Question 1

What does TOPO do?

Accepted Answer

TOPO builds custom software, AI agents, data platforms, and cloud systems for SMBs. TOPO also connects your tools so your team can work faster and with fewer manual steps.

Question 2

Who is TOPO for?

Accepted Answer

TOPO serves SMB owners and operators who want to digitise operations, reduce admin work, and improve reporting. TOPO supports teams that run sales, fulfilment, finance, customer support, and operations.

Question 3

What problems does TOPO solve?

Accepted Answer

TOPO fixes issues like manual workflows, scattered data, slow reporting, duplicated data entry, and tool sprawl. TOPO also builds systems that reduce delays in approvals, follow-ups, and customer handling.

Question 4

Do I need a full system rebuild to work with TOPO?

Accepted Answer

No. TOPO can start with one workflow, one integration, or one module. TOPO can also modernise your system in phases.

Question 5

Can TOPO work with my existing website and tools?

Accepted Answer

Yes. TOPO integrates with your existing stack where it makes sense. TOPO can also replace parts that block performance or scale.

Question 6

What services does TOPO offer?

Accepted Answer

TOPO provides:
• Custom software development (web apps, portals, internal tools)
• AI agents (support, sales ops, internal assistants)
• Systems integration (APIs, automation, data sync)
• Cloud infrastructure and migration (AWS and modern cloud setups)
• Business intelligence and analytics (including Beacon)
• Ongoing support and improvement plans

Question 7

What is "custom software development" in simple terms?

Accepted Answer

Custom software is a system built for your workflows. It matches how your team works. It removes repeated manual tasks. It centralises data and actions in one place.

Question 8

What are AI agents?

Accepted Answer

AI agents are assistants that handle tasks like triage, answering, routing, summarising, and data entry. They can work inside your tools like email, chat, CRM, ticketing, or internal dashboards.

Question 9

What is "systems integration"?

Accepted Answer

Systems integration connects tools so they share data. It reduces double entry. It also keeps records consistent across systems like CRM, accounting, inventory, and support.

Question 10

What is cloud infrastructure migration?

Accepted Answer

Cloud migration moves your apps, databases, and workflows to a modern cloud setup. It improves reliability, access control, and scaling.

Question 11

What is Beacon?

Accepted Answer

Beacon is TOPO's business intelligence platform. Beacon turns your business data into dashboards, reports, and alerts. Beacon helps teams track sales, operations, and performance in one view.

Question 12

What can Beacon track?

Accepted Answer

Beacon can track:
• Leads, pipeline, and conversion rates
• Revenue, margins, and key financial indicators
• Operations metrics (cycle time, backlog, fulfilment)
• Customer support metrics (SLA, response time, resolution)
• Marketing metrics (source, cost, ROI)
• Inventory and procurement signals

Question 13

Does Beacon replace Excel?

Accepted Answer

Beacon reduces Excel dependency. Beacon gives you one source of truth and automated reporting. Your team can still export data when needed.

Question 14

Can Beacon connect to my current tools?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Beacon can pull data from CRMs, databases, spreadsheets, ERPs, and support tools. TOPO confirms connectors and API access during discovery.

Question 15

Can Beacon send alerts?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Beacon can trigger alerts for thresholds like low stock, pipeline drops, overdue tasks, or unusual spikes.

Question 16

What are common AI agent use cases for SMBs?

Accepted Answer

Common use cases include:
• Customer support first-response and ticket triage
• Lead qualification and enquiry routing
• Sales ops support (summaries, follow-up drafts)
• Internal knowledge assistant (SOP lookup, policy Q&A)
• Meeting and call summaries with action items
• Data entry support and structured note capture
• Document parsing (invoices, forms, PDFs) with checks

Question 17

Can an AI agent work on WhatsApp, web chat, or email?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in many cases. The best channel depends on your tools and compliance needs. TOPO designs the safest flow for your team and your customers.

Question 18

Will an AI agent hallucinate and give wrong answers?

Accepted Answer

An AI agent can make mistakes if you let it answer without rules. TOPO reduces this risk by adding guardrails, approved knowledge sources, and escalation paths to humans.

Question 19

Can the AI agent follow my brand voice?

Accepted Answer

Yes. TOPO can set tone rules, approved phrases, and response structures. TOPO can also limit what the agent can say in high-risk cases.

