Internal tools and custom software
A simple tool built around how you work, when nothing else fits
Sometimes the way you work is the right way, and it’s the software that doesn’t fit. When a spreadsheet has become the thing the whole business depends on, a small, focused internal tool can do the same job more reliably. We only suggest building one when it’s clearly the better option.
In short
Propel builds small internal tools for owner-managed businesses when off-the-shelf software doesn’t fit how the work runs. Examples include job trackers, planning boards, order and production tools and simple portals for the team. We check first whether existing software could do the job. If not, we build something focused, test it on real work and keep it simple to look after.
Sound familiar?
Signs it’s worth a conversation
Any one of these is a good reason to talk. They’re common, and they’re usually fixable without turning the business upside down.
- A spreadsheet has become the system the whole business relies on, and only one person dares edit it.
- You’ve tried off-the-shelf software, and it made you work around it.
- The way you work is a genuine advantage, and generic tools would flatten it.
- Information is spread across several half-fitting tools, and nobody sees the whole picture.
What we do
How we help with internal tools and custom software
Check the alternatives first
Before building anything, we look at whether existing software, set up properly, would do the job. Building is only worth it when it’s clearly better.
Start small
We build the smallest useful version first, around one real process, and get it into use quickly.
Design it with your team
We build with the people who’ll use it every day, so it fits the way they work and not the other way round.
Keep it simple to look after
We use well-supported technology, document how it works and agree up front how it will be maintained.
What it could look like
Our founder’s own internal project
One internal project at an agency, not work for a Propel client and not a claim about savings.
At the agency where our founder runs operations, work was planned across spreadsheets and messages, and it was hard to see who had capacity.
Our founder built an internal system for planning work and managing the team’s capacity, designed to give everyone one shared picture of what’s booked and who’s free.
How it works
From a first call to a change in daily use
You’ll know what we’re suggesting, and what it would cost, before any work starts.
We talk
A 30-minute call about how your operation works and what you’d like to be easier.
We look at how the work runs
We spend time with you and the people doing the work, and look at the tools, sheets and messages you use day to day.
We agree what to change
We suggest what would help most, in plain terms, with what’s involved and what it would cost, before anything starts.
We put it in place
We set things up, connect and build what’s needed, show your team how it works and adjust it once it’s in daily use.
Questions
Questions about internal tools and custom software
When is it worth building a custom tool?
When the way you work is genuinely different, off-the-shelf options would force awkward workarounds and the tool would be used every day. If good existing software fits, that’s usually the better choice.
Who owns the tool you build?
We agree ownership, access and how the tool will be looked after, in writing, before any work starts.
What if the tool needs changing later?
Tools change as businesses do. We keep things simple and documented so changes are straightforward, and we agree how ongoing changes and support will work before we start.
Is custom software expensive?
It depends on what’s involved. Starting with a small, focused version keeps both cost and risk down. You’ll get a clear price in writing before anything starts.
Related
Often goes hand in hand with
- Connecting your business softwareQuoting, jobs, CRM and accounts passing details to each other, so nobody re-keys them.
- Reporting and management informationRegular reports that mostly put themselves together from the records you already keep.
- Orders and production planningOrder changes that carry through to the plan, materials and the shop floor.
Talk to us about internal tools and custom software
Book a 30-minute introductory call. Bring an example of something that takes more effort than it should, or just tell us how a normal week goes.