Vatsal Shah is the Co-Founder and CEO of Litmus, leading the management and engineering team in a fiercely competitive industrial landscape. Leaders often face the critical decision of choosing between building a custom industrial DataOps solution or buying an off-the-shelf system. This decision can impact the company’s operational capacity and long-term strategic positioning. Factors such as risk management, total cost of ownership, the pace of innovation, and the integration of people, processes, and technology must guide this decision-making process.
Risk management plays a significant role in the build versus buy decision. Developing a custom solution offers high customization but also introduces operational and financial risks due to unforeseen complexities. Purchasing a ready-made solution shifts the risk to the vendor, ensuring a proven, tested system. This transfer of risk management helps enterprises mitigate operational disruptions and maintain continuity. Total Cost of Ownership goes beyond the initial investment and includes development costs, maintenance, hardware, and team support for custom-built systems, while bought solutions have predictable costs and vendor support for efficient use and continuous improvement.
Innovation velocity is crucial for staying competitive, with dedicated vendors investing heavily in R&D to ensure cutting-edge technology and best practices. Vendors can innovate faster due to insights and feedback from a broad user base. Successful DataOps implementation requires harmony between people, processes, and technology. Bought solutions come with established best practices, implementation roadmaps, and support structures, accelerating adoption and maximizing the technology’s impact.
The opportunity cost of in-house development lies in the resources diverted from core competencies and value-generating activities. Opting for a market-ready platform frees up resources for innovation in manufacturing and operational processes. Leaders must carefully weigh the benefits of customization and control against the speed, support, and strategic focus offered by off-the-shelf solutions. By choosing a solution that minimally disrupts operations, supports rapid innovation, and leverages the expertise of seasoned professionals, enterprises can thrive in the age of Industrial DataOps.
While the appeal of building a bespoke solution may be strong, the strategic advantages of purchasing a robust, flexible, and continuously evolving DataOps platform cannot be understated. The right decision ensures operational efficiency, risk mitigation, and positions the enterprise for innovation in the digital age. The Forbes Business Council offers growth and networking opportunities for business owners and leaders looking to expand their reach and connect with other industry professionals.
