The Ultimate Software Debate: To Build Or To Buy

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One of the biggest dilemmas when looking for a new piece of business software is whether to build or buy your new system. And, without sound advice it can be an extremely difficult decision to make. Both options have pros and cons, but it is crucial that your ultimate choice is not solely driven by cost. We have explored these options in detail to help you make the right decision for your business. 

Building a custom in-house software solution provides your company with flexibility and ensures that you can modify the system if and when needed. This can however be expensive and time-consuming, therefore many companies turn to software houses who provide existing, available and continiously refined solutions. This means that they can stick to limited budgets and improve their expected implementation period.

We have recently published our Build vs Buy eBook outlining the different options and key factors that should be considered throughout the decision making process.

Preview of Build vs Buy eBook

Triggers for change

The eBook explores all of the key steps you need to take throughout your decision process. First and foremost, it is important to outline the reasons for your new business system whether that be a CRM or a system for training. This means identifying your requirements and key triggers for change. Some of the most common triggers for change include:

  • Overwhelming manual administration tasks
  • Out-growing of existing business processes
  • Lack of consistency across the organisation

These triggers should be the starting point of the process to guide you in the right direction.

Other aspects that need to be considered include return on investment, long term business objectives and level of customisation and technical support needed.

Our eBook explains in detail when companies should build a custom in-house software solution and when it might be more suitable to turn to existing software houses including advantages and disadvantages of both paths.

6 questions to ask during a demo

We also help you prepare for software demonstrations with key questions to ask software suppliers. Demonstrations are crucial in explore existing management systems.

To get the maximum value out of a software demo, you have to identify what you want to get out of it. This means identifying questions that you want to ask the experts, so that you can make the most out of the opportunity.

At the end of the eBook, we will help you evaluate your options and make a decision. The simple answer to the build vs buy dilemma is ‘only build when there is no option to buy’.

The costs associated with building a custom software solution from scratch are difficult to justify when there is an existing system on the market that meets the same requirements.

If you want to find out more about whether to build or buy, download our eBook to help you make the right decision.

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Other related articles include:

Ensuring A Smooth Transition To A New Business System

Do I Need A New Training Management System?

3 Features Of A Successful Training Management System