The verdict in three sentences
Custom management software for a Dublin HR consulting firm costs EUR 35,000 to 80,000 in 2026, with EUR 500/month maintenance. It handles engagements, competency assessments, evaluations and billing in a single flow, where a generic suite forces you to juggle 3 or 4 tools. Custom wins as soon as your specific HR processes (assessment grids, debriefs, funding schemes) represent a large share of your value.
What the software covers and what it costs
| Module | Function | 2026 price (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| Engagement management | Tracking, consultants, milestones | 14,000 - 21,000 |
| Assessments & evaluations | Grids, debriefs, PDF reports | 9,000 - 16,000 |
| Client portal | Documents, schedules, approvals | 7,000 - 14,000 |
| Billing & funding | Quotes, invoices, funding tracking | 7,000 - 16,000 |
| Profitability dashboard | Margin per engagement & consultant | 5,000 - 9,000 |
| Total platform | 35,000 - 80,000 |
Maintenance (EUR 500/month) covers fixes, minor enhancements and security updates. Delivery: 4 to 8 months by module count.
Custom vs generic suite: the calculation
| Criterion | Generic suite (SaaS) | Custom software |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | EUR 0 - 3,000 | EUR 35,000 - 80,000 |
| Monthly cost | EUR 22 - 40/user | EUR 500 maintenance (fixed) |
| Year cost, 12 users | EUR 3,960 - 5,760 | EUR 6,000 + amortisation |
| Specific HR processes | limited, workarounds | native |
| Branded client portal | rare | included |
| Funding-scheme tracking | manual | automated |
At 12 consultants, the suite costs EUR 4,000-5,800/year but forces re-keying. Custom at EUR 57,000 amortised over 4 years (EUR 14,250/year) + maintenance pays off through admin time saved.
Mini case study
Aoife, director of an HR consulting firm in Dublin (11 consultants), spent 9 hours/week consolidating engagements, assessments and billing across Excel and two SaaS tools. She invests EUR 55,000 in custom software with integrated funding tracking. Amortised over 4 years: EUR 13,750/year + EUR 6,000 maintenance = EUR 19,750/year. Gain: 9 h x 45 weeks = 405 hours/year freed, roughly EUR 22,000 of billable consultant time. Positive ROI in the first year.
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What does HR consulting software cost in Dublin in 2026?
Between EUR 35,000 and 80,000 by module. An engagements + billing core starts at EUR 35,000; the full platform with client portal reaches EUR 80,000.
Can funding-scheme tracking be handled?
Yes. A dedicated module automates quotes, agreements and case tracking, removing most manual re-keying.
How long until it is operational?
Between 4 and 8 months. The engagements module can ship first (3-4 months), with assessments and the client portal following in batches.
What is the concrete difference versus an HR SaaS?
SaaS imposes its grids and flows; custom fits your processes (in-house debriefs, evaluations) and consolidates everything in one tool, with no per-user licences.
What recurring annual budget?
Around EUR 6,000/year maintenance plus hosting, for a total of roughly EUR 6,800 to 7,500/year.
Let's scope your project. Share your engagement types, assessment grids and billing needs, and we will price custom software, indicative budget EUR 35,000-80,000, delivered in batches. 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.