Why is it so difficult to find a contractor for a non-standard 1C configuration?

Imagine this situation: your company has been working with 1C for many years. The system has grown with modifications, integrations, and specific processes. And then comes a moment when you need support or modifications, but your current developer is unavailable. You start looking for a new contractor, but one after another, they refuse after taking their first look at the system.

Sound familiar? This problem affects most companies that have spent years developing their information systems for unique business processes.

Standard vs. non-standard configurations: what is the difference?

A standard configuration is a typical 1C solution that works ‘out of the box’ with minimal settings. Such a system has documentation, clear architecture and predictable behaviour. Any 1C-developer of average qualification can understand it in a few days.

A non-standard configuration is a completely different story. It is a system that:

• Developed over the years by different developers
• Contains unique business logic not described in the documentation
• Has many integrations with external systems
• Includes specific algorithms for working with data
• May contain "crutches" and temporary solutions that have become permanent

Why do developers avoid non-standard configurations?

The domino effect

The main problem with non-standard systems is their unpredictability. Changing one element can lead to a cascade of errors in completely unexpected places. The developer changes the calculation algorithm in one register, but the printing form stops working in another module. Why? Because the previous programmer decided to ‘temporarily’ use the data from this register to generate a report.

Lack of documentation

In standard configurations there is technical documentation from 1C. In non-standard configurations - at best comments in the code, and most often only the logic of previous developers, which must be restored bit by bit.

Fear of liability

When a developer cannot predict the consequences of his changes, he bears high reputational and financial risks. It is easier to abandon such a project and take on a more predictable task.

Time spent on learning

To start working with a non-standard configuration, you need to spend dozens of hours studying the architecture, business processes, and implementation peculiarities. Not all contractors are willing to invest this time.

What happens to the business as a result?

Companies with non-standard configurations are often faced with:

• Long search for contractors - months to find someone willing to take on the project
• High cost of work - contractors build risk into the price
• Long lead times - due to the need to learn the system
• Low quality of the result - when the developer does not fully understand the logic of the system

Approach to working with non-standard configurations

Successful operation of such systems requires a special approach:

1. In-depth analysis before starting work

The first step is a detailed study of the architecture, identifying critical dependencies and documenting key processes. This is an investment of time that pays off in reduced risk.

2. Step-by-step implementation of changes

Instead of global redesigns, successive small changes with testing at each stage. This allows you to control the impact on the system.

3. Creating documentation in the process

Each change is documented, a dependency map is created, and a modification history is maintained.

4. experience with legacy systems

You need to understand the principles of working with ‘legacy’ systems, the ability to read other people's code and restore the logic of previous developers.

Who is trusted with complex projects

Non-standard configurations are a challenge that not every team can meet. Companies that are not afraid of difficulties and have expertise in legacy development have successful experience with such systems.

Among our clients are leaders of various industries: Rompetrol, Fox Petrol, Camera de Comert, Finance Leasing Company, Azart, Zeekr. Each of these projects had its own unique features and required an individual approach.

Practical advice for business owners

How to prepare to find a contractor:

1. Gather as much information about your system as possible - when it was implemented, who refined it, what integrations there are
2. Prepare access to a test environment for analysis
3. Determine the criticality of various processes - what can be temporarily disabled and what is vital
4. Allow time for the contractor to study the system - 2-4 weeks depending on the complexity

What to pay attention to when choosing a performer:

• Experience with non-standard configurations
• Willingness to spend time learning the system
• Methodology for working with legacy code
• Having testing and QA processes in place
• Transparency in pricing

Transparent pricing

Working with non-standard configurations requires a long-term approach. We offer support packages designed for cooperation from 6 months:

• 594 EUR - 15 hours of work per month
• 1104 EUR - 30 hours of work per month
• 1548 EUR - 45 hours of work per month
• 2376 EUR - 75 hours of work per month
• 3048 EUR - 105 hours of work per month

All prices are inclusive of VAT. You always know how many hours are spent and on which tasks.

Conclusion

Non-standard 1C configurations are not a verdict, but a feature that requires a professional approach. The right choice of contractor can not only solve current tasks, but also create a basis for further development of the system.

The main thing is to understand the specifics of such projects and take your time in choosing a contractor. Investing time in finding an experienced team will pay off with stable system operation and predictable deadlines.