Build vs Buy Software: A Decision Framework for Business Systems
Compare custom development and packaged software using differentiation, fit, risk and operating cost.
Compare custom development and packaged software using differentiation, fit, risk and operating cost.
Buy commodity capability
When the process is standard and adaptation is reasonable, established software can reduce delivery time and operational burden.
Build where the workflow matters
Custom software is justified when the process creates competitive value, existing tools force costly workarounds or integration needs are fundamental.
Count lifecycle cost
Include licenses, implementation, customization, migration, support, change limits and switching cost. Make assumptions visible and revisit them as the business changes.
A practical next step
Turn the ideas in this guide into a short list of decisions, owners and evidence. Start with the customer or operational outcome, document the constraints and choose the smallest release that can prove useful value without compromising trust.