How do you decide when to invest in custom tooling versus using off-the-shelf solutions?

Question

When does your team choose to build custom solutions, and when do you rely on existing tools? What has been your experience with both approaches?

Accepted Answer

I look at the long-term cost. Sometimes off-the-shelf tools seem cheaper upfront, but the recurring costs or lack of specific features add up.

Sage Wang · Answer

For me, it depends on the scale of the project.

Yatheen Brahma · Answer

It's really a question of flexibility for me. Off-the-shelf tools are great for general needs.

Brandon · Answer

Deciding when to invest in custom tooling versus using off-the-shelf solutions involves several considerations. If your business has unique requirements that standard solutions cannot meet, custom tooling may be warranted, as it can be tailored to fit specific workflows and processes, providing a competitive advantage.

Dennis Richi · Answer

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Benson Gao · Answer

At the start of a project, I prefer using ready-made solutions. However, as the product grows more complex and the user base expands, and the ready-made solutions can no longer meet the requirements, I lean towards developing my own solutions

Mishkat -e- Noraen · Answer

I usually start with off-the-shelf tools because they’re quicker to implement and less expensive.

Richard Reis · Answer

To me it's always a binary, price decision.

I'll go with whichever option is cheaper.

How do you decide when to invest in custom tooling versus using off-the-shelf solutions?

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