How a Non-Programmer Cut $150K in SaaS Fees by Building Custom Software with AI
Mar 14, 2025
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Zac Plansky, owner of AT3Tactical.com, shares his inspiring journey of building a custom AI tool for inventory management without any programming background. He reveals how this innovative solution saved him $150K in SaaS fees and streamlined operations. Zac discusses the challenges he faced while developing the tool, the technologies he employed, and the vital community support that helped him succeed. Additionally, he reflects on his personal adventures, balancing family time with the joys of entrepreneurship.
Zac Plansky illustrates how a non-programmer can harness AI to create a custom inventory management tool, dramatically reducing SaaS costs.
The development of customized software allows for tailored solutions to specific business challenges, such as inventory management in e-commerce.
Integrating dedicated project time within frameworks like EOS is essential for executing significant development projects while managing routine business tasks.
Deep dives
Leveraging AI for Custom Tools
A notable discussion centers on the potential of artificial intelligence to revolutionize business applications. One entrepreneur successfully created a customized inventory management tool, saving a significant amount in software licensing fees. This tool was developed in just over a month without any programming experience, showcasing how accessible technology has become for business owners. The implications for enhancing productivity and efficiency in small to medium-sized businesses using AI tools are extensive.
Challenges in Inventory Management
The guest identified inventory planning as a common pain point within e-commerce communities. Despite a plethora of software options available, many were found to be expensive and complex to implement, particularly for businesses outside of popular platforms like Shopify. The need for a more tailored solution spurred the development of a custom application that addresses specific inventory challenges, such as forecasting and managing items with long lead times. This innovation aims to provide a clearer long-term view of stock levels and demand.
Managing Development Time Effectively
The podcast highlights the significance of structuring time for development projects amid a busy schedule. One effective approach mentioned was integrating the project as a 'quarterly rock' within the EOS framework, allowing focused work on the application development. During this period, the entrepreneur was able to dedicate substantial hours towards building the tool and learning through the process. This goal-oriented strategy helped balance ongoing business responsibilities while still making meaningful progress.
Utilizing AI Tools for Programming
Throughout the project, various AI models were employed to assist in coding and debugging. The entrepreneur discovered that using AI tools like ChatGPT and others improved the accuracy and efficiency of the coding process, allowing for significant time savings. By inputting code and error messages into the AI, he could quickly troubleshoot issues without extensive manual labor. This synergy between human oversight and AI capabilities demonstrated a powerful new way to approach programming challenges.
Future Prospects and AI Integration
The conversation also explored the future of developing proprietary software in e-commerce as AI tools continue to evolve. Entrepreneurs are recognizing the opportunity to create customized applications that can replace costly SaaS solutions, particularly in niche markets. This shift could lead to enhanced internal efficiencies and better control over processes that traditionally relied on expensive third-party software. Emphasizing the importance of understanding AI's capabilities and integrating these technologies into business models was a central theme, hinting at a transformative potential in the e-commerce space.
Have you ever thought about building your own AI tool to boost your business? In this episode, I'm thrilled to share the incredible story of Zac Plansky, owner of AT3Tactical.com. Zac transformed his business by developing a custom AI tool for inventory management, saving substantial costs and enhancing operational efficiency—all without prior programming experience.
Listen in as we dive into Zac's journey from identifying the need for better inventory management to the creation and implementation of his AI-driven solution. We also explore the practical steps he took, the technologies he used, and the significant impact this project has had on his business.