Build vs buy: how to decide without the drama
9 July 2026
A simple framework for build vs buy decisions — when custom software is worth it, and when a tool is enough.
Build vs buy is not a philosophy debate. It is a trade-off between speed, cost, control, and what your team can maintain.
Lean buy when
- A proven tool covers most of the need
- Speed matters more than perfect fit
- You do not want to own long-term maintenance
Lean build when
- The workflow is a real competitive advantage
- Integrations between tools are the product
- Off-the-shelf options force painful workarounds
A Tech Clarity Sprint is designed to make this call explicit — with a recommendation you can defend to stakeholders.