Tools
Tools for smarter software decisions.
Practical, no-nonsense tools to help you understand the cost of manual work, weigh up software decisions, and turn a rough idea into a proper software brief. Most run free in your browser, with no sign-up.
Software Brief Generator
Turn a rough idea or a messy spec into a clear, development-ready software brief through a short guided interview. Mostly point and click.
AnswersHow do I turn my idea into a proper software brief?
Build your briefManual Admin Cost Calculator
Work out what a repetitive manual process really costs in staff time each year, and how much automation could recover.
AnswersWhat is this manual process actually costing us?
Calculate the costBuild vs Buy Calculator
A quick assessment to weigh off-the-shelf software against a custom build, or a hybrid of the two, based on your actual situation.
AnswersShould we buy software, build it, or do both?
Start the assessment
Most tools are free and run in your browser. More are on the way.
Why these exist
Straight answers, before you spend anything
The same questions come up in almost every first conversation I have. What is this manual process actually costing us? Should we buy software or build it? How do we turn a rough idea into something a developer can quote and build? Rather than keep that thinking to myself, I've put it into tools you can use for free, in your own time, with no sign-up and nothing to install.
They won't replace a proper conversation, and they aren't meant to. What they will do is get you to one with a clearer head and better numbers, so when we do talk, we can spend the time on your actual problem. If you'd rather skip straight to that, get in touch.
Prefer to talk it through?
The tools give you a quick, honest sense of the numbers. If you'd rather just describe your situation and get a straight answer, that's what I'm here for.
Or email me at josh@thackr.co.uk