The ever-evolving world of technology showcases Assemblysoft as a beacon of innovation and efficiency, steered by Carl Randall. This company distinguishes itself in the complex domain of software development, especially noted for its pioneering efforts in Blazor application development.
In this exclusive interview, Carl Randall, the visionary leading Assemblysoft, illuminates the company’s journey, its groundbreaking approach to custom software, and the significant impacts of its work across various sectors.
Carl guides us through the ethos that sets Assemblysoft apart in the tech landscape, from its foundational focus areas to the transformative effects of its initiatives.
Carl, can you start by giving us an overview of Assemblysoft and its core focus areas in custom software development?
Yes of course, as a short bit of background, I started Assemblysoft to add an ingredient that I felt was missing from my many years in the software development industry. There was often a gap between technical and non-technical and many times, this led to delays, minor misinterpretation of requirements and ultimately a significant waste of project resources over the course of a software project.
Having worked as a senior developer/solutions architect, often managing offshore development teams, I was often complimented about my presentation and communication skills when it came to the time to walkthrough project progress or gain a deeper understanding of business processes or vision. As I mentioned earlier, In our industry, there is often a gap between technical and some of the softer skills that often requires having multiple dedicated roles, whose main responsibility is to capture business requirements and translate those to multiple members of the software development team, introducing more meetings with clear business requirements being lost in translation as details get further challenged, reaffirmed and optimistically understood.
I saw a niche that I could carve out for myself which would be to create a software company, which was open communication focused. Less team members, more cross-discipline expertise with communication skills being first class.
So, everyone is different and brings certain strengths to the table naturally, so we look to enhance the skills of each team member to ensure our customers are provided with an engaging team, which is often smaller, but super focused and talented across the spectrum of technical, communication and presentation. We complement this with our own custom processes, which we have developed in-house, backed by amazing technology, to ensure transparency at every step, right from day one of a client engaging with us.
At Assemblysoft, we like to keep things simple, even when designing complex processes, which is why we often present our work in a technical and non-technical format. Our experience has shown great results when all stakeholders in an organization are on the same page and empowered to fully express their domain expertise in the software project narrative.
So, in short, Assemblysoft is made up of a group of very talented and engaging individuals who combine expert technical abilities with open communication to solve business problems with custom software solutions, backed by great processes and technology that ensures that complex remains simple and visibility is clear at each stage. We have over 25 years experience in many business domains.
Custom Software Development with Assemblysoft
We are a custom software development company with a focus on Web, Mobile, and Cloud native applications. We specialize in Microsoft technologies, such as .NET, Blazor, and Azure. Our expertise covers end-to-end solutions from desktop and mobile app development to cloud-native solutions, DevOps, IoT, AI, and cross-platform applications. We offer comprehensive services from concept to completion, ensuring projects are tailored to specific business needs with a focus on sustainable development best practices.
Non-Technical Overview
Imagine Assemblysoft as a team of Lego master builders. They use special Lego pieces (like .NET, Blazor, and Azure) to build cool computer stuff like websites and apps, even talking to robots and looking after clouds so that everything always works, super fast and safe. They’ve been doing this for 25 years, making sure everything they build is perfect for businesses, fast, smart, and good for the Earth. They started Assemblysoft to help everyone understand tech stuff easily, using fewer but super skilled builders to make sure everything they do is clear and works great for everyone.
How does Assemblysoft’s approach to shared code bases in software development translate into tangible benefits for your clients?
At Assemblysoft, we make the best design choices for our clients by ensuring every effort we make results in a sustainable output. This approach enables the efficient development of interactive, high-performance web, mobile and cloud native applications from a single codebase, reducing the time and resources required for development and maintenance. Clients benefit from cost savings, accelerated time-to-market, and a consistent user experience across platforms. Additionally, this strategy enhances application scalability and maintainability, providing a solid foundation for future growth and technological advancements.
