Understand the work
We start with the people, records and decisions involved. Walking through a real example helps establish what the software should do, where it connects with existing systems and which parts need particular care.
About Kingfisher Systems · Melbourne
Software built around the work
Kingfisher Systems is a Melbourne development practice for retail and ecommerce brands. We build Shopify storefronts, connect business systems and create focused applications for the work that happens around them, and you deal with the developer doing the work from the first conversation to the last release.
From the storefront to the back office
The whole workflow matters
Most of our work sits between the customer and the operation. A purchase becomes an order to fulfil. An exchange changes stock. A custom product needs artwork and production instructions. We're interested in how those steps fit together, and in making the software reflect what people actually need to do, because that is where a store either runs smoothly or runs on someone's memory.
That can mean a focused improvement to an existing storefront, a connection between two platforms or a complete application. Whatever the size, we take responsibility for the whole piece of work: its purpose, its dependencies, how we will check it and what it will need after launch.
We work with Shopify, the warehouse, wholesale, point of sale and finance systems around it, and the tools teams use every day, from Melbourne and remotely with teams elsewhere.
A practical way of thinking
Understand the job. Take care with the details
Good software starts with the right question. What is the customer trying to buy? What does the team need to know next? Which system holds the information? Those questions settle most of the scope and design before anything gets built, and they are questions a brand owner can answer without a technical brief.
We bring storefront development and operational software into the same conversation. The way a customer selects a product matters, and so does the information that reaches the warehouse or workshop afterwards. Following that journey keeps the customer experience and the business process connected.
We use AI tools where they help with a defined task, and check the result as part of the development work.
Make choices clear
You should be able to understand what we are building and why. We explain the scope and tradeoffs in plain language, and review anything that needs too much explanation so it is easier to use.
Check the whole journey
A feature belongs to a wider workflow. We test real customer and staff journeys on reviewable previews, using current products, settings and representative records. We agree the release separately, including checks for what happens after an order or job begins: an exchange, a changed quantity or a promotion ending.
Think beyond launch
The next change matters too. Maintainable code, useful documentation and a clear handover are part of the work. We also agree what support it needs once it’s part of the daily routine.
Who you'll work with
Chris Borbidge, developer
Kingfisher Systems is led by Chris Borbidge, a Melbourne developer who builds Shopify storefronts, connects business systems and creates focused applications for retail and ecommerce brands.
Chris is the developer you deal with on every project. You work with him from understanding the task through development, review and handover, and he is still the person you call afterwards. There is no account manager in between, so nothing is lost between the person who heard the problem and the person who solved it.
The experience behind the approach
Three projects. One way of working
Three projects that show the range: an integration, a storefront, and a tool that lives at a shop counter.
ELK · Connected retail operations
Four systems in step at 7,000 orders a month
Shopify, NuORDER, Datapel WMS and ShipStation, with one application carrying orders, stock and shipments between them. It's how we think about integration: follow the retail activity and give each connection one job.
2XU · Theme architecture and performance
Same design, 40% less JavaScript
Theme engineering for 2XU: a modern build, more selective loading and repeatable releases within the existing design.
MSS Repairs · Repair operations
Quoted the same day, approved from a link, paid at the counter
A repair application for a surf shop: quote, approval, workshop queue, label, SMS and Shopify POS payment on one record. Software that lives at a counter.
Working together
A direct relationship, from brief to handover
Bring a defined project, an existing system that needs attention or a practical problem that needs working through.
A direct relationship
The person discussing the brief is the person doing the development. You can explain the problem in your own terms, ask practical questions and review the work with Chris throughout the project.
Somewhere to start
We can begin with one defined improvement or work through a bigger requirement together. Step one is agreeing what success looks like and choosing a first version we can build and review together.
A considered handover
We can collaborate with your existing developers and the people using the software. We plan the review, rollout and handover around their responsibilities, then agree any continuing support the work needs.
Also built by Kingfisher
Experience from our own products
Running our own products means living with every decision: the interface, the application behind it, and keeping it useful after launch.
Brick Buddies
Short maths practice for Grades 1 to 6, with Australian landmarks to build and collect. Running it means the interface, family accounts, saved progress and the next feature are all ours to look after.
Explore Brick BuddiesA little more about working with us
Before we talk
Do I need a technical brief?
No. Tell us what happens today, who's involved and what you want to improve. We can work out the technical requirements together.
Can you work on software we already have?
Yes, most of our work is. We read what's there first, then we agree the change, what it depends on and how we'll check it.
Do you run projects?
Our role is hands on development. We can help shape the approach early, then take responsibility for a defined part of the build, working with your team through development, review and handover.
What happens after the project launches?
We agree the handover and any ongoing support as part of the scope. That may include resolving issues, maintaining the connection or developing the next improvement as requirements change.
Work directly with Chris
Tell us what
you're working on
Tell us what you're trying to make work. A storefront detail, a process across several platforms, a product idea. We can start with the practical problem and work out the next step.