part of the process, and it helps to ensure that the software is free from bugs and issues before it is launched or deployed on client servers.
- Automation will help you to optimize your resources and manage a better and more functional development process.
- Ensure Application Security
- The last thing a company would wish for is data leaks. If companies' private data is compromised, it could lead to massive damages, most minor of all being hit the reputation.
- It is necessary to ensure data security compliance. However, it can be time-consuming and frustrating. Furthermore, putting it on the back burner can lead to data breaches, audit failures, and decreased brand goodwill.
- An enterprise applications software engineer can get a security testing process in place from the start of the development project. It can help them identify any dangerous vulnerabilities or risks and fix them quickly.
- Different development libraries and tools such as Veracode, DeepScan, GitLab, etc. can be used to remove any human error that might cost the organization time and money.
- Outline the Required Features and Functionalities
- It may affect the development process and delivery timeline if the development scope changes frequently. Dedicated development teamsmay find it challenging to keep up with the timeline if the clients keep changing their software's features or functionalities.
- This is frustrating and can also delay the project delivery and increase the budget. To avoid such situations, clearly outline what features and functionalities you require from your enterprise software applications.
- Determine the Programming Language and the Platform for building the Application
- A software application is built using a particular language, for instance, Python, Java, C, Ruby on Rails, etc.
- If you possess the appropriate technical expertise, make sure to hire IT consultants to advise you on the development processes, including choosing the best language for your Application.
- At the same time, it is necessary to decide the platform your software will run on. This includes mobile or desktop devices. For desktop, you may build it on Windows, macOS, Linux, etc. On the other hand, there are only two primary mobile platforms - Android and iOS.
- Choose the Right Team
- Since the project's ultimate success is in the hands of the developers, you must build dedicated development teams specializing in different skills to build various elements of the software.
- A good software development team will help you with complete end-to-end solutions, from leadership strategy to ground implementation. Once the entire project is over, the software team will continue to provide support and maintenance for the Application.
- Define your Goal
- Before you initiate your development process, you must clarify your objectives. Make sure you clearly define the goals you are trying to reach to all the project stakeholders.
- Why do you want these enterprise software apps developed?
- What business purpose will it serve?
- How much are you ready to invest in the project?
Answers questions such as -
- Multiple Vendors
- At times, various development teams are involved during the development process. For successful development, all vendors must work in harmony.
- It is challenging to ensure that the development cycle remains on track. Therefore a development strategy that runs on smooth workflow management systems is required to manage your software development life cycle.
- Storage and Processing the Data
- The storage and using the data for productive purposes is always a challenge. A large amount of the data is unstructured, making it difficult to use, store, and analyze.
- A proper data storage mechanism is necessary to store the massive data in an organized form so it can be adequately analyzed. Companies can choose cloud-based storage solutions to tackle such issues depending on the need.
Top 6 Enterprise Applications Software Development Best Practices
- Clearly define the goals
- Choose the right team
- Specify features and design
- Ensure Security
- Define the timeline and goal
Despite the challenges, there are many merits to developing and using enterprise applications. Top enterprise app development best practices can help you wrestle with the challenges.
How flexible are the ERP software solutions?Always ensure that all the key stakeholders, especially the developers, are aware of your goal. This primary goal should always be set clearly from day zero.
What are some of the enterprise software applications statistics?Read More: Characteristics and Importance of Software Architecture in Enterprise Software Development
Conclusion
Enterprise applications software development helps businesses to manage their operations better. To ensure that you remain on the top in your industry, you require innovative, tailor-made solutions built to assist you with your business challenges and goals.
A trusted software development company can help you develop robust and scalable software. With help of the best practices mentioned above, a company can develop a lengthy lasting software application.
Are you looking for the best software development team? As a leading enterprise software development company, BoTree Technologies uses the best development tools to provide our clients with the custom application of their expectations.
Here are the top best practices followed by BoTree while enterprise applications software development -
Read the blog to understand the best practices of ERP application development.
Every business organization has custom software requirements. Over the years, ERP software development has evolved to accommodate the tailored needs of enterprises. In addition, the applications have allowed flexibility and configurability of the functionality, making the changes easy.
- Almost 50% of ERP deployments that do not include implementation oversight of a third party eventually fail the first time.
- Close to 74% of ERP projects require more time than estimated by the business.
- ERP systems speed up the on-time delivery by 24%
- A 2018 Oracle study reported that 76% of businesses have already transferred processes to the cloud