Custom software should replace the spreadsheet handoff first
Connect before rebuilding
If the existing tools are close, connect them before building a new system.
When custom software is justified
A custom tool is justified when the process is repeated, specific, and important enough that generic software keeps missing it.
Better first projects
Inquiry intake, quote tracking, customer portals, owner dashboards, and document workflows are better first projects than a company-wide rebuild.
What to measure
Track time saved, missed follow-up reduced, open work visible, or manual spreadsheet steps removed.