We are always looking for the best fit of technology to achieve long term sustainability for our clients and right now leveraging Blazor and .NET MAUI Blazor Hybrid for shared code bases, along with Microsoft Azure and Azure DevOps is really hitting the sweet spot. When our clients see their business vision unfolding, in their hands after just a few days across all their own devices, in a consistent and robust delivery with constant updates, it inspires confidence that they made the right choice of partnering with us.
Non-Technical Answer
At Assemblysoft, think of us as space engineers designing starships and gadgets that work across the galaxy—using special tech like Blazor and .NET to make web and mobile apps from one set of blueprints. This saves time and space fuel, making everything faster to launch and easier to maintain. Our tech choices, like using Azure, help make these ships and gadgets better over time, ready for future space adventures. When clients see their space missions come to life quickly and work everywhere, they’re super happy they teamed up with us!
Could you share a few success stories or case studies where Assemblysoft’s Blazor mobile applications made a significant impact, particularly in sectors like Pharmacy Management or Health Care?
As the owner of Assemblysoft, I’m proud to highlight several impactful projects where our Blazor mobile applications have made significant strides in Pharmacy Management and Healthcare.
Cross-Platform Healthcare Management System
Our development of a cross-platform patient care record management system targeting iOS, Android and Windows with Blazor, backed by Azure cloud native services showcases our ability to streamline healthcare operations. This has enabled medical practitioners to care for and invite patients to take part in custom built healthcare assessments which can be built as modules that simply bolt-on to the patients medical care record and light up in the application, once they have been invited. This has been truly innovative in keeping pace with emerging medical threats and diagnosis, including the early detection of certain medical conditions, not only for patients, but also their valued family members.
The user benefits from the implementation include empowering patients with complete control over their health data, enhancing doctor efficiency through better management tools, simplifying administrative tasks, improving communication between patients and doctors, ensuring reliable offline access to health information, securing data through robust encryption, and offering a consistent user experience across multiple platforms with a .NET MAUI Blazor Hybrid app.
Cloud Based Pharmacy Management Software solution
We’ve had the privilege of engineering a comprehensive pharmacy management software utilizing Blazor and Azure, enhancing efficiency and security. This transformation project has ensured the delivery of a secure and robust cloud native solution backed by Microsoft Azure Services, combined with the best of a Blazor Server and Blazor WebAssembly web application to deliver a responsive, beautiful and compelling user experience.
The business benefits include enhanced efficiency for medical professionals through direct access to patient histories, streamlined operations for dispensaries with electronic prescription transfers, improved patient care via centralized data, empowerment of patients with control over their medical history, and valuable data insights for analysts on market trends.
Cloud Native applications to help prevent fraudulent medicines entering the supply chain Assemblysoft was invited to collaborate on the development of a bespoke software development solution for the European Medicines Verification System (EMVS), enhancing the safety of medicines by ensuring their authenticity through a sophisticated system leveraging the best fit of cloud native services provided by Microsoft Azure. We were tasked with designing and integrating a custom workflow engine to drive the design of unique and diverse business processes that comprised the end to end manufacture through to the point of sale of medicines through the supply chain. We were also tasked with designing a rich diagnostics solution that could be used to trace these activities in a meaningful way. Working alongside Microsoft consultants and a team of developers, we produced a working prototype, demonstrating a core set of processes that could easily be enhanced, fully unit tested and visualized step by step, from the first entrypoint through to completion, at scale, handling billions of records.
The project delivered substantial business benefits, including enhanced public health safety, demonstrated Assemblysoft’s leadership in tackling complex projects, and ensured compliance with regulatory standards. This reinforced Assemblysoft’s reputation for delivering reliable, compliant solutions in the healthcare sector.
The above use-cases all fully utilize Azure DevOps Services, crafted by our Azure DevSecOps engineers to deliver secure, continuous integration and continuous deployment.
Non-Technical Answer
Imagine Assemblysoft like a theme park designer focusing on the fastest, safest, and most thrilling health care “rides”. Using special tools (like Blazor and Azure), they create apps that are super quick, letting doctors and patients zoom through health info like a high-speed coaster, but with the safety of a seatbelt. This means everyone gets the health care fun without the worry, making doctor visits and managing medicine feel like the best park visit ever, all while keeping health info locked up tighter than a rollercoaster harness.
