As more Japanese businesses embrace digital tools to streamline operations and stay competitive, one key question often arises:
Should we use an off-the-shelf SaaS product or invest in a custom-built solution?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Both options have their strengths and potential pitfalls. Choosing the right one depends on your business needs, growth stage, and future goals.
In this article, we’ll break down the differences, weigh the pros and cons, and help you decide which path is best for growing your business in Japan.
What Is Off-the-Shelf SaaS?
Off-the-shelf SaaS (Software as a Service) refers to ready-made cloud-based software that you can start using immediately.
Think of tools like Salesforce, Chatwork, or free accounting apps such as Yayoi or Money Forward.
What Is Custom SaaS?
Custom SaaS is software developed specifically for your business. It’s built to match your unique workflows, needs, and goals.
For example, a manufacturing company might build a system that tracks inventory, production lines, and shift schedules, all in one tool, with a Japanese interface.
Key Factors to Consider
Before deciding, take a step back and evaluate your situation across these key dimensions:
1. How unique are your workflows?
If your operations are fairly standard, off-the-shelf might work. But if your team uses highly specific processes (common in manufacturing, logistics, or traditional industries), custom SaaS might be worth the investment.
2. What’s your budget and timeline?
Off-the-shelf SaaS is cheaper short-term. But custom solutions can deliver better ROI long-term by saving time and reducing friction.
3. How fast is your company growing?
Fast-growing businesses often find themselves outgrowing off-the-shelf tools. A custom solution can be designed to scale with you.
4. Do you need integrations?
If you rely on existing systems (e.g., ERP, legacy tools, internal databases), custom SaaS can be built to connect everything seamlessly.
5. What kind of support do you need?
Some off-the-shelf tools only offer English support or slow response times. With a custom solution, especially with a local vendor, you can ensure fast, Japanese-language support.
Case Examples
Case 1: Yamato Transport – Custom Route Optimization System
Company: Yamato Transport (ヤマト運輸)
Challenge: With skyrocketing e-commerce deliveries and labor shortages, drivers struggled under uneven workloads and inefficient routes. Existing off-the-shelf tools couldn't handle real-time constraints like weather, traffic, or load balancing.
Solution: They co-developed, alongside Accenture and Google Cloud, a Route Optimization System using Google Maps Platform’s Route Optimization API integrated into their Accenture Google Logistics Optimization Platform (AGLOP).
- Factors considered include package volume, delivery windows, parking restrictions, regional traffic, and driver scheduling.
- The system actively incorporates driver feedback—drivers and global development teams field-test and refine routes together.
Outcome:
- Better route balance, reduced driver stress
- Enhanced “Cool TA-Q-BIN” refrigerated service timing
- Rollout nationwide expected by FY2026
(source)
Takeaway: When operations are high-stakes, regionally complex, and tightly time-bound, building a custom system can dramatically boost efficiency, service quality, and employee welfare.
Case 2: Fast Retailing / UNIQLO – The Ariake Project for Digital Supply Chain
Company: Fast Retailing (parent of UNIQLO)
Challenge: Managing inventory, manufacturing, and sales data across 3,600+ stores in 26 markets required a system far beyond off-the-shelf ERP. They needed real-time, demand-driven supply chain coordination.
Solution: The “Ariake Project” built a custom, cloud-first platform using AWS, Google Cloud, and AI/Big Data pipelines. Key features included:
- Integration of sales, inventory, production, and demand forecasts
- Real-time analytics linking customer purchases to manufacturing plans
Outcome:
- Agile, demand-driven restocking capabilities
- Seamless global coordination and faster response times
- Supported the “LifeWear” concept - producing what customers want, where and when they want it
(source)
Takeaway: A vertically integrated business with global reach and just-in-time production needs a custom backbone, not a one-size-fits-all ERP, to harmonize data and operations end-to-end.
So, What’s Best for Your Japanese Business?
Japan has unique challenges: aging infrastructure, traditional work styles, a high language barrier, and complex decision-making structures. That’s why many SMEs here prefer stability, reliability, and tools that “just work.”
Off-the-shelf is ideal if:
- You're a startup or early-stage company
- You need something now and have limited resources
- Your needs are common and well-covered by existing tools
Custom SaaS is ideal if:
- You’ve outgrown your current tools or hit limitations
- Your industry or workflow is highly specific
- You’re planning for long-term scalability and control
Still Unsure? Use This Checklist!
Conclusion
Choosing between off-the-shelf and custom SaaS isn’t just a tech decision, it’s a business strategy. The right software can unlock growth, streamline operations, and give you a competitive edge.
If you’re still unsure which path is right, consider talking with a trusted IT partner who understands both global tech and Japanese business needs.
At Tokyo Techies, we help businesses like yours define their digital roadmap and build tools that move the needle. If you’re considering a custom SaaS solution, contact us for a free 2-week consultation. Let’s build something that truly fits your business.