MG Software · Haarlem
Custom software that accelerates your processes
Your business has unique processes. Why settle for off-the-shelf software that does not fit? MG Software builds custom solutions aligned with how your team works.
From internal business tools to customer-facing platforms: we translate your challenge into software that delivers value from day one.
The difference with a SaaS product is control. You decide which features get priority, how the interface looks and when things change. No roadmap from an external party that does not match your planning.
What we build
Every project is different, but these are the most common solutions we deliver.
Web applications
Dashboards, portals and internal tools that run in the browser. No installation needed, always the latest version.
Business platforms
CRM, workflow management or operational systems that connect departments and replace manual work.
Customer portals
Self-service environments where your customers manage orders, documents or appointments without phone or email.
Data & reporting
Automated reports, BI dashboards and data visualisations that speed up decision making.
Automation & workflows
Automate repetitive tasks with smart triggers and actions. Think onboarding flows, notifications, approval processes or data pipelines that save your team hours per week.
APIs & microservices
Standalone services that handle specific tasks and communicate with your existing systems via APIs. Ideal when you want to modernise part of your landscape without replacing everything.
When custom and when SaaS?
Custom development is not always the answer. If a solid SaaS product exists that does exactly what you need, we tell you honestly. We earn nothing from unnecessary custom work. The starting point is always: does this solve the problem better than what already exists on the market?
Custom becomes interesting when you notice you are bending a SaaS tool to fit your processes instead of the other way around. When you invent workarounds, maintain spreadsheets alongside the software or glue multiple tools together with Zapier or manual export-imports, that is a signal your processes do not fit a standard mould.
A hybrid approach also works. Use Slack for communication and Stripe for payments, but build the core process that makes your business unique as custom software. That way you benefit from existing ecosystems without compromising on the part that truly matters.
Our process
We work in clear phases so you always know where the project stands, what comes next and when you can steer.
Discovery
Map goals, users and existing landscape. We identify risks and opportunities before any code is written.
Design
Wireframes, clickable prototypes and visual design. You see the product before a developer starts.
Development
Build in two-week sprints with working demos. Every sprint delivers something testable.
Testing & QA
Functional tests, performance checks and security review before your users see it.
Launch
Deployment with monitoring setup, error logging and a rollback plan when needed.
Iteration
Maintenance, version management and iteration based on user data. Software is never done.
Technology we use
We choose our stack based on the problem, not based on hype.
React / Next.js
Web & frontend
React Native
Cross-platform mobile
Node.js / Bun
Backend & APIs
PostgreSQL
Relational data
Supabase
Auth, storage, realtime
Vercel / AWS
Hosting & CDN
Stripe / Mollie
Payments
OpenAI / LLMs
AI integrations
How we estimate projects
Many agencies give a quote based on a short conversation. We do not. Before we name a price, we invest in a discovery session where we map your processes, sketch the key user flows and assess technical feasibility. That costs a few hours, but it saves months of misunderstandings later in the project.
After discovery you receive a detailed breakdown: which modules will be built, which technology we use, how many sprints we expect and what the range is in hours and costs. Transparent, no hidden items, and with clear assumptions so you can adjust when priorities shift.
We work with fixed sprints but flexible scope. That means if you discover halfway through the project that a certain feature is less important than expected, we trade it for something that delivers more value. The budget stays the same, but the outcome better matches reality.
Industries we build for
Custom projects start with domain knowledge. These are the industries where we have built the most experience.
Logistics & supply chain
Route planning, inventory management, track-and-trace dashboards and warehouse management tools. Processes where speed and accuracy make the difference between profit and loss.
Healthcare & wellbeing
Patient portals, appointment systems and digital intake forms that comply with GDPR requirements. Privacy and accessibility are central to everything we build for this sector.
Legal & financial
Document management, digital signing, compliance tracking and automated reports. Industries where accuracy and audit trails are not optional but legally required.
E-commerce & retail
Webshop integrations, product configurators, loyalty programmes and omnichannel order management. Software that makes the difference between a webshop and a real sales platform.
What does custom software cost?
Investment depends on the complexity of your processes, number of users, integrations with existing systems and the desired maintenance level.
