Episode 28: Mature Product vs In-House Build — Choosing Right Saves Millions in Hidden Costs

11/5/20261 likes

After the R&D tax deduction ordeal, the boss finally calls a meeting: help choose an R&D and delivery project management system, with two goals — standardize project processes and get cost accounting right. Lao A is thrilled — finally. But then the boss asks tentatively: "Couldn't we just build one ourselves?" The room goes silent. Lao A flashes back to his last company — a year and a half of in-house development, requirements never settled, endless delays, departments fighting daily, the system never launched, and he was fired. Lao A speaks up: "User requirements are hard to control, timelines are unpredictable, constant iteration is needed, and maintenance — upgrades, requirement changes — carries huge hidden costs, far more than buying a system." The boss falls silent. Lao A's back is soaked in sweat.