Serious Insights Weighs In: Should I Build My App or Buy It? (Part 2)

In part one of the second episode of the Serious Insights for Admins podcast, Cirrus Insight’s Senior Salesforce MVP Kristi Campbell talked to Emilie Jensen, Director of Sales Operations at Infrascale, about the frameworks involved in deciding whether to build or buy an app.

In part two, Kristi and Emilie continue discussing whether to build or buy an app by looking at it through the lens of “The Process” and how it ties in with the “Think Like a Journalist” framework discussed in the previous episode.

The Process

Building your CRM solution isn’t a linear journey — it’s often a years-long process with twists and turns along the way.

Emilie and Kristi both agree that Salesforce Admins are used to being thrust into sudden situations — like being asked to work on a solution when a colleague comes up with a groundbreaking idea that requires automation immediately. As Admins, part of the role is deciding whether the solution is worth pursuing and implementing these changes.

“The Process” is how Admins decide whether or not to update the solution. The “Build vs. Buy” dilemma falls in this situation and requires the “Think Like a Journalist” framework to aid easy decision-making.?

Regardless of the direction, the decision should best meet your company’s current needs, along with other criteria, like your budget, timeline, training, policy changes, etc.

Wherever you are on “The Process,” the “Think Like a Journalist” framework should help.

On Continually Improving Your System

One of the most essential yet overlooked parts of “The Process” is continually improving your system.

A surprising number of companies neglect this aspect, leading to lost productivity and tech debt. Admins need to prevent that from happening — but should do so mindfully.

Kristi and Emilie share the following ways to improve your system:

1. Develop a philosophy or architectural design for your organization's system, preferably before making major changes. This roadmap can guide your decisions and prevent consequential updates for your system.
2. Improve your system from the data stewardship perspective, which simplifies decision-making. This lets you stay on top of your game, especially when you’re trying to look out for your entire organization.
3. Be your own customer. Remember: you’re the only person who knows what your organization’s system needs.

Using the framework can help improve the conversations that need to happen to implement those changes.

Final Thoughts: Serious Insights Build vs. Buy Part 2 — The Process

In part one of the two-part episode on Build vs. Buy, Kristi and guest Emilie Jensen discussed the framework that can help Adminitects decide whether to build or buy. In part two, the pair continue the discussion by looking at it through “The Process.” They also share actionable tips to improve your system.

The key takeaway from this episode is to be your own customer. At the end of the day, you're the only one who knows what your business needs.

Want to learn more? Listen to part two of the second episode of the Serious Insights podcast.