Academy Smart

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the owner of the company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Academy Smart?

We hire Academy Smart for our own overload.

What were your goals for this project?

Goals were to convert an existing app in Android / iOS to a single ReactNative application. To improve time-to-market aspect of our client.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We selected them because of the firm relationship build and professional image we get.

One other important aspect for us was, if we were to have a long term dedicated developer he/she would need to be able to work at an office of the company, have a healthy environment and colleagues, with a perspective of growth.

Describe the project in detail.

After we chosen to work with Academy Smart we wanted a project which could proof our ability to collaborate, which it does after having a release planned after 3 months of work.

What was the team composition?

We hired one developer and the project manager was included. We ourselves represent Academy Smart when communicating to the end-client and the other way around.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The app is not released yet, but the fact that our team was able to hook in the app adding new features within an hour, demonstrates that Academy Smarts' developer was able to work against our standards.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

It was easy communicating, because they provided a private slack channel as wel as a jira board.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Communication was above expectation. The team demonstrated proactivity and the will to improve code quality.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Every company can improve, currently it's too early for us to see what improvements can be made from their side. Everything is going as planned.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

For organizations that want to reduce privacy & cyber risks with a human factor, we offer privacy and security awareness training, which can be adjusted to the wishes of the customer, because all employees are different.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Academy Smart?

We could not distribute our training to our customers in a way that left them amazed. Because there was no standard solution, we wanted to have it built.

What were your goals for this project?

We've listed all our wishes for the functionalities and the timeline that we were looking for. This project will be the key service we offer to our customers, so we were more looking voor quality then quantity.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We were looking at a few vendors when Academy Smart contacted us in a very friendly way. And we just had a connection. Unlike the 4 other vendors they challenged us and thought with us to have the best possible features in the project.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

We gave our description and goals to Academy Smart. They fine tuned those into smaller working products. Then everything was developed, configured and designed.

What was the team composition?

During the whole project we had the same projectmanager. She really helpt with the whole thinking process and getting all the feature in line. And off course demo the products. There were some developers and designers working on our project. One developer was always present during our demo meetings. I don't know how many were on the team. Sometimes it felt like a whole army was working for us, and that felt great.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?

During development we added more features. We thought they were too important not to have, because you can only make a good impresion once. Sinds we have shown this to some of our customers, they are actually amazed.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

As described earlier, the supplier's project manager is the best we have ever worked with. She has delivered more than could be asked of her and exceeded expectations on multiple occasions. Communication was done via google hangouts, email and Slack We never had issues caused by language barriers or time difference.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

What we find most impressive is that they always think with you to create the best possible product.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Of course there are points of improvement. However, these are not so much with the supplier, but with us. In the next project that we are going to do with Academy Smart, we will clarify the definition of done by product / feature even more clearly. Now, for example, we only have the documentation at the end of the project. We will also ask for the additions to nice to have features at the end of the project. This naturally shifted the completion date. Again these are not improvements for Academy Smart but for ourselves.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the former VP of product at Cloudyn, a company that developed software for cloud cost management and governance. Cloudyn was acquired by Microsoft in June 2017, and I currently work as a Microsoft program manager.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Academy Smart?

Initially, we hired them for testing cost automation. Eventually, they began working on software development for the product.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted support for the ongoing development of our flagship product.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I received a recommendation from a consultant that I respect. The consultant had represented the team in Israel prior to our engagement.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

The team implemented various modules in our flagship product. Before beginning software development, they tested automation for the cost management software. Then, they participated in the product design, taking over frontend development for the system UI.

Their work included analyzing the business logic, as well as performing backend development. Specifically, they worked on AWS data collection, Microsoft Azure connectors, and Google connectors. They also helped develop a collection engine.

What was the team composition?

The team grew from two members to the 11 people we work with today. It has consisted of test automation engineers, UI developers, as well as Java backend and full stack developers. The team of engineers has become an integral part of our development team.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?

The team played a role in the development of virtually every feature we released.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

Smart Academy brought on two local team leaders who report to the VP, research and development, or another team leader. Internal stakeholders were in direct contact with all team engineers.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They deliver high-quality results, as their management ensures all engineers add value. The team maintains a service-oriented working style.

Are there any areas for improvement?

In some cases during the beginning of our engagement, we experienced miscommunication about business requirements. However, internal resources were also to blame. As the partnership has developed, our communication has become much more efficient.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner of IT Soft, an IT firm in Israel.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Academy Smart?

We typically outsource projects to Ukraine and Academy Smart is one of our vendors.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Academy Smart does development and design work for us. They find people with the right expertise in particular technologies to work on our projects.

What is the team composition?

I work with their CEO, CTO, and HR manager.

How did you come to work with Academy Smart?

I found them on Upwork.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent over $1 million on their services.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in August 2014, and the collaboration is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

Most of the projects we’ve done together have been successful. Everything was accomplished and there haven’t been any big failures. While there can be issues in every project, they eventually straighten things out.

How did Academy Smart perform from a project management standpoint?

They put the right people in charge of managing projects. They’re able to manage our timeframes and the tasks that need to get done. We’re in contact on a daily basis.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re committed and failure is not an option with them.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They just need to continue keeping up with technologies and doing the great work they’re doing.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Owner / Strategic Partnerships of Couponix

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

At Couponix, we source and supply high-quality pharmaceutical components to 503A and 503B compounding pharmacies across the U.S., combining decades of industry expertise with personalized, reliable service.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Academy Smart to accomplish?

