Custom Web Application Development for Small & Medium Businesses

Practical Business Solutions Built with C# & ASP.NET Core

Does your business rely on spreadsheets, manual processes, or disconnected systems? We build affordable custom web applications that automate your workflows, centralize your data, and help your team work more efficiently—without enterprise-level complexity or cost.

Custom Web Apps That Solve Real Business Problems

Replace Your Spreadsheets with Custom Web Apps

The Problem: Spreadsheets are great for simple tasks but become a nightmare when:

  • Multiple people need to update the same data
  • You need to track changes and maintain version control
  • Data entry errors are costing you time and money
  • You can’t easily search, filter, or report on your data
  • Files are getting emailed back and forth

Our Solution: We build simple custom web apps that:

  • Allow multiple users to work simultaneously
  • Validate data entry automatically
  • Track all changes with complete audit trails
  • Make data searchable and reportable
  • Accessible from any device, anywhere
  • Automatically back up your data

What We Build for SMBs

1. Customer & Lead Management Systems

What It Does:
Simple CRM to track customers, leads, communications, and sales pipeline—customized for how YOUR business actually works.

Perfect For:

  • Service businesses tracking client relationships
  • Sales teams managing leads and opportunities
  • Consultants organizing client projects
  • Small agencies coordinating multiple clients

Key Features:

  • Contact database with search & filters
  • Activity timeline (calls, emails, meetings)
  • Deal pipeline tracking
  • Document attachment & storage
  • Email reminders & follow-up tracking
  • Basic reporting dashboards

Typical Cost: $8,000 – $15,000
Timeline: 6-10 weeks

Real Example:
HVAC company with 5 service technicians replaced their paper job sheets and Excel tracking with a simple custom web app. Technicians log service calls from their phones, office staff can see real-time job status, and the owner gets automatic weekly reports. Cost: $12,000. Time saved: 15 hours/week.

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2. Inventory & Asset Management

What It Does:
Track inventory, equipment, or assets across multiple locations with real-time visibility and low-stock alerts.

Perfect For:

  • Retail stores managing product inventory
  • Contractors tracking tools & equipment
  • Warehouses with multiple stock locations
  • Businesses with rented equipment

Key Features:

  • Barcode scanning (phone camera or scanner)
  • Stock levels by location
  • Low-stock automatic alerts
  • Check-in/check-out tracking
  • Simple purchase order creation
  • Basic reporting (stock value, usage)

Typical Cost: $10,000 – $18,000
Timeline: 8-12 weeks

Real Example:
Construction company with 3 job sites needed to track $200K in tools and equipment. Built a simple app where foremen check tools in/out using their phones. Eliminated $15K/year in lost/stolen equipment. Cost: $14,000.

3. Service Scheduling & Job Management

What It Does:
Schedule appointments, dispatch technicians, track job status, and capture customer signatures—all in one place.

Perfect For:

  • Field service businesses (HVAC, plumbing, electrical)
  • Cleaning services
  • Maintenance companies
  • Home repair services

Key Features:

  • Calendar-based scheduling
  • Technician assignment & dispatch
  • Mobile job sheets (access on phone/tablet)
  • Customer signature capture
  • Photo upload (before/after)
  • Job status tracking
  • Automatic customer notifications
  • Basic invoicing integration

Typical Cost: $12,000 – $22,000
Timeline: 10-14 weeks

Real Example:
Plumbing company with 8 technicians replaced paper job sheets and phone-based dispatching. Office staff schedule jobs in the web app, technicians get automatic notifications, complete digital job sheets on their phones, and customers receive automatic completion emails. Cost: $18,000. Eliminated 2 hours/day of phone tag.

4. Time Tracking & Billing Systems

What It Does:
Track employee time by project/client, generate timesheets, and create invoices automatically.

Perfect For:

  • Consulting firms
  • Professional services (lawyers, accountants, architects)
  • Agencies (marketing, design, development)
  • Any business billing by the hour

Key Features:

  • Simple timer (start/stop)
  • Time entry by project/client
  • Manager approval workflow
  • Billable vs non-billable tracking
  • Automatic invoice generation
  • Client self-service portal (view time, invoices)
  • Integration with QuickBooks/Xero

Typical Cost: $8,000 – $16,000
Timeline: 6-10 weeks

Real Example:
Marketing agency with 12 employees tracked time in spreadsheets, manually created invoices. Built a simple time tracking app where employees log time daily, managers approve weekly, and invoices generate automatically. Cost: $13,000. Reduced invoicing time from 6 hours/week to 30 minutes.

5. Quote & Proposal Management

What It Does:
Create professional quotes and proposals quickly using templates, track which quotes are pending/won/lost, and follow up automatically.

