The question of whether to build or buy new software can be a hotly debated topic. These days, the large players have silenced a lot of that discourse, arguing that you can either “build” what you need out of their lego blocks, or that their lego blocks are actually a SaaS product. These resulting low-code platforms have replaced custom software with quasi-products that promise customization via configuration.
Unfortunately, their promise often falls short as users struggle with limited components, “forever” licensing, and vendor lock in. That’s why we believe there’s still a strong case for custom-built solutions.
If specific requirements are critical to your agency’s day-to-day operations, we can help you build exactly what you need.
While the process of designing and developing new software requires an intellectual investment, the results improve efficiency, while still conforming to your existing business processes. Up front costs for custom development may be perceived as higher, however the total cost of ownership can be significantly lower, since you own the software rather than “rent” it. Many of the solutions described below have been operating efficiently for years, some for more than a decade.
If off-the-shelf options come up short the next time you’re faced with a software replacement challenge, don’t hesitate to contact us for a demo of some of our custom solutions. We believe the option to build exactly what you need, with the help of experienced software architects like us, can make all the difference in your agency’s productivity.
Here’s a look at some of the custom applications we’ve developed for our clients in various sectors.
HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
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Idaho Department of Health and Welfare: Child Support System Modernization
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare partnered with GovWebworks to modernize its aging Child Support Enforcement (CSE) system, which was inefficient, complex, and prone to delays due to frequent case handoffs. The new Nexi platform streamlines case management, improves response times, and enhances staff efficiency by providing real-time access to case information, financial records, and automated task assignments. The system also reduces training time, minimizes errors, and improves staff morale, ultimately enabling the department to better support parents and children. The modernization has transformed workflow management, making case resolution faster and more effective.
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare: Employment and Training System
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare partnered with GovWebworks to develop the Employment and Training System (ETS), a platform designed to connect SNAP recipients with counselors and service providers while tracking progress toward employment and self-sufficiency. The system, built with a Java Spring Boot backend and Angular 5 frontend, enables case management through tiered service sorting, outcome tracking, and detailed participant records. It differentiates between TAFI and SNAP users to ensure proper program alignment. The intuitive UX improves data accuracy, and future enhancements will introduce reimbursement vouchers for work-related expenses, enhancing efficiency and maximizing federal funding for the state.
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare: Integrated Benefits Eligibility System
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW) leveraged federal funding from the Affordable Care Act to modernize its eligibility system by developing idalink, a web portal designed to streamline benefit applications and re-evaluations. Previously, eligibility information was fragmented across multiple systems, creating inefficiencies and redundant data entry. GovWebworks developed idalink as an open-source, user-friendly platform linked to the state’s eligibility engine, enabling applicants to easily determine and manage their benefits. The portal’s intuitive design and improved system response times have significantly enhanced the user experience, reducing the administrative burden on IDHW staff while making online re-evaluations more accessible and efficient.
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare: Sound Beginnings Mobile App
The Idaho Sound Beginnings (ISB) unit of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare needed a mobile app to help parents manage provider information and track appointments for newborns with hearing issues. GovWebworks developed a Parent Portal and Application (PPA) featuring provider search, appointment tracking, note-taking, and access to a resource library. Designed through user research and iterative prototyping, the app was built with a Drupal backend for content management and a Native React mobile client. The final solution streamlined parent-provider interactions, improved organization, and was successfully launched on both Android and iOS platforms with additional enhancements.
ENVIRONMENT
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Colorado Parks and Wildlife: Fisheries Tracking Application
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) partnered with GovWebworks to develop COFish, a custom software application designed to modernize fisheries management across the state. Using Agile methodology, the project team conducted discovery sessions, refined interface prototypes, and completed over 16 development sprints to create a system tailored to CPW’s needs. COFish streamlines data tracking for waters, hatcheries, and fish health programs while supporting stocking logistics, facility compliance, and detailed analytics on inventory, costs, and projections. This integrated platform enhances CPW’s operational efficiency and data accessibility, reinforcing its mission to conserve Colorado’s natural resources through science-driven management.
JUDICIAL
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Maine Court System: ADRIS Case Management System
GovWebworks developed the ADRIS Case Management System for the Maine Court System to track and report Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) cases, including those in the Foreclosure Diversion Program. The web-based platform enables mediators to log case details, submit expense requisitions, and generate reports, while program managers can monitor ADR outcomes and mediator activity. Originally launched in 2011, ADRIS improved data integrity and program oversight. In 2020, GovWebworks updated its back-end components for enhanced security and performance, integrating ADRIS with the state’s Odyssey case management system for seamless data exchange.
Colorado Judicial Department: Security Grant Management System
GovWebworks developed a Security Grant Management System for the Colorado Judicial Department to streamline the distribution of courthouse security funds. After a competitive selection process, GovWebworks leveraged its expertise to create a web-based application within the department’s IBM Websphere environment using Spring and Hibernate Java frameworks. The system simplifies grant applications, reviews, approvals, and fund disbursements while integrating Web 2.0 elements for improved usability. Following the project’s success, a second phase was completed to enhance features and integrate legacy systems, reinforcing GovWebworks’ strong partnership with the department.
More custom applications
Other custom applications we’ve developed during the past two decades:
- Center for the New Energy Economy: Technology Stack Modernization
- Finance Authority of Maine: Economic Development Portal
- Idaho Covid-19 Vaccine: Pre-Registration System
- Idaho Partner Data Access: Portal Update
- Idaho Childcare: Incident Tracker
- Maine Drug Treatment Court: Case Management
- Maine Judicial Branch: Judicial Information System
- Washington Health Benefits Exchange: Health Plan Finder
Learn more
- Custom Application Case Studies: GovWebworks
- Application Development: GovWebworks
- Contact GovWebworks to learn more about digital innovation for the judicial sector