The 7 challenges of software development

Software development is a complex process, so no wonder that obstacles may arise during developing a particular software. What are the most common problems and what are the solutions? We have summarised them as followings:

The software development process starts with the design and ends with the delivery of the software. There are several options at the end of the final process, as further developments may be required. It is a long process with potential pitfalls. We have collected 7 typical challenges and the solutions to solve them.

Incorrect evaluation of users' needs

A typical planning problem is when the tailor-made software is still not the solution to the real problem. It’s worthless if the software is well-designed and professionally carried out but no one uses it. In this case, it is important to develop the software through serious business planning, including thorough research of the market and understanding users’ needs.

Problems with time management

As happens with so many complex processes, keeping a schedule can be a problem. This occurs very often during software development processes. If the development team underestimates the task, or if an unexpected complicating factor arises, it could easily happen that the entire project falls behind schedule. It can result in late delivery or even a rush, which can hurt quality.

The solution in such situations is careful planning, where even the smallest details are worked out. It is also wise to implement project management software, that helps to control the process. The use of an agile framework helps to meet deadlines and manage the process. An example of agility is the scrum method. The scrum's segments facilitate communication between team members and even with the client, thus allowing to highlight problems.

Avoiding proper testing

Testing is the most important part of software development and can reveal bugs and highlight if the product does not meet the needs of the users. It is worth ensuring sufficient time for testing and, if necessary, outsourcing the test to professionals.

Lack of communication

Proper communication between the customer and the developers is a must. Misunderstandings can be costly and unpleasant in this business, and the worst-case scenario is when the miscommunication becomes clear only at the end of the development process. It is therefore recommended – as the agile framework requires it – to deliver project versions as often as possible so that it can be discovered sooner if something has gone wrong.

Lack of resources

The lack of resources can refer to both financial resources and professionals. In the IT sector, good employees are difficult to keep, and if a company does not pay sufficient attention to retaining staff and does not offer a competitive benefits package, it can easily lose its professionals. Employer branding is a priority issue.

However, it may not be a lack of human resources, but a lack of financial resources. It can happen if the complexity of the project is not properly assessed, so funds run out before the completion of the project. Detailed planning and realistic estimation are the best way to avoid this problem.

Too many features

It is not wise if the software contains too many features since it can even cause the project to fail. It is a good plan to select the most important features in the first instance, just 2-3 of them, and expand them if money, manpower, and time are available.

Integration problems

Integration problems can be traced back to insufficient planning. It is mostly due to a lack of the client's awareness of what hardware and software the company is using, i.e., the environment in which the new software should run. A typical example is when someone creates a native app for Android and later finds out that his target group prefers to use iOS. 

Software development is a circular process, and it can be controlled by using modern technology solutions, and software and by following agile trends. So, creating custom software is a very intensive and highly productive task that challenges the team and, in the end, make the client satisfied. 

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