What does the full-stack development experience look like for a client engaging with Assemblysoft? Can you walk us through the process from design to completion?
From the feedback we have received from all of our existing clients, partnering with Assemblysoft has felt like taking a weight off their shoulders as we provide a really simple and refreshing process. Many of our clients come to us with outsourcing fatigue where they were promised the world but only ended up frustrated and down on a significant budget.
We like to look at things the way your business approaches its clients. Your business has products or services and you do what you do best. A new customer reaches out to you with a need, and probably after reading a few reviews and confirming you’re a good fit they sit back and relax, safe in the knowledge you’re the best fit for the job. Why should software projects be any different?
We look to take your goal, which in this case is one or more software projects and simply take them off your plate, so you can go do what you do best while we deliver what we do best. This starts with a super relaxed video call, where we get to know each other and see if we look like a good fit. If we do, we get to know your company better and get on board rapidly with your vision and where you want to be tomorrow and beyond. We then assign a project manager and technical team to break your vision down into prioritized pieces of work that will deliver tangible results within a few days, ideally with something you can touch and feel. We have found no better way to validate that our thinking, understanding and direction is in perfect sync with your vision and stakeholders expectations than to put something in front of you early and often. We do this in a secure and private way to ensure only those that you have authorized to take part in the pilot programme get access and provide meaningful feedback.
We utilize real-time project rooms to enable collaboration and open communication, which means you get fast feedback, we get to ask questions as and when they arise and what makes a real difference is how quickly we can make adjustments without the need for lengthy meetings, resulting in the next notification you receive, while in the park or on your way to the office consists of a new update, which includes your last piece of feedback. It works seamlessly and brilliantly, or as we like to say “It just works”.
We work on the basis of letting the product do the talking, continuously. This reduces project waste and enables us to focus on developing your custom software solution. We use valuable meeting time to get to know your business goals better, translating that into beautifully crafted, sustainable software that delivers beyond your expectations. We deliver on all fronts, putting your users first in the UI/UX design while delivering performant, robust and reliable end to end solutions.
We also provide live dashboards enabling you to see, in real-time, what tasks are being worked on, so you know what to expect in the next update. We provide an easy way for you to change priorities and enhance requirements, ensuring you are in control of the effort and focus our team is constantly delivering. This is how software development should be. This is why we started Assemblysoft in the first place, to fill this needed gap in the market. Simple, Seamless, Continuous, Sustainable.
We pride ourselves on our ability to simplify complex processes, ensuring clear communication and understanding across all stakeholders. Our agile sprints, typically spanning 2-4 weeks, are designed for flexibility and transparency, allowing for regular demonstrations and feedback opportunities. This iterative process not only accelerates development but also ensures the final product aligns with your vision and objectives.
Once development concludes, we proceed with testing, optimization, and finally, deployment, transitioning to a period of post-launch care. This phase is crucial for refining the software based on real user feedback. We offer ongoing support and maintenance plans to guarantee the longevity and success of your project. Upon completion, full access to the source code and all related materials is granted, providing you with complete ownership and control over your software. As a result of the amazing experience you have had, we either go again, with either the next phase or other goals you have in the pipeline or we give you time to breathe. You can relax in the knowledge that we are your full-stack, long-term development partner.
Non-Technical Answer
Teaming up with Assemblysoft is like going on the best holiday adventure, where every step feels exciting and carefree. They handle the tricky bits of creating cool apps, making it feel like you’re exploring new places without any hassle. It’s like having a guide who knows the best spots, gets you through the lines quickly, and even surprises you with fun activities along the way. They make sure you’re part of the journey, showing you neat stuff they’ve made, and asking what you think, making every moment of the trip awesome and worry-free.
In a competitive market, what sets Assemblysoft apart from other .Net and Blazor development companies?
