Custom software vs SaaS
Use this when you are stuck between buying another subscription and building something that matches how your business actually runs.
Choose SaaS when
- Your workflow is standard (CRM, email, basic booking)
- Speed to start matters more than perfect fit
- You do not want to own maintenance yet
Choose custom when
- Staff live in spreadsheets and workarounds
- Customer experience is unique (field ops, specialty services)
- You need integrations SaaS cannot do cleanly
Portfolio proof
US local-service platforms like GlassPatch and Noram's Auto needed software shaped around real jobs — not generic marketplace templates. Norway health products like Medsensio required custom AI workflows no off-the-shelf clinic tool offered.