Software, automation, and internal tools

Build software and automate workflows — faster, simpler, and more cost-effective.

I design and deliver systems that reduce manual work, improve reliability, and help teams move faster — using modern tools and AI where it adds value.

Services overview

Software and automation work that solves real operational problems.

The work is centred on practical delivery: custom software, workflow automation, internal tools, integrations, and selective use of AI where it adds value.

Custom software development

Build software that fits the way your team or customers actually work when off-the-shelf tools are not enough.

Workflow automation

Reduce repetitive admin, manual handoffs, and duplicated data entry with straightforward automation across the systems you already use.

Internal tools

Build maintainable internal tools that make day-to-day work clearer, quicker, and less dependent on spreadsheets, inboxes, or workarounds.

System integration

Connect the systems your business already relies on so information moves automatically instead of being copied between tools by hand.

Practical use of AI

Use AI where it adds value, such as speeding up drafting, review, or delivery, without making the implementation brittle or overcomplicated.

How I work

A practical way to get from problem to working solution.

I focus on practical solutions that solve real problems — not over-engineered systems or unnecessary complexity.

Sam McKay, software developer and consultant
Sam McKay

Step 1

Understand the problem

Start with the real workflow, the bottlenecks, and the cost of the current process before deciding what needs to change.

Step 2

Identify practical improvements

Look for the simplest way to reduce manual work, cut delays, or improve reliability without adding unnecessary complexity.

Step 3

Build quickly and keep it simple

Deliver working software quickly, use modern tools where they help, and keep the result simple enough to maintain.

Good fit for

The kind of work this is usually a good fit for.

If any of these sound familiar, there is usually a practical opportunity to reduce manual effort, connect systems, or put a better tool in place.

Teams that need to move faster without increasing complexity

The work needs to move faster, but not at the cost of adding another fragile process or tool.

Systems that are slowing things down or becoming difficult to maintain

Core systems are starting to create friction through delays, awkward workarounds, or maintenance overhead.

Manual processes that should be automated

Too much work still depends on repetitive admin, handoffs, or copying information between tools.

Projects that need to be delivered properly, without overengineering

You need a practical solution that is built well, delivered cleanly, and kept simple enough to maintain.

Example projects

Example projects

Examples of the kind of work I’ve delivered in real systems and operational environments.

Cloud-based reporting platform

Designed and delivered a cloud-based reporting platform to replace a legacy system that had reached its limits, improving performance and supporting ongoing growth.

Backend platform for multiple applications

Architected and built a backend platform supporting multiple applications and around 50,000 users, improving scalability, reliability, and deployment speed.

Migration of core systems to AWS

Led the migration of core systems from legacy infrastructure to AWS, improving deployment speed, reliability, and operational flexibility.

Internal tools for day-to-day operations

Built internal tools and supporting systems for reporting, notifications, and access control, reducing manual effort and improving day-to-day operations.

Tell me what you're trying to improve

If there is a practical way to save time, reduce cost, or remove manual effort, I can help you build and deliver it.