Custom software or off-the-shelf: how to decide
The differences between custom and off-the-shelf software, the advantages of each and questions to choose the right one for your company.
Two paths
Off-the-shelf software is a ready-to-use product shared by many companies. Custom software is designed and built around your organization’s processes.
When off-the-shelf makes sense
- Your process is standard and the tool covers it well.
- You need to start right away with a low upfront investment.
- You don’t rely on special integrations with other systems.
When custom software makes sense
- The way you work is a competitive advantage you don’t want to bend to a tool.
- You use several systems and spreadsheets that don’t talk to each other.
- You pay licenses for many features you never use.
- You need rules, reports or integrations no product offers.
- You want to own the solution and decide how it evolves.
Questions to decide
- How much time does your team lose today on manual or duplicate work?
- How much would your process have to change to fit the generic tool?
- What will licenses cost in three to five years if your team grows?
- What happens if the vendor changes prices or drops a feature?
There is also a middle ground: use off-the-shelf software for the standard parts and integrate it with custom development for what makes you unique.