Application Development designed to enhance business productivity

Our experienced in-house team of technical consultants will help transform your existing application landscape through the delivery of purpose-built applications.

Power Apps and custom web applications

Given the integrated and inclusive nature of the Power Platform, our preference when developing applications is to leverage Power Apps and Power Automate, especially as most businesses have already invested in the Microsoft 365 offering.

Power Apps and Automate are both low-code/no-code platforms which enable our team to utilise shared resources in Microsoft 365 such as Azure AD, SharePoint lists and DataVerse.

There are two options when building Power Apps:

Canvas Apps: Highly visual and geared mainly towards devices such as mobiles and tablets.
Model-driven Apps: More process and data-driven like Dynamics Forms.

Through the use of Power Automate, workflows and tasks can be automated across multiple applications and services making use of hundreds of connectors. By utilising Power Apps, businesses follow a standardised approach that helps them achieve increased flexibility and the potential for future adaption.

It also allows for seamless integration with other Microsoft 365 and Azure services, whilst delivering an engaging user experience for those using the application.

Where Power Apps are unsuitable due to the business case, we recommend a Custom Web Development route utilising a smart blend of leading and industry standard development toolkits to enhance the Microsoft offering. This option gives businesses complete control over the interface and customer experience, whilst offering a flexible and more extensive offline working capability.

These browser-based Custom Web applications are usually more suited towards public facing or external users as no login into Microsoft 365 or software licencing is required.

A simple yet effective approach to Application Development

In a bid to modernise internal processes, many businesses have introduced a wide-range of cloud-based applications to satisfy departmental needs. In other cases, legacy solutions or Excel spreadsheets that rely heavily on manual input are being utilised to help organisations keep track of their data.

However, fragmented applications and spreadsheets do a lot more harm than good, as operational efficiency is hindered and decision-making is slowed without a company-wide applications strategy. In fact, many of the applications that businesses actively use are unsupported which could also have serious consequences for data security.

Whilst on the surface, individual applications may appear to be working well, in reality this couldn’t be further from the truth when viewing your applications landscape as a whole.

Without a cohesive strategy, it becomes difficult to share data and streamline processes, whilst manual data entry across multiple systems creates inefficiencies and increases the chance of errors. Ultimately, this leads to lost productivity and missed opportunities, as a culture of siloed applications restricts your ability to share and use data effectively.

By 2025, it is projected that businesses will be using an average of 129 applications to run their operations, so it is critical that you take stock of the current situation, developing an application strategy that will help you reorganise your approach. Our team has extensive experience developing applications that satisfy your business’ unique needs and requirements – get in touch to book a free 1 hour consultation.

Applications strategy engagement

As well as building bespoke applications, our team of in-house consultants will provide a strategic review of your existing application landscape, utilising our tried and tested approach to Application Development.

Also known as a Digital Transformation, our team will take a data-centric approach to analyse your landscape, including Excel, legacy applications and other tools to identify key process flows.

Our strategy focuses on providing a centralised, controlled and secure application data store responsible for delivering predictable and consistent business outcomes. These recommendations can be integrated with your existing business solutions such as payroll, finance, CRM and ERP systems, ensuring there are minimal disruptions to your ongoing operations.

Once this review is complete, we propose an achievable roadmap for a suite of tools to manage business processes, allowing your business to enjoy greater efficiency, accuracy and agility – a strategy that will enable you to achieve your long-term Application Development goals.

Why choose Circyl as your Application Development consultants?

Below are just some of the reasons why we believe you should choose us to assist with your application development.

Hover over a box for more information

Established Microsoft Partner

We are a fully certified Microsoft Partner, which allows us to offer high quality expertise on Microsoft product offerings.

Unmatched Application Development expertise

Our team combines a wide range of experience across IT, data management and customer experience to deliver a high-quality client service.

Consultative Service

Our Application Development service will help deliver purpose-built applications that have been tailored to your business’ needs and objectives.

