Pre-built applications vs. custom solutions: How to decide?

When considering process improvement, companies often face constraints. Budget is a frequent limitation - custom application development can be expensive and time-consuming. On the other hand, pre-built solutions are cheaper but often lack the flexibility to meet specific organizational needs. Then, there’s the issue of motivation: motivation fades when innovation meets barriers like 'no budget' or 'maybe later.'”

This leaves businesses juggling manual tasks or creating complex Excel workarounds that only a few employees fully understand. It’s fair to say that ERP systems are indispensable for storing data, but the way teams work with it is far from sufficient. Just look at processes like populating invoice data, preparing sales offers that require coordinating sales, warehouse, and logistics, or handling claims processes. All these workflows typically rely on manual data checks and entries - time-consuming and labor-intensive tasks that drain efficiency.

Faced with these challenges, businesses generally consider two options: pre-built applications or custom solutions. However, if neither meets your needs - if off-the-shelf tools fall short and custom applications exceed your budget - there’s a third option: low-code development.

Low-code development: the middle ground that combines affordability with adaptability

Low-code platforms offer an affordable, fast alternative to traditional software development. They enable businesses to create applications with minimal coding expertise, drastically reducing costs and development time.

Consider how WordPress simplifies website creation for non-developers. Similarly, low-code platforms let businesses build custom ERP solutions without extensive coding expertise.

For instance, Oracle APEX is a free low-code tool already integrated into systems like Impuls EVO. Without additional costs, you can leverage APEX to add custom functionalities to your ERP, saving time and resources.

By combining the flexibility of custom solutions with the cost-effectiveness of pre-built tools, low-code development offers a strategic advantage. It allows businesses to:

• Save time: development cycles are significantly shorter - up to 20x faster than traditional methods.
• Reduce costs: projects cost a fraction of custom-built solutions.
• Enhance efficiency: streamline processes while maintaining data consistency across systems.

Advantages of low-code for ERP integration

Seamless data handling

If your ERP system is based on an Oracle database, such as Impuls EVO, low-code integration offers a unique advantage: working within the same data environment. Any changes made in the application automatically update in the ERP system, eliminating the need for external tools or additional software licenses.

For instance, instead of manually transferring data from paper forms into the system, a custom digital form can instantly record the data in the ERP. This triggers subsequent actions, such as inventory checks or department notifications, streamlining operations and reducing errors.

Even if your ERP operates on a non-Oracle database, integration is often possible through APIs (Application Programming Interface), ensuring flexibility regardless of the underlying architecture.

Oracle APEX: free low-code tool within your ERP

Many businesses using ERP systems like Impuls EVO aren’t aware that they already have access to Oracle APEX (Application Express), a powerful low-code platform built into Oracle databases. This tool enables companies to create applications customized to their unique needs without incurring additional costs.

By utilizing Oracle APEX, you can add functionalities to your ERP, such as custom forms, automated processes, and detailed reporting, without the need for expensive third-party software. It’s a solution that’s already at your fingertips - designed to simplify and enhance your workflow.

Endless possibilities for customization

Do you need a custom form to input data directly into your ERP? Want to design a report with specific fields and layouts to meet department needs? Low-code platforms make these tasks achievable, offering pre-built modules that you can adapt to your requirements.

Example applications you can build with low-code:

• Administrative Processes: Automated leave requests and digital workflows.
• Finance: Bank statement summaries and real-time contractor verification.
• Sales: Complaint management and integrated stock offers.
• Production: Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), warehouse management.
• Logistics: Streamlining interdepartmental collaboration for orders and CRM.

…from simple electronic forms to complex manufacturing or financial workflows, the range of applications is vast.

How low-code implementation works

The process of building a low-code application varies by implementation partner, but some core steps remain consistent.It begins with understanding the client’s needs and processes, mapping workflows, and defining the scope of work. This basis ensures that the application integrates smoothly into existing ERP systems while addressing specific pain points.

Step 1: Process selection. The journey begins by identifying a process that offers the greatest potential for optimization.

Step 2: Process mapping workshop. During this workshop, we analyze the selected process in detail, create process maps, recommend technologies, and estimate the potential return on investment (ROI).

Step 3: Development. With client approval, we proceed to develop the application using low-code modules.

Step 4: Testing. The application undergoes rigorous testing with real data. Adjustments and improvements are made based on feedback.

Step 5: Deployment. The finalized application is implemented into daily operations, accompanied by training and support for your team.

At GGS IT Consulting, we start with process mapping workshops to identify pain points, define requirements, and align on a project scope. This collaborative approach ensures that the resulting solution is both effective and easy to integrate.

What is the outcome, and what affects the costs?

Process mapping workshop

Process mapping workshops identify inefficiencies and lay the groundwork for automation, helping you transition from manual to streamlined operations. This stage identifies the organization’s specific needs, requirements, map processes and establishes a clear project framework. The workshop not only sets a clear foundation for the project but fosters alignment between stakeholders and paves the way for a smooth transition from manual to automated processes.

Workshop Deliverables:

• Process maps (BPMN): detailed visualizations, including exceptions.
• Automation recommendations: insights into which processes are worth automating and which may not yield the desired ROI.
• ROI analysis: for each process, we calculate potential savings and benefits.
• Implementation plan: a timeline with roles outlined for both client and consulting teams.
• Collaboration model: typically Scrum-based but adaptable to client preferences.

The cost of the workshop depends on:

• Process complexity.
• Number of processes analyzed.
• Required expertise from specialized consultants (e.g., low-code, RPA, Oracle APEX).

The result is a comprehensive document (Requirements Analysis and Design Definition), which clients can use with us, their internal IT team, or another vendor.

Implementation

While it’s challenging to provide a universal figure, several factors influence the total cost:

• Process complexity: More steps or tasks require additional resources and time.
• Technologies used: Simple low-code solutions are more affordable compared to those incorporating RPA, OCR, or AI.
• Deployment setup: Whether the solution is on-premise or cloud-based.
• Development time (man-days): The number of hours required for development and testing.

If you’d like cost estimates, feel free to reach out. We’re happy to schedule a consultation and provide estimates, based on your unique requirements.

Conclusion

Since your work revolves around ERP, relying on manual tasks and supplementary tools feels counterproductive. Low-code technology transforms this reality, enabling teams to automate repetitive processes and focus on strategic priorities.

At GGS IT Consulting, we specialize in creating customized solutions that simplify ERP workflows. Whether it’s adding functionalities or automating processes, we’ll work with you to design and implement applications that save time, reduce costs, and enhance productivity.

Ready to get started?

Schedule your free consultation to explore how we can transform your ERP workflows. Together, we’ll identify automation opportunities that deliver measurable ROI and elevate your team’s productivity.