---
title: "Build vs. Buy a Vendor Management System: Costs, Risks and Timelines"
description: Build vs. buy a vendor management system? Compare the real costs, timelines and risks of custom development against a proven VMS.
image: https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hubfs/1.%20MASTER%20MASTER%20Blog%20and%20Website%20Page%20IMAGES%202026/CONTINGENT%20WORKFORCE/CWF%201200x627%20%20optimized/contingent-workforce-woman-thinking-1200-627-28.jpg
---

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19 October 2026

# Build vs. Buy a Vendor Management System: Costs, Risks and Timelines

[![John Clark](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hs-fs/hubfs/John100.png?width=30&height=30&name=John100.png) John Clark](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/author/john-clark)

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Building your own VMS can sound like the ultimate competitive edge until the costs, delays and maintenance start piling up. Here's what the build really involves, and how to decide whether buying a proven platform makes more sense.

Organizations managing contingent workers may reach a point where they ask the question: should we build our own vendor management system (VMS), or buy one that already works?

This article walks through what building your own VMS actually involves, how build and buy compare side by side, when building might make sense, and the questions to answer before you commit. If you decide to buy, our guide on [How to choose the best VMS](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/how-to-choose-the-best-vendor-management-system-vms) covers what to look for next.

## What Does Build vs. Buy Mean for a VMS?

**Building a VMS** means developing a custom platform, either with an internal team or an external software development partner. Your organization defines the requirements and takes responsibility for funding development, managing the product, constant upgrades, integrations, customer support and arranging ongoing maintenance.

**Buying a VMS** typically means subscribing to an existing vendor management platform. The provider develops and maintains the core software, while your organization works with the provider to configure it for your workforce program.

Buying does not necessarily mean accepting a fixed system. Depending on the provider, an existing VMS may offer configurable workflows, integrations, reporting options and branding.

Before comparing the two, define what your platform must do. Requisitions, supplier management, onboarding, assignments, time approval, invoicing and reporting all need to work together. A feature checklist is only the starting point.

## Why Do Organizations Consider Building a VMS?

The question comes from different places.

Companies with access to strong DevOps capabilities, often wonder whether a custom build would fit their processes better. MSPs and staffing agencies see a proprietary platform as a way to differentiate, deepen client relationships and add a technology revenue stream. Buyers see it as gaining control, and ensuring the VMS does everything it needs to do. 

On paper, owning your own VMS looks like full control. In practice, most organizations discover that building a VMS is far more complex, expensive and risky than it first appears. Product requirements change, compliance requirements change, integrations multiply, security expectations change, and users expect the same experience they get from the best enterprise software. 

## What Building Your Own VMS Actually Involves

A VMS is not a single tool. It is a platform that automates the workflows used to manage contingent workers and staffing suppliers. If you build your own, your team is signing up to design, develop, test, secure, support and maintain all of it: 

- **Requisitions and approvals:** configurable workflows that route job requests to the right approvers.
- **Supplier distribution and management:** sending requisitions to suppliers, tracking submissions and measuring supplier performance.
- **Onboarding and compliance:** collecting documents, tracking credentials and keeping up with changing regulations.
- **Time, expenses and invoicing:** timesheet capture, approvals, rate rules and accurate billing.
- **Reporting and analytics:** spend visibility, fill rates and program performance dashboards.
- **Integrations:** connections to your ATS, HRIS, payroll, ERP and background check providers.
- **Security and hosting:** infrastructure, redundancy, data protection, access controls and uptime.
- **User experience:** separate, intuitive experiences for hiring managers, suppliers, workers and program administrators.

Each item on this list is a product in its own right. Building them is only the start. They all need to be maintained, updated and supported for as long as the platform is in use.

