Define access around the tasks the contractor needs to complete. A contractor may need assigned job details and a submission form while internal pricing or other customers remain restricted. Test those boundaries directly rather than relying only on the menu being hidden.
What could this look like in practice?
An external contractor is assigned a repair. They can view its location and instructions, add a completion note and upload photographs. Internal staff review the submission. The contractor cannot browse unrelated work or change the business's approval decision.
Where should you start?
- List the exact contractor tasks.
- Limit records to the required assignments.
- Specify which fields can be viewed or changed.
- Review access when the engagement ends.
Questions and answers
Can different contractors have different access?
Yes, roles and record-level rules can be designed around requirements. Keep the rules understandable and test representative combinations, including changes of assignment.
Does hiding a screen protect the data?
Not by itself. Access controls need to apply to the underlying records and actions. Include attempts to reach unauthorised records in acceptance testing.
Would we need bespoke software?
Not necessarily. First check whether suitable existing tools or a change to the process can meet this requirement. A dedicated system is worth investigating where an important gap remains. Demonstrate your normal workflow and an exception so the proposed approach can be assessed against real work.
What affects the cost?
The scope, user roles, information handled, integrations and testing requirements all affect the work involved. Hosting, maintenance and support also belong in the overall budget. Agree the essential first release before requesting an estimate; a generic price cannot establish what your particular project needs.
Plan a useful next step with Digital Solutions
Bring a typical record and explain where work gets delayed, repeated or handed over. Digital Solutions can help define a practical software requirement around those tasks. Agree what a successful first version should achieve, how staff will test it and who will maintain the process after launch.
Explore our custom software development services or view our projects.