Buy when the problem is common
If a mature product covers 80% of your needs and the process is not a competitive differentiator, buying is usually faster and cheaper.
Build when the workflow is your advantage
Custom software earns its cost when it encodes how you uniquely operate, or when workarounds are costing more than a tailored tool would.
Count the whole cost
Include integration, maintenance, licence growth and switching costs on both sides of the comparison, not just the initial price.
Key takeaways
- Buy for commodity needs
- Build for differentiating workflows
- Compare total cost over several years
