Datapot CRM
A Custom Data & Operations Hub

The Challenge:
Trapped in the Chaos of a Single Spreadsheet

The client was running their entire customer relationship management process from a single, massive spreadsheet. This system was not only inefficient but also dangerously prone to errors, data loss, and inconsistencies. Their unique business process didn’t fit into off-the-shelf software, forcing them into a manual workflow that wasted countless hours.

They needed to escape the spreadsheet chaos and move to a central source of truth—a tool that would work for them, not against them.

My Approach:
Building a True Operations Hub

The goal was to build a system that perfectly mirrored the client’s business. I conducted deep-dive sessions with stakeholders to map their exact workflows, identify every pain point, and architect a solution that would solve real problems.

A Robust and Scalable Backend

I built the backend on a modern, reliable stack that guarantees stability and developer efficiency.

• Node.js and Express provided a lightweight yet powerful foundation for the server.
• I chose SQLite for the database to ensure simplicity and portability, managing it effectively with Prisma as the ORM. Using Prisma provided excellent type-safety and a declarative API, which significantly sped up development and reduced the potential for errors when interacting with the database.

An Instant, Offline-Capable Interface

A high-performance backend needs a fast frontend.

• The entire UI was built with Angular and TypeScript, creating a maintainable and scalable codebase perfect for a complex application.
• To ensure a blazing-fast experience, the application mirrors all necessary data to an IndexedDB cache in the client’s browser. This means the UI is extremely responsive, as most data operations happen locally without waiting for a network request.

From Data Management to Business Automation

With a solid foundation in place, I built features that automated time-consuming tasks.

• Automated Holiday Communications I developed a custom module specifically to manage the annual holiday card list, saving the team a week of manual work every year.

• Seamless Office 365 Integration A crucial feature was setting up a one-way sync with their O365 accounts. This ensures all CRM data is always available directly in Outlook and on their phones, finally eliminating data silos.

The Result:
A Tool That Transformed Their Workflow

The final product was a high-performance, custom CRM that fits the client’s business like a glove. The new system completely replaced the spreadsheet, eliminated redundant work, automated marketing tasks, and provided a reliable source of truth that integrates seamlessly with the tools they use every day.

This project is a testament to my ability to:

• Architect and build complex, data-intensive applications from the ground up.
• Build a robust backend with Node.js, Express, and Prisma.
• Design high-performance, client-side caching strategies for an instant user experience.
• Integrate custom software into large enterprise ecosystems like Microsoft 365.

Struggling with a Tool That Doesn’t Fit?

If your team is being held back by spreadsheets or off-the-shelf software, we should talk. I specialize in building applications that are tailored to your exact needs, turning your unique process into a competitive advantage.