Build, Buy, or Replace
Decision frameworks for build vs buy, SaaS replacement, and migration planning.
The economics of building software have changed. AI-augmented development has compressed timelines and reduced cost, which means the build vs buy calculation looks different to even two years ago. These guides provide structured decision frameworks, TCO models, and migration playbooks for teams re-evaluating their software portfolio.
From assessing whether a SaaS tool should be replaced, to understanding the legal boundaries of clean-room reimplementation, to planning a 90-day migration, this collection gives you the evidence and structure to make confident decisions.
How franchise payments and payouts should work
How a franchise network collects payments and pays its franchisees: connected accounts with Stripe Connect, Direct Debit, and who holds the funds and the risk.
Replacing Your Tuition Centre Management System
When a tuition network outgrows generic class-management software: the build-vs-buy framework, the size threshold, migration reality, and licence economics.
Switching from Card Billing to Direct Debit: An FD's Guide
For UK recurring revenue, Direct Debit usually beats card on fees and involuntary churn. The honest trade-offs, who should not switch, and how the billing system decides it.
Card vs Direct Debit Savings Calculator
Free calculator: estimate the annual and five-year saving from moving recurring collections to Direct Debit, including the involuntary-churn value most tools miss.
Ancillary Revenue for Ferry Operators
How ferry operators grow revenue per passenger with accommodation, attractions, events, and vehicle extras, using an experience layer the standard booking flow does not provide.
Franchise Software Cost Calculator: Renting vs Owning
Model the five-year cost of a per-franchisee platform against an owned one. See the crossover point and the growth penalty that per-franchisee pricing hides.
What a Franchisee Field App Should Actually Do
A practical requirements guide for franchisors whose franchisees avoid the current system. A ten-point capability checklist, three signs you have outgrown it, and what good looks like.
Leaving Your Direct Debit Bureau: The Routes Out
Outgrown your Direct Debit bureau? The three routes to independence compared, how a Service User Number and sponsorship work, and how mandate migration is done safely.
Franchise Management vs Franchise Operations Software: Why Networks End Up Running Two Systems
Most franchise networks choose software for head-office oversight and inherit weak day-to-day operations, or the reverse. A guide to the operations gap and how to close it.
How to Choose Franchise Software: A Buyer's Guide and RFP Checklist
A practical buyer's guide for franchise operators evaluating software. The criteria that matter, an RFP checklist, and a structured evaluation process.
Own vs Rent: Perpetual Licence versus Per-Member SaaS for Multi-Site Operators
Per-member and per-site SaaS fees scale with your success. An owned platform with a perpetual licence does not. A total-cost-of-ownership guide for multi-site operators.
What's Your SaaS Really Costing You? A Payback Calculator
Enter your licence, change request, and workaround costs to see the true annual cost of your SaaS product and the payback period on a custom replacement.
AI-Augmented Development ROI for UK Mid-Market Buyers
How AI-augmented delivery changes the cost model for UK mid-market software builds. A worked ROI framework, the inputs that matter, and how to read supplier claims.
Power Apps, SaaS, or Custom Build? A Self-Assessment for Business Leaders
Answer 10 questions covering your IT capability, requirements, and preferences to get a tailored recommendation. Free, expert-backed results in three minutes.
The AI-Era SaaS Replacement Playbook: When, Why and How to Replace SaaS with Custom Software
AI-augmented development has collapsed the cost of custom software. A decision framework for UK CTOs evaluating whether to replace SaaS tools like HubSpot, BambooHR, and Workday with purpose-built systems.
SaaS to Custom Software Migration: A 90-Day Playbook
A phased migration plan for moving from SaaS to custom software. Covers discovery, data migration, parallel running, and cutover with week-by-week guidance.
When to Replace SaaS with Custom Software: A CTO's Decision Framework
A practical scorecard for CTOs evaluating whether to replace a SaaS tool with custom-built software. Six criteria, scoring guidance, and worked examples.
Build vs Buy: How AI-Augmented Development Changes the Equation
The traditional build-vs-buy framework assumed custom software was slow and expensive. AI-augmented delivery changes the cost, speed, and risk calculation. A practical decision guide for CTOs and product leaders.
Related services
Explore other guide categories
AI and Code
AI tools, IP ownership, attribution, and compliance for enterprise teams.
API and Integration
REST, GraphQL, gRPC, Azure API Management, and integration patterns.
Development Practice
DevOps, CI/CD, testing, estimation, and delivery patterns.
Legacy Modernisation
Recognising hidden costs, choosing a modernisation strategy, and planning migration from legacy systems.
Legal and Contracts
Software development contracts, IP licensing, liability, and the legal terms that shape bespoke build engagements.
Teams and Support
Choosing partners, managing handovers, and outsourcing application support.
Need help with build, buy, or replace?
Our team can help you put these ideas into practice. Book a free consultation to discuss your specific situation.
Book a consultation