Build vs. buy
Build vs. buy
An honest framework for when SaaS wins and when custom operational software is justified.
Buy when
The workflow is standard, the product can become the process and reporting needs are close to built-in.
Build when
The workflow is a competitive advantage, data spans several tools, or exceptions are the expensive part.
Compare
Products to consider include NetSuite, Odoo, Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoho and vertical SaaS before custom work is justified.
Decision checklist.
Buy whenWorkflow is standard, reporting is close enough, and team can adapt to the product.
Build whenThe workflow is the advantage, exceptions are expensive, or data spans multiple systems.
Hybrid whenSaaS owns the commodity core and custom software handles the operational edge.