Perfect For:

  • Contractors generating estimates
  • Consultants creating proposals
  • Suppliers providing quotes
  • Any business that quotes projects

Key Features:

  • Quote templates with line items
  • Product/service catalog
  • Automatic pricing calculations
  • PDF generation (professional branded quotes)
  • Quote status tracking (sent, viewed, approved, rejected)
  • Follow-up reminders
  • Win/loss reporting
  • Optional: e-signature integration

Typical Cost: $7,000 – $14,000
Timeline: 5-8 weeks

Real Example:
Roofing contractor spent 3-4 hours creating each quote in Word/Excel. Built a quote generator with saved materials, labor rates, and templates. Now creates quotes in 15 minutes, tracks which quotes customers have viewed, and gets automatic follow-up reminders. Cost: $11,000.

6. Document Management & Collaboration

What It Does:
Organize, store, and share documents securely with version control, search, and access permissions.

Perfect For:

  • Professional services with client documents
  • Teams sharing policies, procedures, templates
  • Businesses with compliance documentation
  • Companies replacing file servers

Key Features:

  • Drag-and-drop file upload
  • Folder organization structure
  • Full-text search across documents
  • Version history (who changed what, when)
  • Access permissions by user/role
  • Document sharing links (internal/external)
  • Audit trail (who accessed which documents)

Typical Cost: $9,000 – $16,000
Timeline: 6-10 weeks

Real Example:
Insurance agency with 15 agents stored client documents across 3 different shared drives and personal folders. Built a centralized document system with search and permissions. Found documents in seconds instead of minutes, eliminated duplicate files. Cost: $12,500.

7. Internal Employee & HR Portals

What It Does:
Centralize employee information, PTO requests, company policies, benefits info, and internal announcements.

Perfect For:

  • Growing companies (10-50 employees)
  • Businesses without dedicated HR software
  • Companies with remote/distributed teams
  • Organizations replacing paper processes

Key Features:

  • Employee directory
  • PTO request & approval workflow
  • Shift/schedule management
  • Document library (policies, forms, benefits)
  • Announcements & company news
  • Employee self-service (update contact info)
  • Manager dashboards

Typical Cost: $10,000 – $18,000
Timeline: 8-12 weeks

Real Example:
Manufacturing company with 35 employees handled PTO requests via email, stored policies in binders, and posted schedules on bulletin boards. Built an employee portal where employees request PTO online, managers approve with one click, and everyone can see schedules from their phones. Cost: $14,000.

8. Event Registration & Management

What It Does:
Create registration forms, collect payments, manage attendee lists, and send automated confirmations and reminders.

Perfect For:

  • Training companies
  • Conference organizers
  • Membership organizations
  • Event venues

Key Features:

  • Custom registration forms
  • Payment processing (Stripe integration)
  • Attendee database with search
  • Email confirmations & reminders
  • Check-in functionality (on-site)
  • Waiting lists & capacity management
  • Basic reporting (registrations, revenue)

Typical Cost: $8,000 – $15,000
Timeline: 6-10 weeks

Real Example:
Training company running 20+ workshops/year collected registrations via email and spreadsheets. Built a registration system with automatic payment processing and email confirmations. Eliminated 10+ hours per workshop on manual admin. Cost: $11,000.

9. Supplier & Vendor Management

What It Does:
Track supplier information, purchase orders, delivery status, and payment terms in one place.

Perfect For:

  • Manufacturers with multiple suppliers
  • Retailers managing vendors
  • Restaurants tracking food suppliers
  • Any business managing complex supply chains

Key Features:

  • Supplier database (contacts, terms, certifications)
  • Purchase order creation & tracking
  • Delivery schedule management
  • Payment terms & invoice tracking
  • Supplier performance tracking
  • Document storage (contracts, certifications)

Typical Cost: $9,000 – $16,000
Timeline: 7-10 weeks

10. Client/Customer Portals

What It Does:
Give your customers secure access to their own data—view orders, download invoices, submit requests, track project status.

Perfect For:

  • B2B businesses with recurring customers
  • Service providers with ongoing clients
  • Any business wanting to reduce “what’s the status?” calls

Key Features:

  • Secure login (unique per customer)
  • View order history
  • Download invoices/statements
  • Submit service requests or tickets
  • Track project/job status
  • Upload documents
  • Messaging with your team

Typical Cost: $10,000 – $20,000
Timeline: 8-14 weeks

Real Example:
Accounting firm with 200 clients constantly answered phone calls about invoice copies and tax document requests. Built a client portal where clients log in, download any document, and submit requests. Reduced admin calls by 70%. Cost: $16,000.

