The verdict in three sentences
An off-the-shelf MES/production suite (EUR 60-160/user/month) is enough when your production follows standard routings and simple scheduling. Custom software (EUR 90,000-260,000) pays off as soon as your work orders, shop-floor traceability and finite-capacity planning fall outside the package's frame. The decision rarely turns on license price, but on the service level you want to gain: +5 to +15 points reshape the margin of an industrial SME.
Off-the-shelf vs custom: the 2026 grid
Berlin's precision engineering and electronics subcontracting base pulls demand toward tools that handle work orders, multi-level BOMs and machine sequencing. Here are the 2026 orders of magnitude.
| Criterion | Off-the-shelf (SaaS) | Custom |
|---|---|---|
| Entry cost | EUR 60-160/user/month | EUR 90,000-260,000 |
| Setup | EUR 8,000-40,000 | included |
| Deployment time | 2-4 months | 6-11 months |
| Finite-capacity scheduling | often an add-on | native, your rules |
| Shop-floor traceability (lot/serial) | standard | fine, per workstation |
| 5-year cost (25 users) | EUR 150,000-320,000 | EUR 130,000-300,000 |
Beyond 20-25 users, the subscription catches up with and often overtakes an amortized dedicated build.
What you actually pay for in custom
A custom production project breaks down by functional lots. This split helps you weigh a EUR 90,000 MVP against a full EUR 260,000 platform.
| Functional lot | 2026 range | Indicative lead time |
|---|---|---|
| Work orders + BOMs | EUR 20,000-45,000 | 6-9 weeks |
| Scheduling / load planning | EUR 25,000-60,000 | 8-12 weeks |
| Lot and serial traceability | EUR 15,000-40,000 | 5-8 weeks |
| Shop-floor terminals / time capture | EUR 12,000-35,000 | 4-7 weeks |
| Production reporting + KPIs | EUR 10,000-30,000 | 3-6 weeks |
| ERP / accounting interfaces | EUR 8,000-25,000 | 3-5 weeks |
Mini case study
Thomas, industrial director of a precision engineering SME in Berlin (32 employees), loses time on a scheduling spreadsheet. His customer service level sits at 82%. A custom project at EUR 145,000, amortized over 4 years, costs about EUR 36,000/year. By lifting the service level to 92% (+10 points), he secures 3 major accounts worth EUR 480,000 in annual revenue, of which he estimated 15% at risk, i.e. EUR 72,000. The net gain in year one (72,000 - 36,000) covers the investment, before counting fewer replanning hours (about 6 h/week, roughly EUR 9,000/year).
FAQ
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How much is an off-the-shelf suite for 15 users?
Budget EUR 60-160/user/month, i.e. EUR 10,800-28,800/year, plus EUR 8,000-40,000 of initial configuration. Advanced scheduling modules are often billed on top.
How long until custom software is live?
An MVP (work orders + BOMs + simple tracking) ships in 4-5 months. A full platform with finite-capacity scheduling and fine traceability takes 6 to 11 months.
Is custom really more cost-effective?
Not always. Below 15 users with standard processes, SaaS stays unbeatable. Beyond 20-25 users or with specific business rules, custom becomes competitive over 5 years (EUR 130,000-300,000 vs EUR 150,000-320,000).
Can the suite connect to our existing ERP?
Yes. An interface with an ERP or accounting system costs EUR 8,000-25,000 and ships in 3 to 5 weeks, via API or secure file exchange.
What service-level gain should I expect?
2026 feedback puts the gain at +5 to +15 points, by setting shop-floor priorities and firming up promised lead times. It is the main ROI lever.
Let's scope your project. Share your number of workstations, monthly work-order volume and an indicative budget, and we will frame a production MVP fit for your shop floor. 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.
