Practical AI & Automation
How to Audit and Secure an AI-Generated Internal Application
A practical audit checklist for an internally built or AI-generated web application: access control, data, secrets, deployment, recovery and ownership.
Nick’s Software / Blog
Category: Business Software & Databases
Practical notes on manufacturing, connected systems and software that has a job to do.
Manufacturing · Quality · IIoT · AI
Engineering experience. Practical detail.
Engineering experience. Practical detail.
Replacing spreadsheets and ageing databases, choosing manufacturing software, and building reliable operational applications.
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Digital TransformationConnected Factory & UNSShop-Floor OperationsQuality & ComplianceTest Data & TraceabilityBusiness Software & DatabasesPractical AI & AutomationDocument Search & Knowledge
Practical AI & Automation
Building an Internal App with Claude Code? Know When to Bring in External Help
Building an internal application with Claude Code? These seven signs show when a useful prototype needs architecture, security and production-readiness review.
Quality & Compliance
How to Track Employee Training Expiry Dates Without Spreadsheet Chaos
A practical guide to tracking employee training expiry dates, refresher training, certificates and evidence without relying on fragile spreadsheet colour-coding.
Quality & Compliance
Training Matrix vs Training Records Database: What’s the Difference?
A practical comparison of training matrices and training records databases for businesses that need better visibility, expiry tracking, audit evidence, and less spreadsheet maintenance.
Quality & Compliance
Training Records in Manufacturing: Audit Evidence, Not Just a Matrix
Manufacturing training records are audit evidence, not just a spreadsheet matrix. A practical guide to employee training records, ISO 9001 competence evidence, gap analysis and training records databases.
Business Software & Databases
Custom Manufacturing Software vs Off-the-Shelf MES: A Practical Guide for Australian SMEs
Should your factory use an off-the-shelf MES or custom manufacturing software? A practical guide for Australian SMEs weighing cost, flexibility, integrations, quality records and long-term fit.
Business Software & Databases
How to Replace an Access Database Without Disrupting the Business
Replacing an ageing Microsoft Access database does not need to be risky. Learn how to audit, migrate, validate and modernise a business-critical Access system safely.
Business Software & Databases
Custom Database vs Spreadsheet vs Access: When Australian Businesses Should Upgrade
Not sure whether to keep using Excel or Access, or upgrade to a custom database? Learn the warning signs, trade-offs, and practical upgrade path for Australian businesses.
Shop-Floor Operations
Production Scheduling Software: When Excel Stops Working on the Shop Floor
Excel is brilliant right up until it isn’t. For a small operation with a handful of jobs, a couple of machines, and one person doing the planning, a…
Business Software & Databases
The Spreadsheet to Database Journey: 3 Real Manufacturing Transformation Stories
Most manufacturers don’t wake up one day and replace spreadsheets overnight. Real transformation usually starts with one painful process, one practical fix, and one measurable win. Below are…