The verdict in three sentences
A custom field service management app costs between GBP 32,000 and GBP 68,000 (EUR 38,000-80,000) in 2026, with scheduling, mobile PWA and e-signature, delivered in 14 to 20 weeks. A SaaS like Praxedo or Synchroteam starts at GBP 25-45 per technician per month, i.e. GBP 12,000-21,600/year for 40 technicians. Custom becomes worthwhile once you pass 30-40 users or your workflow outgrows the SaaS standard.
The cost of custom in 2026
Price depends on the number of roles, scheduling complexity and integrations (payroll, ERP, mapping).
| Scope | Price GBP | Timeline | Key functions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple scheduling | 32,000 - 40,000 | 14-16 wks | Calendar, work orders, mobile |
| Standard field | 40,000 - 54,000 | 16-18 wks | + signature, photos, geoloc, reports |
| Advanced | 54,000 - 68,000 | 18-20 wks | + stock, invoicing, ERP API, offline |
Maintenance (support and evolutions) runs around GBP 450/month in 2026, hosting included for a fleet of 40 technicians.
Custom vs SaaS: the break-even
Let's compare over 3 years for 40 technicians, SaaS at GBP 35/user/month.
| Line item | Custom | Field service SaaS |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront investment | 48,000 GBP | 0 GBP |
| Annual subscription | 5,400 GBP (maint.) | 16,800 GBP |
| 3-year cost | 64,200 GBP | 50,400 GBP |
| 5-year cost | 75,000 GBP | 84,000 GBP |
| Code ownership | Yes | No |
| Workflow customization | Total | Limited |
Over 3 years the SaaS stays cheaper, but the crossover hits around year 4. Beyond 60 technicians, or if your workflow doesn't fit the SaaS, custom wins from year 2. Add asset value: you own the code and it resells.
Mini case study
Sarah, COO of an HVAC maintenance firm in London, runs 40 technicians on a spreadsheet and phone calls. She loses roughly 6 hours/day of dispatcher coordination and 8% of trips to redundant travel. She invests GBP 46,000 in a custom app delivered in 17 weeks. Over 12 months: optimized routing (-8%, GBP 20,000 in fuel and time) and 1.5 dispatch roles redeployed. ROI reached in 16 months, versus a SaaS that would have cost GBP 16,800/year without cutting her redundant runs.
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FAQ
At how many technicians does custom pay off?
Around 30-40 users over a 3-4 year horizon, or sooner if your business needs specific scheduling rules SaaS can't handle. Below 15 technicians, SaaS stays cheaper.
Native mobile app or PWA?
A PWA covers 80% of field cases: it works offline, installs to the home screen and costs 30-40% less than a native iOS/Android app.
How long to deploy?
Expect 14 to 20 weeks depending on integrations. Robust offline and an ERP API each add 3-4 weeks.
Is e-signature included?
Yes in the standard and advanced scopes. A simple timestamped signature is native; a qualified eIDAS signature adds roughly GBP 3,500-6,000 of integration.
What annual maintenance budget?
About GBP 5,400/year (GBP 450/month) for fixes, minor evolutions and hosting of a 40-technician fleet in 2026.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your technician count, integrations (payroll, ERP) and offline constraints: we frame an app between GBP 32,000 and 68,000 delivered in 14-20 weeks. 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.
