Cincinnati's economy generates substantial economic output across a seven-county metro area, anchored by several Fortune 500 headquarters including Procter & Gamble, Kroger, and Fifth Third Bank. This concentration of corporate leadership, combined with a large manufacturing workforce across Southwest Ohio, creates sustained demand for enterprise software that connects legacy systems, automates complex workflows, and scales with multi-facility operations.
The region's manufacturing sector—which contributes significantly to Ohio's GDP—drives specific software requirements that off-the-shelf products rarely address. Cincinnati manufacturers operate aging machinery that predates modern IoT standards, run customized versions of SAP and Oracle that haven't been updated in years, and maintain paper-based processes that create data silos between departments. Our [custom software development](/services/custom-software-development) practice focuses on modernizing these environments without disrupting production, using API middleware to connect incompatible systems and building interfaces that accommodate both legacy workflows and future automation.
Cincinnati's logistics infrastructure—anchored by the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), a major DHL cargo hub—creates unique technical challenges for freight forwarders, 3PL providers, and supply chain operations. We developed a fleet management work that processes GPS data across a large vehicle fleet, integrates with multiple TMS platforms, and provides dispatch centers with live ETAs that account for current traffic patterns and driver hours-of-service regulations.
Cincinnati's emergence as a technology hub provides access to a skilled developer workforce, but also reveals the limitations of standardized SaaS solutions for businesses with unique operational requirements. Companies in the region frequently implement Salesforce, NetSuite, or Microsoft Dynamics only to discover they need significant customization to accommodate industry-specific processes. We've built custom CRM systems that replace expensive per-user licensing models with one-time development costs, creating solutions that match exact business workflows rather than forcing process changes to fit software constraints.
The region's many colleges and universities, including the University of Cincinnati and Xavier University, create steady demand for education technology that handles enrollment management, student information systems, and learning management platforms. We've developed admissions portals that integrate with Slate CRM and Ellucian Banner, created course registration systems that handle complex prerequisite checking and waitlist management, and built mobile applications that provide students with real-time campus notifications and digital ID cards that work with physical access control systems.
Cincinnati's financial services sector includes major banking and investment management employers. Fifth Third Bank operates branches across multiple states, and Western & Southern Financial Group manages a large asset portfolio. These institutions require software that handles regulatory compliance, fraud detection, and transaction processing at scale.
The region's consumer packaged goods sector—anchored by Procter & Gamble—creates demand for supply chain visibility, demand forecasting, and quality management systems that operate across global manufacturing networks. We've built production tracking systems that monitor line speeds, downtime events, and quality metrics across multiple facilities, creating dashboards that provide plant managers with real-time visibility into OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) and predictive maintenance alerts based on equipment sensor data. These systems integrate with existing SCADA infrastructure without requiring equipment replacement.
Cincinnati businesses frequently operate custom ERP implementations—typically Microsoft Dynamics, SAP Business One, or industry-specific platforms like Prophet 21 or DDI System—that require ongoing development for new features, performance optimization, and integration with third-party systems. Our [ERP development](/services/erp-development) practice includes building custom modules that extend core functionality, creating integration layers that synchronize data between ERP and e-commerce platforms, and developing reporting systems that aggregate data from multiple ERP instances for companies operating through acquisition. We worked with a multi-location distributor to integrate three separate ERP systems following acquisitions, creating a unified inventory view that enabled centralized purchasing while maintaining local operational autonomy.
The region's strong manufacturing base creates opportunities for mobile applications that operate in industrial environments—factory floors, warehouses, distribution centers, and field service operations. Our [mobile development](/services/mobile-development) services include building rugged applications that work on Zebra and Honeywell handheld scanners, creating offline-first architectures that synchronize when connectivity resumes, and designing interfaces optimized for gloved hands and bright sunlight conditions. We developed a warehouse management application that reduced picking errors by implementing barcode verification, real-time inventory updates, and optimized pick paths that minimized travel distance.
Cincinnati's business environment benefits from Ohio's relatively affordable operating costs compared to coastal markets, but this cost advantage only matters when technology infrastructure supports efficient operations. We've helped Cincinnati companies achieve strong ROI on custom software investments by automating manual processes, eliminating duplicate data entry, and providing real-time visibility that enables faster decision-making, including through custom EDI integration that automatically imports orders from major retailers, validates inventory availability, and generates pick lists without manual intervention.