Why Small Businesses Choose Custom Web Applications

You Outgrew Spreadsheets

Multiple people editing the same Excel file, version control nightmares, broken formulas, data entry errors. Sound familiar? A web application centralizes your data with proper validation and access control.

Off-the-Shelf Software Doesn’t Fit

  • You need custom fields or workflows
  • Monthly subscription costs add up ($50-200/user/month)
  • Features you don’t need, missing features you do
  • Can’t integrate with your existing systems

You Want to Own Your Solution

  • One-time development cost vs. endless subscriptions
  • No per-user licensing fees
  • Customize anytime without vendor limitations
  • Your data stays on your servers (or your cloud account)

You Need Something Simple – Why a Custom Web App Works

Not every business needs enterprise software. Sometimes you just need a better spreadsheet—accessible to your team, with proper data validation, and hosted online.

Our SMB-Focused Development Process

1. Discovery Consultation (Free – 30 Minutes)

We discuss your current process, pain points, and goals. No technical jargon—just understanding your business problem.

Questions We Ask:

  • What manual process do you want to automate?
  • Who will use the application daily?
  • What data do you need to track?
  • Are there existing systems to integrate with?
  • What’s your budget and timeline?

2. Requirements & Proposal (1-2 Weeks)

We document exactly what the application will do, create wireframes showing how it will look, and provide a fixed-price quote.

What You Get:

  • Written requirements document
  • Screen mockups/wireframes
  • Project timeline
  • Fixed-price quote
  • Payment schedule

No surprises. No scope creep. No hidden fees.

3. Development (4-14 Weeks Depending on Project)

We build your custom web app in 2-week sprints. You see working software every 2 weeks and provide feedback.

Development Approach:

  • 2-week sprint cycles
  • Working software every 2 weeks
  • Regular check-ins (weekly calls)
  • Continuous feedback & adjustments
  • Transparent progress tracking

4. Testing & Training (1-2 Weeks)

Before launch, we test thoroughly and train your team on how to use the application.

What’s Included:

  • Complete application testing
  • User acceptance testing (you test it)
  • Video tutorials for your team
  • Live training sessions
  • User documentation
Team collaboration in a modern office setting with computers and diverse employees working together.

5. Launch & Support (Ongoing)

We deploy your custom web app, provide 30 days of post-launch support, and offer ongoing maintenance plans.

Launch Includes:

  • Production deployment (your hosting or ours)
  • SSL certificate setup
  • Data migration (if applicable)
  • 30-day post-launch support
  • Bug fixes & adjustments

What Makes Our Approach Different

We Speak Business, Not Just Code

You don’t need to know what “Entity Framework” or “JWT authentication” means. We translate technical solutions into business benefits.

custom web app

Fixed-Price Projects

Most projects are fixed-price. You know exactly what you’re paying upfront—no hourly billing surprises.

Simple, Practical Solutions

We build what you need in a custom web app, not what’s technically impressive. Sometimes the simplest solution is the best solution.

Fast Turnaround

Most SMB custom web app projects are delivered in 6-12 weeks, not 6-12 months. We focus on quick wins and iterative improvements.

Training Included

We don’t just build and disappear. We train your team and ensure they’re comfortable using your custom web app.

You Own Everything

You own 100% of the source code, database, and intellectual property. No vendor lock-in, no hostage situations. Your custom web app is just that, YOURS.

Pricing for SMB Projects

Project-Based Pricing (Most Popular)

Small Projects (Custom Web Apps): $5,000 – $12,000
Simple data tracking, basic CRUD applications, small team tools

Examples of Small Custom Web Apps:

  • Contact/lead database
  • Basic inventory tracker
  • Simple time tracking
  • Document repository

Medium Projects (Custom Web Apps): $12,000 – $25,000
Multi-user systems with workflows, reporting, integrations

Examples of Medium Custom Web Apps:

  • Job scheduling system
  • Quote/proposal generator
  • Client portal
  • HR/employee portal

Large Projects (Custom Web Apps): $25,000 – $50,000
Complex workflows, multiple integrations, advanced features

Examples of Large, Complex Custom Web Apps:

  • Full service management system
  • Multi-location inventory with barcode scanning
  • Custom CRM with sales automation
  • Complete order management system

What’s Included in Project Price

✅ Requirements analysis & documentation
✅ UI/UX design & wireframes
✅ Full application development
✅ Database design & setup
✅ Testing & quality assurance
✅ Training & documentation
✅ 30-day post-launch support
✅ Source code ownership
✅ Deployment to production

Payment Schedule for Custom Web Apps

Typical payment structure:

  • 25% deposit – To start project
  • 25% at midpoint – Working prototype delivered
  • 25% before launch – Final testing & training
  • 25% at launch – Production deployment complete

Flexible payment terms available for qualified businesses.

