--- title: "Custom software vs SaaS: what fits your business? | Tixer" description: "What is custom software, and when should you choose standard SaaS? Compare process fit, development, integrations, maintenance and costs for your business." image: "https://tixer.be/og-image.webp" url: "https://tixer.be/en/insights/custom-software-vs-saas" --- [Home](https://tixer.be/en)[Insights](https://tixer.be/en/insights)Custom software vs SaaS # Custom software or standard SaaS: what fits your process? Standard software is often the fastest choice for a common process. Custom software becomes interesting when your workflow differs significantly, systems need to work together or workarounds take time every day. [Discuss your process](https://tixer.be/en/contact?onderwerp=custom-software)[When custom software makes sense](#sectie-3) Built around your work **Standard SaaS**Fits a common process **Custom**Shaped around yours **Choose from the process** Compare what your team needs to do each day, not just two product feature lists. ## What is custom software, and how do you compare it? Custom software is designed and developed for your organisation's processes, user roles and data. Examples include an internal planning application or a customer portal with its own workflow. Standard SaaS is usually an existing online product used by multiple organisations. You configure it within the product's capabilities. For both options, compare how daily work is supported and what maintenance and further development require. - ? Does the standard workflow fit without many workarounds? - ? Which roles and permissions are needed? - ? Which existing systems must share data? - ? How do use, maintenance and costs change with growth? ## When standard SaaS is stronger For common tasks with widely accepted ways of working, an existing product can deliver value faster. This works well when the process fits standard settings and has few exceptions. ### Start faster The core features already exist, so your team can often get started after configuration. ### Established standard process The vendor maintains common features and updates. ## When custom software makes sense Custom development deserves attention when the process matters strategically and standard products cause duplicate work, spreadsheets or difficult integrations. ### Built around your workflow Roles, steps and information follow how people actually work. ### Expanded with purpose A first release can grow with your process. Improvements are included. ## Custom software and SaaS side by side A short comparison on the points that make the difference in practice. Neither is better by definition; it comes down to the fit with your work. ### Process fit SaaS follows the package's way of working. Custom software follows your organisation's. ### Start SaaS is quick to use after configuration. Custom software first needs analysis and a first release. ### Cost SaaS often charges per user or module. Custom software has an investment plus ongoing operating costs. AB ### Integrations SaaS connects through what the vendor offers. Custom software can connect to your own systems. ### Changes SaaS changes on the vendor's roadmap. Custom software changes when your process needs it. ## You can also combine them The choice is rarely all or nothing. Many organisations use standard software for general tasks, such as accounting or email, and a custom application for the process that sets them apart. Integrations keep the data aligned. There is also a middle route. With Tixer, the software is built for your organisation, but after the initial investment you pay one company-wide subscription, without a price per user. Hosting, maintenance, security updates, support and improvements are included. **∞** ### The Custom SaaS model Tailored software with a company-wide subscription and ongoing support. [Explore: The Custom SaaS model](https://tixer.be/en/services/custom-saas) ## Continue exploring Find the detail that matches your question. [Custom software](https://tixer.be/en/services/custom-software)[Custom SaaS](https://tixer.be/en/services/custom-saas)[Custom software costs](https://tixer.be/en/insights/custom-software-cost)[When to choose custom](https://tixer.be/en/insights/when-to-choose-custom-software) ## Frequently asked questions Clear answers to common questions. What is custom software? Custom software is developed specifically for an organisation's processes, roles and data. A planning application, internal management system or customer portal can be custom software. Its design follows the agreed workflow; development and maintenance need to be arranged accordingly. What is the difference between SaaS and custom software? SaaS is usually a shared product with standard features; custom software is designed for the processes of one organisation. Is custom software always better? No. If a suitable standard product fits with few workarounds, that is often the sensible choice. Is SaaS always cheaper? That depends on implementation, users, extra modules, integrations and time in use. Compare the full costs for your situation. Can custom software work with existing SaaS tools? Yes, when those tools offer suitable integration methods. Custom software does not have to replace everything already in use. How do we decide what fits? First map the process, exceptions and cost of current workarounds. Then compare a suitable standard product with a scoped custom solution. What happens to our data if we switch suppliers? That depends on the agreements and export options. Ask every supplier, standard or custom, in advance how you get your data back in a usable format. Is there something between SaaS and traditional custom development? Yes. In Tixer's Custom SaaS model, the software is built around your own process, while after the initial investment you pay one company-wide subscription that includes hosting, maintenance, support and improvements. ## Unsure whether to buy or build? We'll look at your process and tell you plainly when standard software is enough. 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