Buy vs Build: Should Publishers Build Their Own JMS or Buy One?
Scholarly publishers today operate in a fast-moving digital environment. Rising submission volumes, tighter peer-review timelines, metadata compliance, and expectations for transparency have made technology a critical foundation for publishing success.
One strategic question continues to surface across publishing houses, universities, and journal societies:
Should publishers build their own Journal Management System (JMS), or buy a ready-made platform?
This blog explores the Buy vs Build decision in depth—examining cost, scalability, risk, and long-term sustainability—so publishers can make a future-ready choice.
What Is a Journal Management System (JMS)?
A Journal Management System is a digital platform that manages the complete editorial and publishing workflow of academic journals.
A modern JMS typically includes:
🔹Manuscript submission and tracking
🔹Peer review and revision workflows
🔹Editorial decision management
🔹DOI and metadata handling
🔹Issue and article publication management
🔹Role-based dashboards for authors, reviewers, editors, and publishers
Without a reliable JMS, publishers face delays, manual errors, reviewer drop-offs, and operational inefficiencies.
Option 1: Building a Journal Management System
Building an in-house JMS may seem attractive, especially for publishers with unique workflows or internal technical teams.
Advantages of Building
🔹Full ownership and control of the system
🔹Custom workflows tailored to internal policies
🔹No dependency on external vendors
Challenges of Building
However, building a JMS introduces several long-term challenges:
🔹High initial development costs
🔹Long development and testing cycles
🔹Continuous maintenance and infrastructure expenses
🔹Security, compliance, and performance risks
🔹Dependence on internal technical expertise
Most importantly, publishing requirements evolve constantly—making long-term system maintenance complex and resource-intensive.
Option 2: Buying a Ready-Made JMS
Buying a ready-made JMS provides access to a stable, proven platform designed specifically for publishing workflows.
Advantages of Buying
🔹Faster implementation and quicker go-live
🔹Proven editorial workflows aligned with industry standards
🔹Built-in security, audit trails, and compliance support
🔹Easy scalability across multiple journals
🔹Ongoing upgrades and feature enhancements
Considerations
🔹Subscription or licensing costs
🔹Configuration limits depending on the platform
Modern platforms like Kryoni JMS balance configurability with standardization, offering flexibility without the risks of custom development.
Cost Comparison: Build vs Buy
The real difference lies in the total cost of ownership.
Building a JMS involves:
🔹Development and QA costs
🔹Hosting and infrastructure
🔹Security audits and compliance updates
🔹Ongoing maintenance and enhancements
Buying a JMS involves:
🔹Predictable licensing or subscription costs
🔹Implementation and support
Over time, buying a JMS is often more cost-effective, predictable, and scalable.
Scalability, Security, and Compliance
As journals grow, systems must support:
🔹Increased manuscript volume
🔹Multi-journal management
🔹Secure access controls
🔹Transparent audit trails
🔹Metadata and DOI standards
Ready-made JMS platforms are designed with scalability and compliance in mind, while custom systems often struggle to adapt quickly.
Strategic Focus for Publisher
Publishers must consider a critical question:
Is our core strength software development or publishing excellence?
🔹Buying a JMS allows publishers to:
🔹Focus on editorial quality
🔹Improve reviewer and author experience
🔹Reduce operational risk
🔹Adapt faster to industry changes
Conclusion: Build It Yourself or Buy It Smart?
While building a JMS may provide control, it also brings complexity, cost, and long-term risk. Buying a proven platform enables publishers to move faster, operate efficiently, and scale with confidence.
Platforms like Kryoni JMS are designed specifically for scholarly publishing—offering configurable workflows, multi-journal support, secure infrastructure, and continuous improvements.
For publishers aiming for sustainability, efficiency, and growth, buying a smart, purpose-built JMS is the strategic choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between building and buying software?
Building software involves creating a system from scratch, while buying software means using a ready-made solution designed for specific use cases.
- Is it cheaper to build or buy a Journal Management System?
In most cases, buying a JMS is more cost-effective over time due to lower maintenance, predictable costs, and faster implementation.
- How long does it take to build a JMS?
Building a JMS can take several months or even years, depending on complexity, testing, and ongoing enhancements.
- How long does it take to implement a ready-made JMS?
A ready-made JMS can typically be implemented within weeks after configuration and onboarding.
- Can a JMS handle multiple journals?
Yes. Modern JMS platforms are designed to manage multiple journals from a single system.
- Is a ready-made JMS customizable?
Most JMS platforms offer configurable workflows and role-based settings to match journal policies.
- What are the risks of building a JMS?
Common risks include high costs, delays, security vulnerabilities, scalability issues, and dependency on internal technical teams.
- What features should a good JMS have?
A good JMS should support submission tracking, peer review, editorial decisions, DOI management, role-based access, and reporting.
- Is data security important in journal management systems?
Yes. A JMS must ensure secure data handling, access control, and audit trails to protect manuscripts and user information.
- Why do publishers prefer ready-made JMS platforms today?
Publishers prefer ready-made JMS platforms because they reduce operational risk, improve efficiency, and allow teams to focus on publishing rather than technology.