Rebuilding a legacy internal workflow system
I rebuilt an outdated Ruby on Rails internal workflow platform for a UK creative production agency, replacing rigid fixed views and slow data loading with a modern Nuxt.js and ASP.NET Core system.
- Frontend
- Nuxt.js with server-side rendering
- Backend
- ASP.NET Core API with Entity Framework
- Database
- MySQL
- Architecture
- Separate frontend and API-driven backend
The problem
The original system had become slow, dated and difficult to extend. Staff relied on multiple fixed pages for different filtered views of the same data, which made finding specific jobs and production information harder than it needed to be.
The solution
Instead of recreating the old system page by page, I redesigned the workflow around one powerful list interface. Users can now search, sort and filter records themselves, while the backend only returns the data needed for the current view.
The result
The business now has a faster, cleaner and more secure internal platform with stronger user control, stricter permissions and a codebase that is easier to maintain and extend.
Key features delivered
What changed in the rebuild
Modern job and data management
A central place for staff to view and manage operational data without jumping between multiple hard-coded pages.
Advanced filtering and sorting
Users can create their own operational views by searching, filtering and sorting records directly.
Fast and responsive frontend
Nuxt.js, server-side rendering and preloading techniques help pages load quickly and navigation feel immediate.
Secure user access
Two-factor authentication, invite-based account setup, stronger password ownership and stricter permissions improved access control.
Scalable backend
The ASP.NET Core API and Entity Framework structure give the system a maintainable foundation for future features.
Reduced data loading
The platform requests only the records needed for the current view instead of pushing excessive data into the browser.
Commercial value
- A faster platform for staff to use day to day
- A cleaner and more modern user experience
- Better control over users and permissions
- Reduced reliance on manual workarounds
- A more maintainable codebase for future improvements
- A flexible foundation that can grow with the business
Tech stack
- Frontend
- Nuxt.js, server-side rendering
- Backend
- ASP.NET Core Web API
- Database/ORM
- MySQL with Entity Framework
- Deployment
- Web-hosted internal business platform
Scope of work
From audit to launch preparation
- Review the existing internal system
- Identify workflow and performance issues
- Redesign the core user experience
- Build the Nuxt.js frontend
- Build the ASP.NET Core backend
- Create the Entity Framework data access layer
- Implement authentication and permissions
- Add flexible filtering and sorting tools
- Refine the system with client feedback
- Prepare the system for deployment
Before
The client had a slow, outdated internal tool with rigid views, weaker account management and limited flexibility. Staff had to work around the software instead of the software supporting how they naturally worked.
After
The client now has a modern internal workflow platform that is faster, more secure, easier to use and easier to extend. Users can access the data they need from one flexible interface while the business has a stronger technical foundation.