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Custom company app vs SaaS subscription
Most companies should not build custom software just because they can. A SaaS product is often the right answer when the workflow is common and the product fits.
A custom company app becomes interesting when the business has outgrown disconnected tools or needs one operating surface for a workflow that is specific to how the company works.
Definition
A SaaS subscription gives the company a standard product built for many users. A custom company app is designed around the company workflow, data, roles, approvals, and operating rhythm.
The tradeoff is speed and cost versus fit and control.
What Oliver Labs looks for
Oliver Labs checks whether the current stack can be connected cleanly before recommending a custom build. If a simple integration solves the problem, that is usually better. If the team is using spreadsheets, email, chat, and screenshots as an improvised operating system, a custom app may be worth scoping.
The build should still be narrow enough to maintain.
What this usually means in a real workflow
The right app gives people a place to see work, move work, approve work, and understand exceptions. AI can assist inside that surface when it has the right context and boundaries.