Buy vs Build: Should Publishers Build Their Own JMS or Buy One?
Scholarly publishers today operate in a fast-moving digital environment. Rising submission volumes, tighter peer-review timelines, metadata compliance, and expectations for transparency have made technology a critical foundation for publishing success.
One strategic question continues to surface across publishing houses, universities, and journal societies:
Should publishers build their own Journal Management System (JMS), or buy a ready-made platform?
This blog explores the Buy vs Build decision in depth—examining cost, scalability, risk, and long-term sustainability—so publishers can make a future-ready choice.
What Is a Journal Management System (JMS)?
A Journal Management System is a digital platform that manages the complete editorial and publishing workflow of academic journals.
A modern JMS typically includes:
Manuscript submission and tracking
Peer review and revision workflows
Editorial decision management
DOI and metadata handling
Issue and article publication management
Role-based dashboards for authors, reviewers, editors, and publishers
Without a reliable JMS, publishers face delays, manual errors, reviewer drop-offs, and operational inefficiencies.
Option 1: Building a Journal Management System
Building an in-house JMS may seem attractive, especially for publishers with unique workflows or internal technical teams.
Advantages of Building
Full ownership and control of the system
Custom workflows tailored to internal policies
No dependency on external vendors
Challenges of Building
However, building a JMS introduces several long-term challenges:
High initial development costs
Long development and testing cycles
Continuous maintenance and infrastructure expenses
Security, compliance, and performance risks
Dependence on internal technical expertise
Most importantly, publishing requirements evolve constantly—making long-term system maintenance complex and resource-intensive.
Option 2: Buying a Ready-Made JMS
Buying a ready-made JMS provides access to a stable, proven platform designed specifically for publishing workflows.
Advantages of Buying
Faster implementation and quicker go-live
Proven editorial workflows aligned with industry standards
Built-in security, audit trails, and compliance support
Easy scalability across multiple journals
Ongoing upgrades and feature enhancements
Considerations
Subscription or licensing costs
Configuration limits depending on the platform
Modern platforms like Kryoni JMS balance configurability with standardization, offering flexibility without the risks of custom development.
Cost Comparison: Build vs Buy
The real difference lies in the total cost of ownership.
Building a JMS involves:
Development and QA costs
Hosting and infrastructure
Security audits and compliance updates
Ongoing maintenance and enhancements
Buying a JMS involves:
Predictable licensing or subscription costs
Implementation and support
Over time, buying a JMS is often more cost-effective, predictable, and scalable.
Scalability, Security, and Compliance
As journals grow, systems must support:
Increased manuscript volume
Multi-journal management
Secure access controls
Transparent audit trails
Metadata and DOI standards
Ready-made JMS platforms are designed with scalability and compliance in mind, while custom systems often struggle to adapt quickly.
Strategic Focus for Publisher
Publishers must consider a critical question:
Is our core strength software development or publishing excellence?
Buying a JMS allows publishers to:
Focus on editorial quality
Improve reviewer and author experience
Reduce operational risk
Adapt faster to industry changes
Conclusion: Build It Yourself or Buy It Smart?
While building a JMS may provide control, it also brings complexity, cost, and long-term risk. Buying a proven platform enables publishers to move faster, operate efficiently, and scale with confidence.
Platforms like Kryoni JMS are designed specifically for scholarly publishing—offering configurable workflows, multi-journal support, secure infrastructure, and continuous improvements.
For publishers aiming for sustainability, efficiency, and growth, buying a smart, purpose-built JMS is the strategic choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between building and buying software?
Building software involves creating a system from scratch, while buying software means using a ready-made solution designed for specific use cases.
Is it cheaper to build or buy a Journal Management System?
In most cases, buying a JMS is more cost-effective over time due to lower maintenance, predictable costs, and faster implementation.
How long does it take to build a JMS?
Building a JMS can take several months or even years, depending on complexity, testing, and ongoing enhancements.
How long does it take to implement a ready-made JMS?
A ready-made JMS can typically be implemented within weeks after configuration and onboarding.
Can a JMS handle multiple journals?
Yes. Modern JMS platforms are designed to manage multiple journals from a single system.
Is a ready-made JMS customizable?
Most JMS platforms offer configurable workflows and role-based settings to match journal policies.
What are the risks of building a JMS?
Common risks include high costs, delays, security vulnerabilities, scalability issues, and dependency on internal technical teams.
What features should a good JMS have?
A good JMS should support submission tracking, peer review, editorial decisions, DOI management, role-based access, and reporting.
Is data security important in journal management systems?
Yes. A JMS must ensure secure data handling, access control, and audit trails to protect manuscripts and user information.
Why do publishers prefer ready-made JMS platforms today?
Publishers prefer ready-made JMS platforms because they reduce operational risk, improve efficiency, and allow teams to focus on publishing rather than technology.
