The verdict in three sentences
For a construction SME under 15 users, a SaaS editor at 15-40 EUR/user/month covers the essentials: site reports, time tracking, photos. Once you need payroll integration, an ERP connection or specific processes, a custom build at 30,000-75,000 EUR regains the edge. The real gain is measured in reporting hours saved by site managers, not license price.
Editor vs custom: the 2026 comparison
Site-tracking software handles progress, crew time tracking, timestamped photos and daily reports. Here are 2026 orders of magnitude.
| Criterion | SaaS editor | Custom build |
|---|---|---|
| Site reports | Included | 8,000-16,000 EUR |
| Crew time tracking | Included | 6,000-12,000 EUR |
| Photos + geolocation | Included | 5,000-10,000 EUR |
| Field mobile app | Included (limited) | 10,000-20,000 EUR |
| Payroll / ERP integration | Rare / paid | 8,000-18,000 EUR |
| Entry cost | 0-3,000 EUR | 30,000-75,000 EUR |
| Monthly cost (15 users) | 225-600 EUR | 250-600 EUR (maintenance) |
| Lead time | 2-6 weeks | 12-20 weeks |
The editor wins on fast start. Custom wins once payroll or ERP integration becomes critical.
TCO and reporting-hours ROI
The hidden cost in construction is the time managers spend compiling reports in the evening. Bring it all to three years.
| Line item (15 users, 3 yrs) | SaaS editor | Custom |
|---|---|---|
| Licenses / development | 8,100-21,600 EUR | 30,000-75,000 EUR |
| Payroll/ERP integration | 3,000-9,000 EUR | Included |
| Maintenance (10 %/yr) | Included | 9,000-22,500 EUR |
| Team training | 2,000-5,000 EUR | 2,000-5,000 EUR |
| 3-year TCO | 13,100-35,600 EUR | 41,000-102,500 EUR |
SaaS is unbeatable at small headcount. Custom pays off when reporting time saved far exceeds the extra cost.
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Mini case study
Karim runs a 40-staff structural-works firm with 4 site managers. Each spends 8 hrs/week compiling reports and time sheets, i.e. 32 hrs/week at a loaded 35 EUR/hr, or 4,480 EUR/month. A custom tool at 55,000 EUR with field mobile entry and automatic payroll export cuts this by 65 %, recovering 2,912 EUR/month. Payback: about 19 months, annual maintenance (5,500 EUR) included. Add fewer billing disputes tied to time sheets (2026 estimate, ~1,200 EUR/month) and the threshold drops below 14 months.
FAQ
Does the mobile app work offline? On good tools, yes: field entry works offline then syncs. In custom, budget 10,000-20,000 EUR for a robust mobile app with offline mode.
Can site tracking connect to payroll? Yes, via an export of tracked hours. Editors rarely offer it; in custom, budget 8,000-18,000 EUR for a reliable payroll/ERP integration.
At what headcount is custom worth it? Generally above 15-20 users, or when payroll integration saves more than 2,000 EUR/month of admin time.
What's the lead time for a custom tool? 12 to 20 weeks for full coverage. A mobile time-tracking module can ship in 5-6 weeks.
How much is maintenance? Count 8-12 %/yr of development, i.e. 2,400-9,000 EUR/yr for a 30,000-75,000 EUR project.
Let's scope your project. Share your site count, manager count and payroll integration need, and we'll price the SaaS option or the most profitable custom tool. 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.
