How to know if you need custom software (and if you don't, yet)

Not every operational pain point needs custom software. This guide walks through a simple framework for deciding what level of solution actually fits your problem.

Start by asking whether the process is truly repeatable and high-volume, or a one-off exception. High-volume, repeatable, and currently manual is the strongest signal for automation or custom software.

Next, check whether an off-the-shelf tool already solves 80% of the problem. If it does, the remaining 20% is often better solved with a small integration than a full custom build.

If neither applies — the process is core to how your business operates and no existing tool fits — that's when a custom solution earns its cost.