Desktop app modernization: automatic tracking and predictable releases
We support the development of a mature TimeCamp desktop app that runs in the background, records activity and helps assign time to projects and timesheets. The priority is day-to-day stability and safe rollout of improvements in a product users rely on every day.
In this kind of product, value comes from predictable operation every day. After cleaning up critical areas, post-release incidents dropped by approx. 40% and bug fix time became approx. 30% shorter.
Challenge
A system that could no longer keep up with growth
A desktop app that captures user activity needs a different delivery model than a typical web product. Every change can affect background execution, synchronization and the quality of data that ends up in timesheets, so risk has to be controlled in stages.
Maintaining a background desktop app that continuously captures activity across apps, websites, and documents
Extending project, timesheet, and day-to-day workflow features without compromising stability
Introducing changes without regressions in critical automatic time-tracking flows
Solution
Architecture and implementation built for real operational pressure
We focused on controlled modernization of the riskiest areas, a tighter release process, and a pace of change that improves the product without destabilizing existing users.
Planned modernization of critical desktop areas without slowing product delivery
Controlled release and regression testing process for the most important paths: tracking, projects, and timesheets
Effect (3 months after go-live vs previous 3 months): approx. 40% fewer post-release incidents and approx. 30% shorter bug fix time
Business outcome: A more stable desktop app for automatic time tracking, faster rollout of improvements, and safer evolution of core product features
Implementation process
From diagnosis to stable rollout
The work centered on safe changes in older code, stability of a continuously running desktop app and lower regression risk with each release.
Audit of critical desktop flows
We identified the areas most exposed to regressions: activity tracking, synchronization, projects, and timesheets.
Modernization without stopping the product
We cleaned up critical legacy areas step by step, without risky full rewrites and without blocking ongoing work.
Release process and regression control
We introduced a more controlled release and regression-testing process for the functions that had to stay predictable on user machines.
Stabilization and continued product growth
After stabilizing the riskiest areas, we could extend the product more safely and reduce the number of post-release incidents.
Technologies
Stack selected for the scale of the problem
The technology choices were driven by desktop stability, operating system integration, and safe evolution of legacy code without forcing a full rewrite.
Have a system, product or business area you want to build or develop?
You do not need a finished specification. A problem, idea, or direction to validate is enough. We will talk through the goal, constraints, and the first step that makes sense commercially and technically.
How we start
24h
After your message, we reply with a call slot and an initial assessment. We will help decide whether to build, integrate, automate, or start simpler.
How we start
24h
After your message, we reply with a call slot and an initial assessment. We will help decide whether to build, integrate, automate, or start simpler.
