SaaS software or a bespoke solution? Differences and benefits
SaaS software or a bespoke solution? Differences and benefits
When a company decides to digitise a process, it can choose between SaaS software – which is ready-to-use and available on a subscription basis – or a bespoke solution, developed to meet the organisation’s specific needs.
Cosmobile offers both options, with software available in both standard and Enterprise configurations.
What is SaaS software
SaaS software, an acronym for Software as a Service, is a ready-made solution, accessible online and generally offered on a subscription basis.
It is suitable for companies that want to:
- Get started quickly
- Keep the initial investment low
- Use tried-and-tested features
- Benefit from continuous updates
- Expand the number of users and services over time.
The main advantage is the speed of implementation: the company adopts a ready-to-use tool, configuring it according to the available options.
What is a bespoke solution
A bespoke solution, on the other hand, is designed around the company’s processes.
It may include dedicated features, specific rules, customised interfaces and advanced integrations with ERP, CRM, management systems and e-commerce platforms.
It is the most suitable choice when:
- Workflows are complex
- There are complex price lists or commercial rules
- Specific data exchanges are required
- The software must adapt to roles, permissions and internal procedures
- The standard solution does not cover all requirements.
SaaS and bespoke software: the differences
The main difference concerns the level of customisation.
SaaS offers more predictable costs, shorter go-live times and ready-to-use functionality. A customised solution, on the other hand, requires a more in-depth analysis and development phase, but allows the software to be tailored to business processes.
Integrations can also differ: SaaS versions offer APIs, imports or standard connections, whilst in Enterprise projects, data exchange is designed based on the systems used by the company.
CRM Sales Order Sender
Order Sender is software for order collection and sales force management. The SaaS version is ideal for those wishing to quickly digitise catalogues, customers, visits and orders.
Order Sender Enterprise is designed for more structured sales networks and can be customised with specific functions, large catalogues and integrations with ERP and management systems.
B2B Catalogue App: Paginae
Paginae enables you to transform catalogues, brochures and documents into interactive digital content.
The standard version allows you to quickly publish and distribute sales materials. Paginae Enterprise, on the other hand, can integrate documents, price lists and content with databases and more complex business systems.
Technical Service Calls and Reports via the App with Tech Away
Tech Away is dedicated to managing technical service calls and digital reports.
The SaaS version offers a ready-to-use workflow for organising tasks, signatures and data collected in the field. The Enterprise version can be adapted to specific procedures and linked to the company’s management system.
B2B E-commerce: Order Factory
Order Factory is the B2B e-commerce platform for wholesalers, distributors, retailers and sales networks.
The standard version allows you to quickly set up a portal for catalogues, price lists and restocking. An Enterprise solution is better suited to complex e-commerce set-ups, with a large number of product references, detailed commercial policies and advanced integrations.
When to choose SaaS
SaaS software is the right choice when the available features already meet your core requirements and you want to get started quickly. It can also serve as a first step to test the service – all Cosmobile software is available as a free trial for 15 days – and subsequently assess the need for a bespoke solution.
When to choose a bespoke solution
A bespoke solution is recommended when the software needs to integrate into a complex digital ecosystem or manage non-standard processes. In these cases, the aim is not just to adopt a new tool, but to create a coherent workflow between people, data and business systems.
SaaS or bespoke: the choice starts with your processes
There is no single ‘best’ solution. The choice depends on the number of users, the complexity of workflows, the necessary integrations and your growth objectives.
Cosmobile develops both ready-to-use SaaS software and bespoke enterprise projects, helping businesses identify the most suitable solution.
Contact us to assess which approach best meets your company’s needs.