Web applications – 15 year retrospective

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10 years, which is the normal lifespan for a web-based system, after which the technology on which it is built becomes outdated.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.