The "Buy vs. Build" Principle

The "Buy vs. Build" principle refers to the choice between buying a ready-made solution or developing a custom solution for your webshop and corresponding ERP integration.

Since your webshop represents digital progress that leads to a reduction in administrative work for your internal team or as a business owner, it is essential to make the right choice here. Several aspects are important:

• Your goals: Are you targeting B2C, B2B, or both? Do you want to attract new customers or provide existing customers with a simpler way to order?
• Growth or optimization? Of course, you want to achieve growth with such an online platform, but where do you initially get it from? Do you attract new customers immediately with your portal, or do you first focus on administrative relief by allowing your current customers to order online? Everything is possible!
• Your existing IT architecture: Do you already have an operational ERP system that manages all processes? Or do you use a PIM system in which all product information is stored? Chances are that there are already ready-made solutions for your internal systems that can further help you.

The Pros and Cons of a Custom Solution (Build)

Custom solutions are especially suitable for companies with complex and non-standardized processes. Often, an indication for such a custom-made trajectory is that considerable customization had to be integrated into the ERP system to meet your processes.

Whether you choose custom work does not necessarily depend on your budget but rather on the complexity of your processes. If you have standardized processes, you are likely always more efficient and cost-effective with a ready-made platform.

Completely Tailored to Your Needs

Custom solutions are developed by specialized agencies that map out your company's entire IT structure. This makes the solution tailored to your specific needs. You have full control over the implementation, delivery, functionalities, and much more.

Consider the Challenges

Such a custom solution may sound appealing, but it is also important to consider certain disadvantages. Not every agency offers the same level of support, so research this in advance.

Moreover, the lack of standardized solutions can lead to long wait times and frustrations when certain problems arise. Therefore, take the time to compare a standard solution and even consider adjusting your processes to fit within the standard, as much as possible, of course.

Additionally, when upgrading your ERP system, you always have to ensure the compatibility and readiness of the customized solutions yourself, which can be an additional challenge given the necessary internal follow-up, testing, and associated price tag.

Therefore, it is wise to make a thorough comparison between a custom solution and a standard solution, considering the price, the necessary internal resources, and the available support.

Why Should I Choose a Standard Solution (Buy)?

In one word? Convenience.

But the predictable costs of the solution are also a nice bonus! Since a purchase is usually based on the SaaS model, you have a fixed monthly cost that is much easier to budget.

By choosing a standard solution, you leverage the expertise of providers who know these processes inside out because they have optimized them in their product. This not only saves you the headaches of technical problems and high costs but also the 'learning costs' that often accompany building a solution yourself.

Since a SaaS product is a dynamic product with regular updates, you are assured that you are always running on the latest technology. In the case of a Build (custom) solution, you build a product only once and then add extra functions based on requests, nothing automatic.

Although some companies have to build a webshop from scratch due to their specific processes, most companies find it faster, better, and more efficient to work with a ready-made platform.

Easy Implementation and Predictable Costs

With a limited development budget, you have two options: save by omitting certain (important) elements, which is risky, or opt for a standard solution.

Standard solutions are designed for quick and easy implementation, meaning you invest less time and resources to get your webshop operational. They are user-friendly and require no technical knowledge. Moreover, the costs of a standard solution are often lower than a custom solution, which is also not unimportant.

Many standard solutions are offered as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). This means you pay for a subscription and gain access to the complete package of features and support. A SaaS solution offers predictable costs, without unpleasant surprises. This is especially useful when linking to complex systems such as ERP or PIM systems. At Marcando, we have already realized robust standard integrations with the most used ERP packages for wholesalers and manufacturing companies in the SME segment.

Support

Standard solutions come with extensive support from your provider. This means you have access to technical assistance and expertise when you need it. Whether you need help with installation, troubleshooting, or optimizing your webshop, you can count on the support of an experienced team.

They also have the structures, such as a helpdesk, continuity provision, or optimized processes, to provide support for this platform. This guarantees a seamless experience for all customers using your platform.

Limitations

Although standard solutions are advantageous, they also have their limitations. Since the software is standardized, company-specific integrations and adjustments are often more challenging to achieve. Fortunately, many processes for (B2B) online sales are already standardized, making a standard solution often the most logical choice for your webshop issue.

Is There a Golden Middle Way?

We understand, choosing between custom or standard solutions is not an easy decision to make. Fear not, there are partners who offer a hybrid solution. They combine the best of both worlds, allowing you to benefit from both ready-made solutions and custom development.

Consider:

• The core functionalities you can get from a standard solution and which aspects require customization.
• How much flexibility such a hybrid solution gives you. Not every ready-made solution is equally adaptable.

Conclusion

When it comes to e-commerce, speed, relief, and quality of infrastructure and integration are essential. The dynamics of ERP and PIM systems require continuous adjustments and updates, meaning your webshop must always be up-to-date.

Time lost due to technical problems and waiting for support can be disastrous for your business. If you choose a standard solution, that provider can get to work with the necessary expertise to solve problems.

With a custom solution, you not only risk losing speed but it can also result in hourly billing for all necessary support and solutions that need to be provided. This often makes it not the optimal choice for your B2B webshop.

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