The verdict in three sentences
In a network of 5 to 15 staffing branches, entering timesheets, assignment contracts and amendments eats 1 to 2 days per branch per week. Custom software costs 45,000 to 110,000 EUR (67,000 to 165,000 CAD) in 2026, based on a Lille network; Toronto builds usually land 10 to 30% higher, and the budget depends on branch count, the mobile app and how deep the payroll and statutory reporting integration goes. For a 10-branch network, the time freed is worth over 100,000 EUR a year on its own, amortising the tool in 8 to 12 months.
Detailed budget by functional block
Off-the-shelf staffing software handles payroll well, much less the specifics of a regional network (industrial clients with paper timesheets, multiple sites, negotiated billing markups). Here are 2026 estimates for a custom build.
| Block | Content | Indicative budget |
|---|---|---|
| Assignments and workers core | Profiles, certifications, availability, licences | 12,000 to 25,000 EUR |
| Digital assignment contracts | Generation, e-signature, amendments | 8,000 to 18,000 EUR |
| Online timesheets | Client entry, approval, overtime rules | 8,000 to 20,000 EUR |
| Worker mobile app | Assignments, timesheets, documents, advances | 10,000 to 25,000 EUR |
| Payroll and statutory reporting interface | Export to payroll, checks (DSN in France, ROE in Canada) | 5,000 to 15,000 EUR |
| Client invoicing | Markups, automatic invoices, reminders | 4,000 to 10,000 EUR |
| Network dashboard | Margin per branch, recruiters, billed hours | 3,000 to 8,000 EUR |
A 5-branch network without a mobile app starts around 45,000 EUR. The full version for 15 branches reaches 110,000 EUR.
Custom build or off-the-shelf staffing software
The choice depends on user count and the weight of specific processes. Vendors often charge per branch or per user, plus a fee per contract or payslip.
| Criterion | Off-the-shelf software | Custom build |
|---|---|---|
| Entry cost | 5,000 to 20,000 EUR (setup, migration) | 45,000 to 110,000 EUR |
| Annual cost (10 branches, 40 users) | 30,000 to 70,000 EUR | 7,000 to 16,500 EUR (15% maintenance) |
| Client-entered timesheets | Optional, rigid module | Tailored to each industrial client |
| Branded worker app | Generic or missing | Native, network brand |
| Payroll and statutory reporting | Built in | Interfaced with your payroll software |
| 5-year total cost | 155,000 to 370,000 EUR | 80,000 to 192,500 EUR |
The custom build does not replace the payroll engine: it connects to it. That keeps the budget under control while securing statutory filings.
Time saved, branch by branch
The calculation uses one day of a recruiter or branch assistant, around 180 to 220 EUR fully loaded.
| Task | Current time per branch per week | Time with the tool | Gain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering paper timesheets | 5 to 8 hours | 1 hour (approval) | 4 to 7 hours |
| Drafting contracts and amendments | 3 to 5 hours | 1 hour | 2 to 4 hours |
| Chasing workers for documents | 2 to 3 hours | 0.5 hour | 1.5 to 2.5 hours |
| Payroll corrections and hours disputes | 2 to 4 hours | 1 hour | 1 to 3 hours |
| Total | 12 to 20 hours | 3.5 hours | 8.5 to 16.5 hours (1 to 2 days) |
Mini case study
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Sophie, head of a 10-branch staffing network around Lille, places an average of 800 temps a week in manufacturing and logistics. Her branches lose 1.5 days a week to data entry.
Annual gain: 1.5 days × 10 branches × 46 weeks = 690 days, valued at 180 EUR loaded, i.e. 124,200 EUR a year. She commissions a full tool (online timesheets, e-signed contracts, worker app, reporting interface) for 85,000 EUR (about 127,000 CAD), plus 12,750 EUR of annual maintenance. Payback comes in about 9 months. Hours disputes, previously 3 to 4% of payslips, drop below 1%.
FAQ
How much does custom staffing agency software cost?
From 45,000 EUR (67,000 CAD) for 5 branches without a mobile app to 110,000 EUR (165,000 CAD) for 15 branches with every block. Maintenance runs 12 to 18% of the initial budget per year.
Does the software handle statutory payroll reporting?
It prepares and checks the data (hours, overtime, bonuses) then sends it to your payroll software, which files the returns. This interface costs 5,000 to 15,000 EUR.
Can clients approve timesheets online?
Yes, each client gets access to enter or approve hours weekly. Payroll close often goes from 3 days to 1 day.
What development timeline should we expect?
Plan 4 to 6 months, with a first version (timesheets and contracts) live in 2 or 3 pilot branches after 10 to 12 weeks.
Are e-signed assignment contracts valid?
Yes, an electronic signature compliant with eIDAS in Europe (or PIPEDA-aligned practices in Canada) is accepted for assignment contracts. Cost per signature ranges from 0.50 to 2 EUR depending on the provider.
Let's scope your project. We define the priority blocks (timesheets, contracts, app, reporting), an indicative budget of 45,000 to 110,000 EUR and a 2-branch pilot within 12 weeks. 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.