Question 20

Can the AI agent take actions, not just chat?

Accepted Answer

Yes. An AI agent can trigger actions like creating tickets, updating CRM fields, booking slots, or generating quotes. TOPO builds permissions so the agent acts only within allowed scope.

Question 21

What types of apps does TOPO build?

Accepted Answer

TOPO builds:
• Customer portals and partner portals
• Internal admin dashboards
• Booking and scheduling systems
• Order and fulfilment systems
• Approval workflows
• Membership and subscription platforms
• Asset tracking and operations tools
• Quote-to-invoice tools
• Data capture tools for field teams

Question 22

Can TOPO build something like a marketplace or eCommerce system?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if the goal fits your business model. TOPO can build single-seller commerce, internal catalogues, B2B ordering, and operational workflows.

Question 23

Can TOPO improve an existing app instead of building a new one?

Accepted Answer

Yes. TOPO can audit, refactor, and extend your current product. TOPO can also rebuild only the parts that block speed, security, or scaling.

Question 24

What tools can TOPO integrate with?

Accepted Answer

TOPO can integrate with many tools via APIs and webhooks. Common categories include:
• CRM (lead and pipeline tools)
• Accounting (invoices, payments)
• Messaging and support (tickets, chat)
• Marketing automation (email, forms)
• Inventory and fulfilment systems
• Payment gateways
• Data warehouses and analytics tools

Question 25

What if my tool has no API?

Accepted Answer

TOPO can explore safe alternatives like database access, exports, or approved automation methods. TOPO will avoid brittle setups when they create long-term risk.

Question 26

Can TOPO automate approvals and handoffs between teams?

Accepted Answer

Yes. TOPO can build workflows that route tasks, request approval, and log decisions. TOPO can also add notifications and audit trails.

Question 27

Which cloud platforms does TOPO use?

Accepted Answer

TOPO commonly uses AWS for cloud infrastructure. TOPO can also work with other cloud providers when your stack needs it.

Question 28

Does TOPO handle hosting and maintenance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you choose a managed plan. TOPO can manage uptime, monitoring, backups, security patches, and incident response processes.

Question 29

Can TOPO deploy to my company's cloud account?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many clients prefer this. You keep control and ownership. TOPO deploys with least-privilege access and clear handover steps.

Question 30

Do you provide backups and disaster recovery?

Accepted Answer

Yes. TOPO can configure automated backups, restore testing, and recovery procedures. The exact setup depends on your uptime and data needs.

Question 31

Can TOPO set up staging and production environments?

Accepted Answer

Yes. TOPO can set up dev, staging, and production environments. This reduces risk during releases.

Question 32

How does TOPO handle data security?

Accepted Answer

TOPO uses access control, encryption, secure secrets storage, and logging. TOPO also applies least-privilege permissions and secure deployment practices.

Question 33

Does TOPO support PDPA requirements in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

Yes. TOPO can design data flows and access rules that support PDPA-aligned handling. You remain the data controller, and TOPO supports you with secure implementation.

Question 34

Where will my data be stored?

Accepted Answer

Data storage depends on your hosting choice. TOPO can host in a region you select when the platform supports it.

Question 35

Can TOPO work with sensitive data?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with the right safeguards. TOPO defines roles, access, auditing, and storage rules early in the project.

Question 36

Do you sign NDAs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. TOPO can sign an NDA. TOPO can also work under your vendor security process when required.

Question 37

What is the typical project budget?

Accepted Answer

Many TOPO projects sit in the SGD $10,000 to $50,000 range. Cost depends on scope, integrations, data, and security needs.

Question 38

Why does custom software cost more than off-the-shelf tools?

Accepted Answer

Custom software matches your workflow and reduces hidden costs like manual work, data errors, and workarounds. You also control the roadmap and ownership.

Question 39

Do you offer fixed-price projects?

Accepted Answer

TOPO can offer fixed-price work when scope is clear and stable. TOPO can also offer phased delivery with clear milestones.

Question 40

Do you offer monthly support plans?

Accepted Answer

Yes. TOPO offers ongoing support and improvement plans. These can include monitoring, bug fixes, updates, and small enhancements.

Question 41

What payment terms do you use?

Accepted Answer

TOPO usually uses milestone-based payments. TOPO aligns invoices with delivery checkpoints.

Question 42

What is TOPO's project process?

