When a company decides to implement an automation system, a logical question arises: how exactly to do it? There are several options: create a solution from scratch, adapt a ready-made system, or customize a standard configuration. Each approach has its own advantages, cost, and level of compliance with business needs.
To better explain the difference between them, let's use everyday analogies: clothes, furniture, cars.
Main approaches to implementing an automation system
There are three models of implementation:
- Development from scratch - Customized solutions for unique processes.
- Customization of a ready-made solution - adaptation of the standard system to the company's needs.
- Typical setup - use of the basic configuration with minimal changes.
Analogy 1: Clothing
- Development from scratch - individual tailoring of a suit to order.
- Customization - purchase of a ready-made suit with subsequent edits.
- Settings - choosing a finished product that is more or less suitable.
Analogy 2. The kitchen
- Development from scratch - custom-made furniture.
- Customization - basic model with personalized changes.
- Settings - a typical headset from a mass market.
Analogy 3: The car
- Development from scratch - an exclusive car based on an individual project.
- Customization - a production model with tuning.
- Settings - standard equipment without changes.
When choosing development from scratch
Individual development of an automation system is relevant for companies with complex or unique process logic.
✔️Для of non-standard equipment or warehouse solutions
✔️Для services that implement unique business models
✔️Якщо typical solutions are not suitable at all
Pros.
- Full compliance with business specifics
- Flexibility of functionality
- Ability to implement non-standard ideas
Cons
- High cost and duration of the project
- Difficult support and dependence on the developer
- Expensive updates or lack thereof
Customization is the most common option
This approach allows you to implement an automation system faster and cheaper than developing it from scratch, while taking into account the specifics of the business. The standard solution is adapted to the company's requirements.
✔️Під time of ERP systems implementation
✔️Для automation of online stores or logistics
✔️Якщо has a clear understanding of what needs to be changed
Pros.
- Balance between cost, functionality and flexibility
- Basic logic is ready - focus on adaptation
- Scalability in the future
Cons
- Some processes remain standardized
- Some improvements may be lost when updating
Customization of a standard solution - minimum costs
This option is suitable for companies that are ready to adapt to the logic of a typical solution to save the budget.
✔️Бюджет limited
✔️Бізнес processes are simple and standard
✔️Важлива startup speed
Pros.
- The fastest start of work
- Easy to maintain and update
- Availability of support from any
- certified integrator
Cons
- Minimal flexibility
- The need to change internal processes
- Partial coverage of needs
How to make the right choice
An automation system should not only work, but also bring results. Therefore, before implementation, it is important to determine:
- How unique are our processes?
- What are our automation goals?
- Are we ready to adapt to the typical logic of the system?
In most cases, the best option is to customize a ready-made solution or customize the standard functionality. Development from scratch is the exception, not the rule.
ToDo Team works with ERP Odoo and helps businesses implement an automation system based on the specifics of their processes, needs, and priorities.
