Sooner or later, every company striving for growth faces the need to automate business processes. But before launching changes, a key question arises: should you choose a ready-made software product or order a full-fledged automation project?
At first glance, both options lead to the same goal - to streamline processes and increase efficiency. But the difference in approaches, responsibilities, and results can be significant.
What an automation project includes
An individual project involves in-depth work on the needs of your business. Typically, it covers:
- analysis of the customer's existing business processes;
- fixing expectations and the final result;
- audit of the current system (if any);
- adaptation of functionality to the needs of the company;
- customization if the standard functionality does not cover the requirements;
- system setup and user training.
This approach allows you to achieve maximum compliance between the system and the business.
What is a software product?
The software product is a ready-made solution with standard functionality. It:
- solves specific typical tasks;
- can be deployed without assistance;
- is designed for average processes in a particular industry;
- is suitable for many, but does not always take into account the specifics of an individual company.
The main advantage is a quick launch and lower cost. But at the same time, it is also a limitation.
Cost comparison: investing now and later
The cost of a finished product is usually much lower, because the costs of its development have already been distributed among many users. But an individual project is created for one company, and all costs are borne by the customer.
However, it is worth considering not only the price at the start, but also the potential costs of adapting or modifying the system if it does not cover your processes.
Who is responsible for the result?
This is the key difference between the approaches.
- Product: You get the tool, and then it's up to you. You implement it yourself or look for consultants. In case of problems, you solve them yourself.
- Project: The integrator takes over responsibility for the result. It is he who has to customize the system so that it works for your processes and brings results.
Analogy: buying a kitchen at IKEA and assembling it yourself is a product. Ordering a kitchen with a designer's visit and installation is a project.
How to understand what is right for you
The finished product - if you are a small company with simple processes. For example, a retail outlet with basic needs: purchasing, selling, reporting, and payments.
Automation project - If you have:
- complex structure of the company;
- several directions;
- interaction between departments;
- specific processes;
- the need for management accounting, planning, and integrations.
Tip from the integrator
If you are not sure what is right for you, contact a specialist. Competent integratorswho work with both finished products and projects, will help you conduct an initial analysis and choose the best solution.
This will significantly reduce the risks: you won't spend money on a solution that you won't be able to use.
Instead of a conclusion
The first step is a consultation. A free meeting with experts will help you understand the scale, assess the complexity, and form a vision. And after that, you can determine whether you need a standard solution or a project.