Accepted Answer

TOPO usually follows these steps:
1. Discovery and requirements
2. System design and architecture
3. UI and workflow prototypes (when needed)
4. Build and integration
5. Testing and quality checks
6. Deployment
7. Training and handover
8. Support and iteration

Question 43

What is discovery?

Accepted Answer

Discovery clarifies your workflows, users, data, and constraints. TOPO documents the scope and confirms what success looks like.

Question 44

How long does a project take?

Accepted Answer

Timeline depends on scope. Small builds can take weeks. Larger systems can take months. TOPO confirms a timeline after discovery.

Question 45

How do you manage changes during the project?

Accepted Answer

TOPO logs change requests and impact. TOPO then adjusts scope, timeline, or budget in a controlled way.

Question 46

Do you provide documentation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. TOPO can provide system docs, admin guides, and handover notes. The document set depends on your team needs.

Question 47

Does TOPO design the UI as well as build the system?

Accepted Answer

Yes. TOPO can design the user flows and screens. TOPO can also work with your designer if you have one.

Question 48

Will the system work on mobile?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if your users need it. TOPO can build responsive web apps or mobile-first screens based on your use cases.

Question 49

How does TOPO improve speed and performance?

Accepted Answer

TOPO improves performance by using efficient architecture, caching where needed, and clean front-end delivery. TOPO also monitors performance after launch.

Question 50

Who owns the code?

Accepted Answer

Ownership depends on the contract. Many clients prefer full ownership and repository access. TOPO can structure delivery so you control the assets.

Question 51

Will I get access to the source code repository?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if the agreement includes it. TOPO can host the repo in your GitHub or GitLab organisation.

Question 52

Can TOPO build on top of open-source tools?

Accepted Answer

Yes. TOPO can use open-source libraries where appropriate. TOPO also tracks licences and obligations.

Question 53

What happens after launch?

Accepted Answer

TOPO monitors the system, fixes issues, and handles improvements based on your plan. TOPO can also run training for admins and team leads.

Question 54

Do you provide SLAs?

Accepted Answer

TOPO can provide response-time targets in a support plan. The SLA depends on business criticality and budget.

Question 55

Can TOPO add features later?

Accepted Answer

Yes. TOPO can maintain a roadmap and release plan. TOPO can also run quarterly review cycles if you want steady improvements.

Question 56

Which industries does TOPO work with?

Accepted Answer

TOPO works with many SMB sectors, including:
• Professional services
• Education and training
• Healthcare admin and clinics (non-clinical tooling)
• Logistics and fulfilment operations
• Retail operations and back office
• Property and facilities operations
• Membership and subscription businesses

Question 57

Does TOPO support B2B and B2C use cases?

Accepted Answer

Yes. TOPO can build B2B portals, internal tools, and customer-facing systems.

Question 58

Which tech stack does TOPO use?

Accepted Answer

TOPO selects a modern stack that suits your goals, integrations, and hosting needs. TOPO prioritises maintainability, security, and speed.

Question 59

Can TOPO integrate with my database?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if access and security rules allow it. TOPO can also set up replication or read-only access where needed.

Question 60

Can TOPO build APIs for my partners?

Accepted Answer

Yes. TOPO can build secure APIs with authentication, rate limits, and logging.

Question 61

Can TOPO support multi-branch or multi-team access?

Accepted Answer

Yes. TOPO can build role-based access, branch-level permissions, and audit logs.

Question 62

What do you need from me to start?

Accepted Answer

TOPO needs your goals, current tools list, key workflows, and user roles. TOPO also needs access to any existing docs and sample data where possible.

Question 63

Can you show examples or case studies?

Accepted Answer

Yes. TOPO can share relevant examples that match your use case and constraints. Availability depends on client permissions.

Question 64

How do I request a proposal?

Accepted Answer

You share your goals and constraints. TOPO runs a short discovery call. TOPO then produces a scoped plan with milestones and costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

Services Overview

Beacon (Business Intelligence Platform)

AI Agent Use Cases

Custom Software and Web Apps

Integrations and Automation

Cloud, DevOps, and Hosting

Security, Privacy, and Compliance

Pricing and Packages

Process and Delivery

UI, UX, and Performance

Ownership and Intellectual Property

Support and Post-Launch

Industries and Fit

Technical Questions

Sales and Next Steps

Ready to Transform Your Business?