We always give a transparent estimate after a discovery phase. No surprises afterwards. Use our calculator for a first range.
Long-term value of custom software
The initial investment in custom software is higher than a SaaS subscription, that is true. But the comparison does not stop at the first invoice. SaaS costs rise with the number of users, with premium features you later turn out to need and with price increases you have no influence on. After three to five years custom is often cheaper than cumulative SaaS costs.
Additionally, with custom software you build an asset. The software is your property, runs on your infrastructure and can be sold or licensed if that ever becomes relevant. With SaaS you rent functionality; with custom software you own a business asset that adds value to your organisation.
The biggest win, however, is speed. When your software does exactly what your team needs, without workarounds, without manual steps and without waiting for an external roadmap, everyone works more efficiently. That productivity gain is hard to express in euros, but your team notices the difference immediately.
Custom vs SaaS in practice
The choice between custom and SaaS is not black and white. Here is an honest comparison on the points that most often tip the scales.
SaaS solution
Low entry costs via monthly subscription, but rising per user and per premium feature. After three years you may pay more than custom would have cost.
Limited to what the vendor offers. Customisations depend on their roadmap and priorities. Integrations sometimes only via expensive marketplace plugins.
Immediately operational without a build phase. Suitable when the process is standard and implementation speed matters more than perfect fit.
Custom solution
Higher initial investment, but predictable costs afterwards. No per-user licence fees. Maintenance is a fixed monthly amount instead of a variable expense.
Full control over functionality, interface and integrations. Changes are implemented when you want, not when a vendor schedules them.
Build phase of several weeks to months depending on complexity. But the result fits your processes perfectly, which accelerates time-to-value after launch.
Why MG Software?
No middlemen
You talk directly to the developers working on your project. No project manager filtering or slowing information.
Ownership and transparency
You own the code. Repositories, credentials and documentation are handed over. No vendor lock-in.
Dutch team
Based in Haarlem with clients across the Netherlands. No timezone issues, no language barriers.
Full-stack, no loose ends
From database design to deployment: we deliver the full journey. No external UX agency or third-party QA needed.
Related pages
Discover more about our approach and browse previous work.
Frequently asked questions
What does custom software cost?
Investment depends on complexity, number of users, integrations and maintenance level. We give a transparent estimate after a short discovery phase. Use the calculator at /calculator for a first indication.
How long does a custom project take?
A compact project can go live in a few months. Larger programmes with multiple modules and integrations take longer. We work in sprints so you can steer along the way and see value sooner.
Which technologies do you use?
We work with React, Next.js, Node.js, PostgreSQL, Supabase and cloud platforms like Vercel and AWS. The choice depends on your specific situation, not our preference.
Can you integrate with existing systems?
Yes. We build API integrations with ERP, CRM, payment systems and more. See /api-koppelingen for examples of systems we have experience with.
How does the development process work?
We start with a discovery phase to clarify goals and risks. Then we design, build and test in short sprints with working demos. You see progress, not just presentations.
Who owns the software?
You own what we build for you. Source code, repositories and documentation are handed over. No vendor lock-in.
Do you offer maintenance after delivery?
Yes. We offer maintenance retainers with monitoring, security patches, updates and incremental improvements. Software needs continuous attention to keep performing well.
How do I get started?
Contact us via /contact. We schedule a short call, align scope and share a proposal. No obligation.
Can you extend existing software?
Yes, we do this regularly. Whether it is an additional module, a new integration or a completely new component on top of an existing system. We first dive into the current architecture so the extension fits well and does not introduce technical debt.
How do you handle changing requirements?
Changes are normal in software projects. That is why we work in short sprints with clear scope per iteration. New insights go into the next sprint with transparent communication about impact on timeline and budget. This keeps the project manageable without locking you into a rigid plan.
What if I have no technical background?
No problem. We translate business goals into technical solutions without jargon. During the project we work with visual demos and understandable reports. You do not need to be a developer to make decisions about your own software.
Do you also provide training for my team?
Yes. After delivery we provide documentation and hands-on onboarding for your team. That can range from a short walkthrough to more extensive training sessions depending on complexity. The goal is for your team to work independently with the software.
Have a digital challenge?
Tell us what you need. We think along, ask the right questions and give honest advice.