Custom automation is not always the right answer. This is an honest framework for deciding when it is.
Before committing to a custom build, answer three questions honestly. Is this workflow stable? Does the volume justify it? Can existing tools handle it? If the answers are yes, yes, and no — build it.
Build custom when: you are spending £150+ per month on automation tools for this workflow; the logic has outgrown what the tool can express; mobile automation is required; the tools you need to connect are not in any library; you need a custom management interface; or the manual patches are costing more than the SaaS subscription.
Custom automation builds range from £1,500 to £15,000+ depending on scope. The break-even against SaaS tools is typically 12-24 months. Beyond economics, custom automation often unlocks capability that off-the-shelf tools simply cannot provide.
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