Navigating the Build vs. Buy Debate for SaaS Integrations
Deciding whether to build custom SaaS integrations or buy pre-built connectors is pivotal for growth. While building offers control and tailored functionality, it demands significant resources. Conversely, leveraging API integration platforms, pre-built connectors, and workflow automation ensures faster deployment, cost efficiency, and scalability—making a hybrid approach the smart choice for most businesses.
If you’re beginning to scope your integration project, you might find yourself with a whole host of options to choose from.
First, let’s talk about the different types of integrations…
Understanding the Types of Integrations
Integration builds vary widely depending on technical requirements and business objectives. Generally, they can be classified into three categories based on complexity and the nature of data workflows:
Simple, one trigger, one outcome workflows between common systems.
E.g Every time a new order is created in Shopify, add the customer’s email to a Mailchimp audience.
Common but more complex workflows between well-known systems.
E.g When a new employee is added in Workday, generate an onboarding checklist in Slack, then send required documents via DocuSign and trigger IT to provision accounts.
Fully custom, highly complex workflows between lesser-known systems.
E.g Integrating a legacy ERP system with a modern cloud-based CRM like Salesforce, involving complex data mapping, custom APIs and secure data synchronisation across on-premise and cloud environments.
In this article, we are going to focus on advanced workflows and highly custom integrations.
Below you can compare the time to market, cost to develop, resource commitment and maintenance effort when comparing in-house vs integration platforms.
Integration platform here refers to the general integration middleware market & is not a reflection of Versori’s solution.
5 Essential Questions to Answer Before Your Project Starts:
Before deciding, ask yourself these five essential questions:
How many integrations do you need? Have a longlist and shortlist of desired connectors by priority. This will be key in weighing API integration platforms vs pre-built connectors vs in-house developers.
For the connectors you want, how many end users do you expect to have on them? How much usage do you expect connectors to see? Understand the scope of user access and frequency of usage to ensure that your workflow automation tools are scalable and capable of handling expected demand.
What is your budget and for how many integrations? Are some connectors worth more to your organization? If they are, are you comfortable outsourcing development? Where the revenue value is lower, pre-built connectors are a cost-effective alternative. API integration platforms & in-house developers are more costly but more effective for revenue driving integrations.
How long do you have to stand up how many connectors? Are some a much higher priority than others? Time is often a crucial factor, especially as you roll out a new product or need to move fast to compete with other platforms.
How much internal resource can you dedicate to this work? Is this resource technical (i.e., a developer), semi-technical (i.e., a technical PM), or non-technical? The more technical the resource, the easier it will be to leverage API integration platforms and in-house development effectively. If your internal resources are limited, focusing on pre-built connectors or using a serviced integration platform can help reduce development overhead.
Build vs. Buy: Pros and Cons
Building In-House:
Pros: Full control, tailored functionality, direct access for troubleshooting. This approach allows for deep customization of APIs and the ability to create highly specific workflows that align with unique business processes.
Cons: High development costs, resource-intensive, ongoing maintenance burden. Maintaining custom integrations can divert resources from core business activities and limit scalability compared to using an API integration platform.
Buying (Integration Platforms or Pre-Built Connectors):
Pros: Faster time-to-market, lower upfront costs, managed maintenance. Leveraging an API integration platform enables quick deployment of integrations with minimal development effort, while pre-built connectors simplify connections between commonly used applications, enhancing workflow automation capabilities.
Cons: Less customization, potential vendor lock-in, reliance on third-party reliability. While convenient, pre-built connectors may not meet all specific business requirements, and dependence on external platforms could impact flexibility and control.
Finding the Right Strategy
Most businesses benefit from a hybrid approach:
Critical Integrations: Build in-house for full control and reliability.
Important Integrations: Use integration platforms for balance between speed and customization.
Nice-to-Have Integrations: Rely on pre-built connectors to save time and reduce costs.
Your strategy should evolve with your business. As needs grow, reassess whether building, buying, or a combination of both provides the best value.
Making the Right Choice for Your SaaS Integrations
Choosing between building and buying SaaS integrations isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. It requires evaluating your business priorities, resources, and growth plans. Whether you’re aiming for speed, control, or cost-efficiency, the right integration strategy will set the foundation for scalable success.
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)