General Questions
How much does custom software development cost?
Custom software development costs vary widely based on complexity, features, and timeline. Simple applications typically start around $15,000-$25,000, while more complex enterprise solutions can range from $50,000 to $250,000 or more. We provide detailed estimates after understanding your specific requirements during a free consultation. Our goal is to deliver maximum value within your budget.
How long does it take to build custom software?
Development timelines depend on project scope and complexity. A simple web application might take 2-3 months, while a comprehensive enterprise system could take 6-12 months or longer. We use agile methodologies to deliver working features incrementally, so you see progress throughout the project rather than waiting until the end.
What industries do you serve?
We serve businesses across various industries including manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, hospitality, retail, and professional services. Our focus on the Gulf Coast region means we understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing businesses in Mobile, Baldwin County, and throughout coastal Alabama and Mississippi.
Do you offer ongoing support after the project is complete?
Yes, we offer ongoing maintenance and support packages to ensure your software continues to perform optimally. This includes bug fixes, security updates, performance monitoring, and feature enhancements as your business needs evolve. We believe in building long-term partnerships, not just completing projects.
AI & Technology
What is AI consulting and how can it help my business?
AI consulting helps businesses identify opportunities to use artificial intelligence to improve operations, reduce costs, and gain competitive advantages. This might include automating repetitive tasks, predicting customer behavior, optimizing inventory, or extracting insights from data. We help you separate AI hype from practical applications that deliver real ROI for your specific situation.
Do I need to be tech-savvy to work with you?
Not at all. We pride ourselves on translating complex technical concepts into plain language. Our job is to understand your business challenges and recommend solutions—you don't need to understand the underlying technology. We'll guide you through every step and ensure you're comfortable with the solutions we implement.
Can you integrate with our existing systems?
Yes, system integration is one of our core strengths. Whether you need to connect with existing ERP systems, accounting software like QuickBooks, CRMs like Salesforce, or legacy databases, we design solutions that work with your current technology investments rather than requiring you to replace everything.
What is business process automation?
Business process automation uses technology to perform repetitive tasks automatically, reducing manual work and human error. Examples include automated invoice processing, employee onboarding workflows, inventory reordering, customer follow-up emails, and report generation. Automation frees your team to focus on higher-value work that requires human judgment and creativity.
Working With Us
What does your typical engagement process look like?
We start with a free consultation to understand your challenges and goals. From there, we conduct a discovery phase to dive deeper into your requirements, then provide a detailed proposal with scope, timeline, and pricing. Once approved, we work in iterative sprints, delivering working features regularly and incorporating your feedback throughout the process.
Do you work with small businesses or only large companies?
We work with businesses of all sizes, from local small businesses to larger regional enterprises. Our approach scales to fit your needs and budget. Many of our most rewarding projects have been helping small and medium-sized businesses compete more effectively by leveraging technology that was previously only accessible to larger companies.
Are you based in Mobile, Alabama?
Yes, Charpen Consulting is headquartered in Mobile, Alabama. We primarily serve businesses throughout the Gulf Coast region, including Mobile County, Baldwin County, the Florida Panhandle, and coastal Mississippi. However, we also work with clients throughout the Southeast and can collaborate effectively with businesses anywhere through modern communication tools.
How do I get started?
Getting started is easy! Simply contact us to schedule a free consultation. We'll discuss your business challenges, explore potential solutions, and determine if we're a good fit to work together. There's no obligation, and you'll walk away with valuable insights regardless of whether we move forward.