Custom software engineering
Software built for how you work.
Rycefield designs, builds and runs custom software for large organisations, delivered as a managed service. We are based in Johannesburg and are part of Royal RS Conglomerate.
- Code review2 approvals
- Automated tests1 864 tests
- Security scan0 high
- User acceptance5 roles
- Load test3x peak
- Production releaserollback ready
Example only
Services
What we do
We build and look after business systems for organisations with many users, approval steps and sensitive data.
Custom applications
Web and mobile systems built around the way your organisation works, such as case management, approvals, scheduling, reporting and self-service portals.
- Web and mobile
- Workflows and approvals
- Portals
- Reporting
Legacy modernisation
Older systems moved to supported platforms one part at a time, so the business keeps running while the old system is retired.
- Re-platforming
- Cloud migration
- Data migration
- Phased cutover
Systems integration
ERP, HR, finance and identity systems connected so information is captured once and reaches the right place.
- APIs
- ERP and HR
- Single sign-on
- Message queues
Data and reporting
Data pipelines, warehouses and dashboards that give managers accurate figures without manual spreadsheets.
- Data warehouses
- Dashboards
- Scheduled reports
- Data quality
Quality assurance
Functional, user acceptance, performance and security testing, planned from the first week of a project.
- Test automation
- User acceptance
- Load testing
- Security testing
Managed service
Every system we deliver is hosted, monitored, supported and improved by us for at least 12 months after go-live, under an agreed service level.
- Hosting
- Monitoring
- Support
- Monthly reporting
How we work
From first meeting to live system
Each stage ends with something you can review and approve before we move on.
- 1
Discovery
We meet the people who own the process, the people who use it and your IT team. Together we agree what the system must do, the risks and a release plan.
Agreed scope and plan - 2
Design
We design the screens and test them with real users. Your IT and security teams review the technical design before development starts.
Approved designs - 3
Build
We develop in two-week cycles and show you working software at the end of each one. Every change is reviewed and tested.
Working software - 4
Testing
Your staff test the system in a separate environment, one role at a time. We also run performance and security tests.
Signed acceptance - 5
Go-live and managed service
We release to production on an agreed date with a rollback plan. We then run the system for you as a managed service for at least 12 months.
Live, managed system
Quality and control
Every release is checked three times
Each system has separate development, testing and production environments. A release has to pass a set of checks before it moves from one to the next.
- Role-based accessPeople only see and change what their role allows.
- Audit historyEvery change records who made it, when, and who approved it.
- Separation of dutiesNobody can approve their own work. The system enforces it.
- Data protectionEncrypted data, POPIA-compliant processing and hosting in agreed regions.
Development
Environment 1 of 3Where our engineers work. It is updated many times a day, uses test data only, and your project lead can log in at any time to see progress.
Before a release moves on
- Code reviewed by a second engineer
- Automated tests pass
- Test data only
Testing
Environment 2 of 3A stable copy of the system for your staff to test. A version only reaches it once development checks have passed.
Before a release moves on
- User acceptance by role
- Performance targets met
- No open high-risk security findings
- Sign-off from the business owner
Production
Environment 3 of 3The live system your users work in. Changes are released on agreed dates, with a rollback plan and monitoring in place.
Before a release goes live
- Change approved
- Rollback plan tested
- Backups checked
- Monitoring switched on
Technology
Tools we work with
We use established, well-supported technology and work with the platforms and policies you already have.
Languages
TypeScript, C#, Java, Python, Go and SQL
Front end
React, Next.js and native or cross-platform mobile
Hosting
Microsoft Azure, AWS, Cloudflare or your own data centre
Databases
PostgreSQL, SQL Server, MySQL and object storage
Identity
Microsoft Entra ID, SAML and OpenID Connect single sign-on
Integration
REST and GraphQL APIs, webhooks, queues, SAP and Microsoft Dynamics
Delivery
GitHub, automated build pipelines and infrastructure as code
Testing
Automated tests, load testing, security scanning and accessibility checks
Working together
Ways to engage us
Most clients start with a short discovery phase and then choose the model that suits the work.
Fixed-scope build
A defined scope, price and go-live date, agreed after a paid discovery phase, followed by the managed service.
Suits a clear requirement with a deadlinePhased modernisation
An older system replaced in phases, each delivering something usable, with every phase run as a managed service.
Suits systems that are costly to maintainDedicated team
Engineers, a designer and a delivery lead who keep developing your system while we run it for you.
Suits a system that keeps growingManaged service renewal
After the first 12 months, the managed service can be renewed so we keep running and improving the system.
Suits systems your organisation depends onQuestions
Frequently asked questions
If your question is not answered here, call us on 010 002 3353.
Who is the contracting party?
All Rycefield work is contracted with Royal RS Conglomerate (Pty) Ltd, the company that owns Rycefield.
Who owns the code?
Royal RS Conglomerate (Pty) Ltd owns the source code of the systems we build. Your organisation gets the right to use the system under its managed service agreement.
How long is the managed service?
Every project is delivered as a managed service for a minimum of 12 months from go-live. It covers hosting, monitoring, support, security updates and planned improvements, and can be renewed after that.
Can you work within our IT and security policies?
Yes. We follow your change management process, go through your security reviews and agree with you where the system is hosted.
How do you price a project?
Discovery is a fixed fee. The build is priced as a fixed amount or a monthly team rate, and the managed service is a monthly fee for a minimum of 12 months. Every quote lists the assumptions it is based on.
Do you work with organisations outside Johannesburg?
Yes. Most of our work is done remotely, and we travel for workshops, testing and go-live.