Fast project delivery

Our team will develop applications as quickly as possible with disruption to your business operations kept at a minimum.

Excellent customer service and managed support

We consistently receive outstanding client feedback for our project work and services. Just read our testimonials and client case studies to find out more.

Clear and easy-to-follow advice

We explain how to improve your existing application landscape in a language that is easy to understand and without the technical jargon.

Widely trusted across multiple industries

Our rich sector experience helps us understand the needs and challenges of various workforces and helps us design a process that works with your team’s workflow and deadlines.

Key benefits of using Microsoft Power Apps

Simplified development process

Rather than following a laborious process, Power Apps allows new applications to be imagined, produced and disseminated with ease.

Data connectivity

Microsoft Power Apps connectors can help your application connect with the appropriate resources, increasing its functionality in the process.

Mobile friendly

Power Apps enables businesses to develop mobile friendly apps that can be used and accessed remotely.

Speed of delivery

Power Apps substitutes several time-consuming components of the traditional development and deployment process.

Straightforward coding

Power Apps allows you to drag and drop most of the coding, as the service manages all of the regular overheads that go into Application Development.

Power Automate

Power Apps is pre-configured to work with Power Automate, allowing processes and data sources to be linked so that users have access to a single version of the truth.

Cost-effective

Businesses that have already invested in Microsoft 365 will have access to Power Apps and can begin the development process immediately.

Customisation capabilities

Businesses can take advantage of Power Apps’ customisation features to develop an app with the appropriate theming and branding.

Integration

As part of the Power Platform, applications integrate with other key Microsoft 365 platforms that your company relies on.

Want to know more about Application Development?
Book a consultation with us today.

Key benefits of developing Custom Web Apps

Highly accessible

Custom Web Apps can be accessed from anywhere in the world, allowing users in different countries to access the services you provide.

Easy to deploy

Once set up to your personal specifications, it can be deployed and accessed by users through a URL.

Enhanced security

With full responsibility for your bespoke application, you can ensure the necessary controls are in place.

Streamline processes

Custom Web Apps make it easy for users to share data and collaborate as cloud-powered workflows replace laborious processes.

Self-service options

Users can interact with your application to complete tasks they would otherwise need to speak to someone about.

Offline capabilities

Custom Web Apps can be used offline, ensuring important work and information is accounted for.

Flexible and scalable

New features and functionality can be added with ease, whilst cloud servers allow you to increase computing capacity and storage.

Control over the user journey

Custom Web Apps are highly customisable, allowing you to take responsibility for every aspect of the user journey.

No Microsoft licensing costs

There are no Microsoft licensing costs attached to the development of Custom Web Apps.

Industries we specialise in

We are proud to have worked with a wide range of clients across various industry sectors. Here is a glimpse of some of the sectors that we have supported.

Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals

Retail & Consumer Goods

Government

Leisure & Hospitality

Financial Services

Manufacturing

Logistics

Legal

Our Application Development services are trusted by...

AFP

Beard

Canal and River

Falcon

Kettle

Princes

Red Rock

St Modwen

Wynsdale Environmental

Application Development Case Studies

Circyl build upon a strong relationship by delivering a sophisticated document transmittal solution

Organisational Change Management simplified through the implementation of a sophisticated PowerApps solution

Enhancing document management processes through the delivery of a sophisticated SharePoint document transmittal solution

Circyl help Converse Pharma move from legacy system to flexible cloud-based solution

FAQ's

What is the Power Platform?

Power apps are a suite of apps that fall under the Power Platform umbrella, these were created by Microsoft to allow developers to create bespoke applications for a business’s needs much quicker than using traditional software development.

By using Power Apps, Circyl have the tools needed to build custom business apps that connect to your data stored either in the underlying data platform or in various online and on-premises data sources, like SharePoint or Microsoft 365.

Is an over-reliance on Microsoft Excel bad?

