Custom applications
We build what you can't buy off the shelf
Do you have a process no ready-made system can handle, or do spreadsheet workarounds cost you more than your own solution would? A custom application is software designed around your company's process, not the other way round. Codari, a software house from Poland, builds web and mobile applications starting with requirements analysis and a first working version, and if an off-the-shelf tool is enough, we tell you on the first call.
Describe your projectWhen does a custom application pay off, and when is off-the-shelf software better?
| Off-the-shelf software | Custom application | |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Low | Higher |
| Fit with your process | Partial, through workarounds | Full |
| Time to launch | Fast | Depends on scope, first version in weeks or months |
| Long-term cost | Grows with licences and workarounds | Grows with development and maintenance |
| Vendor dependency | High: the pricing and roadmap are theirs | Low, if the code and documentation are on your side |
| When to choose | Standard process | Unique process, or the product is your edge |
Three questions decide it. Does this process set your company apart, or is it an industry standard? How many workarounds (spreadsheets, manual copying, extra tools) does the ready-made tool need, and who maintains them? Should the data and logic stay under your control, without per-user licences? If two answers point to your own process, building usually wins. If none do, buy the ready-made tool. We will tell you that on the first call, before anyone quotes anything.
Web, mobile or both? How to choose the platform
We usually start internal apps and customer portals as web applications: one codebase, works on every device, and you ship fixes without waiting for app stores. A mobile app makes sense when you need device features (camera, GPS, push notifications, offline work) or when users expect an icon on their phone. Then we choose between native and cross-platform, depending on performance requirements and budget. The criteria are in our article on choosing the technology, and the costs of mobile apps are broken down in a separate article.
What do we build?
Internal applications for running processes (orders, tickets, approval flows), customer and partner portals, integrations between existing systems, mobile apps and SaaS products.
What does a project look like, and what do you get at each stage?
Requirements analysis
We talk about the problem, users and constraints, not a feature list. How we run the analysis
You get: a description of the goal, user roles and scope solid enough to base an estimate on.
Scope and estimate
We agree what goes into the first version and what waits.
You get: an estimate for the first version and a list of things deliberately postponed.
Prototype or MVP
We test assumptions on something clickable before big decisions are made. What an MVP is
You get: a clickable prototype or a first version with a minimal feature set.
Sprints
Short cycles, each ending with a working piece to review, so fixes come early. Key stages of software development
You get: visible progress on working software.
Launch and maintenance
Go-live, monitoring and further development. We offer a maintenance package together with the implementation contract.
You get: the application in production, administrator access and user manuals.
The full collaboration process: How we work.
What drives the cost of a custom application?
Five things: the number of roles and features, the number of integrations with existing systems, security and compliance requirements (for example GDPR), the number of platforms (web, iOS, Android), and whether you need maintenance and development after launch. Two apps with similar names can differ in scope so much that a price without analysis means nothing. The one lever you fully control is the scope of the first version, which is why we start with an MVP.
What do our clients say?
Our team has worked on projects for UniCredit, Gruppo Unipol and TomTom.
“Collaboration, active listening, constant exchange, and, above all, hands-on involvement define this team of truly exceptional professionals! If you need to design or build something, trust them!”
Alessandra Cappello
Executive at Gruppo Unipol
“It's not just about skills and professionalism; it's the attitude of the people at Codari that makes the difference. It goes far beyond customer satisfaction.”
Luca di Bari
Procurement Transformation, UniCredit
FAQ
Let's talk
Let's build
something great.
Do you have a vision you want to bring to life? Or perhaps you need support in growing your business? Trust the experts at Codari!
What do you gain?
- IT solutions tailored to your needs.
- Direct support from our experienced specialists.
- Ideas that drive your success.
Your journey to digital transformation starts here!