Configuration or Customization: What Do You Prefer?

Hello there!

Some terms, such as configurable and customisable, are familiar to us because we deal with software day in and day out.

But if you’re not so sure of their differences, let me outline it for you:

Configuration means adjusting the system using built-in options without core code changes. Examples: User roles and permissions, notification settings, approval workflows, form fields.

Customization means changing or adding functionality beyond standard capabilities that usually involves new code. Examples: unique integrations, a special workflow applicable only to one business.

One is like moving your house furniture around and the other is like knocking down a wall or adding a new wing to the house.

Both adapt software to an organization’s needs but customisations almost always involve higher costs and complexities.

Organizations often say they want “customizable” solutions but what they usually actually want is a flexible system (like VersionX Platform) that adapts to them without the extra costs or headache.

Ugh. Saying one thing and meaning something else. Humans. Sigh!