## Build vs Buy a VMS: Side-by-Side Comparison

Here is how building your own VMS compares with buying a proven platform across the factors that matter most.

| **Factor** | **Build Your Own VMS** | **Buy a Proven VMS - Conexis VMS** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Upfront investment** | Significant development in the millions, before any value is delivered | Conexis VMS invested for you, no setup fees and free implementation |
| **Time to launch** | Plan for 2-3 years, depending on scope, development resources, integrations and testing | With Conexis VMS you can go live in under 30 days |
| **Ongoing maintenance & support** | Your team owns every bug fix, update, new feature and supporting users every day | Handled by Conexis VMS as part of the platform |
| **Security and hosting** | You build and maintain infrastructure, monitoring and data protection | Conexis VMS platform is fully secure as proven by our SOC 2 Type II and ISO certifications. Your organization manages its users, access and internal practices |
| **Integrations** | Each connection is built and maintained in-house at your cost and supported by your team | Available through an Open API and existing integrations. Often at none to little cost |
| **Compliance updates** | Your team must track and build solutions for every regulatory change | Constantly updated across the platform as requirements evolve |
| **Product roadmap** | Fully yours, but limited by your budget, resources and team capacity | Shaped by the vendor and its clients; Conexis VMS partners help influence it |
| **Branding** | More cost as part of the development | Fully branded with a white-label option |
| **Risk** | Development, delivery and maintenance risks | The platform is live and proven with real clients and a redundant architecture |

 

## 7 Factors on How to Evaluate Build vs Buy

The table gives you the high-level picture, but the right choice depends on your organization’s requirements, resources and timeline. The seven areas below show how to evaluate each factor for your own program, with a key question to answer at every step.

### 1. Compare the Total Cost of Building and Buying a VMS

The initial development quote or software subscription tells only part of the story.

When evaluating a custom VMS, include:

- Internal Business Case built and sold internally
- Requirements gathering, product design and development
- Testing, hosting and security
- Integrations and data migration
- User training and daily technical support
- Bug fixes, updates and new functionality
- Ongoing product and project management

When evaluating an existing VMS, review subscription or transaction fees, implementation charges, integration costs, configuration or customization fees, and the support included.

Compare both options over the same period, such as three to five years, using the same requirements and expected usage. Account for internal staff time as well as external spending.

**The question to ask:** What will it cost to launch, operate and improve the VMS over time?

### 2. Assess Development and Implementation Timelines

A custom VMS needs to move through requirements, design, development, testing and deployment. Building an initial version is different from delivering a platform that can reliably support your full workforce program.

Buying an existing VMS can shorten the path to launch because the core functionality already exists. However, implementation still involves decisions about workflows, data, integrations, training and rollout.

For staffing agencies and MSPs, timing can also affect the ability to support a new client or launch a service offering. For organizations managing their own contingent workforce, delays can extend reliance on manual processes.

Ask for a realistic plan covering what will be available at launch, what will follow later and which dependencies could affect delivery.

**The question to ask:** When can users start working in the system, and will that first release meet the requirements that matter most?

### 3. Identify the Customization You Actually Need

Control over functionality is a common reason to consider building a VMS. But before choosing custom development, distinguish between a unique business requirement and a process an existing platform can support through configuration.

Consider your approval workflows, supplier structures, rate rules, reporting needs, user permissions and client requirements.

Then ask prospective providers to demonstrate how their platform handles those scenarios. Establish which requirements are supported as standard, which need configuration and which would require additional development.

For agencies and MSPs, branding is another consideration. A white-label VMS may let you use your own logo, domain and branded communications without developing the underlying software.

**The question to ask:** Do we need to build a platform to meet these requirements, or can an existing VMS support them?

### 4. Evaluate Security and Compliance Responsibilities

A VMS holds sensitive worker, supplier and commercial information. Security needs to be part of the decision from the beginning.

With a custom platform, your organization must arrange secure development, access controls, monitoring, patching, backups and incident response. These responsibilities continue after launch.

With a purchased VMS, the provider manages the platform responsibilities defined in its agreement. Your team still needs to evaluate the provider, configure access appropriately and establish internal data-handling practices.

