We’ve been really impressed with Smart IT -their support team is knowledgeable, friendly, and always quick to respond. They take the time to understand our business needs...
Ruth Terrington
a year ago
Custom software development
When off-the-shelf software doesn’t fit
Packaged software is built for the average business. When your processes are different, you end up bending the way you work to fit the system, or filling the gaps with spreadsheets and workarounds.
Custom software is built around your business. Our developers create business applications, customer portals and integrations that do exactly what you need, connect to the systems you already use and grow as you do.
Because we’re also your IT partner, we look after the hosting, security and support too, so one team is responsible for the whole solution.
What we build
From a single tool that replaces a spreadsheet to a full system that runs your operation, we build software that fits.
Business applications
Web-based apps that replace spreadsheets and paper processes with something built for the job.
Customer and staff portals
Secure portals where customers or staff log in to view information, raise requests and download documents.
Job and field management
Systems for booking, scheduling and completing jobs, with certificates and reports produced on site.
Quoting and pricing tools
Quotes and proposals produced in minutes from your own pricing rules, ready to send and sign.
Software integrations
Custom links between systems that don’t connect on their own, built on secure APIs. See systems integration.
Modernising older systems
Ageing or unsupported software rebuilt or extended, so it keeps working with modern tools.
Mobile-friendly apps
Apps that work on phones and tablets, so staff can capture information wherever they are.
AI-powered features
AI that reads, classifies, summarises or scores information, built into your software. See AI automation.
AI built into your software
Every piece of software we build is designed with AI in mind. Where it makes a real difference, we add features that read documents, understand requests or suggest next steps, so your software does more of the work for you.
- Documents and forms read and filed automatically
- Smart search across all your records
- Draft quotes, replies and reports ready for review
- Requests sorted and prioritised automatically
- Assistants that answer questions from your own data
Custom software or off-the-shelf?
Custom software isn’t always the answer. We’ll give you an honest view of what suits your business.
Off-the-shelf works when
Your processes are standard, a product fits well and any gaps are minor.
Custom works when
Your processes give you an edge, you rely on spreadsheets and workarounds, or several systems need replacing with one.
Often, it’s both
We often extend off-the-shelf software with custom features or integrations, so you only build what you really need.
Built properly, supported for the long term
Good software isn’t just about the launch. We build for the years after it goes live.
Secure by design
Security is built in from the first line of code, with data protected and access controlled. Smart IT is ISO 27001 certified.
Your data stays yours
Your data is stored securely and can be exported whenever you need it.
Hosting and backups included
We host, monitor and back up the software we build, so you have one team responsible for everything.
Ongoing development
Your software grows with your business, with new features added as your needs change.
Clear documentation
Every system is documented, so it never depends on one person.
Our Mission
Transforming the Way Businesses Work
Our mission is to transform the way businesses work through intelligent technology, AI and business automation, backed by proactive support.
Every solution we deliver is designed to help organisations:
Every solution we deliver is designed to help organisations:
The benefits of custom software
- Software that fits your processes exactly
- No paying for features you don’t use
- Spreadsheets and workarounds replaced
- An edge your competitors can’t buy off the shelf
- Security built in from the start
- One partner for development, hosting and support
How it works
- 01 Discover We get to know your business, your goals and the problem the software needs to solve.
- 02 Design We agree the features, the look and how it connects to your other systems before development starts.
- 03 Build and test We build in stages, share progress as we go and test thoroughly before anything goes live.
- 04 Launch and support We launch the software, train your team and provide ongoing support, hosting and updates.
Custom software by industry
Here are some of the systems we build for businesses in different sectors:
Construction
Job management, certification and quoting systems used on site and in the office.
Engineering
Test and inspection systems that produce certificates and reports automatically.
Manufacturing
Production tracking, traceability and quality systems linked to your ERP.
Professional services
Client portals, secure document exchange and bespoke billing tools.
Healthcare
Booking, referral and staff compliance systems built around your processes.
Education
Parent and student portals, booking systems and internal request tools.
Recruitment
Candidate portals, compliance tracking and timesheet systems.
Legal
Client portals, case tracking tools and document automation.
Wholesale
Trade ordering portals, pricing tools and stock systems.
Custom software FAQs
How much does custom software cost?
It depends on the size and complexity of what’s needed. After an initial discovery session we’ll give you a clear proposal before any work starts.
How long does custom software take to build?
Smaller applications can be live within weeks, while larger systems are delivered in stages over several months. We release useful features early, so you see value sooner.
Who owns the software?
We agree ownership and licensing up front, so you know exactly where you stand before development begins.
Is our data secure?
Yes. Smart IT is ISO 27001 certified, and security is designed into every application we build and host.
Can you add AI to our existing systems?
Often, yes. We can add AI features to the systems you already use, such as summarising, classifying or answering questions from your own information.
Can you take over software built by someone else?
Often, yes. We review the code and documentation first, then agree the best way to support or improve it.
Do you provide hosting and support?
Yes. We host, monitor, back up and support the software we build, as part of an ongoing agreement.
Will the software work on phones and tablets?
Yes. We build web-based software that works on any device, and can create dedicated mobile-friendly apps where they’re needed.