Working with Cincinnati businesses means understanding Midwest manufacturing culture—where relationships matter, uptime is critical, and solutions need to work reliably for years without constant attention. We maintain long-term partnerships with clients, providing ongoing support and iterative improvements rather than delivering projects and disappearing. Our development process includes extensive documentation, knowledge transfer sessions, and training that ensures internal IT teams can maintain and modify systems after implementation. This approach aligns with how Cincinnati companies operate—building for the long term, prioritizing reliability over flashy features, and valuing partners who understand their business beyond surface-level requirements.
FreedomDev is based in West Michigan and works with clients remotely across the United States.
Based in West Michigan, we serve businesses nationwide through remote collaboration and can discuss onsite needs when the situation calls for it.
Cincinnati manufacturers and distributors frequently operate ERP systems implemented in the 1990s or early 2000s—AS/400-based platforms, heavily customized versions of Great Plains or Solomon, or industry-specific systems built on FoxPro or PowerBuilder. We modernize these systems without complete replacement by building API layers that expose legacy data to modern applications, creating web-based interfaces that replace green-screen terminals, and migrating critical workflows to cloud infrastructure while maintaining integration with on-premise systems. A regional manufacturer reduced order processing time by replacing their AS/400 green-screen interface with a web application that provides real-time inventory visibility and guided data entry that validates customer information and product compatibility before order submission.
Most Cincinnati businesses operate ERP systems that require extensive customization to accommodate industry-specific workflows—whether Microsoft Dynamics, SAP Business One, Oracle NetSuite, or specialized platforms like Epicor or IFS. Our [ERP development](/services/erp-development) services include building custom modules that extend core functionality, creating integration middleware that synchronizes data with e-commerce platforms and CRM systems, and developing reporting solutions that aggregate data from multiple ERP instances. We worked with a multi-location distributor running three separate ERP systems following acquisitions, creating a unified data warehouse that provides consolidated inventory views, centralized purchasing recommendations, and executive dashboards that track performance across all locations while maintaining operational independence.
Cincinnati retailers and B2B distributors require e-commerce capabilities that integrate with existing ERP systems, handle complex pricing structures, and provide real-time inventory visibility. We build custom Shopify and BigCommerce integrations, develop headless commerce solutions using React or Vue.js for frontend and API-based backends, and create B2B portals with customer-specific pricing, approval workflows, and integration with purchasing systems. Our QuickBooks integration work demonstrates how we handle complex accounting integration. A regional industrial distributor increased online revenue after implementing our custom B2B portal that provides contract pricing, technical specification sheets, and integration with customers' procurement systems for punchout functionality.
Cincinnati's manufacturing and logistics operations require mobile applications that work in challenging environments—factory floors with limited connectivity, warehouses with concrete and metal interference, and field service locations without cellular coverage. Our [mobile development](/services/mobile-development) practice includes building offline-first applications that synchronize when connectivity resumes, developing solutions for rugged handheld devices from Zebra and Honeywell, and creating interfaces optimized for scanning barcodes and RFID tags. We built a field service application that reduced service call completion time by providing technicians with offline access to equipment manuals, parts inventory visibility, and digital forms that capture customer signatures and automatically generate invoices upon synchronization.
Cincinnati businesses operating SQL Server, Oracle, or MySQL databases frequently experience performance degradation as data volumes grow, requiring query optimization, index strategy revision, and sometimes complete database redesign. Our [database services](/services/database-services) include performance tuning that reduces query execution time, implementing data warehouses that separate reporting workloads from transactional systems, and designing backup and recovery strategies that minimize downtime. We optimized a financial reporting database that was taking a long time to generate monthly statements, significantly reducing execution time through query rewrites, strategic indexing, and implementing a materialized view strategy that pre-calculates frequently accessed aggregations.
Most Cincinnati businesses operate 5-15 disconnected systems—ERP, CRM, e-commerce, shipping, accounting, and industry-specific applications—that require manual data entry or fragile file-based integration. Our [systems integration](/services/systems-integration) practice builds REST and SOAP APIs that expose data from legacy systems, creates integration middleware using tools like MuleSoft or custom Node.js services, and implements event-driven architectures that propagate changes in real-time. We eliminated hours of weekly manual data entry for a regional distributor by building integration between their ERP system and Shopify store, automatically synchronizing inventory levels, processing orders, and updating tracking information without human intervention.
Cincinnati companies with multiple locations, business units, or systems require consolidated reporting that aggregates data from disparate sources and provides executive visibility into key performance metrics. We design data warehouses using dimensional modeling, implement ETL pipelines that validate data quality and maintain historical tracking, and create dashboards using Power BI, Tableau, or custom React-based interfaces. Our solutions include automated data refresh schedules, role-based access controls, and drill-down capabilities that let users investigate summary metrics.
