What do you do if you find a need but don't know how to fix it?

In my industry I've seen a glaring need for a specific type of software solution. I searched all over the internet/reddit/forums for a solution, and even called some friends at other companies that have a similar group to mine. Most of the response is "we just figure it out in excel, it's not great."

I don't even know where to start. I wouldn't want to pay a developer to come up with something when I don't even know what the correct solution should be.

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