Assemblysoft is a Blazor development company. We are a .NET development company that specializes in Blazor and Azure. Many companies offering development services add .NET, Blazor or Azure as part of a much wider service offering. Although we can turn our hand to any programming language or framework, we specialize in custom software with .NET Technologies. This gives us a significant advantage, as we are solving problems and finding the best solutions using Microsoft Technologies everyday, not just when a client requests the use of Microsoft Technology. We are also a Microsoft Partner, which enables us to reach out to a dedicated team at Microsoft for those rare occasions where an issue is a result of something out of our control. In fact, over the years, we have helped detect and resolve numerous issues alongside Microsoft. We are also Microsoft certified developers and architects, which means we are validated and proven to reach the highest benchmarks for keeping abreast with the latest trends and patterns along with the expertise to deliver the best and most fitting results to our clients. We eat our own dog food when it comes to using Azure DevOps Services to streamline operations in our own company.
Technical aside, what really makes us stand out from the crowd is our simple, open communication and the custom software partner processes, already mentioned previously, that we have developed over years, to deliver near to real time transparency and tangible value 24/7. We take the time to really understand our client’s business processes and culture, which results in being able to onboard with their vision and add insights they may not have recognised up to now.
We are based in the United Kingdom, with super engaging and talented team members in Western Europe, US and Australia. We have been involved in many business domains which really helps when understanding what a business really needs and what additional value we can bring to the table.
Assemblysoft’s dedication to simplifying complex processes and its commitment to sustainability in development practices further sets us apart, providing a clear, communicative, and collaborative experience, which results in cost savings, something quite rare in the industry today.
Having worked on a number of projects in the financial sector including banking and Insurance, being risk-averse has become second nature. We apply the principles learned in these domains to all our client projects.
Security is a first class citizen within Assemblysoft and a core part of our culture. Having been involved in applying the necessary standards required to help organizations achieve the Application Security Verification Standard (OWASP) Application Security Verification Standard (ASVS) and implementing fixes for our clients after rounds of penetration testing, we know a thing or two about cybersecurity and secure software development. We offer step by step assistance to our clients wanting to achieve and maintain ISO 27001 certification along with helping to develop their own Information Security Management System (ISMS). As with all our processes, we look to provide an up to the minute validation via the latest and best practices supported by the latest technology.
We look for ways to remain and improve sustainability. We are always looking for ways to reduce wasted effort and get the most out of what we deliver for our clients. Whether this takes the form of re-usable code or reduced man power or cost to get the same job done better, we leverage smart processes and technology passing on the benefits to our clients.
Non-Technical Answer
Think of Assemblysoft as a team of superhero programmers who are experts in using special tech powers like Blazor and Azure to build amazing software. They’re like the tech world’s Avengers, working with cool gadgets (.NET Technologies) every day, not just when someone asks them to. They even have a special alliance with Microsoft, giving them extra backup when facing tough challenges. Plus, they’re all about making things super clear and easy for everyone, saving the day by making complex stuff simple and helping businesses save money.
With a vast experience in software development and solutions architecture, how do you leverage your expertise to lead Assemblysoft and inspire your team?
We have some truly talented people working for us and it is a real privilege to be working alongside them each day. I try to encourage an environment where everyone’s voice is valued and the team is openly encouraged to share their findings and ideas, which really benefits us all, myself included. For example, after coming back from a tech event or training course, we might have team members put together a presentation with Q&A to explain the new concepts to the whole team. This would follow the format of being able to deep dive technically, but also explain those same concepts in simple terms, in preparation for working with our clients’ senior stakeholders with these concepts and technologies. We also validate and constructively criticize each other’s software and system designs as well as performing regular peer code reviews. This helps to continually educate and keep the standard high amongst the entire team. The entire team is hand picked for their own natural thirst for learning new things, which creates quite a bit of excitement at times. It’s awesome to be a part of.
I also like to foster a working practice that is flexible and rewarding. We are not machines, so I try not to be too rigid with working hours. As long as our internal deadlines are being met and there are no major bugs or client facing meetings, if team members want to go skiing or surfing or prefer to work around childcare, then I like to support people’s life choices. We have found this to pay dividends as it has led to loyalty and commitment, especially evident when we need to come together for the odd all nighter to get something fixed or over the line. Trust goes a long way and we are all professionals so why not reward expertise with some flexibility. The only downside is I get a notification at 3am to say a feature is ready for review but it somehow feels comforting to know contributions are being made while I’m asleep. Afterall, our clients are global, so there is no reason to be constrained to a particular timezone.
