When an off-the-shelf package is fine
For processes that are the same at almost every company, such as basic bookkeeping or email, an off-the-shelf package is often the wisest choice. It is quick, cheap and proven. Adding custom work where it is not needed only costs money and maintenance.
When custom software pays for itself
Custom pays off as soon as your process is a distinctive part of your business, or so specific that you keep bending an off-the-shelf package until it no longer fits. If you lose a lot of time every month because a tool just does not do what you need, you pay that bill too, just less visibly.
The middle road is often forgotten
You do not have to choose between everything standard or everything custom. Often the best solution is an off-the-shelf package for the basics, with a smart connection or a small piece of custom work for the part that is truly yours. That way you only pay for custom work where it makes the difference.
How to decide
- Is this process distinctive or standard? Standard leans towards a package.
- How much time or revenue does the current inconvenience cost per month?
- Do you keep bending a standard tool? Then that is a signal.
The honest rule of thumb: choose standard where you can, custom where it pays.