For either option, assess how the system supports your compliance processes, including documentation, permissions, record retention and audit trails. Software can support these processes, but your organization remains responsible for how it manages its workforce program.

**The question to ask:** Who is responsible for each security and compliance task, and how will we verify that it is being handled?

### 5. Plan for Integrations, Reporting and Scalability

Your VMS may need to connect with payroll, finance, HR or other business systems. Those connections require planning, testing and maintenance.

Building a custom platform gives you control over integration design, but your team or development partner must maintain those connections as systems change.

When buying, evaluate the provider’s APIs and integration capabilities against your actual requirements. Confirm what information can move between systems, how frequently it updates and who handles integration support.

Look beyond launch. Can the platform support additional clients, locations, suppliers, workers, currencies or languages as your needs grow? Can you access and export the data you need for reporting?

**The question to ask:** Can this approach support our current systems and future growth without repeated redevelopment?

### 6. Consider Ongoing Maintenance and User Support

A VMS is an ongoing software commitment.

Users will need help. Bugs will need fixing. Browsers and connected systems will change. Your organization may introduce new services, workflows or reporting requirements.

If you build, you need a sustainable plan for technical support, development capacity and knowledge retention. Consider what happens if a key developer leaves or an external development partner becomes unavailable.

If you buy, assess the provider’s implementation support, training, account management and release process. Clarify support hours, escalation procedures and how product changes are communicated.

**The question to ask:** Who will keep the platform working and help our users after launch?

### 7. Weigh Product Control Against Vendor Dependence

Building a VMS gives you control over what to develop and when. That control also requires budget, people and decisions about competing priorities.

Buying means working within a provider’s product direction and commercial terms. A provider may welcome your input, but influencing a roadmap is different from controlling it.

Review data ownership and export rights, contract terms, pricing changes and exit arrangements. If building through an external developer, clarify ownership of the code, documentation and access needed to maintain the system.

**The question to ask:** How much control do we need, and what resources are we prepared to commit to maintaining it?

## The 5 Hidden Costs of Building Your Own VMS

The initial development budget is only the visible part of the investment. Many of the less visible costs of custom VMS development continue after launch.

### 1. A permanent development and engineering team

A VMS is never finished. Keeping it up to date, secure, scalable and reliable requires ongoing investment in developers, QA, DevOps and security specialists. Those roles do not go away once version one ships.

### 2. Time to market

Every month spent building is a month you are not serving clients with the platform. By the time a custom VMS is ready, market needs may have shifted and competitors may already be ahead.

### 3. Scope creep and rework

Requirements grow as users test early versions. New integration requests, reporting needs and compliance changes push timelines out and budgets up, often with no clear finish line.

### 4. Security and compliance responsibility

When you own the platform, you own the risk. Data protection, access controls, uptime and regulatory updates all fall on your team.

### 5. Opportunity cost

The people, budget and leadership attention tied up in building software are not available for what actually grows your business: winning clients, improving delivery and refining your program strategy.

## When Building Your Own VMS Might Make Sense

Building is not the wrong answer for everyone. It can be a reasonable choice when:

- **Software is your core business.** If you intend to sell a VMS as your primary product, owning the code may be central to your strategy.
- **You already have a large, experienced engineering team** with the capacity to build and support the platform long term.
- **Your requirements are truly unique** and cannot be met by configuring an existing platform or connecting it through an Open API.
- **You can absorb a long runway** before the platform delivers value, along with the cost of maintaining it indefinitely.

If these conditions do not apply to your organization, evaluate whether an existing VMS can meet your requirements before committing to custom development.

## Why Buying a Proven VMS Wins for Most Organizations

### 1. You skip years of development

A proven platform has already been through the research, design, development and iteration a custom build would require. Conexis VMS is live and in use by clients across North America, with pre-built workflows and automation, intuitive interfaces, deep reporting and analytics, and integrations through its Open API.

Learn more about [how Conexis VMS integrates with your existing systems](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/vms-integration-open-api).

