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Web Application Development for Processes a Website Cannot Handle
Custom browser-based software for quoting, tracking, scheduling, reporting and more, built to fit your operations.
What Rocket provides
A web application is software that runs in the browser and does a job: calculating quotes, managing jobs, tracking stock, producing reports or handling customer requests. Rocket designs and builds custom applications when off-the-shelf tools do not fit or when several tools need to be replaced by one.
We keep applications as simple as the job allows. Features are added because users need them, not because they are possible.
Who it's for
- Businesses running critical processes in spreadsheets
- Companies with a unique workflow that standard software does not support
- Teams that need dashboards over data scattered across systems
- Founders building a software product or software-as-a-service idea
It also suits established firms that want to offer customers a self-service tool, such as a calculator or ordering screen, as a point of difference.
Problems it solves
- Duplicate data entry across tools
- Errors from manual calculations and copy-paste
- No single view of jobs, customers or inventory
- Slow quoting because pricing logic lives in someone's head
- Software that forces you to change your process to suit it
Custom applications also protect knowledge. When pricing rules and procedures live in software rather than in one person's memory, the business is less exposed when that person is away.
Applications also give you data you can trust, because validation rules stop bad entries at the source rather than in a later clean-up.
What's included
- Requirements workshop and written specification
- Interface design and clickable prototypes
- Database design and secure back-end
- User accounts, roles and permissions
- Dashboards, search, filters and exports
- Email notifications and document generation, such as quotes and PDFs
- Testing, documentation and training
- Hosting set-up and deployment
Everything is documented in plain language, including how to add users, back up data and what to check if something stops working.
Options
- Internal tool used by your staff
- Customer-facing application such as a calculator, ordering tool or account area
- Minimum viable product to test an idea before investing fully
- Phased build delivered in releases
Mobile versions are covered under mobile app development, and system connections under integrations.
Where timelines are tight, we can deliver a narrow, useful first release within a shorter period and add features once the system is in use.
What you'll need to supply
- A clear description of the problem and who has it
- Examples of current spreadsheets, forms or documents
- Business rules such as pricing formulas and approval limits
- A decision-maker who can answer questions quickly
- Access to people who will actually use the system
Early involvement of the people who will use the application is the best predictor of success. We will ask for time from them during design and testing.
How the process works
- Discover: map the process and agree the goals.
- Specify: list features, priorities and what is left out of version one.
- Design: prototype the screens for feedback.
- Build in short cycles, with regular demonstrations.
- Test with real data and users.
- Launch, train and support the first weeks of use.
Real data is used in testing wherever it is legally and safely possible, because invented test data rarely exposes the awkward cases staff meet daily.
What affects cost and timing
Cost depends on the number of features, user roles, integrations, reporting depth and security needs. Starting with a minimum version controls risk and gives you real usage data before further spending.
Applications are quoted after discovery because honest pricing needs a clear specification. Ongoing hosting, updates and support are separate and agreed at launch.
Support after launch usually includes bug fixes for a stated period, and further enhancements are quoted separately.
Next step
Describe the process you want to improve. We will propose scope, approach and a quote.
Frequently asked questions
Do I own the software?
Ownership terms are set out in the quote. Typically you own the application you commission, excluding third-party components.
Why not just use off-the-shelf software?
If it fits, you should. We build custom only when the fit is poor or the process is a competitive advantage.
Can you improve an existing application?
Often, after a code review.
How long does a build take?
It depends on scope. A focused first version is quicker than a full system.
Will it work on mobile?
Yes. Web applications are built to work in mobile browsers.
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