• Build me a great looking and functioning website

SOLUTION

How did you find Academy Smart?

Referral

Why did you select Academy Smart over others?

• High ratings
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me

How many teammates from Academy Smart were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Academy Smart handled the entire website development, from gathering requirements and selecting a suitable WordPress theme to full development and implementation. They delivered a responsive, SEO-optimized site that showcases our product catalog and simplifies order inquiries. They continue to support the site with ongoing technical maintenance.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Launching the website significantly improved our online presence. We received positive feedback from clients about the new site’s usability and clarity. The site made it easier for customers to access product information and get in touch with us, and we’ve seen a noticeable increase in overall interest and engagement since going online.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Their team was responsive and professional throughout. They delivered the work on schedule and were proactive in offering recommendations. Communication was smooth and timelines were respected.

What was your primary form of communication with Academy Smart?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Most impressive was the communication and ease of being able to get ahold of the team and also quick turnaround times. If I requested am update or saw something I wanted to change, the updates were made with 24-48 hours of my request. 

Are there any areas for improvement or something Academy Smart could have done differently?

Companies can always find ways to get better but from my experience, they did a wonderful job and I continue to work with the team to grow my website. I highly recommend!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the CEO of zumbat.it

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We know the web is possibility and development, and we are more than willing to made these our everyday life. We want to shape our future, sharing the same ideals of generosity, support and knowledge.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Academy Smart to accomplish?
Develop a frontend and backend platform with modern architecture

SOLUTION

How did you find Academy Smart?

Online Search

Why did you select Academy Smart over others?

Company values aligned

How many teammates from Academy Smart were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

From a visual design on the figma the goal was to create the api structure and the design aligned as much as possible with the figma with a high attention to detail and a quick experience of the platform

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Constant training with weekly releases, my supplier aligned perfectly with our agile method!

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

The supplier fully satisfied my requests, furthermore since it was a project that lasted for years, I was always updated on the progress every moment, and I always felt comforted by their level of competence

What was your primary form of communication with Academy Smart?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The ability to seamlessly align with my company workflows, it seemed like the team was internal to my company! They also have really talented resources

Are there any areas for improvement or something Academy Smart could have done differently?

None, always satisfied, I hope to have another project with them

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the CEO of Yabbu

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Less and better meetings!

Yabbu allows you to easily share an interactive agenda. Participants are perfectly prepared and most items will be finished before the meeting. Minutes, tasks and decisions are ready as soon as the meeting is over.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Academy Smart to accomplish?

• Outsource development and operations activities

SOLUTION

How did you find Academy Smart?

Network

Why did you select Academy Smart over others?

• High ratings
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Academy Smart were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

The scope concerns the development and maintenance of the Yabbu application.

Key deliverables:

- Refactoring, performance and functional improvements
- Upgrades to the latest versions of frameworks and libraries
- Integrating a payment service provider microservice
- Improving and making the infrastructure more secure
- Further development of the mobile app for iOS and Android

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

- Performance improvements
- Successful upgrades and migrations
- Successful improvements in infrastructure
- Working staging version of payment service

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

- Proactive attitude
- Responsive to our needs
- Committed to our goals
- Clear tracking of tasks en deadlines
- Great expections management

What was your primary form of communication with Academy Smart?

In-Person Meeting

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Their versatility and can-do mentality stand out.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Academy Smart could have done differently?

Focus 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Im co-founder and work aas CTO Our development based on domestic server and several external user interfaces

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Academy Smart, and what were your goals?

1. Web angular 
2. Mobile app development 
3. UI design 
4. Dev op services 
5. Project consulter

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

I did several interview and ask for a pilot project

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

A.S has a good project manager that assist me with communication and overall project understanding include time estimation

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

between 5 to 7

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

They're committed to our tasks and have done their best to help us. 

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

DBA services to customer , they don't have enough experts for it

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the CTO i a company that develops several different applications. One of them is an EV-charging app with the backend.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Academy Smart, and what were your goals?

We needed extra resources for this project.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

Academy smart had the needed skills to do the work.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

Technology: Java The scope of the work was to develop the backend features for smart charging electric vehicles. The deliverables was excellent.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

4-5 people worked on the project with one developer full time.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

With their help, we successfully finished the project within the scope.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

Really nice persons to work with. Good skills, and if there was an issue where we needed special skills they provided that skills to us. Communications was good.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The way they helped when we had an issue. Then they got together a team to look at the issue and to solve it.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

-

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

My name is Oleg Rudenko. I am the CEO of Volidar KG. We primarily do software development.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Academy Smart?

We were looking for highly qualified specialists to work with us on backend and frontend development for several projects.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They worked on the server-side, providing development in Java and Scala. They also provided frontend development using Angular JS and React, along with mobile application development.

What is the team composition?

There are at least five people currently involved in our projects.

How did you come to work with Academy Smart?

I found them through my own research. We hired them to work on a small project initially, which they did well. We have hired them for many more projects since.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested $250,000-$500,000 with the team.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working with them in July 2017, and it is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

I’m satisfied with the results.

How did Academy Smart perform from a project management standpoint?

They managed well. I was highly satisfied.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They were willing to work outside normal business hours and were quick to respond to me. I’m grateful for their developers who are willing to go above and beyond for a timely delivery.

Are there any areas they could improve?

In some of the projects, the person provided was not a perfect fit. However, they were open to solving the problem when it was addressed.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

You should have open communication and express what is and isn’t working. Be clear about your vision and ideas for the project.