Running the company, I can’t always be hands-on technically, but I still like to lead, particularly with patterns and best practice. I also like to think I add the business perspective to all our project tasks, which can sometimes help to isolate nice to haves from the must haves.
Non-Technical Answer
Imagine Assemblysoft as a sports team where everyone’s a star player, always learning new moves (tech skills) and sharing them with the team. Just like athletes training together, they review each other’s work to stay sharp. The coach (the boss) supports flexible schedules, letting team members balance life and work, like taking a day for surfing or family time. This teamwork and trust make them strong, ready to win any game, whether it’s meeting deadlines or fixing bugs, even if it means working overnight sometimes.
Finally, what advice would you give to businesses looking to develop software solutions in today’s digital age?
As the owner of a .NET development company, It would be easy for me to simply jump on the innovation bandwagon and highlight the importance of leveraging technologies like AI, cloud computing, and platforms such as Blazor and Azure to create scalable, efficient, and secure solutions. But these are just tools that, when used in a coherent way, enable the lives of real people to be enhanced as technology does what it should, solve problems and simplify operations and complex processes. No, I would focus on 3 key principles.
Remain True
My first piece of advice would be to remain true to your core business values. In other words, focus on your customer needs and the needs of your staff and stakeholders. With the advent of so many new trends in technology, comes a wave of information overload that can paralyze innovation if you’re not careful. Being true, solving problems, step by step, that will make the life of your users better, giving them back valuable time to pursue more meaningful and satisfying pursuits will pay dividends as stakeholders, employees and customers leverage well crafted software solutions to take away the pain points of performing daily tasks and sleep well at night, as the software solution supports them, rather than adds further anxiety to their already busy lives.
The great part about this, is that you know your business better than anyone, so taking onboard valuable feedback and being open to finding enhanced ways to improve the user journey and experience of your customer base will outweigh technological advances in the majority of cases. Keep in mind technology is just a vehicle.
Surround yourself with valuable knowledge
This leads me to the second point. Surround yourselves with knowledgeable people. I wanted to say experts here, but that can put some people off as perception is everything when it comes to looking up to the influence of different individuals. Surrounding yourself with great people can come in many forms, some of which can be those you already know and love. For example, leveraging the wealth of experience your co-workers have, in and outside of work topics. Talking to family members or friends who are not necessarily in tech can often lead to great user experience insights. It’s thinking in terms of could my grandma use and leverage this? Books, Podcasts, YouTube videos, online courses, workshops and opportunities to listen to public speakers are great ways to continually grow. Communication here is the key. We can all continue to develop our communication skills, and we are presented with so many opportunities from what we say to our family members before leaving home for work, or the teacher on the school run, to the staff in the coffee shop or ticket collector on public transport, the list goes on during the day. The point is that the more we remain human and interested in people, the more we grow and assist others to grow, the better our overall understanding becomes.
One example and interesting field for me is that of Biomimicry, or biomimetics, which involves the design and production of materials, structures, and systems that are modeled on biological entities and processes. I could waffle all day on this topic but here are ten examples of biomimicry in use today:
- Velcro: Inspired by the way burrs stick to animal fur, Velcro uses tiny hooks and loops to fasten items together.
- Shinkansen Bullet Train (Japan): The front design of this high-speed train is inspired by the beak of a kingfisher bird to reduce noise and increase speed as it travels through tunnels.
- Sharkskin-inspired Surfaces: Surfaces mimicking the texture of shark skin are used to reduce drag on planes and ships, and to create antibacterial coatings for medical devices.
- Gecko Tape: Adhesive materials that mimic the ability of gecko feet to stick to surfaces without liquids or residue, enabling a strong but reversible adhesive.
- Lotus-effect Surfaces: Mimicking the self-cleaning properties of lotus leaves, certain materials can repel water and dirt, used in paints and roofing materials.
