Frequently Asked Questions
We work with business leaders, founders and management teams to help them make better use of technology, data and AI — whether that means developing a new platform, improving an existing system, introducing Microsoft Power Platform, building an AI solution or simply providing experienced technology leadership.
Below are answers to some of the questions we are commonly asked.
Working With Irvine-David
What does Irvine-David do?
We help organisations use technology to improve the way they operate, make decisions and grow.
Our work spans technology strategy, Fractional CTO support, AI and AI agents, software development, Microsoft Power Platform, data platforms and business intelligence, as well as independent technology advice for boards and management teams.
Some clients come to us with a clearly defined project. Others simply know that their technology could be working harder for the business.
We are comfortable starting with either.
What type of businesses do you work with?
We primarily work with small and medium-sized organisations, entrepreneurial businesses, established management teams and technology-led ventures.
We are particularly well suited to organisations that have reached the point where technology is becoming strategically important but do not necessarily want to build a large internal technology team.
We also work with businesses that already have developers or technology suppliers but want additional senior technical leadership or independent oversight.
Do we need to know exactly what technology we need before contacting you?
No.
In many cases, we would prefer to start with the business problem rather than a proposed technical solution.
You might want to reduce administration, improve reporting, connect systems, make better use of your data, introduce AI or replace an inefficient manual process.
We can help determine the most appropriate technology once we understand what you are trying to achieve.
Can you work alongside our existing IT team or suppliers?
Absolutely.
We regularly work alongside internal IT teams, software developers, managed service providers and specialist technology suppliers.
Our role can range from providing additional development capability through to architecture, technical leadership, supplier oversight or independent advice to management.
The objective is not to replace good existing relationships, but to make sure everyone is working towards the right outcome.
Technology Strategy & Leadership
What is a Fractional CTO?
A Fractional CTO gives your business access to experienced senior technology leadership without employing a full-time Chief Technology Officer.
We can work alongside your management team to develop technology strategy, assess systems and suppliers, oversee development, review architecture, manage technology risk and identify opportunities around AI, automation and data.
The engagement can be scaled to suit the business — from periodic strategic input to a much more embedded role within the leadership team.
What is the difference between Fractional CTO and IT consultancy?
Traditional IT consultancy is often focused on a specific project or problem.
A Fractional CTO takes a broader and more continuous view of the business.
We look at where the organisation is going, how technology supports that direction, what should be prioritised, what risks need addressing and how individual projects fit into the wider technology strategy.
It is technology leadership rather than simply technology advice.
Can you help us develop an IT or technology strategy?
Yes.
We can assess your existing applications, infrastructure, data, suppliers, development processes and future business objectives before creating a practical technology roadmap.
The aim is not to produce a large strategy document that sits unused.
We focus on clear priorities, sensible investment and an achievable roadmap that connects technology decisions directly to business objectives.
Do you provide technology advice at board level?
Yes.
A core part of our work is helping boards and management teams understand technology without unnecessary jargon.
We can provide independent advice around technology investment, digital transformation, AI, data, software projects, suppliers, cyber risk and emerging technology.
This can be provided through Fractional CTO engagements, technology consultancy or ongoing non-executive support.
Can you review a technology project or supplier independently?
Yes.
If you are considering a significant software project, technology investment or new supplier, we can provide an independent technical perspective.
This might include reviewing proposals, architecture, costs, project plans, development approaches or supplier recommendations.
Having someone representing the interests of the business rather than the supplier can be extremely valuable when making significant technology decisions.
AI & Automation
How could AI realistically help our business?
The most useful AI opportunities are usually connected to real business processes and real business data.
That could include analysing information, summarising documents, assisting employees, automating repetitive workflows, identifying exceptions, generating insights or allowing users to interact with business systems using natural language.
We help businesses move beyond simply using standalone tools such as ChatGPT and identify where AI can create measurable operational or strategic value.
Can you build custom AI agents?
Yes.
We design and develop AI agents that can work with your organisation's systems, documents, workflows and data.
For example, an AI agent could answer questions using internal knowledge, analyse customer or operational data, assist employees with complex processes, prepare information for review or orchestrate actions across multiple systems.
Security, permissions and governance are fundamental parts of the design — particularly when an AI agent is interacting with sensitive business information.
Can AI securely use our own company data?
Yes, provided the architecture and security model are designed correctly.
AI solutions can be connected to business systems, databases, SharePoint, Dataverse, Microsoft Fabric and other data sources while respecting existing permissions and security controls.
We place significant emphasis on ensuring that users can only access information they are authorised to see.
Good AI starts with good data architecture and good security.
We use Microsoft 365. Can you help us with Copilot and the Power Platform?
Yes.
The Microsoft ecosystem is a major area of focus for us.
We work with technologies including Microsoft 365 Copilot, Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI, Dataverse, Copilot Studio, Microsoft Fabric, SharePoint, Azure and custom Microsoft development.
Rather than looking at these products individually, we help businesses understand how they can work together as part of a wider technology and data strategy.
Can you automate manual processes in our business?
Yes.
