Your business depends on a custom software system. Maybe it manages stock, customer orders, deliveries, accounting, or staff operations.
Everything works well for a while.
Then problems start.
Orders fail to save. Reports show wrong figures. The system becomes slow or crashes.
You call the developer who built it, but they no longer answer your calls or messages.
This happens more often than many business owners think.
For example, a wholesale distributor in Douala lost access to their inventory system after their developer disappeared. The software itself could still work, but the business didn't own the source code or the server accounts. Before any repairs could begin, they first had to recover access to their own system.
Many businesses in Cameroon face similar situations. The first reaction is usually to hire another developer immediately.
That can be an expensive mistake.
Before anyone touches your software, you need to know exactly what you own and whether the system can still be repaired.
First, Find Out If You Really Own the Software
Many business owners believe paying for software means they own it.
Not always.
You should be able to answer these questions.
Do you have the source code?
The source code is the blueprint of your software.
If it only exists on your previous developer's laptop or private GitHub account, you do not fully own your system. You only have a running copy.
Do you control the important accounts?
Make sure you have access to:
- Your hosting account
- Database login
- Domain name
- GitHub or GitLab repository
- Payment gateway accounts
- MTN MoMo or Orange Money accounts and API credentials (if your business accepts mobile money)
- Email service accounts
If your former developer controls these accounts, the next developer may not be able to make updates or fix problems.
Is the software built on supported technology?
Software built with modern frameworks like Laravel is usually easier to maintain.
If it was built using outdated or unsupported technology, finding someone to work on it can become difficult and expensive.
If you don't have the source code or access to the important accounts, solving those problems should come before anything else.
Should You Repair It or Start Again?
Some developers quickly recommend rebuilding everything.
Sometimes they are right.
Sometimes they simply don't want to understand someone else's work.
A rebuild should be the last option, not the first.
Repair the existing system if:
- The main business functions still work.
- Only a few features are failing.
- Your staff use the system every day.
- Stopping operations for several months is not realistic.
- The code follows common development standards.
In many cases, fixing and improving the current system costs far less than starting over.
Consider a rebuild if:
- Small changes break unrelated parts of the system.
- The software was built with outdated or unsupported technology.
- The code is badly organised and difficult to maintain.
- Your business has grown beyond what the software was designed to handle.
For example, a simple stock system built for one warehouse may struggle when your company expands to multiple branches or starts serving customers online.
In these situations, rebuilding may save money in the long run.
Don't Rush to Give the New Developer Full Access
Before the new developer starts making changes, protect your business.
Back Up Everything
Create a complete backup of:
- The database
- Uploaded files
- Documents
- Server configuration
The developer should first work on a copy of the system, not the live version your business uses every day.
Pay for an Assessment First
Instead of saying, "Fix all the problems," ask the developer to spend a few days reviewing the system.
The goal is to understand:
- How the software works
- What is causing the problems
- What can be repaired
- What should be replaced
- The estimated cost and timeline
A proper assessment often saves businesses from spending millions of XAF on unnecessary work.
Start with a Small Task
Before giving someone responsibility for your entire system, ask them to complete a small job.
For example:
- Fix a broken report
- Correct a calculation
- Repair a search feature
- Improve a page layout
A good developer first understands the existing code before making changes.
If the first recommendation is "throw everything away" without a proper review, ask questions before agreeing.
Don't Let One Developer Control Your Business
Many companies only realise they have a problem after the original developer disappears.
To avoid this in the future:
- Keep copies of your source code.
- Own your hosting and domain accounts.
- Keep control of your MTN MoMo, Orange Money, and other business service accounts.
- Store passwords securely.
- Document important systems.
- Make regular backups.
- Work with developers who explain how your system is managed.
These simple steps can save your business a lot of money and stress later.
Need an Independent Review?
If your developer has disappeared or your software keeps causing problems, don't guess.
First, find out what you actually own and whether the system can be repaired.
We provide an Infrastructure & Code Ownership Audit that reviews your software, source code, hosting, accounts, and technical setup. You'll receive a clear report explaining what is working, what is at risk, and whether repairing or rebuilding is the better business decision.
Making the right decision at the beginning can save your business millions of XAF later.