Build or Buy? 5 Considerations for Evaluating Operations Management Software

Written by Pete Schott | Jan 25, 2024 3:30:00 PM

An increasing number of multi-unit restaurants are embracing operations management software solutions to simplify processes, improve accuracy, and increase business efficiency. With half or more of operations leaders planning to add or upgrade back-of-house restaurant technology in the next 12-18 months, those businesses failing to do so will be a step behind the competition.

However, choosing whether to build that software in-house or to outsource the process is essential to reap the benefits. Assessing your needs, risks, and costs will inform your decision when weighing up whether building or buying operations management software will be most beneficial for your multi-unit business.

To help you make the best software decision for your multi-unit operation, we've compiled a table with 5 key considerations to compare and contrast whether to build or buy.

Consideration	BUILD	BUY
#1 Cost of Development	Long-term, costly investment Funding an in-house team is not always sustainable Ties up resources that could be used elsewhere	Removes overhead expenses associated with development, maintenance, staffing, and overtime compensation Decreases the risk element of downtime and non-compliance costs
#2 Scale + Expertise	Difficult to anticipate for, and scale along with organization's long-term needs More challenging to maintain and improve over time	Provider responsible for maintenance and upgrades Equipped with well-established resources that provide expert guidance Optimizes ease of use, security, and integrations
#3 Speed of Innovation	If other internal development priorities arise within the business: Timeline slowed Focus shifted to other projects Investments/budget reallocated	May be able to anticipate problems/solutions not considered initially Extended range of perspectives drives innovation faster Shares evolving best practices, better techniques, and new approaches used by other leading organizations
#4 Support + Usability	High-level expertise required for launch, set-up, user training, compliance, and new functionalities Without proper support and adoption, tech becomes wasted when users can't/won't use it	Offers high-quality product development, quick bug fixes, and fast problem resolution Providers have the knowledge, tools, and experience needed to ensure you get the most out of the platform now and in the future
#5 Time- to-Value	Takes years to develop the minimum functionality needed and even longer to fine-tune the solution to be uncomplicated, user-friendly, and robust	Dramatically reduces time investment Gets software in the hands of users faster Quickly connects goals with actions and generates meaningful results

Building your own operations management software requires an expert team to initiate, implement, and sustain the development of the project. Top design and development talent is in high demand and comes with a hefty price tag. In addition, you need to have a strong grasp of the technologies required as well as the type of expertise needed to ensure you are acquiring the most suitable hires. You must also consider the retention risk: how much would the loss of a senior developer mid-project set you back financially and delay the software rollout?

With a competitive rise in SaaS providers, it is easier than ever for companies to acquire the most suitable operations management software for their needs. This reduces upfront costs and ensures updated features and quality UX. Whether or not you have the technical knowledge and product development experience, working with a partner who can provide expert guidance and ensure you get the most out of the designated platform can be a huge asset to your business and your bottom line.

With Crunchtime's operations management platform, you can hit the ground running but at a pace that suits you, whether by department, function, or location. Watch the video below to learn more about our platform:

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