Designing and developing software and database applications is one of our core services at squarechilli, over the years we have created HR Systems, Warehousing Systems, Hotel Management Systems, Stock Management Systems, Intranets, Financial Applications, Workflow Tools and many more specific applications that an off the shelf solution simply couldn’t achieve.

Our clients range from startups, public and private sector, regional sole traders to multinationals but for each project, our process is the same.

Gather information and knowledge

Our customers produce a specification of what they want, this is sometimes good enough to go ahead and get started, but often just looking through this document we identify areas that we can improve upon, usually with less effort due to the way we are able to code.

If possible we also spend time with the client, although obviously this depends on the individual project. If we can sit with you and watch your current processes we can write a method that will not only speed up the process but make it more efficient. Viewing what you are doing and combining this with what you want to do in an ideal world allows us to create the perfect project specification.

Plan, plan and plan some more

Now that we know what is required of your software, we create a plan of action. This includes creating milestone dates where certain areas of the project will be completed. The plan also contains dates where we need interaction from the client to provide data, or test the software throughout the project.

This plan works for our client and ourselves highlighting our commitments towards the project so that the project does not slip.

Begin development

Development begins, we provide access to our development server so that you can view the progress of your software at any point. Some days you may see big changes, other days very little as we work on the back end coding.

Testing

Upon completion of development, we then embark on the testing stage. Testing is conducted is a variety of methods. We have automated testing tools that will test all areas of the software, testing not only each functional area but also providing a stress test – that is, how the software copes with many users interacting with the software at any given time.

Once automated testing is complete, we begin manual testing, entering expected and unexpected data. Basically we try to break the system!

Then we hand over to you to test the software, is it working as expected, did you find any bugs etc?

If bugs are found, we dive in to the code and fix them, otherwise we begin a soft launch.

Launch

If possible, we will launch with just a few users before unleashing your new software fully. This provides an extra layer of testing in a real world environment. Once we are all happy, the software is fully launched.

Training

We often provide training on how to use the software, these can be one to one with a key member of staff or to a group of people.

How long does this process take?

The time it takes to plan and develop a software application heavy depends on the complexity of the software. A small piece of software could take just a week to develop, whereas more complex software can take six months.

Larger software often benefits from a phased approach, instead of coding the entire project, we can develop the software is sections allowing you to use the software whilst the remaining parts are being developed.

Continued support

We don’t just disappear once the software has launched, we understand that knowledge can fade over time so provide free support for small queries and obviously the software is fully supported for any bugs you may find down the road (although unlikely, but hey never say never).

Over half of our projects develop in to something further once you are fully using it and wish to add further functionality. We find that our clients become excited about not only what the software is currently doing but what else it may be able to achieve.

And that’s it, that’s an explanation of how we design and develop software applications. We have been creating software since 2004, what software would change your business, contact us for a chat.