Software development is one of the most complex and demanding processes that any business can undergo. It not only requires talent with programming languages, but it also requires the ability to navigate development environments, libraries, frameworks, and troubleshooting, all while working under time constraints. Nonetheless, the most crucial characteristic that sets the best programmers apart is their ability to solve problems effectively.

The Reality for Companies Starting a Software Project

In 2023, many companies either are currently or soon will be undergoing digital transformation using custom software development to keep up with the demands of the digital marketplace. This is exciting for businesses wanting to level up their development, but what’s important for every company to remember is that a software project can face plenty of obstacles which will require clear communication to overcome.

The riskiest part of a software development project is typically during the beginning and is commonly due to a lack of three things: 

1. Planning

2. Goals

3. Transparency between the client and the development team

A study from last year found that 75% of IT executives agree that projects are often in trouble from the “initial phase” due to a lack of clear expectations or proper planning. The three components listed above are the most crucial pitfalls to avoid during your project, but they are not the only ones.

In a perfect world, software developers would have all the necessary resources and information on a project with all possible changes from the client outlined as well as an ideal deadline for everyone. However, this is not always the case, which means that when obstacles do arise, teams need to be equipped to overcome them.

With that said, here are 5 common challenges when starting a project and how to overcome them:

1) Planning, Goals, and Communication:

At the base level of struggles during a software development project, a lack of clear vision is at the forefront. This is a relatively easy fix because it simply requires the organization looking to integrate custom software to review their needs and reach a consensus on how they want the system to benefit their stakeholders. 

Custom software systems are directly built to fit the needs of businesses which means that to justify building a system, businesses need to sit down and define their reasoning. 

2) Time Restrictions:

In some cases, when a new project is started, the deadline is agreed upon before the details of the project are outlined. This can be detrimental to the success of a project which means that when both parties consult, the scope of work must be laid out to determine an appropriate deadline.

It’s additionally important to consider that resources and budget play a significant role in determining the timeline as it gives developers a sense of how much time they can allocate and the resources they can dedicate to each stage of the project. 

3) No Testing = No Innovation:

When it comes to testing your IT systems, the importance of consistently ensuring quality performance and finding room for improvement is self-explanatory. The purpose of software testing is purely to mitigate the risk of error and ensure that systems can keep up with what is expected of them. 

The last step of a software development project is the testing and maintenance phase which allows companies to identify any faults in the system as well as areas that they may want to improve on in the future.

4) Technical Challenges:

Developing software often involves using new or complex technologies, which can lead to technical challenges as with any technology. In the case of custom software, these challenges can range from compatibility issues to something as difficult as debugging complex code.

To prevent this, it's critical to have a team with a diverse range of technical expertise and experience. This will not only ensure that experts are overseeing different areas who can then work together to solve any technical challenges that arise, but it will also help teams stay up to date with any outdated technology that needs to be updated.

5) Managing Changes and Expectations:

As the software development project progresses, there may be changes to the scope, requirements, or timeline. These changes can be difficult to manage and may lead to confusion or delays.

To overcome this, it's important to have a change management process in place. This process simply requires clear communication between the development team and the client and should include an outlined process for evaluating and approving any changes. Having a clear understanding of the project scope and goals can help manage expectations and reduce the likelihood of unexpected changes.

Final Thoughts

Challenges during software development are nothing new which means there’s no real reason to panic if you encounter them. As long as you’ve established clear expectations and communication standards with your software provider, risk can be mitigated.

Businesses that are firm on their standards and make sure that their software developers are aligned with said standards will have the greatest chance of success when it comes to digital transformation.

Written By Ben Brown

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ISU Corp is an award-winning software development company, with over 17 years of experience in multiple industries, providing cost-effective custom software development, technology management, and IT outsourcing.

Our unique owners’ mindset reduces development costs and fast-tracks timelines. We help craft the specifications of your project based on your company's needs, to produce the best ROI. Find out why startups, all the way to fortune 500 companies like General Electric, Heinz, and many others have trusted us with their projects. Contact us here.