Many organisations still have important processes dependent on spreadsheets, email, copying information between systems or manually producing reports.
We can analyse these workflows and determine whether they are best improved through Power Automate, Power Apps, custom software, AI agents, system integration or a combination of technologies.
The objective is always to simplify the process rather than automate unnecessary complexity.
Data, Power BI & Reporting
Can you help us make better use of our business data?
Yes.
Many businesses have valuable information spread across accounting platforms, CRM systems, operational databases, spreadsheets and other applications.
We can bring that information together into a structured data platform that provides a trusted foundation for reporting, analytics and AI.
This may involve technologies such as SQL Server, Azure, Microsoft Fabric, Dataverse and Power BI.
Can you build Power BI reports and dashboards?
Yes.
We build Power BI reporting solutions, but our approach goes beyond simply creating dashboards.
We look at the underlying data, relationships, definitions and semantic models so that reports are based on consistent and trusted information.
This becomes increasingly important as organisations begin using Copilot and AI to interrogate their data.
Do we need Microsoft Fabric?
Not necessarily.
Microsoft Fabric is an extremely capable platform, but not every organisation needs the same architecture.
For some businesses, Power BI and a well-designed SQL database may be sufficient. For others, Fabric can provide a powerful foundation for data engineering, analytics, reporting and AI.
We recommend technology based on the problem rather than implementing a platform simply because it is fashionable.
Software Development
Do you build custom software?
Yes.
We design, develop and support bespoke business applications, SaaS platforms, integrations, APIs and internal systems.
Our core development expertise is within the Microsoft technology ecosystem, particularly C#, .NET, SQL Server and Azure, combined with modern AI and Microsoft cloud technologies.
We can deliver complete applications or work alongside an existing development team.
Can you take over an existing software application?
Yes.
A significant proportion of business software does not need replacing — it needs understanding, improving and maintaining properly.
We can review an existing application, understand its architecture and codebase, identify risks and technical debt and develop a sensible plan for its future.
That can include modernising parts of the application gradually rather than undertaking an expensive full rewrite.
Do you maintain legacy applications?
Yes.
Older applications often continue to perform extremely important roles within a business.
We can support, maintain and enhance existing Microsoft applications, including older .NET and SQL Server systems, while identifying sensible opportunities for modernisation.
Our approach is pragmatic. If a system is reliable and continuing to provide value, we will not recommend replacing it simply because newer technology exists.
We've built an application using AI or vibe coding. Can you help us finish it?
Yes — and this is becoming an increasingly common requirement.
AI development tools can produce impressive applications and prototypes extremely quickly. However, once an application is going to hold real customer data or become important to a business, areas such as security, architecture, performance, hosting, monitoring and maintainability need careful consideration.
We can review the code you have already created, retain what is good, identify risks and help turn the application into a secure, production-ready system.
You do not necessarily need to start again.
Can you review our existing code before we launch?
Yes.
We can carry out a technical review covering areas such as application architecture, code quality, database design, security, authentication, permissions, external dependencies, performance and deployment.
We can then provide a prioritised set of recommendations and, if required, carry out the work needed to prepare the application for production.
Can you securely host and manage an application for us?
We can design and implement appropriate hosting and deployment environments, particularly within Microsoft Azure and Microsoft-based infrastructure.
Depending on the application, this can include secure cloud hosting, databases, SSL, backups, monitoring, logging, deployment pipelines, environment separation, access controls and disaster recovery.
We can also provide ongoing technical support and development once the system is live.
Projects & Engagements
Do you only work on large projects?
No.
Engagements can range from a few days of consultancy or technical review through to long-term development and technology partnerships.
Sometimes a relatively small piece of work — such as reviewing an architecture, fixing a reporting problem or helping select the right technology — can unlock a much larger improvement for the business.
We are happy to start small where that makes sense.
Can you provide ongoing support rather than a one-off project?
Yes.
Many of our strongest client relationships are ongoing.
Technology rarely stands still, so we can continue supporting applications, developing new functionality, reviewing strategy and helping management teams respond to new opportunities.
This can be structured as a regular retainer, Fractional CTO engagement, ongoing development relationship or agreed programme of work.
How do you price projects?
It depends on the type of engagement.
Defined projects may be priced around an agreed scope, while consultancy, development and Fractional CTO engagements can be provided on a flexible or ongoing basis.
We believe in transparent pricing and will always explain the likely cost and approach before work begins.
Where requirements are uncertain, we may recommend an initial discovery or technical review before committing to a larger project.
Do you work remotely or on-site?
Both.
Much of our development, data and technology work can be delivered remotely, allowing us to work efficiently with organisations throughout the UK.
Where workshops, board meetings, discovery sessions or important project stages benefit from being face-to-face, we are also happy to work on-site.
How do we get started?
Simply get in touch and tell us what you are trying to achieve.
Whether you have a detailed technical requirement, an application that needs rescuing, an idea for a new product or simply a feeling that your organisation could be making better use of technology, we would be happy to have an initial conversation.
Let's talk about where technology could take your business next.