Custom software and internal tools
Small apps and internal dashboards, for example for bookings, handling requests or keeping records. They work where off-the-shelf programs are too generic or make you work their way. The scope follows real needs, not a feature list.
You are here: Custom software.
When does custom software make sense?
- The whole company runs on one huge spreadsheet.
- Requests come in through several channels at once.
- An off-the-shelf program needs workarounds to fit the work.
- Several people edit the same data and nobody knows what is current.
What you get
- A tool built around the way the team works.
- Permissions: who sees what and who can change what.
- A history of changes to important data.
- Data moved over from spreadsheets or an old program.
- It runs in the cloud or only inside the company network.
What it looks like
A suggested process. We'll fit the details to the project. How I work
- 01Discovery
Who uses the tool, in what situations and what gets in the way today.
- 02Scope
The smallest version that solves the problem.
- 03Build and test
On test data, with the people who will use it.
- 04Deployment
Moving the data, launch and an explanation of how to use it.
How much does custom software cost?
The price depends on the number of views and roles, moving data and integrations. We start with the version that solves the most important problem and add the rest when it is clearly needed.
You can pay once or by subscription. How payment works
Related projects
Projects from my employment, clearly labelled. Screenshots show test data.
Screens: the office TVs
One panel for all the TVs in the office: content, schedule, urgent messages and alerts. Each TV has a small computer next to it on the company network.
Screenshot with test data.See the module
Crew: people and 1:1 meetings
The largest module and the one where it all started. Conversations between a manager and their report have an agenda, a record and a follow-up, and around them is everything a team needs.
Screenshot with test data.See the moduleQuestions and answers
Don't see your question? Write to me.
When is a custom tool better than an off-the-shelf program?
When the off-the-shelf program needs workarounds, makes you work its way or is too generic. If a ready-made solution is enough, I'll say so.
Will the tool replace our spreadsheet?
Often, yes. A spreadsheet that has outgrown itself can be replaced by a tool with permissions, a change history and a clear view.
Can the tool work only inside the company network?
Yes. It can run on a server in the company and be available only inside its network, if company rules require it.
Who can use it?
As many people and roles as needed. We agree the permissions together: who sees what and who can change what.
What about the data we already have?
I move it from spreadsheets or the old program as part of the deployment and check that everything matches.
Industries
How this service looks in specific industries:
Off-the-shelf software doesn't fit the way you work?
Write what you do today in spreadsheets and workarounds. I'll propose a tool built around your process.See also
Custom web and mobile apps
I build apps that run in the browser and on the phone: bookings, client portals, orders.
More about the serviceAutomation and integrations