Custom or standard rostering software?

Start with the ATC planning tasks your roster needs to support. Then compare what a standard product can do, what can be configured and what needs new development.

Understand the options

Custom software can address specialised workflows. The work includes design, testing and ongoing maintenance. Ownership and modification rights depend on the contract.

A standard product provides existing workflows and a supported release process. Configuration may cover local differences. Other requirements may need integration, a process change or new development.

Assess scalability, integration and the implementation timetable for the proposed solution.

Look beyond the initial build

• Functional fit: which requirements are supported now, configurable or dependent on new work?
• Timeline: what must be configured, migrated, developed and validated before use?
• Cost: include licences, hosting, implementation, integration, internal effort and ongoing support.
• Maintenance: who handles defects, policy changes, upgrades and regression testing?
• Integration: what data moves between systems, in which direction and under whose responsibility?
• Usability: can planners and staff complete representative tasks with suitable training?
• Security and access: how are sensitive records protected and permissions administered?
• Control and exit: what are the contractual rights, export options and offboarding steps?

Test these questions using real workflows. A demonstration with a representative roster is more useful than assuming that either delivery model is inherently better.

The fit with SkyRoster

SkyRoster is a configurable ATC rostering product. Supported rules, shift patterns, units and request workflows can be set up for the organisation. Requirements outside the standard product need a separate assessment of integration or custom development.

Agree the delivery, hosting and maintenance implications before treating a custom requirement as included. Implementation still requires data preparation, configuration, training and validation.

Review configuration, deployment options and pricing, or discuss your requirements.