The verdict in three sentences
An off-the-shelf MES (30-70 EUR/user/month) is enough for a single-site SME with a standard flow, but its configuration quickly hits atypical processes. Custom software (45,000-110,000 EUR) pays off as soon as scheduling, shop-floor tracking and ERP integration drive your service level and lead times. The real trade-off is not the entry price but the 5-year TCO measured against delays avoided.
Off-the-shelf vs custom: what you actually pay
A market MES bills per named user and per module. Custom is an amortised upfront investment with no monthly seat rent. Here are 2026 ballpark figures for a 40-seat industrial SME.
| Item | Off-the-shelf MES | Custom |
|---|---|---|
| License / initial build | 30-70 EUR/user/month | 45,000-110,000 EUR |
| Scheduling (APS) | Module +15 EUR/user | Included in scope |
| Real-time shop tracking | Option 8-20 EUR/user | Included |
| ERP integration | Flat 8,000-25,000 EUR | 6,000-18,000 EUR |
| Annual maintenance | Included in subscription | 8-15 % of build |
| Year 1 cost (40 users) | 30,000-55,000 EUR | 55,000-125,000 EUR |
| 5-year cumulative | 150,000-275,000 EUR | 85,000-165,000 EUR |
Over 5 years, custom often overtakes the subscription once users exceed 25-30. Below that, off-the-shelf is unbeatable on cash flow.
What tips the ROI
The gain comes not from the software but from two measurable levers: the service level (orders delivered on time) and the reduction of work-order delays. One point of service level gained on 8 M EUR of revenue typically means 40,000 to 90,000 EUR of margin saved per year.
| Metric | Before | After (12 months) |
|---|---|---|
| Service level | 88 % | 95 % |
| Average WO delay | 3.2 days | 0.9 day |
| Daily shop data entry | 2h30 | 25 min |
| Component shortages/month | 14 | 4 |
| Valued WIP | 620,000 EUR | 460,000 EUR |
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Mini case study
Claire, CFO of a precision engineering SME in Lyon (52 staff, 9 M EUR revenue). She hesitates between an MES at 45 EUR/user/month for 35 seats (18,900 EUR/year, or 94,500 EUR over 5 years) and custom software at 78,000 EUR + 9 % maintenance (35,100 EUR over 5 years, total 113,100 EUR). Custom costs 18,600 EUR more over 5 years but integrates her Sage ERP and automates the multi-machine scheduling no standard module covers. By gaining 6 service-level points, she saves about 65,000 EUR of margin per year: the extra cost is absorbed in under 4 months.
FAQ
Is an MES enough for an SME under 20 seats? Yes, in most cases. Below 20 users the subscription (30-70 EUR/user/month) stays lighter on cash flow and standard configuration covers 80 % of a simple shop's needs.
How long to deploy custom software? Expect 14 to 22 weeks for an industrial SME: 3-4 weeks scoping, 8-12 development, the rest in shop testing and data migration. An off-the-shelf MES deploys in 6 to 10 weeks.
What ERP integration budget should I plan? Between 6,000 and 25,000 EUR depending on the ERP (Sage, Cegid, SAP Business One). Custom is often cheaper to connect because the API is designed for your data schema.
Is custom maintenance a risk? It runs 8 to 15 % of the build per year, contracted with an SLA. It is predictable and negotiable, unlike vendor license hikes (often 5-8 %/year).
Can we start small then extend? Yes: we first deliver shop tracking and scheduling, then add quality, maintenance and reporting in 3-5 week batches. This smooths the investment.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your number of shops, your ERP and your current service level, and we will price the MES or custom scope that fits your budget. 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.
