Custom software development in Madrid: a guide for SMEs

What is custom software?

Custom software is a technology solution designed specifically for your company’s needs. Unlike off-the-shelf tools that try to serve everyone and end up serving no one particularly well, a tailored solution adapts precisely to how your team works.

Think of the difference between buying a standard-size suit and having one made to measure. The first one does the job, but the second fits like a glove. The same applies to software: a tool designed around your processes eliminates friction, automates repetitive tasks, and lets you grow without relying on patches or improvised solutions.

Advantages of custom software for SMEs

It adapts to your business, not the other way around

With generic tools, your team has to change how they work to fit the software. With a custom solution, the software moulds itself to your processes. If your workflow has specific steps that a standard CRM doesn’t cover, the custom solution incorporates them naturally.

Real scalability

An SME with 5 employees today might have 50 in two years. Custom software grows with you. You don’t pay for features you don’t need now, but you can add them when you do without switching platforms.

Integration with your existing tools

Using a spreadsheet for inventory, WhatsApp for client communication, and a separate invoicing programme? A custom solution connects all these pieces into a single flow, eliminating manual data entry and the errors that come with it.

Competitive advantage

Your competitors use the same generic tools you do. A custom solution lets you do things they can’t: automate unique processes, deliver a differentiated client experience, or make decisions based on data only your system collects.

How to choose a software provider in Madrid

Choosing the right technology partner is as important as the decision to invest in software. Here are the criteria we recommend:

1. Proximity and direct communication

Working with a team based in Madrid has clear advantages: face-to-face meetings when needed, the same time zone, understanding of the local market, and immediate responsiveness. Smooth communication is key to the project turning out as expected.

2. Verifiable portfolio

Ask to see real projects, not just screenshots. A good provider will let you try demos or speak with previous clients. In our interactive demos you can experience firsthand how the solutions we build actually work.

3. Results-focused approach

Be wary of anyone selling technology for technology’s sake. What matters is the result for your business: how many hours per week will your team save? How many errors will be eliminated? How will your customers’ experience improve?

4. Post-launch support

Software doesn’t end when it’s delivered. You need a provider that offers maintenance, updates, and technical support. Ask about response times and service level agreements.

5. Clear methodology

A good provider explains their working process transparently: project phases, milestones, partial deliveries, and how they handle changes. If they can’t explain how they work, they probably don’t have a defined method.

Approximate costs

Custom development prices in Madrid vary depending on project complexity. As a general reference:

• Automating a specific process: from €3,000 (a particular workflow, like appointment management or call filtering)
• Business web application: from €8,000 (platform with multiple features, admin panel, integrations)
• Comprehensive management system: from €15,000 (custom ERP, tailored CRM, complete company-wide solution)

These ranges are indicative. We’ve written a comprehensive guide on custom software costs with a breakdown by project type and how to calculate ROI. The key takeaway is that if a €5,000 automation saves 20 hours per week of manual work, it pays for itself in a few months.

Real-world example: automation for car workshops

One of the sectors where custom software has the most impact is car repair workshops. Many workshops in Madrid still manage calls, appointments, and quotes manually, wasting time and losing customers in the process.

We developed a solution that automates call filtering, WhatsApp appointment management, and client communication. You can see how it works in our interactive car workshop demo.

Why Deru?

We’re a development team based in Madrid and Murcia, specialising in custom solutions for SMEs. Our approach is practical: we understand your business, identify improvement opportunities, and build exactly what you need.

We don’t sell tech hype. Every project starts with a conversation to understand your actual situation and ends with a solution that works and your team knows how to use. If you want to dive deeper, we have a comprehensive guide to custom software for SMEs and a custom software vs SaaS comparison. You can see our full list of services or try our demos directly.

If you have a project in mind or simply want to explore options, get in touch. The first consultation is free and without obligation.