### 2. You go live in weeks, not years

Instead of waiting for a custom build, you can onboard users, launch your program and start seeing results right away. Conexis VMS goes live in under 30 days, with free setup and training included.

### 3. Your costs are predictable

Buying replaces a large upfront investment and open-ended development costs with a predictable, scalable cost structure. Conexis VMS uses pay-as-you-go pricing with no setup fees and free implementation, training and support.

### 4. You still get flexibility

Buying does not mean settling for a rigid tool. A modern VMS lets you configure workflows, set the features that fit your delivery model and connect the systems you already use.

### 5. You can influence the roadmap

With Conexis VMS, you are not buying a static product. We work with clients and partners on feature enhancements, integration requests and workflow improvements, and we move quickly on feedback from real users.

### 6. You gain decades of contingent workforce expertise

Conexis VMS was founded by former contingent workforce program leaders. With the platform, you get strategic guidance, best practices, expert implementation support and senior account management from a team that understands staffing, procurement and contingent workforce delivery.

## Questions to Ask Before You Decide

Before committing to a custom build, work through these questions with your leadership and IT teams:

1. Is building software part of our core business strategy, or a means to an end?
2. Do we have the engineering, security and support capacity to maintain a VMS for years, not just build it once?
3. How long can we wait before the platform delivers value to clients or users?
4. What is the full cost of ownership, including maintenance, hosting, security and compliance updates?
5. Which of our requirements truly cannot be met by configuring a proven platform or connecting it through an Open API?
6. What happens to our clients and program if the build runs late or over budget?

If the honest answers point toward speed, predictable costs and lower risk, buying is likely the better path.

## Buy It and Make It Yours: The White-Label Option for MSPs and Staffing Agencies

For some MSPs and staffing agencies, one appeal of building is delivering a platform under their own brand.

A white-label VMS is a vendor management platform built by one provider and branded as your own. With Conexis VMS, you can:

- Add your logo, domain and branded communications
- Configure workflows and set the features that fit your delivery model
- Control the client-facing experience
- Manage multiple clients through one secure login, with each client environment getting its own supplier network, integrations and branding

To your clients, it is your VMS. Conexis VMS handles the platform, hosting, security and updates behind the scenes. For a complete overview, including what to look for and the questions to ask any vendor, see our [white-label VMS guide](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/white-label-vms).

## Read our White-Label Case Study

 

[![Discover how Conexis VMS helped a Staffing Agency launch a VMS in 30 days in this Case Study.](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/7617376/a7749b15-84bf-4c9c-8909-b620ed6555e0.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/7617376/a7749b15-84bf-4c9c-8909-b620ed6555e0)Our client, a $750MM US Staffing Firm, made a strategic decision to launch a new MSP offering, which included a technology stream. They needed a white-labeled VMS to offer their customers in conjunction with their new MSP Offering and to support their current clients.

Implementation was required in 30 days. In this case study, discover how Conexis VMS was implemented in under 30 days, with no fees for implementation, setup, or training. The results transformed the company’s contingent workforce strategy, delivering new clients, revenue growth and positioning the agency with a competitive advantage.

## See What You'd Be Building Before You Build It

Before you commit budget and years of development, see a modern VMS already up and running. We'll walk you through the workflows, reporting and branding options so you can compare them against your build plans.

[![Book a Demo](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/7617376/c6a979bd-c8df-46ca-80b1-35123950f484.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/7617376/c6a979bd-c8df-46ca-80b1-35123950f484)

## Final Thoughts

Owning your own VMS can sound like the ultimate competitive advantage, but the real advantage comes from what you deliver with it. For most organizations, building means years of development, a permanent engineering commitment and risk that lands squarely on your business. Buying a proven platform puts that time and budget back where it belongs: serving clients, improving your program and growing revenue. And if branding matters, a white-label option gives you a VMS that is fully yours to your clients, without the build.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How long does it take to build a VMS from scratch?

