How We Work

Starting with Understanding

The journey to great software begins long before any code is written. The first and most crucial phase of our process is about developing a deep understanding of your business. We call this our Research and Scoping phase, but it's really about becoming temporary insiders in your organisation.

We believe in getting our feet on the ground. That means visiting your premises, watching how your team works, and understanding the daily challenges they face. We've found that there's no substitute for this kind of firsthand observation. It's amazing how often a casual conversation with a staff member reveals crucial insights that might never have come up in formal meetings.

During these initial weeks, we'll ask lots of questions - some might even seem obvious or redundant. There's a method to this thoroughness: we've learned that assumptions are the enemy of good software. What seems obvious to you might reveal unexpected complexity when we dig deeper, and what seems complex might have surprisingly simple solutions.

We'll talk to everyone involved in the processes we're looking to improve. Why? Because we've discovered that the people doing the day-to-day work often have the clearest view of what needs to change. Plus, when staff members feel heard during development, they become champions for the new system rather than resistant to change.

This initial phase typically takes between one and six weeks, depending on your organisation's complexity and availability. It's time well spent - rushing this phase is like building a house without proper foundations.

Designing Your Solution

With a solid understanding of your needs in place, we move into the Design and Specification phase. This is where your new solution begins to take shape. Our development team starts mapping out technical architectures, considering different platforms and technologies, and planning how everything will fit together.

We're not just thinking about your immediate needs. Every decision we make considers your future growth. Will this solution scale as you add more users? Can it adapt to new business processes? How will it integrate with future systems? These considerations shape our technical choices.

Throughout this phase, the conversation continues. We might come back to you with questions or concerns as we work through the technical details. This back-and-forth is crucial - it's how we ensure we're not just building what you asked for, but what your business truly needs.

This phase culminates in a comprehensive proposal that lays out exactly what we'll build, how much it will cost, and how long it will take. No surprises, no hidden complexities - just a clear roadmap to your solution.

Bringing Your Solution to Life

Once you give us the green light, we begin the Build and Test phase. This is where your solution starts becoming reality. You'll be assigned a lead developer who becomes your primary point of contact. They're not just writing code - they're your advocate within our development team, ensuring everything aligns with your vision.

We believe in keeping you closely involved throughout development. Through regular "reality check" meetings - typically weekly or fortnightly - you'll see your solution taking shape. These aren't just progress updates; they're opportunities for you to provide feedback and ensure we're on the right track.

This collaborative approach means we can catch and address any concerns early, rather than discovering them after everything is built. It's like having regular walk-throughs while your house is being built, rather than waiting until everything is finished to check if the rooms are the right size.

Ensuring a Smooth Launch

The final phase is Release and Acceptance, but we prefer to think of it as your solution's dress rehearsal. For two weeks, you and your team get to put the software through its paces in a safe environment. Add test data, try out different scenarios, click every button - this is your time to really get to know your new system.

We're right there with you during this phase, gathering feedback and making any necessary adjustments. Only when you're completely confident does we move to the full rollout, including migrating your real data into the new system.

A Partnership for Success

Throughout this entire process, our goal is to be more than just your software developer - we aim to be your technology partner. Every decision we make, every line of code we write, is focused on one thing: creating software that transforms your business operations for the better.