The verdict in three sentences
A custom business platform (scheduling, field, invoicing) costs between 40,000 and 70,000 EUR (about 43,000-76,000 USD) in 2026, over 16 to 24 weeks. The core represents 25,000 to 50,000 EUR, but it is the integrations (ERP, accounting, field) that blow up poorly scoped quotes. A good quote reads line by line: each item must map to a deliverable and a timeline.
Anatomy of a business platform quote in 2026
Digitizing a process (team scheduling, field data entry, automated invoicing) is not sold as an opaque lump sum. Here is the structure of a readable quote for an operations director.
| Line item | 2026 range (EUR) | Deliverable |
|---|---|---|
| Scoping + functional specs | 4,000 - 8,000 | Prioritized backlog, wireframes |
| Core (workflows, roles) | 25,000 - 50,000 | Scheduling + invoicing modules |
| Mobile / PWA field app | 8,000 - 16,000 | Offline-capable installable app |
| Integrations (ERP, accounting, API) | 6,000 - 14,000 | Tested connectors |
| QA + training + deployment | 3,000 - 6,000 | Delivery, docs, training |
| Total | 40,000 - 70,000 | 16 - 24 weeks |
A senior vendor's day rate on this type of project is 550 to 800 EUR in 2026. A 55,000 EUR project therefore represents roughly 70 to 90 person-days, project manager included.
The lines that blow up a quote
Some items are systematically underestimated. Spotting them avoids change orders.
| Pitfall | Budget impact | How to neutralize it |
|---|---|---|
| Vague ERP integrations | +6,000 to +14,000 EUR | Require API list and a POC at scoping |
| Offline field mode | +4,000 to +9,000 EUR | Define offline scope in the quote |
| Fine-grained roles | +3,000 to +7,000 EUR | Map user profiles early |
| Data migration | +2,000 to +8,000 EUR | Audit data volume and quality |
| Undersized maintenance | 900-1,800 EUR/month | Contract a clear SLA |
A serious quote shows 900 to 1,800 EUR/month of maintenance after delivery: a sign the vendor is thinking about the lifecycle, not just the sale.
Mini case study
Anne, operations director of an industrial maintenance SMB in Rennes (60 field technicians), receives a 58,000 EUR quote over 20 weeks, plus 1,400 EUR/month maintenance. Today her technicians lose 45 min/day on paper entry re-keyed later. At 60 technicians x 45 min x 220 days, that is 9,900 hours/year. Valued at just 22 EUR/h, the potential saving reaches 217,800 EUR/year. Even capturing only 40% of that gain, the platform pays back (build + year 1 maintenance = 74,800 EUR) in about 12 months. The quote is judged against this ROI, not its headline figure.
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FAQ
Why does a business platform cost more than a website?
Because it carries workflows, roles and integrations: the core (25,000-50,000 EUR) is software, not pages. It is a production tool, not a showcase.
How long to deploy?
Plan 16 to 24 weeks depending on modules and integrations. Serious scoping (4-8 weeks of specs) sharply reduces overruns.
Do I need a mobile app or a PWA?
For field work, an installable PWA (8,000-16,000 EUR) is often enough and avoids app stores. Native apps mainly justify heavy offline use.
How do I budget ERP integrations?
Require the API list and a POC at scoping: this is the riskiest item (6,000-14,000 EUR). Without clear specs, it doubles.
What maintenance budget should I plan?
Between 900 and 1,800 EUR/month depending on criticality. An SLA (recovery time, uptime) must come with that figure.
Let's scope your project. Send us the process to digitize, your target integrations and your timeline, and we'll deliver a line-by-line quote (40-70,000 EUR by scope). 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.
