Build vs. Buy: The Smart Choice for Retail Energy Suppliers
In the dynamic retail energy landscape, choosing between building software internally or purchasing an off-the-shelf solution is critical. While custom solutions may seem attractive, they often come with hidden costs and complexities. For retail energy suppliers, especially those focused on sales and commissions, a robust, ready-made platform like Enerex is not just an alternative—it’s the strategic choice. Here’s why:
- Cost Efficiency
Building software internally is rarely a one-time investment. Let’s break down the costs:
Cost Component | Build (Year 1) | Buy (Enerex) |
Development Team Salaries | $240,000 | $0 |
Application Subscriptions | $40,000 | $0 |
Hosting and Servers | $15,000 | Included |
Maintenance and Updates | $50,000 | Included |
Opportunity Costs | $200,000 | $0 |
Total | $545,000 | $90,000 |
Over five years, a build solution could exceed $1 million while Enerex remains consistent at $450,000 – potentially saving $550,000.
- Time to Market
In the fast-paced retail energy industry, time is money. Building internally can take 12-18 months before the software is operational. Enerex is ready to deploy immediately, allowing suppliers to capitalize on market opportunities without delay.
- Continuous Innovation
With an internal build, every enhancement or feature update requires additional investment. Regulatory changes can force unexpected rebuilds, further inflating costs.
Enerex offers:
- A dynamic product roadmap ensuring software evolution with industry needs
- A comprehensive knowledge base for best practices
- A dedicated customer success team to support your goals
Why Choose Enerex?
- Predictable Costs: A $10,000-$20,000 monthly subscription (averaging $90,000 annually) provides immediate value and includes ongoing improvements and updates.
- Immediate Deployment: Capitalize on market opportunities without delay.
- Future-Proofing: Stay ahead of regulatory changes and market demands without additional costs.
- Focus on Core Business: Leverage a best-in-class platform while concentrating on your primary objectives.
- Expertise On-Demand: Benefit from Enerex’s industry knowledge, continuous innovation and excellent customer support.
The decision to build versus buy transcends upfront costs. It’s about strategic alignment, agility, and future-proofing. Enerex empowers retail energy suppliers to stay competitive and compliant while focusing on their core business.
Why build when you can buy smarter? Choose Enerex and propel your business forward.
