Build vs Buy: a 10-question decision checklist

Not sure whether to buy off-the-shelf software, build something custom, or just automate what you already have? Work through these ten questions. It is the same framework we use on a free software review — and it will often tell you NOT to build.

What the checklist covers

Ten plain-English questions that, together, point you toward buy, build, or automate — including the ones that most often say don’t build. A sample of what you’ll work through:

  • Does off-the-shelf software already cover 80%+ of what you need?
  • Over three years, would subscriptions cost more than a one-time build plus upkeep?
  • Do you need to own the data and the software, or is a vendor’s cloud fine?
  • Is there a compliance or industry-specific requirement off-the-shelf products ignore?
  • What does not solving this cost you in errors, wasted time, and missed revenue?

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