The Case for Off-the-Shelf Solutions in Your Software Projects

Most of what you’re trying to build has probably already been built—or at least something close to it. In fact, I’d bet some of it is open source and can be modified for your unique use case. That’s why, when someone brings me an idea, I usually start by thinking about off-the-shelf components. Sure, building from scratch might sound fun from an enthusiast’s perspective, but from a business standpoint, it’s usually time-consuming and expensive. So, why not explore what’s already out there first?

I’ve lost count of how many times someone’s come to me wanting to build a CRM or learning platform from the ground up. The thing is, there are countless options out there already. And while your unique use case might feel like it justifies starting fresh, chances are, it doesn’t. Before jumping into a custom build, it’s worth pausing to consider what existing tools could be adapted to meet your needs.

All of this comes down to a simple principle: value-based pricing. At every stage of your software development or digital transformation journey, the key question is, “Does the cost of this effort bring me the value I’m looking for?”

Unfortunately, these questions often don’t come up when working with a software partner. The market sometimes corrects for this by pushing us to shop on price. In theory, a lower price signals efficiency. In reality, it can also signal incompetence—but that’s a topic for another day.

Ultimately, if you focus on value—what you’re getting for what you’re spending—the right solutions and options will reveal themselves.