---

title: Build vs Buy AI: Should You Develop Your Own Document AI or Use HubDocs AI? date: 2024-05-23 author: Jacob avatar: default-avatar description: Navigating the build vs buy decision for document AI solutions, this post compares industry-specific platforms like HubDocs AI with custom development, helping CTOs and decision-makers choose the best path for compliance and operational efficiency. tags:

• AI decision-making

• Document AI

• Compliance software

• Build vs buy category: Technology & Innovation readingTime: 6 min read

---

Introduction

In today’s fast-paced, regulation-heavy industries, automating document processing is no longer a luxury—it's a necessity. For CTOs, innovation teams, and procurement decision-makers, the question often boils down to: Should we build our own document AI solution or buy a proven platform like HubDocs AI?

This "build vs buy" dilemma is critical because the right choice impacts compliance accuracy, operational speed, scalability, and long-term costs. In this post, we'll compare the key aspects of developing a custom AI versus adopting a specialized, industry-focused solution like HubDocs AI, helping you make an informed decision aligned with your strategic goals.

Understanding the Build vs Buy Dilemma

The Case for Building Your Own Document AI

Building your own document AI involves developing custom algorithms, training models with proprietary data, and maintaining the infrastructure internally. This approach offers:

• Full control over features, workflows, and integrations

• Customization tailored specifically to your unique processes

• The potential for competitive differentiation with proprietary technology

However, the process can be resource-intensive, requiring significant investments in talent, time, and ongoing maintenance. It also involves navigating complex challenges like ensuring compliance with industry-specific regulations and scaling AI capabilities effectively.

The Case for Buying (Using a Platform like HubDocs AI)

Conversely, buying a ready-made solution like HubDocs AI provides immediate access to a mature, industry-tailored platform. Key benefits include:

• Rapid deployment—you can operationalize AI workflows in minutes

• Industry-specific intelligence—crafted for compliance-heavy sectors

• No-code customization—empowering non-technical teams

• Continuous updates and improvements handled by the provider

While less customizable than a bespoke solution, platforms like HubDocs AI are designed to address common pain points such as manual processing, errors, and compliance risks at scale.

Document AI Comparison: Features & Capabilities

Feature / AspectBuild Your Own AIHubDocs AI (Industry-Focused)Deployment SpeedWeeks to monthsUnder 3 minutes to deploy an AI agentCustomizationFully tailoredIndustry-specific workflows and rulesScalabilityLimited by internal resourcesDesigned to scale across regulated sectorsCompliance FocusCustom compliance rulesEmbedded industry compliance logicNo-code ToolsRare, requires developmentYes, drag-and-drop AI agent builderOngoing MaintenanceInternal effortProvider-managed updates and supportCostHigh upfront and ongoingSubscription-based, predictable costs

"Choosing between build and buy ultimately hinges on your organization's agility, expertise, and strategic focus on compliance."

Use Cases & Industry Examples

• Build: A financial institution developing proprietary AI for complex risk assessments tailored to their unique models.

• Buy: An energy company deploying HubDocs AI to automate document verification, reducing processing time by 90% and cutting costs by over 50%.

The Power of Industry-Specific AI Platforms

HubDocs AI exemplifies a vertical AI platform that combines contextual intelligence with no-code workflows, enabling compliance teams to automate tasks like credit assessments, invoice checks, and document conversion without coding. Its marketplace allows instant deployment of pre-built AI agents, accelerating time-to-value.

Making the Right Decision: Factors to Consider

• Time to Deployment: Need quick wins? Buy a proven platform.

• Customization Needs: Require tailor-made workflows? Build may be better.

• Regulatory Compliance: Industry-specific solutions embed compliance logic; custom builds need ongoing updates.

• Resource Availability: Do you have AI expertise and development capacity?

• Cost and Scalability: Consider both upfront investments and long-term scaling.

Final Thoughts

Building your own document AI can be advantageous for organizations with unique processes or competitive differentiation in mind. However, for most regulated industries facing pressing compliance demands and operational efficiency goals, solutions like HubDocs AI offer a compelling alternative.

"The decision isn't just about technology—it's about strategic agility, compliance assurance, and operational scalability."

By leveraging industry-specific platforms, organizations can free their human teams from repetitive tasks, improve accuracy, and adapt quickly to evolving regulations—all without the hefty costs and delays associated with building from scratch.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the build vs buy decision should align with your organization's strategic priorities, resource capabilities, and compliance landscape. For rapid deployment, built-in industry expertise, and ongoing support, platforms like HubDocs AI present a powerful solution that accelerates digital transformation in regulated sectors.

Evaluate your needs carefully, and choose the path that best empowers your teams to operate smarter, faster, and more compliant.