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    Learn how to create everyday digital revolutions that help your business thrive.

    Custom Software

    Lesson Learned: How Stakeholder-Aligned Software Projects Can Still Fail (and How to Prevent It)

    SPARK CEO Bob Armbrister shares how a project experience went wrong and how build feedback loops can ensure stakeholder-aligned software projects.

    Construction

    Listen: Implementing Technology in Construction

    Construction companies often face problems implementing technology. Listen to this podcast for how to face these challenges head and evolve with new technology.

    Dashboards | Custom Software | SPARK News

    Michigan Manufacturer Turns to Custom Dashboards on Shop Floor to Improve Performance

    Michigan manufacturer DeWys went through am ERP system change. When off-the-shelf software didn't meet all their needs, they turned to a custom dashboard.

    Construction

    Listen: How to Build Software Roadmaps in Construction

    Listen to SPARK's CEO Bob Armbrister on his latest podcast appearance with Building Scale as they discuss how to build a construction software roadmap that amplifies your competitive advantage.

    UI/UX and Web Design

    COVID-19 and Your Business: How to Adapt For the Future

    COVID-19 has impacted businesses around the world. Check out these strategies for adapting your business in 2022.

    Strategic Design | UI/UX and Web Design

    The Power of Google (And Its Impact on Your Website)

    Google has the power to impact your brand's online presence, as well as your bottom line. Here's what you need to know.

    UI/UX and Web Design

    8 Signs You Need to Update Your Website

    If you haven't updated your website in a while, check these 8 critical areas to see if you're falling behind.

    UI/UX and Web Design | Custom Software

    What Does Design Thinking Have to Do with Building Software?

    Design thinking isn’t really about design. See how this creative problem-solving framework is used to create software products that users want and love.

    SPARK Culture | SPARK News

    The Manifest Names SPARK Top Software Development and Web Design Agency

    See why SPARK was named a top business that helps clients across dozens of industries develop custom software and digital marketing solutions.

    Digital Products | Strategic Design | Custom Software

    What is Prototyping in Software Development (and Why It's Important)

    Before you starting writing code for a new software product, learn how to use prototypes to test, validate, and iterate on different designs and features.

    Beginner's Guide: HIPAA Compliance and Software Development

    Do software providers and developers have to be HIPAA compliant? We explore what the latest HIPAA rules mean and how to ensure compliance for your business.

    SPARK Culture | SPARK News

    What’s it like to work with SPARK? Our clients are sharing their experience on Clutch.

    See how leading businesses work with SPARK to develop custom software solutions that increase operational efficiency and their bottom line.

    Manufacturing Business Planning: A Framework to Future-Proof Your Software Decisions

    As you plan your manufacturing businesses' future state of operations, use our strategic framework to help guide and future-proof your software decisions.

    SPARK Culture | SPARK News

    SPARK Business Works Completes Acquisition of Digital Marketing Firm Convergent1

    SPARK announces their acquisition of Convergent1, a Houston based full-service digital marketing agency for construction and manufacturing.

    Dashboards | Custom Software

    5 Benefits of Custom Construction Management Software

    See how custom construction management software creates a “single source of truth” from your business data that allows you to save time and costs.

    Custom Software

    12 Construction Software Features That Your Business Needs

    The construction industry is finally embracing technology. Your success depends on choosing the construction software features that best fit your needs.

    Custom Software

    Comparing Off-the-Shelf Software (SaaS) vs Custom Software Pricing is Complicated. But Here's How to Do It.

    You might want to go with the lowest upfront cost. But is that the right thing to do? Learn how to compare off-the-shelf and custom software costs and make the right decision.

    'Think Like a Software Company:' A New Mindset for Construction Leaders

    See why construction leaders need to 'think like a software company' to transform old, outdated processes into a tech-embedded business that thrives in today's challenges.

    Mobile Apps | Custom Software

    Mechanical Contractor Manages Growth using Custom Software

    When MCM doubled in size over, they began to feel the weight of their outdated, manual processes. See how they built a custom management solution.

    Custom Software

    The tech landscape has changed. How to get efficient and STOP using digital duct tape.

    Tech strategy in 2022 will be different. It’s not about installing software. It’s about using data to differentiate your services and thrive. See how.

    SPARK Culture | SPARK News

    SPARK Named to Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Companies List

    SPARK is in the top 25% of fastest-growing private U.S. companies. See how a custom approach to designing and building business software has led to success.

    Dashboards | Custom Software

    Construction: How to Visualize Your Data Daily with Reporting and Dashboards

    Construction managers have to do a lot to oversee job sites, and usually from a distance. Learn how to stay connected and on top of jobs with dashboards.

    Custom Software

    Business Efficiency: Turning Manual Processes into Automated Workflows

    See how you can turn manual, chaotic process into automated, smooth workflows that increase efficiency and productivity, while growing your business.

    Custom Software

    Evaluating Construction Scheduling Software: Custom Versus Off-the-Shelf

    Construction scheduling software can help you put the right people, equipment, and materials at the right site at the right time. But how do you choose?

    Custom Software

    What Businesses Should Know about Data Privacy (and How to Take Action)

    Our modern economy is built on data. But are you doing enough to ensure the privacy and security of your customers' personal info. Find out now.

    Mobile Apps

    Why You Should Build a Mobile App to Grow Your Business

    Does your business need a mobile app? Learn the main advantages of building an app to help grow your business.

    Custom Software

    Why Your New Software Project Needs an Internal Champion

    Don't overlook the importance of the role of an internal champion guiding your team through a successful software project.

    Mobile Apps | Custom Software

    How to Use (Easy) Safety Tech to Protect Your Construction Job Sites

    Do you need to level up how you handle safety on your job sites? Check out these simple and easy technology tools to revolutionize how you manage safety.

    Custom Software

    Can It Be Built? How to Turn Your Idea into Successful Custom Software

    Got an idea for a new software? Follow our easy steps to turn your idea into successful custom software that transforms your business.

    Custom Software

    6 Must-Know Technology Trends Shaping 2021 and Beyond for SMBs

    Is your business ready? Learn the must-know technology trends that are shaping the future for SMBs and how you can take advantage of them.

    Strategic Design | UI/UX and Web Design

    UX versus UI Design: Why It Matters for Your Software Product

    UI and UX design is often thought of as just making a product visually “look good.” Learn why it's more than that and impacts the success of your product.

    Digital Products | Custom Software

    How to Maximize Tax Benefits When Building Custom Software for Your Business

    The process of capitalization or expensing when developing software is a tax benefit that most businesses don’t know they have.

    UI/UX and Web Design | Mobile Apps

    Mobile App versus Mobile Website: Which One Should You Create?

    Should you invest in a mobile responsive website or app? We'll explore how they're different and why you might need to invest in both.

    Mobile Apps | Custom Software

    Construction Technology: How to Improve Efficiency with Field Data Collection

    Your crew and teams are ready to use mobile apps out in the field. Learn how you can digitize field data collection to transform your daily operations.

    Dashboards

    What is a Business Dashboard? Here's What You Should Know.

    Are you stuck with data overload? Learn how a business dashboard can visually display and track your most important metrics and KPIs.

    Custom Software

    Digital Transformation: Why You Should Upgrade Your IT Infrastructure First

    Learn why and how to modernize your IT infrastructure before undergoing a digital transformation. It'll set your business up for a smoother project.

    SPARK Culture | SPARK News

    SPARK Business Works Named to Michigan 50 Companies to Watch List

    SPARK Business Works was named to Michigan 50 Companies to Watch for 2021 by Michigan Celebrates Small Business. Learn more about our business growth.

    Custom Software

    How to Plan for Digitization in a Construction Business

    Our step-by-step guide shows how construction owners can digitize their business from operations apps and management dashboards to field data collection.

    Custom Software

    5 Myths of Custom Software Development (And Why They're No Longer True)

    There are many misconceptions about building custom business software. Learn why they’re no longer true, and what this means for your company.

    Custom Software

    What is Construction Estimating Software (and Why You Should Use It)

    Learn how you can use construction estimating software to automatically generate bids, so you can win more jobs, stay profitable, and grow. 

    Custom Software

    What Is Digital Transformation?

    Adopting new tech and processes can help transform your business. But what does it really mean to "digitize" your operations?

    Custom Software

    How to Calculate ROI for Construction Management Software

    Before you invest in a new piece of software, use our ROI estimating tools and worksheet to calculate your return to feel confident in your decision.

    Digital Products | Custom Software

    So, you launched your MVP. Now what?

    Be sure to answer these 5 critical questions before you continue to build features and invest capital in your newly launched MVP.

    Custom Software

    What is the User Acceptance Testing (UAT) Phase in Software Projects?

    Learn why you shouldn't overlook the user acceptance testing phase if you want to successfully launch your custom software project.

    Mobile Apps

    8 Must-Know Construction Technology Trends to Prepare For

    Are you preparing for these top construction technology trends? If not, find out why you should be!

    Custom Software

    Building Custom Software vs Off-the-Shelf: Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Approach

    Before you buy any new tech, which approach should you take? Read our in-depth guide to understand when to build custom or buy off-the-shelf software.

    Mobile Apps

    Benefits of Construction Mobile Apps for Your Crews and Projects (and Real Examples)

    92% of construction workers use smartphones daily while on the job. Should you be using mobile apps too? Find out!

    Custom Software

    How to Choose the Best Project Management Software for Small Construction Businesses

    Learn how to compare different project management software solutions so you can choose and adopt the best technology for your small construction business.

    Custom Software

    Why Successful Businesses Build Custom Software Versus Off-the-Shelf

    When companies face issues and opportunities unique to their business, custom software versus off-the-shelf can be a difference maker. Learn how!

    Custom Software

    How Custom Software Works for Any Size Business (Not Just Enterprise)

    Think your business is too small or not unique enough to warrant building custom software? Learn how software projects can fit any scope or budget.

    SPARK Culture | SPARK News

    700+ Job Sites Adopt Mobile Health Screening Tool Built by SPARK

    Learn more about SPARK's Easy Safety Forms, a mobile health screening tool that has been implemented at 700 construction job sites across the country.

    Custom Software

    Why Does Software Have Bugs?

    All software has small glitches or bugs sometimes. Learn why it happens and what you can do to fix it, so your software continues to run smoothly.

    Digital Products | Custom Software

    Why You Should Start with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)

    Learn why the user-driven process of building a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) can be key to the success of your next software development project.

    Custom Software

    Custom Software: How to Build On Your Investment For Years to Come

    Are you showing your software the love and attention it needs? Follow these two steps to make sure your software GROWS with you before you outgrow it.

    Custom Software

    Our Secret to Delivering Quality Custom Software Every Time

    Hint: our secret is simple, but not something all software companies can do effectively, consistently, and at scale.

    Custom Software

    Project Management Tips: How to Prepare for Your New Custom Software Project

    Learn the technical processes and parts of delivering software, empowering you to better communicate and collaborate with your tech partner.

    Dashboards

    How the Right Dashboard Can Help Improve Your KPIs

    See why leaders are ditching their manual data tracking and spreadsheets for real-time dashboards and one-click reporting to help improve their KPIs.

    UI/UX and Web Design

    Your Website Is A Tool For Telling Your Brand Story

    Your website can be a tool to create lasting relationships with your customers. Learn how to tell your brand story online to connect with customers.

    Custom Software

    Custom Software: Why Starting with an Assessment is Worth Your Time and Money

    A pre-project assessment for your next tech project allows you to determine not only if you’ll get the right solution, but also the right team and partner.

    Strategic Design | UI/UX and Web Design

    Think Like a UX Designer: Use Hick’s Law to Improve Your User Experience

    Are you frustrating your users by giving them too many choices on your website or app? Learn how to apply Hick's Law to improve your user experience.

    Custom Software

    Implementation Checklist for Launching New Custom Software

    Ready, set, launch! Use SPARK's recommended Implementation Checklist and tips to define a game plan for your new custom software rollout.

    Digital Products

    The Benefits of a Product Manager for Your Technology Project

    Product managers are often overlooked in technology projects. See why their role is crucial to the overall success of your custom business software.

    Custom Software

    5 (Strategic) Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Custom Software Development Company

    It's crucial to choose the RIGHT software partner to develop your custom business tool. Here are 5 strategic questions to ask during the selection process.

    Dashboards | Digital Products | Mobile Apps | Custom Software

    Why You Should Hire a Custom Software Development Company

    How do you get EXACTLY the right business tool? Here are the benefits of working with a software development company to build a custom solution.

    Your Startup Idea: Can It Be Built (Profitably)?

    Founding a startup isn’t easy. But for those who are willing to do what it takes to make their startup dream happen, the journey can be an amazing adventure. This is a tool for those startups.

    How to Validate Your Startup Idea

    Before building a startup technology it is important that you validate your idea first. You can reduce risk and gain insight for what to actually build.

    7 Reasons to Validate Your Startup Idea Before You Build It

    It is important to validate your startup idea before you build it. Here are seven reasons why.

    Strategic Design | UI/UX and Web Design

    How Businesses Can Prepare for Their New Website Project

    Your new website can be a valuable business asset. The preparation you put into your new website project is a good time investment. Here's what to start with.

    Strategic Design | UI/UX and Web Design

    How Design Thinking Can Make Your Next Website More Effective

    Your website is not separate from the rest of your business. By embracing Design Thinking for your website project, you can delight your visitors and grow your business.

    Dashboards

    How A Single Pane of Glass Software System Can Help Your Construction Company

    A “single pane of glass” management dashboard can give you business insight into your construction or trade contracting company.

    Custom Software

    Why Typical Construction Management Software Solutions Don’t Work

    Most software marketed for construction doesn't actually fit the day-to-day business flow from field to office. Here's what to look for instead.

    Strategic Design | UI/UX and Web Design

    How to Create Your Own Custom Color Picker Wheel

    How SPARK designed and built a custom tool for a retail touchscreen display fixture. Learn how the team created a color selector that "just works!"

    Custom Software

    Pre-Mortem for Your Custom Business Technology Project

    Introduction to pre-mortems. What they are and how to run one. A cheat sheet for what can cause a software development project to fail.

    Custom Software

    Building the Business Case for Your Custom Application (ROI Estimation)

    Custom software is a significant investment of money, time, and effort. Before you start your project, make sure you have a good business case for it.

    Custom Software

    Gathering (and Prioritizing) Input for Your Custom Software Project

    What input should you get from your team when starting a custom software project? Learn how to prioritize input and decide on the scope of the first phase.

    Digital Products | Custom Software

    Short Introduction to Custom Software (and How to Start a Project)

    Custom software can streamline business operations. You’ll learn how to plan a software project and the 3 most common goals custom software helps.

    Mobile Apps

    How an Employee App Amplifies Your Culture

    An employee mobile app is a great way to organize and streamline communication in one place while embracing company culture.

    Custom Software

    How to Seamlessly Transition Your Next Project Handoff

    Learn 3 handoff strategies to easily transition your next project and see how to leverage software for scalable project handoff strategies that work.

    SPARK Culture

    From Ordinary to HYPE!

    As SPARK grew our client base and expanded our team, it became apparent that our branding no longer fit SPARK's culture.

    SPARK Culture

    Creating a Culture of Celebration

    Having an upbeat atmosphere and an organization that celebrates each other's accomplishments is core to how SPARK operates. See how we get 'hype'!

    Custom Software

    Understanding Agile Planning: A Snapshot of the Process

    This view into agile custom software development planning shows how SPARK proactively manages our client's budget, time, and attention.

    Custom Software

    Construction Estimating Software That Integrates with QuickBooks

    Change the way you bid for and manage projects with construction estimating software that integrates with QuickBooks.

    Construction Management Software for Builders and Contractors

    Construction management software for builders and contractors can combat the current labor shortage through increased productivity and efficiency.

    Dashboards | Custom Software

    How to Get Started with Construction Project Management Software

    Construction management software with modules you customize with apps and integrations offer an option in between packaged and fully customized solutions.

    Custom Software

    Signs Your Construction Management Software is Not Working for You

    To remain competitive as the construction industry increases its use of technology, you need a custom solution that’s built for the way you do business.

    The Top Challenges That Make or Break Profits for Trade Contractors

    In the construction industry alone, quality trade partners like mechanical, electrical and masonry contractors remain in high demand.

    Mobile Apps | Custom Software

    Time Tracking and How Businesses Can Best Realize the Benefits

    Tracking employee time is crucial for business decision-makers. Data must be easily accessible, current, and be able to tell the “inside” story.

    SPARK Culture | SPARK News

    Custom App Developer Adds Digital Agency to Provide Seamless UX

    SPARK Business Works, custom software developer, announced that it has acquired Elevator Up, a digital agency headquartered in Grand Rapids, MI.

    Dashboards | Mobile Apps

    SMART Scheduling in Construction is a Game Changer

    Manual scheduling methods plague trade contractors, but more companies than ever are investing in SMART scheduling solutions.

    Dashboards

    The 3 Ways Custom Dashboards Accelerate Business Growth

    When a company needs to gain operational efficiency, a custom business dashboard can automate data collection and reporting.
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