It depends on scope, but building a VMS with the workflows, integrations, reporting and security users expect typically takes two to three years before a usable version is ready. Ongoing development continues after launch. A proven platform like Conexis VMS can be live in under 30 days.

### How much does it cost to build your own VMS?

The upfront build is only part of the cost. You also pay for a permanent team of developers, QA, DevOps and security specialists, plus hosting, compliance updates and support for as long as the platform runs. Buying replaces those costs with a predictable subscription.

### What is the difference between building and buying a VMS?

Building means your organization designs, develops, hosts and maintains the software itself. Buying means you license a proven platform from a VMS provider, which handles development, security and updates while you configure it to fit your program.

### Can a purchased VMS be customized to our workflows?

Yes. A modern VMS lets you configure approval workflows, choose the features that fit your delivery model and connect your existing systems. Conexis VMS also works with clients on roadmap enhancements.

### Can a purchased VMS integrate with our ATS, HRIS and payroll systems?

Yes. Conexis VMS offers an Open API to support integrations with systems such as ATS, HRIS, payroll and ERP platforms. The connection requirements, data flows and implementation scope should be confirmed for your systems.

### Who is responsible for security and maintenance if we build our own VMS?

You are. Infrastructure, data protection, access controls, uptime, bug fixes and compliance updates all become your team's responsibility. With a purchased VMS, the provider handles them as part of the platform.

### Can an MSP or staffing agency offer a VMS under its own brand without building one?

Yes. A white-label VMS lets you offer a platform with your own logo, domain and branded communications. Conexis VMS provides the technology behind the scenes, so to your clients it is your VMS.

### How fast can Conexis VMS be up and running?

Conexis VMS goes live in under 30 days, with no setup fees and free implementation, training and support.

## Additional Reading

- [Getting Started with Your First VMS | Guide](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/getting-started-with-your-first-vendor-management-system)
- [MSPs & Staffing Agencies: How a White-Label VMS Can Grow Your Business](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/what-is-white-label-vendor-management-system-and-how-it-can-grow-your-business)
- [6 Reasons to Switch from Spreadsheets and Email to a VMS](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/6-reasons-to-switch-from-manual-spreadsheets-to-a-vendor-management-system)

## The Conexis VMS Difference

Conexis VMS is an [award-winning](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/conexis-vms-awards-and-recognition) vendor management system built for organizations that want the power of enterprise software without the complexity or cost.

Leveraging the latest technology, Conexis VMS delivers the expertise, reliability and security of enterprise systems, while offering the flexibility, user friendliness and tailored, personal service you require. Learn more about our [Company](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/company) and what makes [Conexis VMS different](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/best-vendor-management-system-conexis).

## Discover the Power of Conexis VMS

Conexis VMS is trusted by staffing agencies, MSPs and leading organizations to modernize and manage their contingent workforce programs. Here's why organizations choose Conexis VMS:

- [Modern VMS Technology](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/best-vendor-management-system-conexis) - Built on the latest AWS microservices architecture and Open API
- [Fast Implementation](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/how-do-they-do-it-how-conexis-launches-a-vms-in-weeks-not-months) - Get up and running in under a month, free setup and training included
- [Fully Branded White-Label VMS](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/how-do-they-do-it-how-conexis-delivers-fully-branded-white-label-vms) - Your Logo. Your Domain. Your Branded Communication
- [Flexible Pricing](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/pricing) - No setup fees, with free implementation, training and account management
- [Personal Attention](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/vms-nps-customer-satisfaction-adoption) - Experienced senior account management from implementation onward

## Getting Started with Your First VMS?

Buying your first VMS doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We’ll guide you through every step, from mapping how your program works today to launching, with no setup fees and free implementation, training and support.

