EGM (Family) Holdings Ltd

Do not build

Most businesses that ask us for software do not need software built. They need a product that already exists, a process written down, or a spreadsheet done properly by one person. This test takes three minutes. It will tell most people not to hire us, and it will tell a few people what to ask us.

Nothing you answer leaves your browser. No email is required. A printable copy is under Resources.

Is there a product for this already?

Somewhere, a product exists that does most of what you want, is used by many businesses like yours, and costs a monthly fee. Have you looked?

Is the way you do this stable?
Is the problem particular to you?
Would a well-built spreadsheet, kept by one person, solve it for the next two years?
What does the problem cost?

Count the hours a week spent re-keying, chasing and correcting, the money collected late, and the mistakes that reach customers.

Do the people who would use it agree what it should do?
Does it need to talk to systems you already have?

Your accounts package, a booking system, a management information system, a bank feed.

Do you need to own it?

Your own copy of the code, no monthly fee, data that stays on your premises, no supplier who can switch it off.

Is there someone in the business who will run it after it is handed over?
Can you say what changes on Monday morning, in one sentence?

Published by EGM Family Holdings Ltd. Read alongside Fixed fees for bespoke software and Twelve questions to ask any software or AI supplier.