The verdict in three sentences
A litigation team loses money on two fronts: manual reminders sent too late and proceedings poorly tracked. Custom software (matters, automated reminders, proceedings, cash) is built for 35,000 to 80,000 EUR net over 14 to 22 weeks. The real return is not productivity but DSO cut by 15 to 25 days, which frees cash on a large scale.
The modules that make the difference
A good litigation tool orchestrates the whole cycle, from first unpaid invoice to final collection. Here is the typical breakdown of a build and its budget weight.
| Module | Role | Budget share |
|---|---|---|
| Debtor file | History, documents, status | 20 % |
| Automated reminders | Email/SMS/mail sequences | 25 % |
| Proceedings tracking | Injunction, summons, deadlines | 20 % |
| Cash / collections | Reconciliation, schedules | 20 % |
| Reporting & steering | DSO, recovery rate | 15 % |
The value concentrates in automated reminders and proceedings tracking: that is where custom beats spreadsheets and generic tools.
Market software vs custom
Market recovery software exists, but it imposes its workflow and bills per user or per matter. 2026 order of magnitude for an 8-handler team.
| Criterion | Market software | Custom |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | 2,000-5,000 EUR net | 35,000-80,000 EUR net |
| Subscription / yr | 6,000-14,000 EUR net | 0 |
| Maintenance / yr | included | 5,000-10,000 EUR net |
| Workflow fit | Limited | Total |
| Accounting/ERP integration | Often paid | Native |
| Cost over 4 years | 26,000-61,000 EUR net | 55,000-120,000 EUR net |
Custom is pricier on paper, but it matches your exact procedures and its ROI comes from freed cash, not from licence savings.
The real impact: DSO
DSO (days sales outstanding) is the crux. Every day gained frees cash permanently.
| Metric | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Average DSO | 68 days | 46 days |
| Receivables base | 3,000,000 EUR | 3,000,000 EUR |
| Cash tied up | 558,000 EUR | 378,000 EUR |
| Cash freed | — | ~180,000 EUR |
| Amicable recovery rate | 62 % | 78 % |
A 22-day DSO gain on a 3 M EUR base frees on the order of 180,000 EUR of cash, not counting saved interest and fees.
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Mini case study
Mr. Fontaine, head of litigation at a B2B distribution SME in Nantes (24 M EUR revenue), manages a 3 M EUR receivables base with a 68-day DSO. He invests 58,000 EUR net in custom software, maintenance 8,000 EUR net/yr. Automated reminder sequences and proceedings tracking drop the DSO to 46 days in 6 months: 180,000 EUR of freed cash and an amicable recovery rate rising from 62 % to 78 %. The build is repaid within the first year, cash and proceeding costs combined.
FAQ
How soon does the DSO effect show?
Typically 3 to 6 months after go-live, the time for the new reminder sequences to run through a full receivables cycle.
Can the software connect to our accounting?
Yes, it is essential. Native integration with the ERP or accounting tool enables automatic reconciliation of collections and avoids any re-keying.
Do automated reminders respect the legal framework?
Yes. Sequences embed mandatory wording, formal-notice deadlines and the traceability required before any judicial proceeding.
What annual maintenance budget?
Between 5,000 and 10,000 EUR net/yr for hosting, fixes, sequence evolutions and regulatory updates.
Is custom worth it versus market software?
If your procedures are specific and your receivables large, yes: the ROI comes from freed cash, which far exceeds the price gap with a licence.
Let's scope your project. Give us your average receivables, your current DSO and the number of handlers: we price litigation software between 35,000 and 80,000 EUR net. 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.
