Build vs Buy Decision Tree – Excel Diagram

Why download it

• End opinion wars with a clear, shared decision path.
• Make a call in under an hour, aligned to 30-day cycles.
• Document the rationale so future teams can see why.

How the tree works

• Start at the top with a simple question.
• Follow the Yes/No branches down the page.
• Arrive at a clear recommendation: Build, Buy, or Delay.

Key questions in the tree

1. Do we need speed?
   Yes → Buying is faster and fits a 30-day cycle.   No → Go to Q2.
2. Do we have in-house AI engineering skills?
   Yes → Building is possible → Q3.   No → Buying is safer.
3. Is the use case highly unique to our business?
   Yes → Build to capture long-term advantage.   No → Buy is more efficient.
4. Is vendor lock-in a major risk?
   Yes → Consider Build (weigh cost/time).   No → Buying is fine.
5. Is the cost of building justified by ROI?
   Yes → Build.   No → Buy or Delay.

What the diagram shows

• A branching flowchart starting at “Do we need speed?”
• Yes/No paths that end in Build, Buy, or Delay.
• Callout notes for risks, cost, skill, and time considerations.

Inside the file

• Decision Tree sheet — editable flowchart with outcomes.
• Questions & Notes — prompts, examples, and common pitfalls.
• Poster sheet — clean one-pager for decks and workshops.

Why it matters

Without a framework, build-vs-buy debates spiral into opinions. This tree reduces it to practical questions tied to time, skills, and ROI.