Module 4 · Tool 5

Make vs. Buy Matrix

A weighted decision framework to determine whether co-manufacturing or building your own facility is the right strategic path for your stage and technology.

Factor Weighting & Scoring

Set the importance of each factor for your situation (1 = low, 5 = critical). The scores for each option are pre-set based on industry norms — adjust them if your situation differs.

Speed to Market

How quickly can you get product to customers?

Importance: 3/5

Importance

Co-Man Score: 8/10

Own Facility Score: 3/10

Capital Efficiency

How much upfront capital does each option require?

Importance: 3/5

Importance

Co-Man Score: 8/10

Own Facility Score: 2/10

IP Protection

How well does each option protect your process IP?

Importance: 3/5

Importance

Co-Man Score: 3/10

Own Facility Score: 9/10

Quality Control

How much control do you have over product quality?

Importance: 3/5

Importance

Co-Man Score: 4/10

Own Facility Score: 9/10

Scalability

How easily can you scale production as demand grows?

Importance: 3/5

Importance

Co-Man Score: 5/10

Own Facility Score: 8/10

Process Flexibility

How easily can you modify or optimise the process?

Importance: 3/5

Importance

Co-Man Score: 3/10

Own Facility Score: 9/10

Risk Mitigation

How well does each option protect against downside risk?

Importance: 3/5

Importance

Co-Man Score: 7/10

Own Facility Score: 4/10

Co-Manufacturing

54%

weighted score

Own Facility

63%

weighted score

Recommended

Recommendation

Building your own facility scores 9 points higher. Your priorities around IP protection, quality control, and process flexibility suggest that the higher capital cost is justified. Ensure you have a clear path to the capital required.

Factor Comparison

Co-Manufacturing
Own Facility