Build vs Buy AI Decision Template
Evaluate whether to build custom AI solutions or buy vendor products using an evidence-based framework. Compare costs, risks, capabilities, and strategic fit with structured decision templates.
Start Build vs Buy Framework →The Problem
Deciding between building custom AI solutions or buying vendor products is one of the most critical decisions in AI strategy. Without a structured framework, organizations often make costly mistakes:
- • Over-building: Spending millions on custom solutions when vendors could deliver faster
- • Vendor lock-in: Choosing platforms that limit future flexibility
- • Hidden costs: Underestimating total cost of ownership (TCO)
- • Capability gaps: Missing critical features that impact business outcomes
- • Strategic misalignment: Choosing solutions that don't fit long-term strategy
The Solution
Our Build vs Buy Framework provides a structured, evidence-based approach to evaluate your options:
Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis
Evaluate build vs buy across 8+ dimensions including cost, risk, capabilities, and strategic fit.
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
Compare 3-5 year TCO projections including hidden costs, maintenance, and scaling.
Risk Assessment
Quantify technical, business, and compliance risks for both build and buy options.
Vendor Comparison
Use weighted scoring to compare multiple vendors side-by-side.
What You Get
- ✓ Structured decision framework with scoring matrices
- ✓ TCO models with 3-5 year projections
- ✓ Risk-adjusted comparison with confidence intervals
- ✓ Vendor evaluation scorecards
- ✓ PDF export for executive presentations
Common Use Cases
LLM/Foundation Model Selection
Should you use OpenAI, Anthropic, or build your own? Evaluate cost, performance, and strategic control.
RAG vs Custom Training
Compare retrieval-augmented generation against fine-tuning custom models for your use case.
AI Platform vs Point Solutions
Evaluate comprehensive AI platforms against specialized tools for specific functions.
Ready to Make the Right Decision?
Use our evidence-based framework to evaluate build vs buy decisions with confidence.
Start Build vs Buy Framework →