Is custom software in 2019 spelled EGO?

I still struggle , as do many, with the rationalization between building software and buying software. Microsoft Excel , likely one of the most widely recognized packaged software applications, was released over 30 years ago . My guess is not many people would consider building a custom piece of software which performs math and other worksheet related tasks. While this is an obvious example, it highlights an important factor for many in deciding between custom and configurable software solutions . Fact is, everybody understands how Microsoft Excel works.

Let's mix it up a bit and add the opinions that you have regarding what makes your approach to business so special.  The things that you do, in an industry, which are totally unique to your competitors.  This is where it gets a bit murky, we must tease out the transactional components from the value add aspects of software.  For instance, you use a staffing system to help find, manage, and retain internal and external employees.  Is the connection to Indeed or Monster any different than your competition?  Odds are no, instead your differentiation is likely in the manner in which you see the information and what actions you take to ensure your clients receive unmatched value. 

Instead, should you look for software solutions that "cover the transactional bases" and offer the ability to personalize with data perspectives and system workflows?  Absolutely, as we round the corner of another decade and come face to face with 2020, you would be hard pressed to find a reason why you shouldn't take this path.  Oh, unless my observations are deliberately avoiding the elephant in the room, your ego.  Years ago, when the software universe was very limited, building custom software may have been a good idea.  However, with the flood of solutions existing and entering on a daily basis your strategy should be one that embraces, through the use of graphing and other integration tools, the best components to make your solution.  Sometimes that means an end to end solution and other times that may mean a symphony of best in class software applications.  Either way, building custom tools to perform commoditized transactional functions is a bad move, short and long term.