When considering an intranet portal for your organization, one of the key decisions revolves around whether to choose an out-of-the-box (OOTB) solution, a custom-built solution, or a third-party offering. While OOTB solutions are appealing for their cost-effectiveness and ease of implementation, custom solutions offer a level of flexibility and personalization that can sometimes make a significant difference in the long term.
At AVASOFT, we understand that choosing between OOTB and custom solutions is not a one-size-fits-all decision. There are various factors that contribute to the total cost of ownership (TCO) and the return on investment (ROI). Below, we explore the benefits of each approach, focusing on how to measure ROI and making the right choice for your business.
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The value of OOTB intranet portal features
Out-of-the-box solutions, particularly in environments like Microsoft 365, provide a comprehensive set of tools ready to use with minimal configuration. These tools are designed to be highly scalable, ensuring that you get access to the latest features and updates as soon as they’re released. This allows organizations to stay ahead of the curve with less risk of disruption during software upgrades.
An OOTB intranet portal is often the most efficient starting point, providing a quick implementation with lower initial costs. Since these solutions are regularly updated by the provider, they are typically stable and well-maintained, ensuring that businesses can keep pace with evolving technology with minimal effort. However, while OOTB solutions can meet general needs effectively, they might not fully address the unique requirements of every organization.
The custom solution advantage
Custom intranet portals are tailored to meet the specific needs of your organization. When the out-of-the-box offerings fall short, a customized solution can ensure a better fit for the unique workflows, branding, and functionality requirements of your business. With custom solutions, the potential for improving user experience and driving productivity is substantial.
For instance, customizing an intranet portal with specific integrations or unique content delivery mechanisms can significantly enhance employee engagement. While the upfront investment for custom development is higher, the ROI can be much greater when these solutions are strategically aligned with business goals. By automating workflows, improving communication, or enhancing access to business-critical information, custom solutions can streamline operations, boost efficiency, and ultimately lead to measurable savings.
Measuring the ROI of custom vs. OOTB features
When evaluating the ROI of custom versus OOTB features, it’s essential to consider both tangible and intangible benefits. The direct costs—such as initial investment, ongoing maintenance, and licensing fees—are relatively easy to measure. However, factors like user satisfaction, productivity improvements, and the long-term scalability of the solution must also be factored in.
For OOTB solutions, the ROI is often reflected in reduced upfront costs, fast implementation, and a reliable, out-of-the-box experience that keeps businesses current with technology trends. Custom solutions, on the other hand, may require more time to develop and a higher initial investment, but they can bring greater long-term value in terms of operational efficiency, employee engagement, and specific capabilities that aren’t available in OOTB options.
An effective way to measure ROI is to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment, pilot different solutions, and track productivity metrics before and after implementation. This allows you to compare the tangible impact of each solution and ensure that your chosen approach aligns with your business objectives.
Customizing Microsoft 365 Tools
At AVASOFT, we advocate for taking an OOTB-first approach when possible. Microsoft 365 provides a broad range of tools that can be tailored through configuration, allowing organizations to meet unique needs without extensive custom coding. From SharePoint to Teams, many features can be configured to improve collaboration, automate workflows, and create a seamless user experience.
However, there are times when customization beyond configuration is necessary. For example, integrating custom business processes or building complex workflows may require advanced development. In these cases, working with an expert like AVASOFT ensures that your custom solutions are optimized for both performance and long-term sustainability.
Making the right choice for your business
When deciding between custom and OOTB solutions for your intranet portal, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your specific requirements, budget, and long-term business goals. If your organization requires specialized features that are not available out-of-the-box or needs to integrate with existing systems, custom development may be the right approach. However, for more general purposes, OOTB solutions can deliver a fast, cost-effective, and scalable option.
At AVASOFT, we specialize in delivering tailored Microsoft solutions that optimize both OOTB and custom features. Whether you’re looking to enhance an OOTB solution or build a completely custom intranet portal, our expertise in Microsoft 365 and cloud solutions ensures that we can help you make the most informed decision for your business.
Contact us today to explore how we can enhance your intranet portal’s ROI.
