The verdict in three sentences
A custom connector between ERP, CRM, billing and payroll costs 6,000 to 20,000 EUR per flow in 2026, or 400 to 1,500 EUR/month via a shared iPaaS. The choice depends on the number of flows, the need for real time and the expected robustness (error recovery, logging). The ROI is immediate: no more double data entry and 60 hours/month of operations reconciled automatically.
Custom connector or iPaaS
iPaaS is fast and cheap for a few standard flows; custom wins for complex rules, high volume or systems with no ready-made connector.
| Approach | Cost | Timeline/flow | Recurring | Fits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPaaS (Make, Workato) | setup 2,000-5,000 EUR | 1-2 wks | 400 - 1,500 EUR/month | Standard flows, API |
| Simple custom connector | 6,000 - 10,000 EUR | 3-5 wks | 12%/year maintenance | Specific rules |
| Complex real-time connector | 12,000 - 20,000 EUR | 5-8 wks | 18%/year maintenance | High volume, critical |
| Multi-flow integration bus | 20,000 EUR+ | 8+ wks | 18%/year maintenance | Firms, 5+ systems |
Cost per flow drops as you add more, because the integration architecture is shared.
What makes a connector robust
A reliable connector doesn't just copy data: it handles errors, duplicates and operation order. Here are the items to price.
| Item | 2026 detail |
|---|---|
| Synchronization | real time or scheduled batch |
| Error recovery | queue + automatic replay |
| Deduplication | business key, no duplicates |
| Logging | full traceability |
| Mapping | ERP/CRM field matching |
| Monitoring | alerts on flow failure |
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Mini case study
Lucie, IT director of a 60-person industrial SME, links her ERP, CRM and billing with two custom connectors at 16,000 EUR total, plus 18%/year maintenance. Double entry between sales and admin disappears, freeing 60 hours/month valued at 35 EUR/h, i.e. 2,100 EUR/month. Error recovery prevents lost orders during API outages. The investment pays back in about 8 months, before fewer billing disputes.
FAQ
iPaaS or custom development? iPaaS fits standard flows with well-documented APIs. As soon as business rules are specific or volume is high, custom offers more control and a contained recurring cost.
How long for one flow? From 1-2 weeks in iPaaS to 3-8 weeks for a complex custom connector. The first flow is the longest; following ones reuse the architecture.
What if an API goes down? A queue stores operations and replays them automatically when the service returns. Without this mechanism, you lose data during outages.
Is real-time sync essential? Not always: an hourly batch suits many firms and costs less. Real time is justified for stock or critical billing.
What maintenance budget? 12 to 18%/year depending on criticality: software APIs evolve regularly and connectors must follow to avoid breaking.
Let's scope your project. List your systems (ERP, CRM, billing, payroll), the flows to sync and an indicative budget (6,000-20,000 EUR/flow): we'll price the connectors and maintenance. 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.
