Every team has an unsung hero, a player who consistently works hard and makes other players look great. So it is with Web Applications, the unsung hero of our services, quietly doing great things for our clients, but rarely mentioned. Well, this post will put that right by shining a spotlight on this lesser-known, but very clever service.

First off, what in the web world is a Web Application or Web App? The general definition is an ‘app’ that can only be accessed via a normal web browser like Chrome or Safari, which is a very broad definition. They are websites, yes, but they are not marketing websites, they perform specific functions. The web apps that we have created over the years have tackled many business issues, helping organisations run more efficiently as part of the drive towards digital transformation.

Looking back at our web app work it is a very impressive body of work for a small agency and we are justifiably proud of the technology we have created and the problems we have solved. So here’s the top 10 Resolution Web Applications.

10. CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system for WTTL – 2010

We launched our first system in 2010 for WTTL, specialists in LGV driver training. From the outside, the web application was a booking system integrated into their website, that allowed learners to book courses. Behind the scenes it was a more comprehensive CRM system, allowing WTTL to manage their learners, courses, businesses and the administration of the entire learning process, including triggering renewals. Not a bad start to our web application journey. The system was used successfully for over 10 years, which is the normal lifespan for a web-based system, after which the technology on which it is built becomes outdated.

9. Apprenticeship management system for PDS Group – 2011

PDS managed the apprenticeships for companies like Vodafone, Telefonica and O2. They needed a digital system that would allow them to manage the entire apprenticeship recruitment journey, including initial online application, applicant filtering, interview scheduling, trial days, acceptance/ rejection and all associated communications. Quite a beast.

I remember the first scoping meeting and the enormous flow chart we created on their wall-width whiteboard. I had to take 3 photos. Matt has a happy memory of the client literally ‘happy-clapping’ when he introduced the ‘let the magic happen’ button, which when clicked, went through all the chosen candidates, booked them into available interview slots, emailed them all the details along with link to map and directions.  Something that used to take PDS a very long lime to go through manually.

PDS were acquired by Global Knowledge in 2014 and they continued to use the system, a very satisfying endorsement.

8. Pub Site Management System for Wadworth & Co – 2012

Wiltshire-based brewer commissioned us to create over 50 websites for their managed pub estate (in fact they did this twice, in 2012 and again in 2018). As part of this work, we were asked to create a bespoke CMS (Content Management System) to allow them to manage all the pub sites from one web application. We also created areas where they could push content to all the pubs with just one change centrally.

7. Conveyancing Calculator for Awdry Bailey & Douglas (now Awdry Law) – 2012

For regional solicitors Awdry Law we created a system to enable them to calculate residential conveyancing costs and generate branded quotes that are auto-emailed to clients. The system has been expanded at various points and now includes residential and commercial apportionment for leasehold properties, it is still in active use.

6. CRM for Lister Wilder – 2014

Agricultural dealership Lister Wilder commissioned us to create a bespoke CRM system for their sales team. One of our biggest builds, a comprehensive system with extensive capability and integrations with their stock management system. The system is still being used successfully.

5. Supplier portal for Barbers Cheesemakers – 2017

Barbers are the World’s oldest surviving makers of cheddar cheese. They source milk from hundreds of local dairy farms and needed an online supplier portal to allow them to transform the way they communicate with the suppliers and to allow easy logging of essential information like herd health, milk production and milk quality. The system was launched in 2017 and is still an essential tool.

4. HR Portal for Barbers Cheesemakers – 2021

After the successful launch of the milk supplier portal, we were asked to create a portal for the HR department to enable effective communication of all things HR with the employees. The system was developed as an interface for the employee to access their information from the various HR related systems used internally.

3. Subscription Management System for Resolution Design – 2022

Yes, a system for ourselves. We have a large number of regular subscriptions with clients for things like web hosting and monthly support. We needed a system to be the master ‘system of truth‘, so we know exactly who is on what package. It’s a comprehensive system that also includes invoice triggering. So good we made it into a product called Subzapp.

2. Energy Performance Estimator for Quidos – 2023

Energy performance experts Quidos commissioned us to create an online Energy Performance Estimator, a junior EPC if you like. By integrating the extensive data they hold on energy performance we were able to create a system that can give accurate estimates of energy performance for any house in the UK.

