Why build bespoke software

The choice will define resilience in New Zealand’s energy market

 

To handle tomorrow’s grid, you need software built for your reality

Pressures

  • Net zero emissions by 2050
  • +68% electricity demand by 2050*
  • Increasing network volatility

Edge Casses

  • Modelling breaks
  • Incorrect time granularity
  • Market opportunity
 

Innovation can’t be bought

Market opportunity doesn’t exist in the product catalogue.

AI is disrupting traditional SaaS, but similar limitations still apply.

Beyond commodity processes, standard platforms become a ceiling and a risk when:

  • Requests depend on the vendor’s roadmap
  • Customisation is shallow and costly
  • Version updates expose critical operations

Off-the-shelf may get you started, but at the cost of future flexibility and competitive edge.

Across DER, operations, compliance, and monitoring, your technology is a business asset worth investing in.

Advantage must be built

Bespoke software embeds that knowledge as IP and evolves with you.

For energy companies in Aotearoa, the value lies in:

  • Resilience to dry-year risk, EA Code changes, and market volatility
  • Scalability across new renewables, demand response, and storage initiatives
  • Enterprise value as the platform itself becomes an owned asset, not an ongoing cost

A bespoke approach preserves the micro-decisions, edge cases, and know-how of your best people.

Signs that bespoke is the safest path to outcomes

 

  • Do you expect the tool to fit your operating model while keeping IP in your hands?

    Consider the competitive advantage of your business model; bids and offers, telemetry, dispatch, policy rules, and compliance logic.

  • Are legacy systems, manual processes, or spreadsheets acting as the system of record?

    Scenarios like version drift, key-person risk, and manual steps might be slowing decisions and governance.

  • Are you creating something new that the market doesn’t offer?

    For example, interruptible-load aggregation, virtual batteries, and new market roles.

  • Is your team capacity-constrained and needing predictable delivery?

    You need a partner who leads the project, keeps the scope honest, and delivers to the plan and to the budget.

 

Answered “yes” to two or more of these questions? We can help.

 

A trusted partner for exclusive energy products in New Zealand

YouDo is an experienced architect of bespoke software for New Zealand’s energy leaders across generation, distribution, wholesale trading, and retail. 

As specialists in energy market systems, we’re able to quickly get to the core of a problem and define a pathway through ambiguity. 

Since 2007, we’ve been a trusted partner for innovation, delivering excellence on time and on budget. 

Our Agile approach means we can deliver features quickly. You gain a long-term partner who understands your world.

 
'Once you factor in the cost of licensing, monifications, and ramp time, it's many ways cheaper to build bespoke.' - Richard Rowell, Manager, EMS Delivery

Supporting innovation in New Zealand’s energy market

Bespoke software is fundamental to resilience and competitive advantage in an exponentially changing market.

Clients see ROI in the enhanced capability and scalability of critical processes.

 

Reach out to Steve for an honest chat