When the time comes to equip your company with new software, a question always arises: Should we buy ready-to-use software or invest in a custom solution?
It’s a bit like choosing between a ready-made house or a house built according to your plans. Both options have their advantages. But it all depends on your needs, your goals… and your daily reality.
Here is a simple little guide to help you see clearly.
1. What is this software really used for in your company?
Before shopping for solutions, ask yourself:
What do we want to improve or fix with this software?
- Do your teams spend too much time doing manual follow-ups?
- Do you lack visibility on the state of production or stocks?
- Do you want to reduce human errors by automating certain processes?
If you are looking to adapt to your current processes, custom software can be more efficient. But if your needs are quite standard, a ready-to-use solution could be enough (and cheaper initially).
2. Are your processes simple or complex (and sometimes unique)?
Some companies easily adjust to existing software. Others have methods of their own, developed over time, difficult to change without shaking things up.
Ask yourself the question: is it the software that adapts to you, or vice versa?
👉 If your operational reality is very specific, tailoring avoids you from twisting your ways just to “fit” into a mold.
3. Do you need integrations with other tools or systems?
Good software never works alone. It often needs to communicate with your ERP, your HR system, your production tools, etc.
A ready-to-use software sometimes has limited or rigid integrations.
A custom software can integrate perfectly with your existing tools.
If your systems are to speak together like a well-oiled team, custom-made can really make a difference.
4. Is your team comfortable with ready-made solutions?
Some software is complex to handle. Others are more intuitive, but do not allow much customization.
Do you have the time (and energy) to train everyone? Will it slow down adoption?
Custom software can offer a more tailored interface to your users, with exactly what they need, nothing more, nothing less.
5. And on the budget side, what are you ready for?
Yes, the custom-made product requires a higher initial investment.
But it can also reduce time losses, errors, and improve efficiency in the long term.
Ready-to-use software, on the other hand, is more affordable at first, but often with recurring fees and customization limits.
Ask yourself: what is the real cost of staying in a solution that does not quite meet your needs?
In summary:
Each option has its strengths and limitations. This table summarizes at a glance the points to consider to make the right choice.
Need a hand choosing?
At Shift Group, we take the time to understand your reality to help you make the right choice at the right time.
Tell us about your challenges, we can guide you.
