Build or buy an enquiry assistant?

Choose around the task

A form can be enough when customers know what they need and someone follows up. An existing booking system can be enough when choosing a time is the only problem. An answer assistant is worth examining when practical questions and missing details recur.

When building can make sense

Building needs an owner for sources, security, access, recovery, logging and changes. A distinctive internal system or control requirement can justify that work. A quick model call is not itself a maintainable customer workflow.

What a supplier should demonstrate

Ask the supplier to demonstrate an approved answer, an unknown question, a handoff and a failed connection. Establish what you must keep current. Examine exact permissions and export options rather than counting integration logos.

Cost the full responsibility

Compare the same period and scope: development/setup, software, model/channel usage, review, source maintenance and recovery. Use actual quotes, not invented competitor prices. Include the work needed to change suppliers.

When Procora is not the right fit

Procora is not direct telephone answering, a full accounting system or automatic professional advice. If maintained sources and a responsible recipient are missing, establish those first. A quotation pilot prepares drafts; planned invoice and repeat-business functions must not be treated as finished deliverables in the decision.

Use the worksheet

Version 15 October 2026. Fill in your own facts; illustrative values are not results or an agreed service.

BUILD OR BUY — DECISION SHEET
Task and boundary:
Relevant monthly enquiries and measurement period:
Approved information / owner / update trigger:
Required systems and exact read/write operation:
Exceptions and human recipient:
Option A: existing form / booking / inbox:
Option B: bounded supplier service:
Option C: custom development:
For each: setup, software, review effort, maintenance, recovery, export and cancellation.
Test and decision date:
Choice / reason / responsible owner: