Last week, a conversation with my financial advisor sparked something unexpected. He mentioned struggling with an automation challenge—extracting data from files within zip folders that were automatically delivered to a specific directory.
Rather than pointing him to an off-the-shelf solution, I realized this was a perfect opportunity to flex my Python skills and collaborate with AI coding tools to build something tailored specifically for his needs. Within just a few hours of working with Replit and an LLM assistant, I had created a small, focused application that solved his exact problem.
This experience reminded me what I’ve always loved most about software development: creating targeted, efficient tools that make someone’s day-to-day work noticeably better.
The Joy of Solving Real Problems
For years, I’ve been building enterprise applications—complex systems designed to serve many users with diverse needs. While these platforms are impressive in scope, I’d forgotten the satisfaction that comes from creating a simple app that does one thing exceptionally well for a specific person or team.
There’s something refreshing about localized software that doesn’t require extensive web infrastructure, user management systems, or data handling frameworks. Instead, you can sit with a customer, understand their specific pain points, and craft a precise solution tailored exclusively to their workflow.
This financial advisor didn’t need a comprehensive “Swiss army knife” platform—he needed one automation fixed, and a targeted solution was far more valuable than any general-purpose tool.
A New Market Emerging
I believe we’re witnessing the dawn of a new era—one where in-house development makes a comeback, powered by AI coding assistants. Not every business problem requires a SaaS solution or enterprise platform. Many organizations have specific challenges that could be elegantly solved with custom software built just for their internal use.
Think about the possibilities:
- Financial firms automating document processing
- Teachers streamlining classroom administration
- Retail businesses optimizing inventory management
- Small manufacturers improving quality control
These aren’t necessarily problems that warrant bringing in large consulting firms like Accenture, but they represent real productivity roadblocks for businesses every day.
AI as Your Development Partner
While AI coding tools aren’t perfect—my recent project required plenty of human intervention to correct Replit’s suggestions—they dramatically accelerate development for skilled practitioners. What might have taken me several days to build took just 3-4 hours with AI assistance.
It’s like having a junior developer on your team who can handle the basics while you focus on the more complex logic and architecture. This partnership model makes bespoke software development more accessible and efficient than ever before.
Could The Future Is Bespoke?
I envision a future where more businesses rediscover the value of in-house development teams focused on creating targeted solutions for internal challenges. These might be:
- A small dedicated team of 3-4 developers solving company-specific problems
- Business professionals who’ve learned basic coding skills with AI assistance
- External consultants who specialize in building custom, localized tools rather than SaaS products
AI isn’t replacing developers—it’s expanding what’s possible for businesses that previously couldn’t justify custom software development. The barrier to entry for creating valuable, problem-solving applications has never been lower.
Perhaps we’re moving into an era where businesses rely less on one-size-fits-all SaaS solutions and more on purpose-built tools designed exclusively for their unique workflows and challenges. AI assistants are making in-house software development not just possible, but practical for a much broader range of organizations than ever before.