1. Supplier portal for Wyke Farms – 2024

Wyke Farms is another well-known cheddar cheesemaker. Following our work with Barbers they commissioned us to create a bespoke application for their milk suppliers. Another significant system.

So there you have it, quite a body of work I think you’ll agree. If you’re interested in solving a business problem with technology and would like some help to create a web application we’d love to hear from you.

We’ve been creating smart web applications for over 10 years, they offer enormous scope for businesses to streamline processes, improve customer experience and play a key role in what we now call digital transformation.

What are web applications?

Also known as business applications, web applications are online systems that fulfil certain jobs for businesses. Let’s say you want to offer your customers the ability to get a quote online, you could create a quote calculator. Or perhaps you have a particular way you like to manage your customers, you could create a bespoke CRM system.

Web applications use web technology and only operate online. Often they have their own domains or subdomains, with password access. In common with websites, web applications can be responsive, adapting for use on whichever device it’s accessed from – desktop, mobile or tablet.

Affordable Solutions

The common conception is that the development of bespoke technical systems is restricted to the hefty budgets of large corporates. However, advances in web technology now make web application development an affordable option for many SMEs.

Consequently, web applications are growing in popularity. They allow businesses to improve systems & processes and deliver improved digital experiences for customers, suppliers and employees. An example of the latter is one of our current web application projects, an employee HR portal.

From online customer tools to sophisticated CRM systems, web apps can drastically improve CX, delivering the seamless digital journeys we have all come to expect.

The majority of businesses who approach us for web apps do so because they’re yet to find a system that fits the way they work. They’re looking for a custom platform that meets their unique needs precisely.

Progressive web application

While we’re on the topic it’s worth mentioning a new arrival on the scene, the progressive web app, sitting somewhere between a standard web app and a mobile app.

A progressive web application is built like a web app, runs on a browser, and doesn’t require downloading from an app store. However, a progressive web app also allows for the addition of new technologies such as offline capabilities, syncing capabilities, and the option to install onto the user’s home screen of their mobile or tablet. Google Chat is a prime example of a progressive web app.

Web application example

Barber’s, the world’s oldest cheddar cheesemaker, wanted to transform their supplier experience. Their products are sold in supermarkets and shops across the UK and Europe, so the ability to provide suppliers with real-time, accurate data is very important.

They commissioned us to build a milk suppliers portal that ensures suppliers are kept fully informed on essential information from Barbers, and Barbers are kept up to date with all information relating to contracts, background and product traceability.

Intelligent technical design coupled with a simple, intuitive interface resulted in a user-friendly portal that continues to streamline Barber’s day-to-day operations. The app’s impressive capabilities led to its placing as a finalist for Wirehive’s Digital Transformation Award 2019.

“The development of the Suppliers Portal has transformed the way we work with our Milk Suppliers. Key to success has been the considered planning and skilful creation of the Portal. Many thanks to the team at Resolution.”

Chris Newcombe, Chief Financial Officer

Development process

So, how long does it take to develop a web application, what’s the process and how much does it cost? The time and cost depend on the complexity but as a rough guide £10K – £30K and 2 months plus. In terms of process, our standard approach is as follows.

Phase 1 – Product research

Once we’ve discussed and determined your needs, we’ll check the market. If there’s already an off-the-shelf product that could meet your requirements, we’ll let you know.

Phase 2 – Scoping

Scoping your requirements is a critical stage. We break down your businesses processes into modules and detail the requirements for each module.

Phase 3 – Design

Intuitive design is important to the success of all web apps. Normally our focus is to keep things clean and simple. Of course, if you have specific design preferences, we can work to accommodate those.

Phase 4 – Build

The build stage is the most complex part of app development. This involves us carefully crafting the database and building all the necessary relationships into the system. Following this, we will test the system, then it’s handed over for your review, feedback and finalisation.

Phase 5 – Launch & support

We offer a fully managed launch and if any changes are needed, we’ll make ‘em – quality assurance is our top priority. After this, your web application is good to go. Better yet, we’ll be there to support you every step of the way.

If you’re interested to discuss a web application for your business please get in touch, we offer a free initial meeting to discuss requirements and viability.