# Pilot West Studios

> Pilot West Studios is a Nashville-based custom software studio specializing in ERP integration, legacy system modernization, and custom enterprise software for small and mid-market businesses. We diagnose before we prescribe — and we turn away roughly 80% of prospects who don't actually need custom software.

Pilot West Studios builds and modernizes the operational backbone software that mid-market companies rely on: ERP, CRM, logistics, and the integrations between them. We work with businesses whose existing systems — often a mix of off-the-shelf platforms, spreadsheets, and aging custom code — have stopped fitting how the business actually runs.

Our positioning is deliberate: we are an honest broker, not a vendor maximizing scope. Most companies do not need custom software; they need a clearer view of where their existing tools are failing and a smaller intervention than they think. The first conversation is always a free consultation aimed at figuring out whether custom work is the right answer at all.

We are remote, based in Nashville, Tennessee. Founders Jake Haynes and Adam Taylor combine operations engineering and fractional-CTO experience. Phone: (615) 906-7117.

## Services

- [Custom enterprise software](https://pilotweststudios.com/services/custom-enterprise-software): Purpose-built systems for businesses whose operations have outgrown configurable platforms.
- [ERP software integration](https://pilotweststudios.com/services/erp-software-integration): Connecting ERPs to the surrounding stack — CRM, e-commerce, finance, logistics — without ripping the ERP out.
- [Legacy software system modernization](https://pilotweststudios.com/services/legacy-software-system-modernization): Replacing or rebuilding aging custom systems (Visual Basic, FoxPro, on-prem databases) with modern, maintainable software.
- [Logistics ERP software](https://pilotweststudios.com/services/logistics-erp-software): Custom logistics and distribution systems for companies whose workflows don't fit standard freight or 3PL platforms.
- [Custom CRM software](https://pilotweststudios.com/services/custom-crm-software): Custom CRM for the sales and operations workflows where Salesforce and HubSpot can't be made to fit.

## Industries

- [Custom ERP for construction](https://pilotweststudios.com/industries/custom-erp-for-construction)
- [Custom ERP for distribution](https://pilotweststudios.com/industries/custom-erp-for-distribution)
- [Custom ERP for manufacturing](https://pilotweststudios.com/industries/custom-erp-for-manufacturing)
- [Custom ERP for logistics](https://pilotweststudios.com/industries/custom-erp-for-logistics)

## How we work

- [Process](https://pilotweststudios.com/how-it-works): Our diagnostic-first engagement model — consultation, scoping, build, handoff.
- [About](https://pilotweststudios.com/about): Founder backgrounds and how Pilot West came to exist.
- [FAQ](https://pilotweststudios.com/faq): Common questions about pricing, timelines, working remotely, and ownership of code.

## Tools and resources

- [ERP cost calculator](https://pilotweststudios.com/tools/erp-cost-calculator): Free interactive tool that estimates rebuild vs. integration cost ranges for an ERP modernization project.
- [Business Owner's Guide to ERP Modernization](https://pilotweststudios.com/business-owners-guide.pdf): Free PDF guide for owners weighing whether to rebuild, integrate, or stay on legacy systems.
- [Resources](https://pilotweststudios.com/resources): Index of guides, tools, and reference material.

## Case studies

- [SASS](https://pilotweststudios.com/case-studies/sass): Custom enterprise platform replacement.
- [Sweet Dreams](https://pilotweststudios.com/case-studies/sweet-dreams): Operations and order-management modernization.
- [TalkAbroad](https://pilotweststudios.com/case-studies/talkabroad): Custom platform serving language-learning operations.
- [VOAFit](https://pilotweststudios.com/case-studies/voafit): Fitness operations platform build.
- [Visual Basic application rebuild](https://pilotweststudios.com/case-studies/visual-basic-application): Modernizing a legacy VB system without disrupting daily operations.
- [Visual FoxPro replacement](https://pilotweststudios.com/case-studies/visual-fox-pro): Migrating off a discontinued platform with operational continuity.

## Blog

- [Most companies don't need a new ERP. Here's how to know.](https://pilotweststudios.com/blog/most-companies-dont-need-a-new-erp): Diagnostic framework for owners weighing custom rebuilds against integrations.
- [Software developers are screwing business owners. Here's how to avoid it.](https://pilotweststudios.com/blog/software-developers-screwing-business-owners): Seven patterns the industry uses, and the practical defenses that work.
- [Legacy software modernization: 5 signs it's time.](https://pilotweststudios.com/blog/when-to-modernize-legacy-software): When the cost of keeping the old system finally exceeds the cost of replacing it.
- [Legacy system to cloud migration: how to know if it's right for you.](https://pilotweststudios.com/blog/legacy-system-cloud-migration-guide): Diagnose before prescribing — cloud isn't always the answer.
- [Custom software development for small business: should you build or buy in 2026?](https://pilotweststudios.com/blog/custom-software-development-small-business-buy-vs-build): A buy-vs-build framework for owners considering custom software.
- [The one software modernization question that saves $100K on legacy rebuilds.](https://pilotweststudios.com/blog/software-modernization-question-saves-100k): Why most owners focus on what to rebuild when they should be asking why.

## Contact

- [Book a free consultation](https://pilotweststudios.com/book-a-call): Schedule a no-cost diagnostic conversation.
- [Contact](https://pilotweststudios.com/contact): General contact form.
- Phone: (615) 906-7117

## Optional

- [Privacy policy](https://pilotweststudios.com/privacy-policy)
- [Terms of service](https://pilotweststudios.com/terms-of-service)
- [Sitemap](https://pilotweststudios.com/sitemap.xml)