Software Development: Computer Software Tuned to Your Needs
Because every business is unique, software solutions sometimes need to be tailored. Most effective business solutions begin with carefully selected off-the-shelf software. Data Guidance Group excels in helping find and select pre-built solutions to meet business needs.
Studies indicate that off-the-shelf software can, on average, meet only 83% of a business' long-term needs. The other 17% of functions require customization. Data Guidance Group provides tailored software to meet these business requirements.
Software Solutions For Business
We approach every software project by considering four alternatives:
- Vertical Market Software
- Creative use of standard software
- Modified software
- Software tailored for a specific business
Each of these options is discussed in more detail below.
Vertical Market Software. Sometimes vertical market solutions meet the special needs of a business. These programs are developed for a particular industry. Data Guidance Group keeps abreast of available products and trends in many industries. Some situations are so unique that special software is needed. In this situation, there are several alternatives.
First, off-the-shelf software can sometimes be used in creative ways. We've set up separate, dummy companies for businesses that needed special invoice formats. We have used telephone extensions to enter SIC codes (Standard Industry Classification). These solutions must be carefully considered for both their short and long term potential. Data Guidance Group has both the creativity to come up with and the experience to evaluate these options.
Second, modifications to existing software meet many needs. The not-for-profit agency that has Members rather than Customers may change these titles in a standard Accounts Receivable system. This avoids the need for expensive, specialized software. And this kind of change is getting less expensive as tools for creating software become better and better. Reports have become easy to customize in most products.
Finally, if a business has completely unique requirements, or needs a solution molded to a specific business, Data Guidance Group can create an integrated business solution. What types of things can we do?
Businesses DGG Has Helped
Look at some of the businesses we have helped:
A home-health agency needed specialized billing. This agency produced billings in 9 different formats to meet their clients' requirements. DGG created a program that allowed daily time entry and automatically produced invoices. Invoicing time was reduced from 3 days to 3 hours.
Another food-products company kept inventory in units (each, case or package), but invoiced their customers by product weight. A specialized picking ticket allowed them to enter the weights as the cases were shipped and a small modification to an off-the-shelf product calculated the extended weight and price of each invoice line item.
A higher education institution had a problem: the Windows version of their software was too slow. Data Guidance Group created a program to print specialized reports and streamline data entry, allowing them to continue using the product until the software is replaced.
A Team of Expert Guides
As you consider your needs, you need an experienced firm to evaluate the software available to meet your needs and recommend and implement a solution that works for you. And Data Guidance Group provides the comprehensive services you need.
Our team includes a CPA to assist with defining your business needs and evaluate software. DGG's programmers translate your desires into software, and technicians keep your entire system running smoothly. We use a team-based approach to evaluate the solutions available and recommend the one that is right for you.
If the solution involves developing or modifying software, we have a library of solutions that may be right for your business. Our network of business relationships also includes vendors that provide solutions in a variety of markets. Any DGG solution begins with a thorough analysis of business' requirements. We would be glad to discuss needs and design a solution that meets needs now and is flexible enough to move into the future.
Before your business decides on a solution, consult DGG. Our proven success record will assure that the solution you select will work for you now and in the future.


