It's been a dream of mine for years to custom-build a system for the company I worked for that would solve all of their problems. They regularly struggled to load reports or do simple tasks in their past 2 ERP systems, sometimes because it was too slow, too complicated, or just not possible, all while paying a hefty monthly bill. I tried to make such a system in 2019, but failed. I learned it's hard to design a system across several pieces of tech (I researched tech stacks so thoroughly and was sure I picked the right tools). Again in 2020, same result - this time I learned that an over-engineered frontend was too much to keep up with as an individual. Again in 2023 - proof of concept finally had traction (turns out fewer pieces of the tech stack meant I could do a lot more as 1 person), bulk of the system developed in 2024, with simple system design, simple yet proven security and hosting methods, and simply designed manufacturing workflows (only building what was needed in order to do real manufacturing work). The system is now fully live for the company as their primary ERP, they love it. CPA approved, purchaser approved, floor worker approved, sales team approved - everyone genuinely loves the system - especially compared to their last.
So, my work is "done" in that I've accomplished to do what I set out to do, yet I'd like to turn it into something that can be helpful to a bigger set of people.
I'd love to hear from people who have grown businesses, and the approaches they took to market.
I'd also love to talk with system testers who are willing to review or look through a system to see where we can improve.
