In the DACH region, custom software costs between 10,000 and 250,000 euros, depending on the scope. The main cost drivers are the clarity of the requirements at the start of the project, the number of interfaces to legacy systems, and the scope of functionality. Three scenarios from the manufacturing and retail sectors illustrate this range, each with its own cost structure.
As of October 2026
Custom software costs between 10,000 and 250,000 euros, depending on its scope. Small Automation Tools range from 10,000 to 30,000 euros; mid-range business applications range from 50,000 to 150,000 euros; complex platforms cost, according to Jans IT 80,000 to 250,000 euros. In addition, 15 to 20 percent of the development costs are allocated annually for maintenance (kulimo, 04/2026).
| Scenario | A typical example | Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Small Automation Tool | Automatically generate delivery slips from an inventory list | 10,000 to 30,000 euros |
| Mid-range business application | Customer Portal, Inventory Management, or CRM with Multiple Roles | 50,000 to 150,000 euros, in some cases up to 230,000 euros |
| Complex Platform | Production planning across multiple locations, deeply integrated into the ERP system | 80,000 to 250,000 euros |
Scenario 1: The Small Automation Tool
An internal tool that replaces a manual process, such as the automated generation of delivery slips from an inventory list, costs between 10,000 and 30,000 euros (Prowedo, 05/2026). The effort involved primarily consists of integrating the system with an existing one and implementing a few, narrowly defined functions. Hourly rates at DACH agencies range from 90 to 150 euros (milkycode, 07/2026). A project costing 10,000 euros thus corresponds to approximately 67 to 111 hours of work, or a project duration of a few weeks.
Programming is rarely the most time-consuming part of this process. Most of the time is spent clarifying exactly what needs to be automated. An ambiguously defined goal can quickly turn a four-week project into a three-month one. To learn how to address this issue in advance, see the article on requirements specification.
Scenario 2: The Average Business Application
CRM systems, customer portals, or inventory management systems with multiple user roles range in price from 50,000 to 150,000 euros (Prowedo, 05/2026), and up to 230,000 euros for systems with a broader range of features (Artezio Analysis 2025, cited in Prowedo, 05/2026). Several cost categories come into play here: conceptualization and design, the actual development, testing phases, and initial user training.
Projects of this kind, such as a digitized returns management system integrated with the inventory management system and featuring a dedicated interface for warehouse staff, typically fall within the mid-range cost bracket. The scope of functionality is manageable, but the integration work is not.
Scenario 3: The Complex Platform
Platforms with multiple modules, a large number of users, and deep integration with existing ERP or MES systems cost, according to Jans IT (02/2026) between 80,000 and 250,000 euros. This category includes, for example, company-wide production planning systems or platforms that serve multiple locations simultaneously.
Given this scope, it is advisable to set aside a risk buffer of 20 to 30 percent of the estimated development costs (Jans IT, 02/2026). Complex projects almost always encounter unexpected dependencies, such as an outdated interface or an undocumented system, and sometimes a requirement that only becomes apparent during testing. Those who factor this buffer into their planning from the start won’t have to renegotiate under time pressure later on.
What Additional Custom Software Costs Will Arise After Launch
Development costs are only part of the equation. Maintenance accounts for 15 to 20 percent of the original development costs each year (kulimo, 04/2026).
If you only budget up to the go-live date, you're only accounting for a portion of the total costs.
One factor is currently changing this equation. AI-driven development shortens project timelines, according to Prowedo (05/2026) by 40 to 60 percent, which primarily reduces development costs but not maintenance expenses. So anyone who develops more cost-effectively with AI support should still realistically factor in the share of operating costs. That is precisely where the costs arise that are often missing from the initial quote, as we see in the article on hidden costs in software projects .
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest driver of custom software costs?
The most significant factor is the clarity of requirements at the start of a project. Unclear or changing requirements prolong projects and increase the workload far more than the sheer complexity of the functions. The number and quality of interfaces to legacy systems are the second most important factor.
How reliable are fixed-price quotes?
Fixed prices are reliable if they are based on detailed specifications. Without this foundation, fixed prices are estimates that carry a high risk of renegotiation. A risk buffer of 20 to 30 percent (Jans IT, 02/2026) should be included in any serious cost estimate, whether as a buffer in the fixed price or as a planned reserve on the client’s side.
How much will it cost to operate the system after launch?
Estimate 15 to 20 percent of development costs per year for maintenance (kulimo, 04/2026). For a 100,000-euro project, this amounts to 15,000 to 20,000 euros annually for bug fixes, security updates, and minor adjustments, not including major enhancements. To estimate the total costs, factor this amount into your calculations for each year of operation.
How can offers be made comparable?
A requirements specification that includes a list of functions, a list of interfaces, and user roles defines the scope of the project. Only then can bids be compared, because all vendors are quoting for the same service. The article on requirements specification. This article examines whether custom software is even a good fit Custom Software or Off-the-Shelf Software.
The Next Step
In every quote, torck includes the costs over a five-year period, not just the development costs alone. Our development teams in Maxhütte-Haidhof near Regensburg, Vienna, and Rabat have been building custom software for industry and commerce for years and are familiar with the maintenance and operating costs from our own projects. You’ll enter into contracts with the German company torck GmbH. You can find out how we set up projects on the page about Custom Software Development. In the Initial Consultation Let's work through the options together to determine which scenario is best suited for your project. You can find project references on the page References. For more information on the nearshore model, see Nearshore Software Development.
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