Build vs. Buy: Choosing the Right Maritime Software Approach

One of the most common questions we hear: should we build custom software or buy an existing product? The answer depends on your specific situation.

When to Buy Off-the-Shelf

Commercial software makes sense when:

The Problem is Well-Defined

Standard solutions exist for common maritime needs:

• Basic fleet tracking
• Standard PMS functionality
• Accounting and ERP
• Email and collaboration

You Don’t Need Differentiation

If the software isn’t a competitive advantage, why invest in custom development?

You Need Speed

Existing products can be deployed quickly. Custom development takes time.

Budget is Limited

Products spread development costs across many customers, reducing per-customer cost.

When to Build Custom

Custom development makes sense when:

Unique Processes

If your operations are genuinely different, standard software may not fit. Forcing your processes into rigid software often fails.

Competitive Advantage

When software directly impacts customer experience or operational efficiency, custom solutions can differentiate you.

Integration Requirements

If you need deep integration with existing systems, custom development may be more practical than adapting products.

Long-Term Total Cost

Sometimes custom development is cheaper over 5-10 years when you factor in licensing, customization, and limitation workarounds.

The Hybrid Approach

Often the best answer is a combination:

Core Products + Custom Integrations

Use established products for standard functions, with custom development to integrate them and fill gaps.

Platforms + Custom Modules

Some platforms allow custom development within their ecosystem, giving you both stability and flexibility.

Custom Core + Standard Extensions

Build your unique differentiators custom, and use standard tools for supporting functions.

Evaluation Framework

When deciding, consider:

Fit

How well does the product match your processes? How much customization is needed?

Total Cost

Include licenses, implementation, customization, integration, training, and ongoing support.

Risk

What happens if the vendor goes away? How dependent will you be?

Flexibility

Can you adapt as your needs change? Who controls the roadmap?

Timeline

How quickly do you need a solution? Can you wait for custom development?

Red Flags

Watch out for:

“We Can Customize Anything”

Heavy customization of products often creates maintenance nightmares.

Vendor Lock-In

Proprietary data formats and limited export options trap you.

Feature Lists Over Fit

Long feature lists don’t mean the product works for your specific needs.

Ignoring Integration

Products that can’t integrate create data silos.

Making the Decision

1. Define your requirements clearly before evaluating options
2. Evaluate multiple options in each category
3. Do proof-of-concepts before committing
4. Consider the long term, not just initial cost
5. Get expert input from people who’ve been through this

Conclusion

There’s no universal right answer. The best choice depends on your specific needs, constraints, and strategy. Take time to evaluate properly – this decision will impact your operations for years.