The Year of Internal Tools
7 hours ago
- Geocodio has long emphasized automation with custom bash scripts and deployment tools to save time and reduce errors.
- The advent of AI and frontier models has enabled Geocodio to build full-fledged internal apps with good UX, mobile support, and test coverage, while also managing maintenance via AI.
- A structured system for building internal tools includes planning, research, 'Grill Me' sessions, UI mockups, and use of powerful models like Fable.
- Internal tools share a common component library (console-ui package) and high standards for testing, CI, and code analysis.
- Each tool ships with its own AI-assisted documentation that stays in sync with code changes via a rule in CLAUDE.md.
- Examples of built tools include Atlas (customer support), Bullpen (sprint management), Yak (coding agent), a deployment tool, a compliance tool, and Treehouse (branch isolation).
- Building their own support platform allows deep integration with workflows and data, reducing the need to juggle multiple tools.
- Geocodio does not aim to replace all SaaS products; decisions are based on domain experience, business impact of downtime, and integration value.
- Internal tools come with responsibilities like uptime and access control, with some operating without staging environments and entirely within a private network.
- Starting small by bridging gaps between existing tools is recommended for other companies considering similar approaches.