Choosing between custom vs pre-built hospital software

Choosing between custom vs pre-built hospital software solutions is a crucial decision for any healthcare facility. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.

Advantages of buying a pre-built hospital software product

• Reduced risk: There is less risk involved in buying a pre-built software product than in developing a custom solution. This is because pre-built products have already been tested and used by other hospitals, so you know they are more likely to be reliable and bug-free. For example, Vikas 2.0 and Netra 2.0 hospital software solutions run in 200 hospitals across India.

• Lower cost: Pre-built software is typically much cheaper than custom-built software. This is because the development costs have already been spread across a larger user base, incorporating feature requests from many users from different geographies (Read about HMS modules in Africa)

• Faster implementation: You can usually get a pre-built hospital software product up and running much faster than a custom-built solution. This is because the product is already developed and tested, and you don’t need to go through the entire development process.

• Regular updates: Pre-built hospital software products are typically updated on a regular basis by the vendor. This means you will always have access to the latest features and bug fixes. 

• Support: Most pre-built software products come with support from the vendor, the knowledge being available with a larger pool of experts. This means you can get help if you have any problems with the software.

Here are some additional factors to consider when making your decision:

• Your specific needs: If you have very specific needs that are not met by any pre-built software product, then you may need to consider a custom-built solution.
• Your IT infrastructure: Some pre-built software products may not be compatible with your existing IT infrastructure.
• Your budget: Custom-built software is typically more expensive than pre-built software, little scope for technology upgrades, offers less stability and increased dependency on the development team member.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to buy a custom vs pre-built hospital software product or a custom hospital software solution is a complex one. There is no right or wrong answer, and the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and circumstances.

Here are some questions to ask

• What size and type of hospital are you looking for software for? (Clinic, ophthalmology, multi-specialty hospital, etc.)
• What are your core needs and priorities? (Appointment scheduling, billing, inventory management, patient records, patient tracking etc.)
• Do you have any budget constraints? – would be you like a perpectual licence of a subscription model
• Do you have any specific features or functionalities in mind such as MIS dashboard of inventory prediction using Machine learning
• Do you have any existing IT infrastructure that the software needs to integrate with, such as Lab machines or DICOM

We can compare some of the top-rated hospital management software in Bengaluru based on your priorities – custom vs pre-built. Some popular options include:

• DocPulse: Offers a comprehensive suite of features for clinics and hospitals, including appointment scheduling, billing, inventory management, and electronic medical records.
• Caremap: Specializes in specialty-specific hospital information systems, catering to the specific needs of different medical departments.
• Marg Soft Solution: Known for its user-friendly interface and affordability, Marg offers a range of hospital management software solutions for different needs.
• Software Associates: Offers pre-built hospital ERP software solutions with features like patient portals, telemedicine, and clinical decision support systems.