| [![Book a private consultation with Conexis VMS](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/7617376/838fcdf1-1e6b-4f38-94ca-546b5c3f500a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/7617376/838fcdf1-1e6b-4f38-94ca-546b5c3f500a) | [![Take a self-guided tour of Conexis VMS ](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/7617376/6617fad0-9168-4a45-b474-c96a34628641.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/7617376/6617fad0-9168-4a45-b474-c96a34628641) | [![Book a Demo with Conexis VMS](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/7617376/18db2c62-a34a-4454-8010-c1bfc7f5e559.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/7617376/18db2c62-a34a-4454-8010-c1bfc7f5e559) |
| --- | --- | --- |

 

 [![Getting Started with Your 1st VMS](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/7617376/12b506f2-062c-4b78-bd37-415b0ebefc65.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/7617376/12b506f2-062c-4b78-bd37-415b0ebefc65)

![John Clark](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hubfs/John100.png)

#### John Clark

John is the Co-Founder, President & CEO of Conexis VMS with 20 years of experience in the workforce solutions industry.

### Popular posts

![How Do They Do It? How Conexis Open APIs Deliver Fast VMS Integrations](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hubfs/how%20do%20they%20do%20it-Conexis-VMS-Open%20api_%201200x627-44.jpg)

## [How Do They Do It? How Conexis Open APIs Deliver Fast VMS Integrations](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/how-do-they-do-it-how-conexis-vms-open-apis-make-vms-integration-fast)

[![read more](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hubfs/6M%20Files/read-more.svg)Read More](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/how-do-they-do-it-how-conexis-vms-open-apis-make-vms-integration-fast) 17 September 2026

![How Do They Do It? How Conexis VMS Delivers a White-Label VMS](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hubfs/1.%20MASTER%20MASTER%20Blog%20and%20Website%20Page%20IMAGES%202026/HOW%20DO%20THEY%20DO%20IT%20OPTIMIZED%201200/conexis-vms-white-label-vms-1200-627-60.jpg)

## [How Do They Do It? How Conexis VMS Delivers a White-Label VMS](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/how-do-they-do-it-how-conexis-delivers-fully-branded-white-label-vms)

[![read more](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hubfs/6M%20Files/read-more.svg)Read More](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/how-do-they-do-it-how-conexis-delivers-fully-branded-white-label-vms) 24 June 2026

![How Do They Do It? How Conexis VMS Can Launch in Under 30 Days](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hubfs/1.%20MASTER%20MASTER%20Blog%20and%20Website%20Page%20IMAGES%202026/HOW%20DO%20THEY%20DO%20IT%20OPTIMIZED%201200/conexis-vms-implementation-1200-627-59.jpg)

## [How Do They Do It? How Conexis VMS Can Launch in Under 30 Days](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/how-do-they-do-it-how-conexis-launches-a-vms-in-weeks-not-months)

[![read more](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hubfs/6M%20Files/read-more.svg)Read More](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/blog/how-do-they-do-it-how-conexis-launches-a-vms-in-weeks-not-months) 1 June 2026

### Subscribe to the Conexis Monthly Newsletter

![Conexis Logo - White](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hubfs/CONEXIS%20LOGO/ConexisLogo%20Square-White-V2.svg "Conexis Logo - White")

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[![Conexis VMS Reviews](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hubfs/www.conexisvmssoftware.png)](https://sourceforge.net/software/product/Conexis-VMS/)

- [VMS BENEFITS](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/benefits-of-vendor-management-system)
- [PRICING](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/pricing)
- [COMPANY](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/company)
- [CONTACT](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/contact)
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- [LEARN](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/vms-vendor-management-system-resources)
- [TAKE A TOUR](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/self-guided-tour-of-conexis-vms-vendor-management-system-demo)
- [BOOK A DEMO](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/book-a-demo)

![icon-map-marker](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hubfs/6M%20Files/icon-map-marker.svg)**USA**

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Park Ridge, IL 60068

![icon-map-marker](https://www.conexisvmssoftware.com/hubfs/6M%20Files/icon-map-marker.svg)**Canada**

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Toronto, ON, M5X 1C9

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