Buy an off-the-shelf ERP, or have a custom system built? It's not a question of “better vs. worse”, but of what fits your company. Let's break down the deciding factors.
An off-the-shelf ERP (for example Odoo, SAP, Pohoda, etc.) is a ready-made product that covers common processes — invoicing, warehouse, accounting. A custom system is written exactly according to how your company works. The first forces the company to adapt to the software, the second adapts to the company.
For many companies the ideal compromise is Odoo — an open system that can be significantly customized. We cover the comparison in the article Odoo or a custom system.
An off-the-shelf ERP has a low start, but the monthly licenses run continuously. A custom system has a higher initial investment, but you own it. With a larger team the curves cross and custom starts being cheaper. We break down the numbers in the article How much does a custom information system cost.
A common solution is a combination: an off-the-shelf system for the standard (accounting) and a custom module for what makes you different — connected via API. You get the speed of an off-the-shelf solution and the precision of custom.
We'll go through your processes and tell you straight whether an off-the-shelf ERP is enough or whether a custom system is worth it — a no-obligation consultation.
No. If your processes are standard, an off-the-shelf ERP is faster and cheaper. Custom is worth it where you have a specific process that a boxed product doesn't cover.
Yes, and it's common. An off-the-shelf system covers the standard (accounting), a custom module covers what makes you different, and they're connected via API.
It depends on the number of users. An ERP has a low start, but you keep paying licenses. With a larger team a custom system that you own often pays off.
Get in touch and within a few days you'll have a proposed solution and a timeline. No commitments, no fluff.
