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Notes on custom software for SMEs

What manual process really costs, what custom really costs in 2026, and how AI changed the economics.

Three figures: diagnosis €1,900, project €6,900–14,900, and licence €390/month.
2026-09-10

How much custom software costs in Spain (2026)

Option D in plain numbers: €1,900 Diagnosis, one flow €6,900–14,900, licence from €390/mo. Market vs Wallion table, TCO example, fixed-quote checklist.

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A written fixed price versus an open hourly meter.
2026-09-08

Fixed price or hourly

Billing by the hour and closing a scope are not the same risk. Who pays when scope moves — and how to choose without a contract that never ends.

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An outside user versus the spreadsheet that stops the month.
2026-09-08

MVP or internal tool

The same team can build both. They are not the same commission. How not to call something an MVP when only your people will use it — and which price band applies.

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The smallest slice a stranger can actually finish.
2026-09-08

What is a studio MVP

A studio MVP is the smallest slice a stranger can finish — with written scope, a date, and someone on the other end. What it is, what it is not, and what it actually costs.

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When an MVP is worth building — and when it is not.
2026-09-08

When an MVP is worth building

An MVP is for selling or learning with real users. It is not a half-built internal tool and not a prototype you throw away. When yes, when no, and what to sign.

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One trigger, one action, and a place where failure is visible — AI automation for an SME.
2026-09-07

What AI automation for SMEs is

AI automation for an SME is removing a stable step and connecting tools — not “adding intelligence” on top of a mess. When yes, when not, and what it costs.

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Repo, admin and contract — not an agency black box.
2026-09-07

Who owns the code

In custom software, “you own the code” rarely means one thing. What to ask before you sign — and what Wallion actually offers.

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An off-the-shelf tool covering part of the month, versus one built for the process.
2026-08-31

Custom software or off-the-shelf

How to decide whether a catalogue tool is enough or you need one built for your process, without opening an endless quote.

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Three tools joined by a cable, versus a new piece in the gap.
2026-08-31

Integrate what you have, or build

When it is enough to connect the tools you already pay for, and when the gap needs a new piece — without opening five projects at once.

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The spreadsheet that no longer closes the month — one flow, one owner, one official number.
2026-08-31

Replacing the spreadsheet

Four signs a spreadsheet no longer survives the month, and what to do before you commission an internal tool.

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An open backlog list versus a closed scope with a date.
2026-08-31

Extra hands, or a closed project

Putting people on your backlog is not the same as commissioning a scoped delivery. How to choose without opening an endless contract.

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One stable step in a line, versus a flow knotted with exceptions.
2026-08-31

When to automate a process (and when not to)

Automating an SME flow is worth it only if the step is stable, the data is clear, and someone sees the failure. It is not a project to "add AI".

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