In the world of software development, we often envision applications as permanent fixtures – products built to last for years with ongoing maintenance and updates. But what if there was a different approach? One that prioritizes speed, immediate problem-solving, and practical outcomes over perfect, long-term solutions? This is the concept of “Disposable Software” as championed by CommWise.

What Is Disposable Software?

Disposable Software is exactly what it sounds like: solutions built to solve immediate problems that can be discarded or replaced when no longer needed. It’s the digital equivalent of using a paper cup instead of investing in fine china when you just need a quick drink of water.

At CommWise, this approach is described as “Rapid Prototyping” where solutions are quickly built for immediate needs. These solutions are termed “disposable” because they’re created fast to solve a problem and can be discarded or replaced as needs change.

How It Works in Practice

The CommWise framework has turned this concept into a structured methodology:

1. Rapid Identification: When a supply chain challenge arises (like our Easter demand spike example to come), it’s quickly broken down into core components
2. Integration-First Approach: Rather than building custom software from scratch, existing tools (Airtable, WordPress, automation services) are connected using APIs and webhooks
3. AI-Accelerated Development: AI assistants help at every stage – from brainstorming solutions to actually writing code
4. Two-Day Delivery Target: Most solutions aim to go from concept to working prototype in just 1-2 days
5. Test in Production: The solution is immediately used to solve the real problem it was designed for

Importantly, the “disposable” aspect doesn’t mean low quality. Rather, it means right-sized for the current need without overbuilding.

The Beverage Company Example: Disposable Software in Action

Perhaps the best illustration comes from a food and beverage producer case study. This company faced a crisis after a difficult holiday season, with another seasonal demand spike approaching rapidly. They needed a Sales & Operations Planning solution fast.

Using the disposable software approach:

• The team captured requirements in a two-hour brainstorming session
• Existing data was pulled into an Airtable planning template
• AI components were used to summarize results
• The entire solution was built and deployed in just two days

What’s fascinating about this case is that the “disposable” solution worked so well that it became a permanent part of their process. This reveals an important truth: disposable doesn’t always mean discarded. It means built without the burden of thinking it must be perfect and permanent from day one.

Why This Approach Works

The disposable software philosophy offers several key advantages:

1. Speed-to-Value: Solutions arrive when they’re needed, not months later
2. Reduced Risk: The investment is minimal, so failure costs less
3. Evolutionary Design: Solutions can evolve based on real usage, not theoretical requirements
4. Simplified Maintenance: Since components are modular and based on common platforms, they’re easier to maintain
5. Focus on Outcomes: The emphasis stays on solving the business problem, not building perfect software

When to Consider a Disposable Approach

Disposable software shines in specific scenarios:

• Crisis Response: When immediate action is needed (like the beverage company’s situation)
• Proof of Concept: To validate whether a concept works before larger investment
• Seasonal Needs: For processes that only run occasionally (like Coca-Cola’s inventory build-ahead)
• Changing Requirements: In dynamic environments where needs constantly evolve
• Resource Constraints: When budget or IT resources are limited

The Mental Shift

Adopting disposable software requires a mental shift for both developers and businesses:

1. From Perfection to Pragmatism: Accepting that “good enough now” often beats “perfect later”
2. From Ownership to Outcomes: Caring more about solving problems than owning custom code
3. From Monolithic to Modular: Seeing software as interconnected components rather than unified systems
4. From Future-Proofing to Present-Solving: Addressing today’s problems today, tomorrow’s problems tomorrow

Building Better by Building Less

Perhaps counterintuitively, the disposable approach often leads to better long-term solutions. By starting small and evolving based on real usage, the final result (if a solution does become permanent) is typically more focused and practical than if it had been overdesigned from the beginning.

The CommWise methodology embraces this reality. When a “disposable” solution proves its value, it can be refined, enhanced, and formalized – but only after it has demonstrated real-world utility.

Conclusion: A Pragmatic Revolution

The disposable software approach represents a pragmatic revolution in how we think about technology solutions. It acknowledges that in today’s fast-moving business environment, speed and adaptability often matter more than architectural elegance or comprehensive feature sets.

For supply chain planners facing real-world challenges, CommWise’s disposable software approach offers a refreshing alternative: solutions that arrive when needed, solve the actual problem at hand, and evolve naturally based on genuine utility rather than theoretical requirements.

In a world obsessed with building for the ages, sometimes what we really need is something that works today – even if we might throw it away tomorrow.