As technology reshapes every industry, one of the most pressing questions tech executives face is this: Should we buy or build our software solutions? This decision isn’t merely about resources or time; it’s a strategic choice that impacts everything from company culture and competitive edge to customer satisfaction. While both approaches offer unique advantages, understanding when to buy versus build requires a blend of strategic insight, operational analysis, and long-term vision.

Understanding when to buy vs build

1. Defining the problem before choosing the solution

The first step in the buy vs. build decision-making process is a thorough understanding of the problem. What business challenges or opportunities are we addressing? Often, executives fall into the trap of choosing a solution that doesn’t fully align with the problem, which can lead to wasted resources and delayed results. Consider whether the problem is core to your competitive advantage or a support function that can be efficiently handled by existing solutions.

Core activities: These are the elements that directly impact your unique market position. For example, if you’re an e-commerce platform, your user experience and backend logistics could be core areas where a custom-built solution offers a stronger competitive advantage.

Non-core activities: Functions like HR management, payroll, or marketing automation may not directly impact your competitive advantage. In these cases, buying a well-established product can provide value without overextending your resources.

2. Evaluating the cost of building: It’s more than dollars and cents

Building software is resource-intensive. However, beyond the development costs, you also have to consider the ongoing expenses associated with maintenance, updates, and scalability. Additionally, in-house solutions demand dedicated technical expertise. You’ll need a team to manage not only the initial build but also the inevitable iterations that come with scaling, security, and user demands.

When calculating the cost of building, take into account:

Initial investment: The development cost, including resources, time, and capital.

Maintenance and upgrades: Software needs continuous maintenance to address bugs, updates, and changing requirements.

Employee opportunity cost: What could your team be achieving if they weren’t focused on building and maintaining this particular solution?

3. Understanding the buy option: Speed, quality, and innovation

Buying software can speed up the time to market and provide access to tried-and-tested solutions. It allows companies to integrate high-quality tools quickly, often at a fraction of the cost of building. Established vendors continuously update their offerings to stay competitive, which means you benefit from regular improvements and innovations without the internal expense.

However, buying software comes with its trade-offs:

Dependency on vendor: You rely on the vendor’s development cycle, security protocols, and support, which can sometimes limit flexibility.

Customization limitations: Out-of-the-box solutions might not meet all specific requirements, leading to workarounds that don’t fully align with your business needs.

Licensing and scaling costs: Some software packages can become costly as your team or user base grows, so forecasting your future needs is essential when considering a purchase.

4. Assessing flexibility and scalability needs

The dynamic nature of tech demands a solution that can scale and adapt as your company evolves. This is often where the line blurs between buying and building. For instance, a hybrid approach—where you buy a foundational system and build custom extensions—can offer the best of both worlds. Flexibility to adapt to market changes and scale without re-engineering your entire system is a critical factor in deciding whether to buy, build, or combine the two approaches.

5. Weighing your talent and time constraints

The talent and time available in your organization can also influence your decision. Building solutions internally demands that your team has the expertise and capacity to take on the project while continuing to manage their regular duties. Companies with small or overstretched IT teams may find that purchasing software enables them to focus on strategic objectives rather than becoming bogged down in development.

Consider whether your team has:

The expertise: Do you have, or can you acquire, the necessary skill sets for development, deployment, and long-term management?

The bandwidth: If building in-house, will it negatively impact other priorities or delay time-sensitive projects?

6. Prioritizing security and compliance

Whether you’re in healthcare, finance, or e-commerce, the security and compliance standards of your software are non-negotiable. While established vendors often have robust security protocols and adhere to industry standards, custom-built solutions offer the flexibility to meet specific security needs and tailor compliance to local or global regulations.

However, custom solutions require ongoing monitoring and adaptation to the latest security threats, which can be resource-intensive. The key question is: Does your team have the expertise and resources to manage compliance and security on an ongoing basis?

7. Making the decision: Aligning with business objectives

Ultimately, the decision to buy or build should align with your overall business objectives. Ask yourself:

Does this solution align with our long-term vision?

Will it enhance our competitive position in the market?

How will it impact our customers and team experience?

For tech executives, this decision isn’t a one-time consideration. With the rapid pace of technological advancement, it’s crucial to regularly re-evaluate whether your current solutions continue to meet the needs of your evolving business landscape. When approached thoughtfully, the buy vs. build decision becomes less about one option over the other and more about how each can be leveraged to move the company forward.

Final thoughts

While there’s no definitive answer to the buy vs. build question, a balanced approach can serve as a roadmap for tech executives. Sometimes, the best solution lies in buying a reliable foundation and layering custom-built solutions on top to meet unique needs. By strategically assessing each option’s impact on flexibility, cost, scalability, and talent, tech leaders can make informed choices that drive sustainable growth and innovation.