Decision brief
Should we build or buy this system?
Buy an off-the-shelf tool
ConfidenceModerate
Why
Buy an off-the-shelf tool is strongest on cost and time to implement, which carry the most weight in your criteria. It scores 77 out of 100 on your weights, against 70 for “Buy now, rebuild later if needed”.
Major tradeoffs
- Build in-house is stronger on strategic fit (5 vs. 2).
Critical assumptions
- 1.It can be done in weeks, not quarters.
- 2.It will cost about what you expect, with no hidden ongoing work.
- 3.If it goes wrong, you can recover without lasting damage.
What would change the recommendation
If you're wrong about time to implement, “Buy now, rebuild later if needed” becomes the better choice. A 7-point lead is real, but not decisive.
Recommended next step
Break the first milestone into tasks and have the people doing the work estimate it.