Many Cincinnati businesses implement Salesforce or Microsoft Dynamics CRM only to discover they need extensive customization to match their sales processes, or that per-user licensing costs become prohibitive as they grow. We build custom CRM systems tailored to specific industry workflows—whether complex B2B sales cycles with multiple decision-makers and long qualification periods, or high-volume transactional sales requiring automated lead routing and follow-up sequences. Our solutions include email integration, document management, proposal generation, and sales forecasting. A professional services firm replaced Salesforce with our custom CRM, reducing annual software costs while gaining project tracking, resource scheduling, and financial management features that required expensive Salesforce add-ons.
Cincinnati businesses frequently operate with manual processes that involve email approvals, spreadsheet-based tracking, and paper forms—creating delays, errors, and lack of visibility. We analyze existing workflows, identify automation opportunities, and build systems that streamline approvals, eliminate duplicate data entry, and provide real-time process visibility. Our solutions include automated email notifications, role-based approval routing, and dashboard views that track process completion. A manufacturing company significantly reduced purchase order approval time by implementing our automated approval system that routes requests based on dollar thresholds, department budgets, and vendor relationships, while maintaining complete audit trails for financial reporting.
Many Cincinnati businesses operate on-premise infrastructure that requires capital investment in server hardware, creates limitations on remote access, and presents disaster recovery challenges. We plan and execute migrations to AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform, implementing infrastructure-as-code using Terraform, containerizing applications using Docker and Kubernetes, and establishing CI/CD pipelines for automated deployment. Our approach includes security architecture reviews, compliance assessments for PCI DSS requirements, and cost optimization strategies that rightsize resources. A regional distributor reduced IT infrastructure costs by migrating their on-premise applications to AWS, while gaining improved disaster recovery capabilities and the ability to scale resources during peak seasonal demand.
Cincinnati distributors and manufacturers working with major retailers—Kroger, Walmart, Target, Amazon—require EDI integration for purchase orders, advance ship notices, and invoices. We implement EDI translation software, establish trading partner connections through VANs or AS2 direct connections, and build integration between EDI systems and existing ERP platforms. Our solutions handle transaction sets including 850 (Purchase Order), 856 (ASN), 810 (Invoice), 997 (Functional Acknowledgment), and industry-specific formats. A food distributor automated order processing for multiple retail partners, eliminating manual data entry for monthly orders and reducing order errors through automated validation of item numbers, quantities, and shipping locations.
Cincinnati manufacturers maintaining ISO 9001, AS9100, or industry-specific quality certifications require document control systems, corrective action tracking, and supplier quality management. We build QMS platforms that manage controlled documents with revision tracking and approval workflows, implement CAPA systems that track root cause analysis and corrective actions, and develop supplier portals for managing quality agreements and performance scorecards. Our solutions include audit trail functionality and integration with inspection equipment for automated data capture.
FreedomDev built our fleet management system that processes 8,000+ GPS updates hourly across 400+ vehicles. The system integrates with our existing TMS platform and provides dispatch with real-time ETAs that consider current traffic and HOS regulations. We evaluated three commercial solutions that couldn't handle our data volumes or required expensive per-vehicle licensing—the custom solution paid for itself in 14 months through improved asset utilization and reduced customer service calls asking for delivery status.
FreedomDev connected ERP data directly to manufacturing equipment so mixer PLCs could validate batches and retrieve production information automatically.
Read the full case studyFreedomDev expanded a manufacturing label workflow into a traceability system connecting machine data, material lots, Business Central production orders, rework, and finished-good labeling.
Read the full case studyFreedomDev created an inventory workflow around existing ERP systems and later adapted it to support two warehouse platforms during a facility-by-facility migration.
Read the full case studyFreedomDev extended an existing student platform into mobile with guardian authentication, access management, push notifications, App Store deployment, TestFlight, and automated releases.
Read the full case studyFreedomDev built a custom inventory and order-management platform around eBay, connecting purchasing, inventory, photography, listings, orders, refunds, and reporting.
Read the full case studyFreedomDev replaced a legacy job-tracking system with a custom application connecting employees, timecards, purchase orders, jobs, payroll, invoicing, QuickBooks, and reporting.
Read the full case studyFreedomDev connected 15 QuickBooks environments, ADP, and Google Sheets into one reporting application for fixed assets, costing, and invoice reconciliation.
Read the full case studyTell us what is not working, what systems are involved, and what you are trying to improve. We'll help determine a practical next step.
Software Development in Cincinnati is part of our Software Development in Ohio coverage area.
Tell us what is not working, what systems are involved, and what you are trying to improve in Software Development in Cincinnati. We'll help determine a practical next step.
