The verdict in three sentences
An imported ATS bills 20 to 45 EUR per user per month (13,000 to 29,500 FCFA), i.e. 1.6 to 3.5 M FCFA/year for 10 users, with no local CV database or multi-currency FCFA/EUR billing. A custom build at 6,500,000-13,000,000 FCFA, shipped in 8 to 14 weeks, unites matching, engagement tracking and a client portal, and cuts sourcing time by 25 to 35 %. For a recruitment firm, every faster engagement directly improves revenue and time-to-placement.
Imported ATS vs custom: the FCFA comparison
The imported ATS imposes its language, its currency and its logic. Custom fits your recruitment process, handles dual currency and connects the client portal to billing.
| Criterion | Imported ATS (per user) | Custom by Kolonell |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 cost (10 users) | 1,600,000-3,500,000 FCFA | 6,500,000-13,000,000 FCFA |
| Recurring cost/year | 1,600,000-3,500,000 FCFA | Maintenance 700,000-1,400,000 FCFA |
| CV database & matching | Generic | Custom business criteria |
| Engagement tracking | Basic | Tailored pipeline & milestones |
| Billing | Single currency | Multi-currency FCFA/EUR |
| Client portal | Rare | Built in, real-time tracking |
| Cost per added user | +20-45 EUR/month | 0 FCFA |
Modules, budget and 2026 timelines
Here is the typical breakdown of custom HR-firm software, for a phased go-live.
| Module | Budget FCFA | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| CV database & matching engine | 1,500,000-3,000,000 | 3-4 wks |
| Engagement & milestone tracking | 1,300,000-2,500,000 | 3 wks |
| Multi-currency billing | 1,200,000-2,400,000 | 3 wks |
| Client portal engagement tracking | 1,000,000-2,100,000 | 2-3 wks |
| Dashboard & KPIs | 800,000-1,600,000 | 2 wks |
| Annual maintenance | 700,000-1,400,000/yr | ongoing |
Mini case study
Mrs Ngo, principal of an HR consulting and recruitment firm in Montreal, handles 45 engagements per year with 6 consultants. Manual sourcing averages 22 hours per engagement, i.e. ~990 hours/year. A custom build at 10,000,000 FCFA, with a CV database and automated matching, cuts sourcing time by 30 %, freeing ~300 hours redeployed to client relations and prospecting. Multi-currency FCFA/EUR billing removes FX credit notes and secures collection from international clients. With 1,100,000 FCFA/year maintenance, ROI lands in under 18 months, with capacity up by 5 to 8 engagements/year.
FAQ
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
What budget for custom HR-firm software in Montreal in 2026?
Between 6,500,000 and 13,000,000 FCFA depending on scope (CV database, engagements, multi-currency billing, client portal), plus 700,000 to 1,400,000 FCFA/year maintenance. Delivery in 8 to 14 weeks.
Is custom matching worth more than an imported ATS?
Yes, because it embeds your business criteria (skills, sectors, local mobility) and your language, which a generic ATS does not. That is what saves 25 to 35 % of sourcing time.
How do you handle clients paying in euros?
The multi-currency billing module handles FCFA and EUR with a configurable rate, removing FX gaps and securing international collection.
Is the client portal really useful?
Yes, it gives clients real-time visibility on engagement and shortlist progress, cutting follow-ups and building trust on recurring mandates.
What happens if the team grows?
No extra per-user cost, unlike the imported ATS billed per seat. Custom absorbs growth with no licence surcharge.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your engagement volume, headcount and multi-currency needs, with an indicative budget in FCFA. 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.
