Buy vs. build: 5 reasons to retire your homegrown system

The right management solution is crucial for any organization's sustained success and growth. Businesses often grapple with the decision between sticking with a homegrown system or transitioning to a commercial solution. While homegrown systems offer the allure of customization and familiarity, they may not always keep pace with industry standards or scalability demands. On the other hand, commercial systems are designed to cater to a broad spectrum of needs with robust features and regular updates that ensure reliability and compliance.

This guide will explain why you might want to consider retiring your homegrown system and explore the benefits of commercial systems – including efficiency, cost-effectiveness, scalability, security and access to advanced features.

Enhanced efficiency and productivity

Transitioning from a homegrown system to a professionally developed solution can significantly enhance efficiency and productivity. Commercial systems are designed with best practices in mind and often come with features that streamline operations, automate routine tasks and reduce the need for manual intervention.

Commercial systems are also regularly updated to improve functionality and user experience, ensuring your business processes remain smooth and efficient. These consistent updates can lead to a more productive workforce and better overall performance.

Cost savings and financial benefits

While purchasing a commercial system might require an initial investment, the long-term cost savings can be substantial. Homegrown systems often incur hidden costs related to maintenance, troubleshooting and updates – not to mention the potential expenses associated with downtime or system failures.

By retiring your homegrown system, you can also reduce the need for internal IT resources to manage and support the system, allowing your team to focus on more strategic initiatives. Over time, the financial benefits of adopting a commercial solution can outweigh the initial costs. Furthermore, the development of cloud technology offers a lower-cost option. Software as a Service (SaaS) systems allow users to access the management platform via the internet so that you can avoid expensive infrastructure or IT costs.

Scalability and growth opportunities

Commercial systems are built with scalability in mind, allowing your business to grow without the constraints often associated with homegrown solutions. As your business expands, these systems can easily accommodate increased data volumes, more users and additional functionalities.

This scalability ensures that your technology infrastructure can support your business's growth trajectory, providing opportunities for expansion and innovation without needing constant reengineering or system overhauls.

Improved security and compliance

Security is a critical concern for any business, and commercial systems offer enhanced security features often lacking in homegrown solutions. These systems are designed to meet industry standards and regulatory requirements, helping your business remain compliant with data protection laws and minimize risk.

Regular security updates and patches from the vendor ensure your system is protected against emerging threats, providing peace of mind that your sensitive data and business operations are secure.

Access to advanced features and support

Commercial solutions often come with a suite of advanced features that can enhance your business operations. These may include sophisticated analytics, integrated communication tools and customizable workflows that are difficult to replicate in a homegrown system.

Moreover, professional support from the vendor ensures that any issues are quickly resolved, minimizing downtime and keeping your business running smoothly. Access to dedicated support can be invaluable, providing expert assistance when you need it and ensuring optimal system performance.

Kerridge Commercial Systems (KCS) is a market-leading provider of ERP and business management solutions. Our software is backed by a robust team of implementation and support experts who understand your unique industry requirements. Ready to switch from a homegrown system to a more advanced solution? Contact us today.