The verdict in three sentences
The build vs buy debate is not settled on the licence, but on the 5-year TCO and the real coverage of your processes. In 2026, a vendor ERP starts fast but makes you pay for unused modules and strong lock-in, while targeted custom fits the business at the cost of a TMA to fund. The right answer is often hybrid: standard accounting ERP + custom business apps connected by API.
5-year TCO: vendor vs custom
Upfront acquisition cost hides the true cost of ownership. Here is the 2026 comparison for a mid-size manufacturer.
| Line item (over 5 years) | Vendor ERP (Odoo/Sage) | Targeted custom |
|---|---|---|
| Licences / initial build | 45,000,000 FCFA | 32,000,000 FCFA |
| Integration & adaptations | Heavy (included) | In-scope |
| TMA / annual run | Variable + vendor maintenance | 5,000,000 FCFA/yr |
| Unused modules | Paid anyway | None |
| Training & change management | High | Targeted |
| Vendor dependency | Strong (lock-in) | Low (you own the code) |
Over 5 years, the build gap (13,000,000 FCFA) must be weighed against custom TMA (25,000,000 FCFA cumulative): custom wins mainly when your processes are specific and differentiating.
The decision matrix
The choice is steered on four axes. This grid helps decide without dogma.
| Decision criterion | Favours vendor ERP | Favours custom |
|---|---|---|
| Process coverage | Standard processes (accounting, buying) | Specific/differentiating processes |
| Cost of unused modules | Low if all used | You pay only for what's useful |
| Vendor dependency | Accepted | To avoid (code sovereignty) |
| Change agility | Constrained by vendor | Full, at your pace |
| Time-to-value | Fast (standard) | Medium (dev) |
| Business integrations | Via vendor connectors | Custom API |
Practical rule: standardise the common (accounting, payroll) on an ERP, and customise what differentiates you (production, specific logistics).
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Mini case study
Mr Nkolo, director of a mid-size manufacturer in Amsterdam's food sector, is deciding on his management stack. A full vendor ERP is quoted at 45,000,000 FCFA with heavy adaptations for his atypical production line. Going hybrid, he keeps Odoo for accounting/buying (~15,000,000 FCFA) and has a custom production-tracking app built (~20,000,000 FCFA) connected by API, with TMA at 4,000,000 FCFA/year. Over 5 years the hybrid TCO lands around 55,000,000 FCFA versus 65,000,000+ for the adapted full vendor, while fitting his production process 100%. Estimated saving: ~10,000,000 FCFA and zero unused module.
FAQ
Is custom always cheaper? No: for 100% standard processes (accounting, payroll), a vendor ERP is often more cost-effective. Custom wins on differentiating processes.
What is the real vendor-ERP trap? Paying for unused modules and enduring vendor lock-in (forced upgrades, recurring licence costs, exit friction).
Why a hybrid approach? It combines the best of both: standard ERP for the common and custom apps connected by API for the core business, without rebuilding everything.
Which TCO to use for deciding? Reason over 5 years: build + integration + TMA + unused modules + exit cost. A licence gap is quickly recouped in run.
How much is custom TMA? About 15 to 22% of build per year, i.e. ~5,000,000 FCFA/year for a 25-32M FCFA development, to fund from the start.
Let's scope your project. Describe your key processes and what differentiates you: we build the build/buy matrix and 5-year TCO. 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.
