The verdict in three sentences
Custom trade software (≈ 85,000 EUR + 1,200 EUR/month support) is not an IT expense but a margin lever when your processes still run on spreadsheets and re-keying. For a manufacturing/distribution SME, it cuts order entry fourfold, reduces stockouts by 22%, and adds 2.3 net margin points. Payback lands at 16 months, ERP/EDI connectors included.
Project cost and 2026 scope
Custom makes sense when a standard ERP does not fit your trade (product configurator, per-client negotiated pricing, specific stock logic). Here is a typical breakdown for a 30-80 employee SME.
| Item | 2026 range (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Scoping + trade workshops | 8,000-15,000 |
| Order/quote management | 18,000-30,000 |
| Stock + stockout alerts | 12,000-22,000 |
| ERP + EDI connector | 10,000-20,000 |
| B2B e-commerce portal | 12,000-25,000 |
| Total build (median) | ≈ 85,000 |
| Monthly support | 800-1,800 |
| Delivery time | 20-28 weeks |
Before / after: hours saved per department
Software ROI is measured first in recovered admin hours and avoided errors. Here is the measured 12-month impact after go-live.
| Metric | Before | After | Gain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Order entry | 18 h/wk | 4 h/wk | -14 h/wk |
| Stockout handling | Reactive | Auto alerts | -22% stockouts |
| Invoice dispute handling | 6 h/wk | 2 h/wk | -4 h/wk |
| Management reporting | 5 h/mo | 30 min/mo | -4.5 h/mo |
| Net margin | Baseline | +2.3 pts | +2.3 pts |
On 6M EUR revenue, +2.3 net margin points represent ~138,000 EUR/year — more than the initial investment by the second year.
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Mini case study
Claire is CFO of an industrial-components distribution SME (48 staff, 6M EUR revenue). She invests 85,000 EUR in custom software + 1,200 EUR/month support. Over 12 months: order entry drops from 18 to 4 hours/week (14 h × 45 EUR/h loaded × 46 weeks = ~29,000 EUR/year saved), stockouts fall 22% (fewer lost sales), and net margin gains 2.3 points on 6M EUR, or ~138,000 EUR. Annual support: 14,400 EUR. Cumulative payback crosses the line at 16 months.
FAQ
Why not a market ERP? A standard ERP covers 70-80% of needs but forces you to change profitable processes. Custom fits your trade logic (configurator, negotiated pricing) where an ERP imposes its own.
What does support really cost? Expect 800 to 1,800 EUR/month depending on scope, roughly 10-20% of the build per year. It covers fixes, minor evolutions, and support.
Can you connect our existing ERP and EDI? Yes. ERP connectors (Sage, Cegid, Divalto) and retail-customer EDI are part of standard scope, priced 10,000-20,000 EUR.
How long before the first gains? A first module (orders or stock) ships in 8-12 weeks. Entry-time gains appear as soon as that module goes live.
Is a 16-month ROI realistic? It is a 2026 order of magnitude based on a 6M EUR SME. It varies with your order volume and current re-keying rate; we model it in the quote.
Let's scope your project. Share your revenue, headcount, and your two most time-consuming processes — we quote the build, support, and expected ROI. 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.
