You’ve seen some growth recently & decided your current solution needs to be expanded. However you now face a choice, should you build on the current system or start fresh with a new one? The answer to this isn’t a simple one. Every project is unique, and answering this question requires careful consideration of specific project needs.
To help you with the decision though, it’s best to look at when this approach has worked before. And why the decision to go in one direction over the other was picked. So let’s explore two case studies that highlight why the choice was made to either build on the current solution, or start again from scratch.
I’ll also take you through the pors and cons of each approach and areas that you need to think about before making the right decision for your project. Let’s jump into the first example.
Building on an existing solution
Looking at the first example, our client needed to upgrade its digital platform to meet increasing demand. They had already been going through a digital transformation for years. However, the growth had shown the system’s limitations. The project began with an audit to cover the “as is” state of the platform as well as see where they wanted to be. Although it would have been technically simpler to start from scratch, the decision was made to enhance the existing system.
Why did we decide on this approach?
The first reason was time! Building a new system would have taken significant time. This didn’t align with our client’s need for quick changes. They needed to keep their market competitiveness. By building on the current solution the client could maintain operations, while our technical staff augmentation team delivered improvements.
What were the challenges?
Adapting the older system required more time and effort compared to starting fresh. However, this approach allowed the organization to introduce new features without interrupting business operations. In parallel, a new API system was built to enhance integration with partners, addressing scalability concerns.
What were the results?
Over time, the system evolved with added functionality and maintained business continuity. While challenging, building on the existing solution allowed us to scale the system without any long delays.
When building on existing solutions might not work
While expanding an existing system has its advantages, there are situations where it might not be the best choice. Challenges include limitations in technology, potential higher long-term costs, and restrictions on innovation. For example:
Technical constraints
Older systems may not easily adapt to modern solutions. Some functionalities are better suited for newer technologies. Examples might include developing cloud-native applications.
Cost implications
Workarounds can become more expensive than starting fresh. This is often the case when faced with spaghetti code. It’s often the case where adding solutions to a mess of code requires more time (and therefore costs) to implement.
Limited flexibility
Existing architecture may stop you adopting new features. Being tied to a specific technology means that all solutions will need to be created within that ecosystem. This can limit your choices when it comes to different solutions.
Bringing all this together, in some cases, these factors could lead to more challenges that would outweigh the benefits of building on an existing solution.
Starting Fresh with a New System
The second example is where starting from scratch was the best option. The main driving force for this decision was that the legacy platform severely limited growth options. The existing system was not scalable, leading to slow performance and rising maintenance costs. After deep diving into the system, both parties decided to develop a new system from scratch due to the challenges of building on the current system.
Why did we go with this approach?
Starting fresh eliminated the risks associated with retrofitting the old system. Even though it would have been possible to expand what was there it would have cost more in the long run than starting again. Starting with some low hanging fruit, the team introduced some smaller features to the old system. This helped ease the existing problems for a few months while the new application was being built.
To help get the solution off the ground as quick as possible, an initial MVP (Minimum Viable Product) was developed. This gave our team some breathing room while additional features were added incrementally. It also gave our client an faster solution with just the core features.
What were the challenges?
Building from scratch required higher upfront investment and time. This is one of the disadvantages of building from scratch. However, having a custom platform built from technology that matches your solution has double benefits of efficiency and scalability. As well as, in this case, lower long-term costs outweighed these initial costs. Because the project was built from scratch it also needed additional time to match the solution to the client’s needs.
Comparing the Approaches
Advantages of building on existing solutions
One advantage of building on an existing solution is the time saved in the short term. This approach allows new features to reach the market faster compared to starting from scratch. Additionally, it can be more cost-effective initially since there is no need to rebuild the entire system. Another benefit is that it offers an easier transition for users already familiar with the platform.
Disadvantages of building on existing solutions
However, there are drawbacks. Older systems can present technical limitations, potentially restricting the implementation of new features or technologies. Legacy issues can add complexity, making scalability difficult. Existing solutions often limit flexibility, this affects innovation or the adoption of modern technologies. Furthermore, the system’s design constraints, influenced by previous decisions, may not align with current project goals. In the long run, this approach can become more expensive and time-consuming due to these limitations.
Advantages of starting from scratch
Starting from scratch offers complete control over customization. This means the system is built around the project’s needs. And, more importantly, the technology is chosen to match those needs. It also allows for the adoption of modern technologies, meaning the platform is built with the latest innovations. This approach provides greater flexibility, creating an efficient and clean slate to design the solution. Over the long term, building from scratch can be a cost-effective choice, particularly for projects planned to span several years.
Disadvantages of building from scratch
Despite these benefits, there are challenges. Developing a system from the ground up requires significant time and higher upfront costs for development and testing. The process carries increased risk, with potential delays and unexpected challenges. Additionally, users may face a learning curve and possible resistance to adapting to the new system, which could temporarily affect adoption and satisfaction.
Choosing the Right Approach
The decision to build upon or rebuild a system depends on the unique needs of each project. Factors to consider include the technology stack, project size, core features, future adaptability, budget, and timeline. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but with careful planning and Inspeerity software development, you can make the best decision for your objectives.
Regardless of your choice, working with experienced professionals means you get the support you need to navigate this complex decision-making process.
