An increasing number of multi-unit restaurant, convenience store, and supermarket operators are embracing operations execution software solutions to simplify processes, improve accuracy, and increase business efficiency. With 58% of foodservice and grocery operators prioritizing the implementation of new technology to streamline operational functions, those businesses failing to do so will always be a step behind the competition.
However, choosing whether to build that software in-house or to outsource the process is essential to reaping the benefits. Assessing your needs, risks, and costs will inform your decision when weighing up whether building or buying operations execution 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: | 1. Cost of Development | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B U I L D | Long-term, costly investment | Funding an in-house team not always sustainable | Ties up resources that could be used elsewhere | |
| B U Y | Removes overhead expenses associated with development, maintenance, staffing, and overtime compensation | Decreases the risk element of downtime and non-compliance costs | ||
| Consideration: | 2. Scale + Expertise | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B U I L D | Difficult to anticipate for, and scale along with, org’s long-term needs | More challenging to maintain and improve over time | ||
| B U Y | Provider responsible for maintenance and upgrades | Equipped with well-established resources that provide expert guidance | Optimizes ease of use, security, and integrations | |
| Consideration: | 3. Speed of Innovation | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B U I L D | If other internal development priorities arise within the business: | Timeline slowed | Focus shifted to other projects | Investments/budget reallocated |
| B U Y | May be able to anticipate problems/solutions not considered initially | Extended range of perspectives drives innovation faster | Shares and teaches evolving best practices, better techniques, and new approaches used by other leading organizations | |
| Consideration: | 4. Support + Usability | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B U I L D | 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 | ||
| B U Y | 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 | ||
| Consideration: | 5. Time to Value | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B U I L D | Takes years to develop the minimum functionality needed, and even longer to fine-tune the solution to be uncomplicated, user-friendly, and robust | |||
| B U Y | Dramatically reduces time investment | Gets software in the hands of users within days | Quickly connects goals with actions and generates meaningful results | |
Building your own operations execution 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 execution 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 that 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 Zenput’s configurable, integrative platform, you can hit the ground running but at a pace that suits you, whether by department, function, or location. Download the Buyer’s Guide to Operations Execution Software to learn more.
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