Problems can occur when multiple departments use Excel as application data stores, sharing them via email or network hard drives. Whilst Excel sheets may satisfy specific departmental needs, they often operate independently and can create inefficiencies, inconsistencies and security risks across an organisation leading to ‘Excel Hell’.

The perils of Excel Hell include:

Inconsistent data often requiring manual re-keying in multiple places
Poor process compliance and lack of process control
Poor version control, lose track of changes or accidentally overwrite important data
Limited collaboration and integration
Lost productivity, an increased risk or errors and missed opportunities

Check out our in-depth blog going into more detail about Excel and how it could be costing your business time and money. By working with a company like Circyl, you can create a bespoke web application to eradicate the ‘Excel Hell’ and maintain one, secure system that everyone can use collaboratively.

What is cloud creep?

Many companies on the path to Digital Transformation experience ‘cloud creep’ as they attempt to modernise their technical landscape. This occurs when multiple departments use disparate cloud-based applications from many different providers to tackle specific departmental tasks. Individually, these applications meet a need and are often seen as modern and forward thinking. However, they can make the problem far worse as they operate independently and create duplication, inconsistencies and security risks across the organisation.

The perils of cloud creep include:

Data is re-keyed and stored across multiple systems
Multiple sign-ins adds complexity and governance issues, increasing the risk of security breaches
Limited collaboration and integration, reducing efficiency and productivity
No centralised application data store, making it difficult to manage and analyse data
Multiple subscriptions incurring uncontrolled cost

What is ‘Shadow IT’?

"Shadow IT" refers to the use of information technology systems, devices, software, applications, and services within an organisation without approval or oversight by the company IT department. This can include anything from employees using unauthorized cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox, to using personal devices for work-related tasks, or installing unapproved software on company computers.

Although similar to ‘cloud creep’ ‘Shadow IT’ happens outside of the software already used by a company, causing multiple data silos as well security risks.

What are custom web applications?

What is cloud application development?

Cloud application development involves creating an app within a cloud environment rather than hosting it on a local server or machine. The key distinction between a cloud application and a native application lies in how much the cloud's services are utilised.

Cloud applications sometimes known as web applications or web apps; they work exclusively by access to the internet on a web browser.

What is web application development?

Custom web application development is the same as cloud application development, an application is created to be used within a business and accessed via an internet browser. This means users can access vital company information from any device via a personalised login.

Web applications are sometimes referred to as cloud applications or web apps, examples of web apps could include analytics dashboards, intranet systems and stock management.

How long does it take to develop a web application

The timeline of creating a web application can vary depending on the project scope and how complex of an application needed for the business.

Although some simpler web apps can be developed in as little as 4-6 weeks, its more realistic to expect your project to take months from briefing what you want from your application development to receiving your finished web app. Circyl work closely with our clients to ensure that project timelines are communicated and adhered to, so you get the service you expect.

Is application development the same as software development

No, application development is not the same as software development for a number of reasons.

Application development uses various types of different software to create an application for the end user. Software development is creating a piece of software to be used by other developers.

Application development uses tools like the Microsoft Power Platform or custom web applications such as React, while software development uses programming languages and databases to create a product.

The Technologies we use for Application Development

Microsoft Power Platform

Custom Web Applications

About Circyl

We are leading Application Development consultants that help clients across the UK organise their application landscapes whilst improving their collaborative processes and ways of working.

Founded in the West Midlands in 2017, we deliver a wide range of digital transformation projects that drive better insights, integrated applications and automated business workflow through the adoption of Microsoft technologies. We are a certified Microsoft Partner and HM Government G-Cloud supplier.

Find out more about the various solutions we offer here.

Start your Application Development journey with a free consultation

Circyl offer free consultations to allow businesses to discuss Application Development and ask us in-depth questions about our services and pricing.

Call 03333 209 969 to speak to a member of our team directly or send a message by filling in the contact form.