The verdict in three sentences
A custom management platform for a multi-outlet bakery costs between 2,500,000 and 6,000,000 FCFA in 2026, including a production module and multi-register support. The real payoff is not the software but the roughly 25% drop in unsold goods and the end of untracked cash discrepancies. Budget 3 to 6 months of project time and maintenance of 60,000 to 200,000 FCFA/month to keep everything secure.
What it costs to steer a multi-outlet bakery
Generic point-of-sale tools are fine for a single counter, but as soon as one bakehouse supplies 3 or 4 shops you must link production, waste and registers. Here is the 2026 order of magnitude for a custom project fitted to the market.
| Module | 2026 range (FCFA) | Indicative timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Custom core (catalogue, sales, register) | 2,500,000 - 6,000,000 | 3 - 6 months |
| Production management (batches, recipes) | +1,000,000 - 2,500,000 | +3 - 5 weeks |
| Multi-register station per outlet | +300,000 - 900,000 / station | +1 - 2 weeks |
| Waste and unsold-goods tracking | +600,000 - 1,500,000 | +2 - 4 weeks |
| Shop-manager mobile app | +1,500,000 - 3,500,000 | +4 - 6 weeks |
| Maintenance and hosting | 60,000 - 200,000 / month | recurring |
The core covers the product catalogue, counter sales and basic reporting. Each added module must justify itself with a measurable gain: no point paying for full production management if the bakehouse is already stable.
SaaS register vs custom development
Many owners start with a subscription SaaS register, then hit its multi-site limits. The table compares the two paths across a 3-outlet estate.
| Criterion | SaaS register (subscription) | Custom Kolonell |
|---|---|---|
| Entry cost | 15,000 - 40,000 FCFA/month/register | 2,500,000 - 6,000,000 FCFA once |
| 3-year cost (3 registers) | ~1,620,000 - 4,320,000 FCFA | 2,500,000 - 6,000,000 + maintenance |
| Production management | rare or limited | custom, costed recipes |
| Unsold-goods tracking | usually absent | dedicated dashboard |
| Wave / Orange Money payment | vendor-dependent | natively integrated |
| Code ownership | no | yes |
Over 3 years the raw cost gap is small; the difference lies in the business modules (production, waste) that SaaS does not cover and that drive the ROI.
Mini case study
Aminata runs an Ivorian bakery with 4 outlets and a central bakehouse. Her unsold goods run at about 1,800,000 FCFA/month. With a custom platform at 4,200,000 FCFA (core + production + waste tracking) and 150,000 FCFA/month of maintenance, she targets -25% unsold goods, i.e. 450,000 FCFA/month saved. At that pace, excluding gains on cash discrepancies, the investment pays back in about 14 months; year two yields a net gain above 3,500,000 FCFA.
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FAQ
Do you need custom software from 2 shops?
Not always: below 2 outlets, a SaaS register at 15,000 - 40,000 FCFA/month is often enough. Custom becomes worthwhile from 3-4 sites, once waste exceeds 1,000,000 FCFA/month.
How much is the production management module?
Budget +1,000,000 to 2,500,000 FCFA to steer batches and costed recipes. This is the module that cuts unsold goods by around 25% by matching production to real demand.
Can Wave and Orange Money be integrated into the registers?
Yes, mobile payment integrates natively into the custom core. It reduces change-making errors and makes daily cash reconciliation reliable.
What maintenance budget should I plan for?
Between 60,000 and 200,000 FCFA/month depending on the number of registers and support level. This covers hosting, fixes and minor enhancements.
How long until the software is operational?
Between 3 and 6 months for the core and the production/waste modules. A phased rollout, shop by shop, limits the risk of business interruption.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your number of outlets, your unsold-goods volumes and your target budget, and we'll frame the priority modules (production, multi-register, waste). Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
