Application Assessment & Buy vs. Build Analysis: Making the Right Investment in Manufacturing Technology
Selecting the right software solutions is one of the most critical and costly decisions manufacturers face. Whether evaluating MES, SCADA, ERP, AI platforms, or custom automation solutions, companies must determine whether to buy an off-the-shelf product or build a custom application. A misaligned choice can result in high costs, integration failures, and operational inefficiencies.
mode40’s Application Assessment & Buy vs. Build Analysis provides manufacturers with a data-driven framework to evaluate software investments—ensuring that solutions align with business needs, technical requirements, and long-term scalability.
What is an Application Assessment & Buy vs. Build Analysis?
Our structured assessment helps manufacturers:
- Identify Business & Operational Needs – Define functional requirements, process workflows, and user needs.
- Evaluate Off-the-Shelf vs. Custom Solutions – Assess cost, flexibility, scalability, and total cost of ownership (TCO).
- Analyze Integration & Data Compatibility – Ensure solutions fit within existing IT/OT ecosystems, including MES, SCADA, ERP, and cloud systems.
- Quantify ROI & Risk Factors – Compare implementation timelines, maintenance costs, and vendor support to determine the best investment.
- Provide a Future-Proof Strategy – Ensure that technology decisions align with long-term growth and digital transformation objectives.
Proof in Results: Selecting the Right MES for a Tier 1 Automotive Supplier
A global F&B was evaluating MES solutions but struggled to determine whether an off-the-shelf system or a custom-built solution would best support their complex, multi-plant operations.
mode40 conducted an Application Assessment & Buy vs. Build Analysis, providing a detailed breakdown of:
- Feature alignment vs. customization needs
- Integration challenges with existing SCADA and ERP systems
- Cost comparison over five years, factoring in licensing, implementation, and maintenance
- Scalability & future adaptability
The assessment led to a hybrid approach, where the company leveraged a commercial MES for core functionality while developing custom AI-driven analytics on top of the system. The impact?
✅ 40% faster deployment by reducing unnecessary custom development.
✅ $2.5M in cost savings over five years by selecting a scalable, modular system.
✅ Seamless integration with existing IT/OT infrastructure, ensuring real-time data flow.
✅ Increased flexibility, allowing future technology upgrades without vendor lock-in.
More Than a Decision—A Roadmap for Scalable Technology
The wrong technology investment can set manufacturers back years, while the right choice creates a foundation for growth, efficiency, and competitive advantage. The mode40 Application Assessment & Buy vs. Build Analysis ensures that every investment is strategic, data-driven, and future-proof.
What is your Manufacturing Source of Truth?
About mode40
mode40 is a full-service digital transformation company. We partner with companies looking to advance Industry 4.0 initiatives and drive measurable value across the enterprise through technology adoption. We seamlessly integrate engineering and technology to optimize manufacturing systems. Our mission is to guide clients through their digital transformation journey by aligning people, processes, and technology for maximum profit while solving business problems. We unlock profit from existing processes while engaging the workforce with technology tools while utilizing your current systems and existing assets before investing in new systems. mode40 acts as an extension of your team, or the whole team on digital transformation projects. We position resources for your transformation timeline and accelerate time-to-value to new or active projects.
