ERP or a custom information system?

Two different approaches

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.

When an off-the-shelf ERP is enough

• Your processes are standard and don't differ from the competition.
• You need fast deployment and a low entry price.
• You're fine with paying licenses and adapting to the system's logic.

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.

When a custom system is worth it

• You have a process that is your competitive advantage and no boxed software covers it.
• You'd have to work around boxed software with Excel because „it can't do that“.
• You pay licenses for dozens of users and the sum keeps growing forever.
• You need specific integrations and full control over your data.

Costs over time

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.

It doesn't have to be either–or

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 advise what fits you

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.