Can an adjective change the use of zero versus definite article?

I have a little issue with the use of zero versus definite article, since I tend to abuse the former one.

Consider the following sentences:

• The issue described above influences the quality of software.


• This general issue affects the speed of applications.


• This affects the reliability of hardware.

The use of software, applications and hardware seems to me 'general', so according to what I know about english grammar, zero article should be used.

Suppose to add an adjective to 'specialize' such nouns, but still staying relatively general (i.e., not referring to specific applications).

• The issue described above influences the quality of the? produced software.


• This general issue affects the speed of the? deployed applications.


• This affects the reliability of the? produced hardware.

In these last cases, is it mandatory to use the definite article or is zero article still acceptable? Is there grammar reference that justifies the answer?