The build-vs-buy question
Every growing business eventually asks: should we subscribe to another tool or build something of our own? The answer is rarely all-or-nothing. It depends on each process.
Where SaaS wins
- Standard processes. Email, basic accounting and video meetings rarely need customisation.
- Speed. You can be productive the same day.
- Low upfront cost. Monthly subscriptions avoid capital investment.
Where custom software wins
- Differentiating workflows. Your pricing logic, dealer schemes or service delivery model.
- Integration depth. When data must flow between many systems reliably.
- Total cost at scale. Per-user fees across hundreds of users add up.
- Ownership and control. Your roadmap, your data model, your hosting.
A simple decision framework
Ask four questions for each process:
- Is this process a source of competitive advantage?
- Does a SaaS tool cover at least 80% of it without workarounds?
- How many users will need access in three years?
- How many other systems must it exchange data with?
If the answers are "no, yes, few, few" — buy SaaS. If they lean "yes, no, many, many" — consider custom or a configurable platform.
The middle path: configurable platforms
Configurable platforms such as FairBazaar CRM and FairBazaar ERP offer a ready foundation that is adapted to your process, combining faster delivery with a better fit. Learn more about our IT consulting for build-vs-buy decisions.
Conclusion
Treat build-vs-buy as a portfolio decision. Buy commodity, build or configure what differentiates you, and make sure everything connects.
