Custom development
Custom business software development aligned with your processes
Where off-the-shelf software does not cover the processes that differentiate your business, we develop solutions aligned with those processes.
Many organisations reach a point at which core operations are managed through spreadsheets, email correspondence and multiple systems that do not exchange data. An off-the-shelf product typically covers approximately 70 percent of requirements, while the remaining 30 percent generally represents the activities that differentiate the business.
In such projects we begin with the process rather than the technology, establishing where delays occur, which activities depend on one another and where data is entered repeatedly. Only after that analysis do we propose a scope of work, including a recommendation on what need not be developed.
How we do it
Analysis and specification
We review the existing process together with the employees who operate it daily. The result is a specification comprehensible to both management and the development team, with mandatory requirements clearly separated from those scheduled for a later phase.
Architecture that survives growth
Systems are designed to be extended without redevelopment, applying separated architectural layers, documented programming interfaces and a data model intended for long-term use.
Iterative delivery
Development is carried out in short cycles with regular progress reviews. Results are presented every two weeks, allowing the direction of development to be adjusted at the stage where the cost of change is lowest.
Rollout and training
We carry out data migration, a parallel run alongside the existing system, user training and support during the first weeks of operation. Deployment is considered complete only once the system is in regular use.
Maintenance and continued development
Following go-live we continue to monitor, maintain and extend the system. As the business evolves, the software is developed accordingly.
Examples
What we build
Not every business application is a CRM. These are the types of systems we build most often.
Order processing systems
Covering the full cycle from order intake to delivery and invoicing, applying the rules and price lists in force within your organisation.
Partner and customer portals
Enabling customers and distributors to place orders, monitor status and retrieve documents independently, without contacting your staff directly.
Field service applications
Work orders, time recording and photographic documentation on mobile devices, including operation without network connectivity.
Production tracking
Monitoring of work orders, material consumption, scrap and output per production line or operator, with automated reporting.
Booking and scheduling
Management of appointments, resources and capacity, with rules preventing conflicts and automated reminders for users.
Internal tools and registers
Approvals, requests and registers of equipment and contracts, comprising processes currently managed through spreadsheets and email.
Dashboards and reporting
A consolidated view of data from multiple systems, providing indicators on which management can rely.
Middleware and background services
Services executed in the background, including synchronisation, batch processing and data import and export.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to build a business application?
A smaller system with a clearly defined scope is generally in production within two to four months. Larger systems spanning several departments are delivered in phases, with the first phase operational within three to five months. Binding estimates are issued only following completed analysis.
Should we buy off-the-shelf or build custom?
Where processes are comparable to standard practice in the industry, an off-the-shelf product is generally more economical and faster to deploy. Custom development is justified where the process itself constitutes a competitive advantage, or where adapting an existing product would exceed the cost of development. Where custom development is not justified, we will advise accordingly.
Can maintenance be transferred to another provider?
Source code and documentation remain your property. Development is carried out using standard technologies, without dependency on proprietary tooling, enabling another team to assume maintenance where required.
What determines the cost of a custom business application?
The main drivers are the complexity of the business logic, the number of modules and user roles, the number of integrations with existing systems, the need to transfer data, and the security and reporting requirements. That is why we do not publish a price in advance: we give a binding estimate only after the process analysis, with the necessary scope clearly separated from what can wait for a later phase.
Custom development or off-the-shelf software?
Ready-made software typically covers about 70 percent of needs, and the remaining 30 percent is often exactly what sets you apart from competitors. If that 30 percent does not matter to you, the ready-made product is cheaper and faster. If it is decisive, custom development pays off. We decide together after the process analysis, and we say so when custom development is not justified.
Related services
Ready for the next step in digitalising your business?
If you are looking for a partner able to see a project through to completion, we suggest an introductory meeting. The meeting is non-binding and serves to establish your requirements.