Understand the friction.
A custom application becomes worth exploring when existing tools repeatedly force the team to duplicate work or work around important business rules. Record the problems before choosing the technology.
Consider the full responsibility.
Custom software brings ongoing hosting, access, security, support, and maintenance responsibilities. Consider these alongside the initial scope.
Start with a useful system.
The first version should solve a defined problem well. Connect the scope to an operational improvement and give the product a clear owner.
