Custom software development

Proekspert custom software services cover the technology stack from hardware engineering to user interfaces

We have extensive experience designing and developing software-enabled devices, equipment, products, and services for established global enterprises.

Proekspert provides custom software development services through four different technology layers: user interfaces; backend services; data infrastructure; hardware and firmware.

User interfaces – UI design and frontend development

We design and develop user interfaces for enterprises, machines, industrial solutions, and cloud-based self-service portals. We also design UI/UX for mobile and web apps. We analyze current solutions, work environments, workflows, and user interactions to design the most efficient UIs and workflows for the work environment. We also conduct user experience research and analysis.

Backend services – cloud development, integration and advanced analytics

We develop custom software back-end solutions and API products. We do integrations with enterprise systems. We do software architecture. We design IT infrastructure. We set up and develop cloud solutions. We modernize legacy back-end systems and migrate them to the cloud. We develop machine learning models and pipelines. We develop automated image analysis recognition models.

Data infrastructure – business intelligence and data engineering

We analyse data infrastructure and business requirements, implement data tools, and set up data architecture and integration. We do data migration from legacy systems. We synchronize complex enterprise systems like CRM/ERP systems. We prepare data for deeper analysis by data scientists.

Hardware and firmware – embedded engineering

We design and develop embedded systems. We do full-stack development, from device drivers to embedded Linux applications, from real-time systems to IoT cloud integration. From concept to prototype to turnkey solution, we cover all the development stages, including testing and integration. We provide embedded software development that facilitates complete customization and optimization of system software.

From engineer to engineer: How we work with agile software development

We use the scrum agile model, a key methodology in agile software development, for custom software development. We believe this efficient way of working uses time and money and maximizes business value. Agile software development is particularly effective for projects that require constant collaboration and iterative improvement, making it suitable for a wide range of projects, from advisory activities to the evolution of existing software. Most importantly, we closely cooperate with the final customer to ensure that whatever we make will be used to its full potential.

Incorporating project management practices within our agile development framework is crucial for effective communication, aligning project goals and deadlines, and maintaining the project flow. This ensures a well-thought-out solution design and optimizes project costs through best practices.

Delivery schedules

Deliverables are either short-term or final projects, which are agreed upon beforehand with the client’s product owner. Short-term deliverables are presented to the client after every two-week development cycle.

These are the types of things discussed:

• solution architecture
• solution design (e.g., user interface, UX, service design, etc.)
• software development
• software testing (e.g., unit testing, integration testing, regression testing, automation testing, information security testing, and user acceptance testing)
• management of code repositories or libraries to maintain the integrity of artifacts
• package creation for the effective and efficient deployment of the application
• version control, sharing, and ongoing management of smaller blocks of code

Meetings, meetings, meetings

Too many meetings can waste everyone’s time, but the following five meeting types are critical to agile development:

1. Sprint planning

Spring planning is a gathering of the entire team, including the product owner and scrum master, where the participants define what’s to be done in order of priority.

2. Daily stand-ups

As its name conveys, it’s a daily meeting where people often stand as an incentive to keep things short! (It should last no longer than 15 minutes.) In this meeting, we review the progress made the previous day, plans for the current day, and any problems. The daily stand-up makes sure everybody’s on the same page.

3. Sprint review (a.k.a. “the demo”)

This meeting demonstrates the product’s functionality and what was achieved during the sprint. The team, product owner, scrum master, and other stakeholders are present.

4. Sprint retrospective (a.k.a. “the retro”)

During this meeting, the team reviews what went right and wrong to identify potential improvements.

5. Backlog grooming

After a technical discussion, backlog items are categorized and prioritized. This meeting aims to reduce the need for long sprint planning meetings and allow the team to reflect on backlog items before fully committing to sprint goals.

Testing

When requested by the client, we create automated tests for projects’ critical functions and whole projects. Automated testing ensures that every new feature works as expected and that refactoring or new features do not cause regressions in already implemented functionality.

We write both unit tests for individual code-level components and integration tests.

Deployment

Deployment and release management are handled via a configuration management process and the sprint-based development cycle. We follow the agile/DevOps approach by doing smaller deployments, allowing mid-course corrections due to changing plans or requirements.

When we’re ready to go live for milestones like the MVP- or second phases, relevant stakeholders gather for a go/no-go meeting. We present the go-live checklist, including test results, and the go/no-go decision is made. We also host milestone retrospectives to improve future performance.

Implementation

During the implementation phase, support and training are provided to the end users. In this stage, we sometimes observe bugs and other issues that went undetected in previous phases. Sometimes, change management is needed for the client’s employees since an organization’s processes, workflows, and/or strategies change.

Operations and maintenance

This means any modification, change, or update of a software product after delivery. It’s done to correct faults, improve performance, or meet customer needs. We’ve performed this function for over 30 years for some clients.

These are typical operations and maintenance services:

• system monitoring
• first-line incident response, 3rd and 2nd level support
• issue tracking, prioritization, and solutions
• software enhancements