Who each option is actually for
| SAP | Odoo | Custom | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical buyer | Large, process-willing | SME that can stay close to standard | SME whose process is the product |
| Licence | Heavy | Modular, easier to start | None; you own the code |
| Implementation | A programme | Depends entirely on the partner | A phased build |
| Risk | Cost and rigidity | Death by custom modules | Building a commodity by accident |
The mistake in the first meeting
Comparing licence price to a custom quote. Implementation, data, training and the “small customisations” are the real number on every side. Odoo projects go wrong when the partner says yes to every exception and you end up with a private fork. SAP projects go wrong when nobody in the room is allowed to change the business. Custom projects go wrong when you rebuild Tally.
Read what custom ERP is and cost and timeline before you take three meetings that are not about the same thing.