The verdict in three sentences
BoondManager / Stafiz are excellent and ready to use: the default choice up to ~30 consultants. A custom ERP (EUR 90,000 to 200,000) is justified only if your staffing workflow, margin calculation or payroll integration fall outside the standard — and if you want to own your client/candidate base with no per-head tax. Break-even sits at 4 to 6 years for 30+ consultants; below that, stay on the subscription.
The 5-year cost calculation
| Item | BoondManager / Stafiz | Custom Kolonell |
|---|---|---|
| Price | EUR 18 to 40/user/month | EUR 90k to 200k one-off |
| Maintenance / upgrades | Included | 15%/yr: EUR 13.5k to 30k |
| 30 users over 5 years | EUR 32k to 72k | EUR 90k to 200k + maint. |
| 60 users over 5 years | EUR 65k to 144k | Cost near-flat |
| Additional per-head cost | Linear | Zero |
| Data ownership | Vendor | Firm |
| Workflow customisation | Bounded config | Unlimited |
The tipping point is headcount: at 30 consultants, SaaS is often cheaper over 5 years; at 60+, custom becomes competitive because its cost doesn't track team growth.
The decision points that matter
| Criterion | Market SaaS | Custom |
|---|---|---|
| Specific staffing workflow | Constrained by the tool | Modelled as-is |
| Margin per consultant | Standard | Own formula (loaded costs) |
| Integrated ATS | Module-dependent | Native, bespoke |
| Local payroll integration | Connectors | Bespoke |
| Licence cost at 5 years | Grows with team | Fixed |
| Reversibility / ownership | Vendor lock-in | Code and data owned |
If your processes fit BoondManager without contortion, don't pay for custom. If you spend your time working around the tool or exporting to Excel, custom pays for that workaround.
Mini case study
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Marie runs a 55-consultant firm that has outgrown its SaaS config: three daily Excel exports, a homegrown margin calculation, and a per-user bill reaching ~EUR 26,400/year (55 users x EUR 40 x 12). A custom ERP at EUR 160,000 + EUR 24k maintenance reproduces her exact workflow and margin logic. Over 5 years, SaaS costs ~EUR 132k (and climbs with hires); custom costs EUR 160k + EUR 96k maintenance but caps out regardless of headcount. 2026 estimate: beyond 70 consultants planned within 3 years, custom becomes cheapest, and Marie owns her base and staffing algorithm.
FAQ
From how many consultants is custom worthwhile? Generally from 30 consultants, with a 4 to 6 year break-even. The threshold drops with fast growth, since SaaS per-head cost accumulates.
Can we keep the same staffing workflow as BoondManager? Yes, and improve it: custom models your exact process rather than imposing its own. That's precisely the argument when SaaS config no longer suffices.
What about ownership of client and candidate data? In custom, code and database are yours, hosted where you want. No vendor dependence and no price-hike risk.
Does custom integrate local payroll? Yes, we connect your payroll solution with time and expense reports. It's often a trigger for moving to custom.
What's the risk of staying on SaaS? None while config suffices. Risk appears when Excel exports and workarounds multiply: you then pay twice, licence and lost time.
Let's scope your project. Send us your current and 3-year headcount, your SaaS bill and your pain points (staffing, margin, payroll): we price custom with the break-even against BoondManager. 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.
