Custom Software & Applications

Software shaped around how you actually work.

When off-the-shelf tools force workarounds, we design and build applications around your processes: secure, maintainable and ready to grow with you.

Start a conversation Explore by sector
  • Line-of-business apps
  • APIs & integrations
  • Legacy modernisation
Illustration of a custom application being built and released, with role-based access Case management Built for your process, not a template 1const app = build({2 roles: 'staff, admin',3 audit: true,4 sync: 'finance'5})6deploy(app)Tests passing Role-based accessSecure by default Release 2.3Shipped this week Illustration of a custom application being built and released, with role-based access Case management Built for your process, not a template 1const app = build({2 roles: 'staff, admin',3 audit: true,4 sync: 'finance'5})6deploy(app)Tests passing

Across sectors

Software built for the way your sector works.

Choose a sector to see what this looks like day to day.

Public sector

Systems for services that don't fit a product

Licensing, inspection, booking and case systems built around statutory processes: accessible, secure and easy to change.

  • Licensing and permit systems
  • Inspection apps for field officers
  • Booking and scheduling tools

Higher education

Tools that fill the gaps between student systems

Placement, research and partnership tools that connect to your student records instead of living in spreadsheets.

  • Placement and partner management
  • Research and grant tracking
  • Integrations with student records

Utilities

Operational apps for assets and field teams

Asset registers, inspection apps and job tools that work in the field and connect to your core operational systems.

  • Asset and inspection apps
  • Offline mobile field tools
  • Integration with operational systems

Real estate

Property platforms built around your portfolio

Portfolio, lease and maintenance systems tailored to how you manage properties, connected to your accounts and listings.

  • Portfolio and lease management
  • Contractor and maintenance tools
  • Listings and accounts integrations

Retail & consumer brands

The systems behind the shopfront

Order, stock and supplier tools that join up your shop, warehouse and finance systems, so operations scale with demand.

  • Order and stock management
  • Supplier and wholesale portals
  • Shop and finance integrations

What we deliver

What we build

Choose what you need. A short discovery confirms the scope, the plan and the cost.

  • Requirements & architecture

    A clear scope, sound architecture and a delivery plan you can hold us to.

  • Line-of-business applications

    Systems for operations, finance, field work, compliance and case management.

  • Internal tools & platforms

    Admin consoles and workflow tools that replace spreadsheets and email chains.

  • APIs & back-end services

    Documented, versioned APIs that other systems and partners can depend on.

  • Legacy modernisation

    Step-by-step replacement of ageing systems, without a risky big-bang switch.

  • Quality engineering

    Automated tests and release pipelines so changes ship safely and often.

In practice

Replacing a spreadsheet-run process

A typical example of the change we make. Every engagement is shaped around your process.

Before

  • Twelve linked spreadsheets and a shared drive
  • Manual copying between versions
  • No audit trail or permissions
  • Reports built by hand each month

After

  • One application with a single source of data
  • Roles, approvals and history built in
  • Integrated with finance and Microsoft 365
  • Live dashboards instead of monthly packs

Your process runs on software you own, not files you hope nobody breaks.

Example engagement

Self-service portal and workflow automation

Representative engagement ยท Web, automation and integration

The challenge
Customer requests handled by email and paper, re-keyed between systems, with no easy way for customers or staff to see status.
What we delivered
A bespoke web portal for customers, automated back-office workflows and secure integrations into the existing systems of record.
The outcome
A single, auditable record for every request, far less re-keying, and customers who can see progress without chasing.

Web & Digital Experiences Customer & Partner Portals Process Automation All case studies

Is this right for you?

Who it is for, and where our scope ends.

Plain answers before you get in touch, so you know what to expect and what to bring.

Who it is for

  • Organisations whose processes no longer fit off-the-shelf tools and rely on spreadsheets or workarounds
  • Teams that need a line-of-business application, internal tool or API they will own and maintain
  • Owners of ageing applications that are costly or risky to change and need a safe way forward

Where our scope normally ends

  • Reselling or customising packaged software where a product already fits. Our advice is to buy when buying is right
  • Hosting and licence costs, which are estimated with you and billed by the platform provider
  • Running your day-to-day IT service desk. Support after go-live is agreed separately

What we plan for in every project

Integration
We design APIs and integrations early, so the application works with your identity, finance, CRM and reporting systems rather than beside them.
Security and data
Authentication, role-based access and secure development practices are part of the design, and we agree data protection responsibilities in writing.
Accessibility
User-facing screens are designed with WCAG 2.2 in mind and tested with keyboard navigation as well as a mouse.
Maintenance and support
You receive source code, documentation and a handover. A release process, monitoring and a support agreement are available if you want us to stay involved.

What we need to scope it

  1. The problem you want solved and who will use the application
  2. The current process, tools or application it replaces
  3. Systems it must connect to, and any data to migrate
  4. Hosting, security or procurement requirements
  5. Your budget range and target date

Not everything has to be ready. Send what you have and we will help with the rest. Start a conversation

Further reading: Build, buy or extend: a practical guide for business software

Questions

What clients usually ask.

Something else on your mind? Ask us directly

Technologies we use

  • .NET
  • C#
  • TypeScript
  • React
  • SQL Server
  • Azure App Service
  • Azure DevOps
Build or buy?

We will tell you honestly. If a product fits, we recommend it. We build when your process is a genuine advantage or nothing on the market fits.

Who owns the code?

You do. Source code, documentation and environments are handed over as agreed.

Can you work with our in-house developers?

Yes. We can lead delivery, pair with your team, or provide specific skills.

How do you keep budgets under control?

Scope is prioritised, progress is visible every sprint, and changes are agreed before they are built.

Related

What would you build if the tools fitted?

Describe the process and the workarounds. We will help you decide whether to build, buy or extend.

Start a conversation info@devdex.co.uk