- Biomimetic Robots: Robots designed with inspiration from animals, such as snake robots for search and rescue missions, or robotic birds for surveillance.
- Whale-inspired Wind Turbines: The bumps on humpback whale fins inspire the design of wind turbine blades, improving their efficiency and reducing noise.
- Termite-inspired Cooling Systems: Buildings designed to mimic the natural cooling mechanisms of termite mounds, reducing the need for air conditioning.
- Butterfly Wing-inspired Color Display: The vibrant colors on butterfly wings, without pigments, inspire the development of screens and displays that use structural coloration for more vivid colors.
- Spider Silk-inspired Materials: Materials engineered to mimic the strength and flexibility of spider silk, used in everything from body armor to medical sutures.
These examples showcase the innovative ways in which nature inspires solutions to human challenges, leading to more sustainable and efficient designs. The takeaway is that there is so much knowledge and insight already surrounding us that we can tap into, to further understand how to make the lives of people around us much better, including our customers, employees and stakeholders using our custom software solutions.
Partner with experts who really get your business
Being able to hold true to your core business values and focus on the running of your business operations is what you do best. Any distraction to this concentrated effort, has the potential of watering down the quality of service you offer. This is where a technical partnership with a software development company who really gets to know your business and your vision, including the challenges you face right now and the expertise to design innovative and future proof solutions for where you want to be tomorrow and beyond can make an almost instant and real impact. Have you ever found yourself in a situation where someone takes a load off your plate?
For example, moving is often a stressful and labor-intensive process, involving packing, organizing, and physically transporting items from one place to another.
Imagine you’ve enlisted the help of a friend to move boxes on the moving day. You expect them to help carry boxes and maybe help with packing any last-minute items. However, your friend arrives early and starts by meticulously organizing the boxes by room and contents, labeling each box clearly and creating an inventory list to ensure nothing gets lost or misplaced during the move.
Not stopping there, they also bring along moving equipment they borrowed from another friend, such as a dolly and straps, making the process much faster and less physically demanding. Once at your new home, instead of just dropping off the boxes, they stay to help you unpack essential items, set up your kitchen for immediate use, and even surprise you by setting up a small area where you can relax and take breaks during the unpacking process.
This friend’s actions significantly reduce the stress and physical toll of moving day. They not only performed the task you expected but also anticipated needs you hadn’t considered, turning a potentially chaotic day into a well-organized and more manageable experience. This example demonstrates how taking initiative in even the most menial tasks can greatly impact someone’s life, showcasing thoughtfulness and efficiency that far exceed expectations.
Just like that super helpful friend who makes moving a breeze by organizing, lifting, and even setting up your new place, the right software development partner lifts the technical load off your business. With their blend of soft skills for clear communication and technical prowess in custom software solutions, they ensure your business can stay focused on what it does best while they handle the complex tech challenges. They’re not just about doing the task at hand; they anticipate your future needs, making the journey smooth and stress-free.
Non-Technical Answer
Just like having a super friend help you move house, Assemblysoft is like that friend but for your business’s tech needs. We are all about making things simple, helping carry the heavy load of software development so you can focus on what you’re best at. We understand your business deeply and are ready to tackle any challenge, making the whole process of upgrading your tech feel like a smooth move into a new, exciting place.
From the editor…
Assemblysoft stands as a testament to the power of blending deep technical expertise with unparalleled communication skills. Through Carl Randall’s leadership, the company not only delivers cutting-edge software solutions but also ensures a seamless and transparent journey for its clients.
This interview reveals the essence of Assemblysoft’s success: a relentless focus on bridging the gap between technical and non-technical realms, thereby transforming complex challenges into straightforward solutions. Like a trusted friend who makes moving effortless, Assemblysoft proves to be an indispensable partner for businesses navigating the complexities of digital transformation.
As we look towards the future, Assemblysoft’s innovative approach and commitment to excellence continue to set new standards in the software development industry, promising a smoother, more efficient path for businesses ready to embrace the next wave of technological advancements.
Learn more and visit Assemblysoft at www.assemblysoft.com
