Embedded Analytics: Build vs. Buy Client Portal: The Pros & Cons
To build or to buy a client portal? That is the question we attempt to answer in this article. We lay out the pros and cons for both portal implementation options and provide best practices for making the selection.
Jessica Kentch & Mary Johnson
Sep 10, 2024 • 9 min read
Whether to Buy or Build Client Portals
Contents
What Is a Client Portal?
Option #1: Building A Client Portal
Pros of Building A Client Portal
Cons of Building A Client Portal
Option #2: Buying a Client Portal Solution
Pros of Buying A Client Portal
Cons of Buying A Client Portal
Making the Right Choice
Easy Client Portal Implementation: Ablaze Collective
What Is a Client Portal?
When it comes to implementing software, one of the first questions that needs to be asked is 'build it or buy it'; meaning, should you develop the software in-house or invest in a pre-built solution?
This question must also be asked when considering implementing a client portal solution. Spoiler alert: we recommend purchasing a pre-built solution in most scenarios. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. First of all, what is a client portal anyway?
A client portal is a secure online platform that allows businesses to share information, collaborate, and communicate with their clients in a centralized location.
By providing a dedicated space for sharing and exchanging information, client portals eliminate the need for back-and-forth emails, scattered file attachments, and disorganized communication channels.
Ultimately, by implementing a client portal, businesses can enhance client satisfaction and loyalty and improve operational efficiency, while differentiating themselves from their competitors.
The Benefits of Client Portals
Client portals offer numerous benefits for businesses and their clients, including:
Improved Communication: Centralizes data visualizations and dashboards, documentation, and reporting, enabling efficient client collaboration.
Increased Productivity: Automates tasks and consolidates client data, reducing administrative overhead and freeing time for core job functions.
Enhanced Customer Experience: Empowers clients with self-service access to information, fostering transparency and satisfaction.
Customization & Branding: Client portals can be customized to match company branding, providing customers with a seamless digital brand experience.
Better Data Security: Provides a secure environment with strong access controls and encryption, safeguarding sensitive information.
Cost Savings: Streamlines processes and reduces manual efforts, leading to lower costs and less need for support staff.
Option #1: Building A Client Portal
When it comes to implementing a client portal, the first option is building the platform in-house. While this method has a few upsides, in our opinion, the cons often outweigh the pros, as we will describe.
Building a client portal in-house requires several key resources, including a skilled development team with expertise in web development, user experience design, and data security.
It also involves a significant investment in time and budget for planning, coding, testing, and ongoing maintenance, as well as ensuring the portal integrates seamlessly with existing systems while meeting security, compliance, and scalability requirements.
Pros of Building A Client Portal
We'll first go over the benefits of building a client portal from scratch:
Customization: Complete control over design, features, and functionality tailored to your specific business needs.
Control Over Data: Full ownership and control over your data, with robust security measures to safeguard sensitive client information.
Cons of Building A Client Portal
Building a custom client portal from scratch can be a significant undertaking with several drawbacks to consider:
Development Costs: High costs associated with hiring a dedicated development team and investing in necessary software.
Maintenance Challenges: Ongoing maintenance requires dedicated personnel with technical expertise.
Required Expertise: Acquiring specialized skills can be costly and challenging, especially for smaller businesses.
Decreased Speed-to-Market: Development can be lengthy, delaying benefits and potentially impacting client satisfaction.
Option #2: Buying a Client Portal Solution
The second option involves purchasing a client portal solution from a third-party vendor, like Ablaze Collective. Buying a client portal solution involves selecting an off-the-shelf software that meets your business needs and implementing it with minimal development.
This process typically includes evaluating different vendors, assessing the platform’s features, and ensuring it integrates smoothly with your existing systems.
Pros of Buying A Client Portal
Buying a pre-built client portal solution offers several advantages over building one from scratch:
Lower Upfront Costs: Typically involves a one-time licensing fee or subscription, making it more cost-effective.
Faster Implementation: Quick deployment allows businesses to start reaping benefits sooner.
Vendor Support: Access to dedicated vendor support for setup, configuration, training, and maintenance.
Regular Updates and Maintenance: Continuous updates ensure access to the latest features without extensive in-house efforts.
Cons of Buying A Client Portal
While purchasing a pre-built client portal solution can offer convenience and speed, it's essential to consider the potential drawbacks:
Limited Customization: Off-the-shelf portals may have predefined features, limiting customization.
Recurring Costs: Ongoing subscription fees can add up, straining budgets over time.
Making the Right Choice
Deciding whether to build or buy a client portal is a strategic decision that requires careful consideration of various factors. The right choice will depend on your organization's unique circumstances, including budget, available resources, specific requirements, and long-term goals.
For most businesses, though, we recommend going with a pre-built solution as they are more cost-effective in the long run.
Easy Client Portal Implementation: Ablaze Collective
When considering the development of a client portal solution, the choice between building or buying can be daunting. However, with Ablaze Collective, organizations can find a comprehensive solution that combines the advantages of both approaches.
Ablaze Collective offers a client portal platform that provides a wide range of features and functionalities to meet diverse business requirements. From secure data sharing with interactive data visualizations to rich media and document centralization, Ablaze Collective is designed to streamline the client experience and enhance collaboration.
Benefits of Using Ablaze Collective
Customization and Personalization: Tailor the portal to specific brand and client needs, providing a unique experience.
Seamless BI Integration: Effortless integration with existing business intelligence systems, enhancing productivity.
Enhanced Security: Robust encryption and user authentication measures to protect sensitive information.
Advanced Analytics Capabilities: Leverage white-label BI tools to maximize visual analytics impact.
Why Choose Ablaze Collective?
Ablaze Collective stands out as a preferred choice for organizations looking to build or replace their client portal solution. By leveraging Ablaze Collective's expertise, businesses can experience increased engagement, improved end-user experience, and a centralized destination where analytics meet workflow.
Investing in a solution like Ablaze Collective not only accelerates time-to-market but also drives engagement, increases retention KPIs, and ultimately enhances the overall client experience.