What does customizable software actually mean?

What does customizable software actually mean?

​Every software company today has some level of customization, whether it’s connecting to an API or event based integration system, defining custom fields, or using 3rd party systems such as Zapier to link across different softwares.

How do we at Thruline differentiate ourselves - aren’t we just another “customizable” business software?

We think of application customization in terms of levels - similar to self driving cars. For reference here’s the list of levels for self driving cars:

Level 1: Driver Assistance - The vehicle is controlled by the driver, but some driving assist features exist.

Level 2: Partial Automation - The vehicle has combined automated functions, like acceleration and steering, but the driver must remain engaged.

Level 3: Conditional Automation - The driver is a necessity, but is not required to monitor the environment.

Level 4: High Automation - The vehicle is capable of performing all driving functions under certain conditions.

Level 5: Full Automation - The vehicle is capable of performing all driving functions under all conditions.

Similarly, this is how we at Thruline define the 5 levels of customization when it comes to business software.

Level 1: Simple Customization - You can change the naming convention of existing schemas. For example, you can rename “Part Number” to “Product”. You can send data to other systems through the use of their API, but it requires writing a software application.

Examples: Simpler SaaS tools such as Calendly

Level 2: Partial Customization - You can add new data fields or attributes onto an application, but you can’t send that data to other systems without the use of purpose built applications such as Zapier, or building a custom software integration from scratch.

Examples: Most SaaS tools such as Quickbooks, Fishbowl

Level 3: Conditional Customization - You can add new data fields and attributes, there is some UI customization available (such as hiding fields), but you can’t define new interfaces. You can create custom schemas for new data objects, but the use of that data is often limited. You still require code writing to send information to other systems. There may be basic actions available based on 3rd party events.

Examples: Lots of CRMs and Project Management Tools such as Hubspot, PipeDrive, Jira

Level 4: High Customization - You can create full data workflows for brand new schemas within your application. There is a UI interface for defining user views into their data. You can trigger events in other systems that can be picked up. There may be limited actions available within the application for creating logic based on events that are sent into the application.

Examples: Powerful, purpose built tools such as Benchling, LabGuru, Netsuite, SAP

Level 5: Full Customization - You can create full custom applications without writing any code. These custom applications can include logic that allows you to send information to other systems and perform automations based on events received from other systems - without having to write a new software application from scratch.

True platform softwares such as Thruline, Salesforce, ServiceNow, Monday.com

At Thruline we give small businesses the power of customizability early on in the business lifecycle - and help you get out of spreadsheets so you can focus on building your world changing business. Our flexibility allows us to help you faster - which is why our implementations take half the time of other softwares.

Lots of software claim to be flexible - few tell you which level of flexibility they fall in.

Want to connect with Thruline users and see how they've leveraged Thruline to help their business? Join our new Discord! Want to stay updated with new pieces like this? Join our monthly newsletter to keep up to date with Thruline's offerings!

‍