When to Build Software Instead of Buying It
Should You Build or Buy Software?
When it comes to software, businesses often face the classic "build vs. buy" dilemma. Do you buy off-the-shelf software or do you invest in building a custom application tailored to your exact needs?
At Showoff, we (Or Shane our CEO!) love a good LEGO analogy (we’ve talked about it before). Think of software as a LEGO project. If you need a solid, well-structured castle, you could buy a pre-designed LEGO set. It’s reliable, efficient, and gets the job done. But if you want a unique fortress with secret tunnels and hidden chambers, you might need to build your own masterpiece from scratch. The same applies to software.
So, when should you buy, and when should you build? Let’s break it down.
When Buying Software Makes Sense
Buying software is like purchasing a ready-made LEGO set—it’s structured, efficient, and designed to work out of the box. Here’s when it makes the most sense:
1. For Core Business Functions
Software like Xero (accounting) and Salesforce (CRM), are industry leaders for a reason. They standardise processes, improve efficiency, and take the complexity off your plate.We use them here in Showoff.
2. When You Need Rapid Deployment
Off-the-shelf solutions are quicker to implement and come with built-in support. If you need to get up and running fast, buying is usually the best option.
3. To Avoid Unnecessary Complexity
Pre-built software abstracts away maintenance, updates, and security patches—saving you time and resources.
4. To Stay Focused on Innovation
By buying software for common business functions, you free up internal teams to focus on what truly differentiates your company.
However, buying isn’t always the best solution. Let’s look at when building is the smarter choice.
When Building Custom Applications is the Right Move
Sometimes, a standard LEGO set just won’t cut it—you need to get creative and build something unique. Here’s when custom applications make sense:
1. When You Need Differentiation
If your business relies on unique processes that drive competitive advantage, a custom application can help you stand out.
2. To Optimize for Scale and Efficiency
Custom applications let you fine-tune performance, automate workflows, and scale in a way off-the-shelf solutions can’t match.
3. To Avoid Vendor Lock-in
Building your own software ensures you’re not tied to a vendor’s roadmap, pricing changes, or licensing restrictions.
4. For Seamless Integration
While platforms like Salesforce and Mulesoft offer excellent integration capabilities, sometimes you need a purpose-built solution to unify your data and operations seamlessly.
Showoff’s Approach: The Best of Both Worlds
At Showoff, we take a hybrid approach. We buy best-in-class software like Salesforce and Xero for our core internal processes. But when it comes to delivering unique solutions for our clients, we build custom applications leveraging Heroku, Mulesoft, Agentforce, and Data Cloud.
This strategy ensures efficiency in our internal operations while giving us the flexibility to innovate where it matters most.
Final Thoughts: Build When It Matters, Buy When It Works
The decision to build or buy software depends on your business goals, budget, and need for differentiation. If an off-the-shelf solution meets your needs, there’s no shame in buying. But if software is a core part of your value proposition, building a custom application can give you a competitive edge.
Need help deciding? As a trusted Salesforce Partner, we can help you build or integrate the right solution. Let’s chat about how to future-proof your software strategy!
Get in touch today.
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By Barry Sheehan, CCO @ Showoff