Ongoing Support & Maintenance for Custom Web Apps

Monthly Support Plans:

  • Basic: $250/month (5 hours) – Bug fixes, minor updates
  • Standard: $450/month (10 hours) – Bug fixes, feature additions
  • Premium: $850/month (20 hours) – Priority support, ongoing development

Or: Pay-as-you-go at $100/hour for ad-hoc support needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to build custom web apps?

Typical timelines for custom web apps:

  • Simple applications: 6-8 weeks
  • Medium complexity: 8-12 weeks
  • Complex systems: 12-16 weeks

Timeline depends on scope, integrations, and how quickly you provide feedback during development.

What does it cost to build a web application?

Realistic ranges for SMB custom web apps:

  • Simple: $5,000 – $12,000
  • Medium: $12,000 – $25,000
  • Complex: $25,000 – $50,000

We provide fixed-price quotes after understanding your requirements—no surprises.

Do I need to host it myself?

You have options:

  1. We host it for you – $50-150/month depending on usage
  2. Your own Azure/AWS account – You pay hosting costs directly
  3. Your existing server – If you have IT infrastructure

Most SMBs choose option #1 (we host) for simplicity.

What if I want to add features later?

Absolutely! We design applications to grow with your business. Add features anytime via:

  • Monthly retainer hours
  • Pay-as-you-go hourly ($100/hour)
  • New fixed-price project for major additions to custom web apps

Can you integrate with our existing software?

Yes. We integrate with common SMB tools:

  • Accounting: QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks
  • Email: Gmail, Outlook/Microsoft 365
  • Payment: Stripe, PayPal, Square
  • CRM: Salesforce, HubSpot
  • Other: Most systems with APIs

What if we’re not sure exactly what we need?

That’s normal! During our discovery call, we help you:

  • Identify the core problem to solve
  • Determine must-have vs nice-to-have features
  • Create a phased approach (start small, add features later)
  • Stay within your budget

We often recommend building a “Version 1” with core features, testing it, then adding features based on real usage.

How much do updates and maintenance cost?

Typical monthly costs:

  • Hosting: $50-150/month
  • Support: $250-850/month (optional, pay-as-you-go alternative)
  • Bug fixes: Usually free first 30 days, then covered by support plan

Many clients pay $300-500/month total for hosting + basic support.

What happens if you get hit by a bus?

You own the source code and all documentation. Any developer can take over maintenance. We also recommend:

  • Backup developer contacts
  • Code documentation
  • Video walkthroughs for your team

Your business isn’t dependent on us—we just make it easier.

Can we see examples of your work?

Due to client confidentiality, we can’t share live applications publicly. However, during our discovery call, we can:

  • Show similar projects (with sensitive data removed)
  • Provide case studies with real results
  • Connect you with reference clients (with permission)

Do you sign NDAs?

Yes. We’re happy to sign non-disclosure agreements before discussing sensitive business processes or proprietary information.

Ready to Replace Your Spreadsheets?

Stop juggling spreadsheets, email, and manual processes. Let’s build a simple web application that saves your team time and eliminates data headaches.

Start with a Free Consultation

30-minute discovery meeting to discuss:

  • Your current process & pain points
  • What a web application could solve
  • Rough timeline & budget estimate
  • Whether custom development makes sense for you

No pressure. No obligation. No sales pitch.

Get a Project Quote

Ready to move forward? We’ll provide:

  • Detailed requirements document
  • Screen mockups/wireframes
  • Fixed-price quote
  • Project timeline
  • Clear next steps

Typical turnaround: 5-7 business days

Contact Automata Labs

Email: info@automatalabs.ca

CONTACT US

Why Automata Labs for SMB Web Applications

We Understand Small Business Budgets

We know $10K-$25K is a significant investment for an SMB. We’re transparent about costs and deliver maximum value for your budget.

10+ Years Building Business Applications

We’ve built applications for manufacturers, service companies, consultants, and retailers across Canada—we understand SMB operations.

Based in Canada

Work with a Canadian team that understands Canadian business practices, privacy laws (PIPEDA), and operates in your timezone.

Simple, Practical Solutions

We don’t over-engineer. We build practical applications that solve your specific problem without unnecessary complexity.

Training & Support Included

We ensure your team actually uses the application. Training, documentation, and 30-day post-launch support are always included.

Fixed-Price Certainty

Most projects are fixed-price. You know the total cost upfront—no hourly billing surprises halfway through.

Stop wasting time on manual processes. Let’s build something practical.

CLICK HERE FOR CASE STUDY

Automata Labs builds practical, affordable custom web applications for small and medium businesses across Canada. We specialize in replacing spreadsheets and manual processes with simple, user-friendly web applications using C# and ASP.NET Core.