A ready-made service can be connected faster: it already has typical functions, and the provider supports the platform. Custom development requires more planning, but allows you to build a system around a specific process.
01When an off-the-shelf service is appropriate
Off-the-shelf is convenient when your process is typical and the necessary functions are already in the system. Check if you can manage access, export data, add required fields and connect other tools.
Find out separately the payment model: by number of users, data volume or additional modules. As the team grows, the usage cost can change significantly.
02When a custom system is needed
A custom CRM or web system makes sense when a standard service forces the team to work around manual limitations. For example, an important stage of work cannot be added, data has to be transferred between several systems, or customers need a separate portal.
Custom development does not mean that you have to create everything at once. First, the first version is defined: tasks, user roles and necessary integrations.
03How to compare the cost
Compare not only the price of the connection. Add subscription, settings, data transfer and team time to the ready-made service. For your own system, consider development, support, hosting and subsequent changes.
At Cligora, we value not only the list of features, but also the process itself. This helps to understand whether a ready-made service is enough, or whether a business really needs an individual solution.