Nordrest Streamlines Catering Deliveries with a Custom-Built Application

Evaluating a SaaS Alternative

The business area manager evaluated established SaaS solutions. Deliverect was identified as a potential candidate.

Deliverect is a mature, internationally established platform. It has strong infrastructure and a broad feature set. On paper, it appeared to be a safe and scalable choice.

However, several concerns emerged during evaluation:

• Would the integration with Nordrest's custom-built business system be seamless?

• How much of the platform's functionality was actually relevant?

• Would internal processes need to be adjusted to fit the system?

• How would recurring licence and transaction-based costs scale over time?

The SaaS solution would likely have worked. But it was designed for a broad market. It was not built for Nordrest's specific workflows.

The Result

The system is now in production and actively used across the organization.

Key improvements include:

• Reduced administrative workload

• Improved operational overview

• Faster order handling

• Fewer process frictions

• Seamless integration from day one

Importantly, the solution scales internally without increasing license or transaction costs.

This created a predictable and sustainable cost model.

Custom vs SaaS – A Practical Comparison

The SaaS alternative would likely have delivered functionality — but at the cost of:

• Recurring monthly fees

• Transaction-based pricing

• Potential workflow adjustments

• Partial integration complexity

The custom-built solution provided:

• Exact feature alignment

• Full system integration

• Lower total investment

• Operational simplicity

This case demonstrates the difference between adopting a system that "mostly fits" and building one that fits exactly.

A Concrete Example of Strategic Build vs Buy

The catering tool is not Nordrest's core ERP system.

However, it is a high-volume operational process with specific integration needs.

This is a typical scenario where custom development makes strategic sense:

• Clear internal workflows

• High usage frequency

• Integration requirements

• Risk of friction with generic platforms

In this case, building a focused solution was faster, simpler, and more cost-effective than using a larger SaaS platform.

About Nordrest

Nordrest is a publicly listed Swedish meal service provider operating more than 200 units nationwide, employing approximately 5,000 people.

Looking Ahead

Every organization faces the build vs buy decision.

This case shows that custom development is no longer reserved for large, long-term projects. With the right scope and execution, tailored solutions can be delivered quickly and efficiently — often with stronger long-term alignment.

If you are evaluating operational systems where integration, flexibility, and cost control matter, we are happy to help assess the strategic options.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Nordrest Catering Delivery System

How long did it take to develop the application?

Development took approximately 1.5 months and was carried out by a small team of 1–2 developers. The short timeline was possible thanks to a clearly defined scope and a focused system design without unnecessary complexity.

What did the custom-built solution cost?

Total development cost was approximately SEK 150,000. Unlike a SaaS alternative, there are no recurring monthly fees, transaction-based pricing, or per-user licensing costs — all of Nordrest's units can use the system without increasing operational expenses.

Why was Deliverect (SaaS) ruled out in favor of a custom solution?

Deliverect was found to offer a broad feature set that did not align with Nordrest's specific operational workflows. Integration with Nordrest's custom-built business system was expected to be complex, and the transaction-based pricing model would have become costly at Nordrest's delivery volumes.

How is the application integrated with Nordrest's existing business system?

The solution was built with full integration into Nordrest's internal business system from day one. This was one of the key factors in the decision to build custom — a standardized platform would have required compromises or costly integration development.

What features does the catering system include?

The system handles planning and tracking of catering deliveries, documentation of delays and deviations, return management, and reporting. It is tailored precisely to Nordrest's workflows and contains no superfluous functionality.

How scalable is the solution as the business grows?

The application can be scaled across all of Nordrest's 200+ units without changing the cost model. There are no per-unit or per-transaction fees, providing a predictable and sustainable cost structure as volumes and the number of units grow.