5 questions to ask before starting a custom project

A custom tool can transform your daily life. But it's not always the right solution. Before you start, ask yourself these five questions.

1. Do you really have a unique need?

Many needs are actually quite standard: contact management, invoicing, project tracking. For these, existing software does the job very well.

A custom tool makes sense when your profession has specificities that standard software doesn't cover.

2. Is the problem recurring?

If you lose time every week on the same task, the investment in a dedicated tool will quickly pay off. If it's a one-time problem, maybe a simpler solution is enough.

3. How many people are involved?

The more users there are, the more value a centralized tool has. If it's just for you, Excel might still do the job.

4. Are you ready to invest time?

A custom project requires your involvement: explaining your needs, validating steps, testing the tool. It's an investment, but that's what guarantees a tailored result.

5. Do you have a realistic budget?

A custom tool costs more than a SaaS subscription. But it's made for you, and you own it. It's a different calculation.