Deciding whether to build or buy an enterprise analytics solution is a multifaceted choice that involves weighing factors such as cost, control, time, and expertise. Building an in-house solution offers greater control over data and presentation, particularly for companies in highly regulated industries or those with specific analytics needs. However, it requires significant resources and expertise, and can lead to technical debt and maintenance challenges. On the other hand, purchasing a ready-made SaaS solution can be less costly and quicker to implement, providing immediate access to features, compliance frameworks, and integrations without the burden of ongoing maintenance. Companies must consider their unique needs, such as the importance of real-time data, access control, privacy compliance, and integration with existing tools, as well as the availability of dedicated data engineering resources when making this decision. Often, a hybrid approach—initially purchasing a solution to learn and then potentially building a custom system—can offer a balanced path to optimizing analytics capabilities.