# Build, buy, or combine decision memo

Compare the same capability and acceptance criteria across options. Use requirements that could change the decision; avoid a universal weighted score.

## Context

**Workflow / users / business owner:** ____________________

**Decision owner / people consulted (operator, security, finance, adviser where contracts are involved):** ____________________

**Business outcome expected and how it will be measured:** ____________________

**Required outcome / constraints (deadline, budget, regulatory or contractual requirements, data sensitivity):** ____________________

**Standard needs / distinctive needs:** ____________________

**Expected lifetime of the capability and the comparison period used for cost:** ____________________

**Skills available to build and to operate each option, and what would have to be hired or bought:** ____________________

## Options

| Option | Capability fit | Delivery effort | Operating owner / effort | Who is responsible for security, updates, and availability | Access and recovery | Data export / exit | Decisive gap |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Configure an existing platform |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Buy |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Combine platform and extension |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Build |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Defer / simplify |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

**Order of consideration used (for example, configure what is already owned before buying, buy before building), and where the decision departed from it:** ____________________

## Assumptions to test

**Pilot and acceptance evidence:** ____________________

**Cost period / effort ranges, including licenses, usage-based fees, integration, and exit:** ____________________

**What if maintenance rises, scope grows, or a provider changes?** ____________________

**What if the builder or the key operator leaves?** ____________________

## Decision record

**Selected arrangement / reason:** ____________________

**Options rejected and the decisive reason for each:** ____________________

**Consequences accepted (lock-in, ongoing effort, capability not covered):** ____________________

**Remaining conditions / accepting owner:** ____________________

**Operating and exit owners:** ____________________

**Reconsideration triggers / review date:** ____________________

## Common failure modes

- The build option is costed for delivery and not for the years of operation.
- Distinctive needs turn out to be habits the team would have changed for a good product.
- The comparison period is chosen to favor the preferred option.
- Exit is not tested until the vendor raises prices or the builder leaves.

This memo records the decision. It does not replace the vendor review for a purchased product or the cost worksheet for a detailed comparison.