Guide / Budget
How much does custom software cost?
Cost and timeline depend on complexity and the business case. The main drivers are the workflow, integrations, data quality and user roles. Bring one process and an example you can share to a free scoping call; deltaV can then discuss what should be built and run.
01
What drives cost
| Driver | Pushes cost up when |
|---|---|
| Scope | Many workflows go into the first release. |
| Integrations | Many systems, no APIs, unreliable sources. |
| Data | Records are messy, duplicated or scattered. |
| Roles | Many user types, permissions and approval paths. |
| Compliance | Audit trails, retention or regulated data. |
| AI | Evaluation, human review and monitoring are required. |
02
What drives timeline
The workflow, system access and decision process all affect the timeline. Missing data, unclear approval rules or an unavailable integration need to be resolved as part of scoping. One person who can explain the work and coordinate decisions helps the team get clear answers.
03
How to cut cost
- Ship one workflow first.
- Integrate before replacing.
- Clean only the data the first release needs.
- Keep commodity features in products you already pay for.
- Review working software against the process and its exceptions, so wrong assumptions are caught.
04
What to bring to the scoping call
- A request or record you can share, and the steps it follows today.
- The systems and spreadsheets involved, including where data is entered twice.
- Who approves the work, and an example of an exception they handle.
- The business case: time spent, mistakes to avoid or work that is delayed.
The workflow automation service describes how the team maps the handoffs. About deltaV explains who builds and runs the software.
05
Hosting and maintenance after launch
deltaV hosts, monitors and maintains the software on its own AWS infrastructure, on a monthly retainer. You get full use of it and own your data. deltaV retains the code, docs and methodology. Discuss the operating requirements and how changes will be handled during the scoping call.
Questions
Direct answers
Can you give a price before seeing the workflow?
Cost depends on complexity and the business case. We discuss the workflow, integrations and data in a free scoping call before setting the price.
How long does a build take?
It depends on complexity and the business case. Data access, approvals and the systems involved need to be understood before setting a timeline.
What happens after launch?
deltaV hosts and maintains the software on its own AWS infrastructure, on a monthly retainer. You get full use of it and own your data. deltaV retains the code, docs and methodology.