Software development projects rarely progress the way you want them to. It is very common to start working on a project using Drupal and then find it lacks some critical functionality. But by then, you are deep into your Drupal web development project. What will you do? How will you improvise and tackle the situation?
You have two options available. You can opt for off-the-shelf solutions or build custom modules in Drupal. But, if your client has ambitious future goals, off-the-shelf solutions cannot provide the flexibility and scalability required. Such a situation warrants that you opt for a custom Drupal module.
While custom module development might delay your project by some time, it will elevate your web app capabilities. Further, by opting for custom modules, you will align better with your client’s goals, improving his customer experience and ensuring fulfillment.
But how do you know when to implement it? How can you derive the maximum benefit from Drupal’s custom modules? We will explore possible answers to these questions in this blog. Let’s begin.
What Are Custom Modules In Drupal?
We know Drupal as a popular modular CMS, which means that its architecture allows developers to install modules whenever they need to extend its functionalities. We also know that Drupal is supported by a huge community actively contributring to its impressive array of contributed modules. These are readymade solutions used in Drupal web development to meet generic needs. But what happens when you want a module to meet specific project needs? You build custom modules.
Custom modules are bespoke code snippets created to introduce specific features, workflows, or integrations not possible using contributed modules. They are tailored to meet the exclusive demands of your project.
They interact directly with Drupal’s APIs to scale up its functionalities without changing the core codebase. Such a modular approach ensures the Drupal CMS stability and scalability by isolating custom module development. However, you can effortlessly weave this custom module into the Drupal ecosystem using hooks, services and plugins.
Benefits Of Using Custom Drupal Modules
Drupal’s modular architecture is a big draw for companies offering custom web development services. Integrating custom modules within their development framework unlocks a wide range of benefits. They make complex project execution easy and frictionless.
Critical benefits of custom Drupal modules:
- Flexibility and customization
- Cost efficiency
- Scalability
- Performance optimization
- Easy integration with third-party tools
- Enhanced user experience
By using custom modules, you can build robust functionalities for your Drupal applications. So, partner with an experienced developer to build the best Drupal modules and drive meaningful outcomes for your business.
When To Implement Drupal Modules
However, you cannot use custom Drupal modules for everything. They are not meant to fill gaps. So, before diving deep into developing custom Drupal modules, take a breather. Analyze your project and client needs. Find out if they justify building a custom module. Calculate its effectiveness in ensuring its ROI.
Not every project demands a custom module. Before blindly recommending it, evaluate your project needs carefully. Here are some common instances when you can consider building or implementing a Drupal module.
When Contributed Modules Fall Short
The core of Drupal is made up of contributed modules. Drupal’s extensive developer community ensures that these modules stay updated and keep adding new modules. However, sometimes, you have to cater to niche client project requirements, and these modules fall short.
For example, a contributed module might lack one specific feature the clients want to add, or you might find its flexibility restrictive. Further, adding a contributed module might increase project complexity, etc. These are some instances when you must opt for custom Drupal modules because they will be more efficient and cost-effective.
When Unique Business Requirements Arise
Sometimes, businesses cater to niche client requirements. For example, in the power sector or metals and mining, some companies supply boilers and chillers, which need to be managed automatically with the help of digital twins. Such requirements cannot be met using off-the-shelf solutions and contributed modules.
To address such domain-specific and industry-specific requirements, you must take advantage of the experience and expertise of a top-ranking Drupal web development company. They will deliver these precise requirements using custom modules, aligning the web app with business goals and objectives.
When Integrating With Proprietary Systems
Proprietary systems are custom-built. To integrate with them, you must use custom modules to elevate your Drupal website’s capabilities. Such integrations are critical and challenging. They require a custom approach. Developers must build custom Drupal modules to enable them.
When Performance Is A Priority
High-performing websites cannot function without custom modules. Generic solutions lack the required functionalities. You need third-party solutions to bring them to par, which results in higher costs. They cannot adapt to the increased demands of high traffic and crash. But when you build such websites using custom modules, you can integrate the required performance-enhancing capabilities, ensuring a better ROI financially and functionally.
When Future-Proofing Is Essential
Growth is a constant in business. Your CMS must cater to this growth through technical scalability.
Having a tailored solution will evolve with your business needs, ensuring your Drupal website stays relevant and future-ready even as your needs grow.
When Security Is Critical
If you hail from an industry that handles sensitive data or caters to one that deals with it, you must meet specific security standards and compliances. Here, the standards and compliances keep changing to meet evolving security requirements.
If your in-house team lacks the bandwidth, you must partner with a professional Drupal web development agency. They will ensure timely compliance and regulatory updations of your website and meet the required data security regulations through:
- Implementing the required security measures
- Meeting updated compliance requirements
- Monitoring the website to implement cybersecurity measures proactively
But to implement this entire exercise, you must build and integrate the required custom modules into your Drupal web development.
Check if your needs fall under any of the circumstances mentioned above. Consider them first before integrating custom modules in your cms web development.
Conclusion
The benefits of integrating custom modules in Drupal far outweigh the rigors of designing and developing them. However, following the best practices of Drupal custom module development will make it easy. Further, integrating custom modules will also empower your website with capabilities that enhance their efficiency and effectiveness.
