Ackee

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a project manager for Livesport. We provide sports scores and news, with around 80,000,000 users worldwide on our websites and mobile applications. 

Our most popular website, FlashScore.com, provides live scores for more than 30 sports.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Ackee?

Our main site is for sports fans and allows users to customize the scores they see based on their interests by team and player. Now, we’re working on developing a brand-new news product with them.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The platform we’re building will be a website as well as a mobile application compatible with both Android and iOS. Ackee is helping us with all the backend development and UI/UX design. 

In terms of key functionalities, we want the user to have a view of all the latest sports news from all the servers in the country. Essentially, it’ll be an aggregator of news that enables personalization.

What is the team composition?

Ackee has allocated around 12 people for our project: developers, designers, and a project manager. Occasionally, members of the team rotate.

How did you come to work with Ackee?

We were familiar with their brand, so when we were searching for a third-party provider, we thought of them. We were impressed by their references and past experience. 

Also, last year we bought a small company which provided a news app built by Ackee as well. We were confident they had the expertise to build the product we wanted. 

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested between $1,000,000–$9,999,999.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Ackee in June 2019. We’ve been working together for nine months so far, and we plan to release the site next week. 

However, we plan to continue our collaboration with Ackee for app improvements and updates in the future.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

As the app hasn’t been released yet, we don’t have any hard metrics yet. However, we’re testing the app internally between our team and theirs, and have improved app performance throughout that process so far. 

We’ve been very satisfied with the quality of Ackee’s work, and are excited to continue working with them in the future.

How did Ackee perform from a project management standpoint?

Both of our teams use agile scrum methodologies internally, so our workflow is efficient, though we’ve still had opportunities to learn from one another. I keep an eye on how their project manager works and plans with their designers and developers, and I share insights from their performance with my own colleagues.

We have two-hour meetings weekly, and we also communicate via email and telephone each day. Ackee uses Redmine for project tracking.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their greatest quality is the wide range of skillsets they can provide. Ackee not only has developers, but designers, project managers, and marketers. 

They’ve supported us in multiple areas, and regularly suggest improvements rather than just following directions. It’s clear they believe in our product and have the success of the project in mind. Ackee makes us feel that we’re an important client. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

So far, the project has taken longer than we initially planned for, though we understand why and where the difficulties have come from. However, when we look at what Ackee has accomplished so far, we’re very satisfied and overall pleased with our decision to partner with them. We wouldn’t be able to launch our product without them.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

I would definitely recommend meeting with them to discuss the project before starting. They’ll help in the early phases and collaborate with design. They’re active partners and want to do the best work possible for their client.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Mighty Sounds is a unique festival focused on punk a punkrock, rock’n’roll, hardcore, reggae, ska, rockabilly, indie rock and related genres. I am one of the producers, my main field is public relations.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Ackee?

We hired Ackee to develop an easy mobile app with a platform for us to administrate the content independently. First, we had the idea of online up-to-date program of the festival, but through the time the app has developed to indispensable part of the festival.

What were your goals for this project?

We needed to replace printed programs to cut off unnecessary expenses & become more eco friendly. Before the app, once we had everything printed, we had limited options how to reach the guests and let them know about program changes, sponsored activities, emergency information etc. Also, the app enables us to communicate with our target group months prior the event. We use it as one of the main channels to promote and sell tickets even 9 months before the event.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We have made a research and found out Ackee the best solution for our project (and got some very positive feedbacks on them too).

Describe the project in detail.

Design, development, firebase service, automatic debugging, statistics, administration platform, design templates to use on social media.

What was the team composition?

The project team consists of backend developer, iOS developer, Android developer, frontend developer, designer, tester and project manager.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We are very happy with the key functionalities, but the app offers more ways for use. We are able to navigate the guests more effectively through the festival area and during arrivals and departures at the start and end of the event. We have more space for our partners to communicate with their target group. Our presale numbers increased.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We communicate exclusively with Project manager. The Project manager is very well informed during all stages of development. Ackee proposed a time schedule and although they didn't manage to follow it precisely, they delivered the app in time.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Thanks to their workflow, they are able to deliver very good outputs very quickly. They always reflect feedback given by the users in app stores, so we don't need to communicate it separately.

Are there any areas for improvement?

There is very little they could improve. We get a high standard service for reasonable price every year.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Cebia company has been the market leader in screening origin and history of vehicles since 1991. The company has been helping motorists for many years with the safe purchase of used vehicles. Cebia provides its services to more than 1,000,000 customers every year. In Cebia, I work as a project manager and since I joined in February 2017, I have been working on the Carolina mobile app project. I have been in charge of project management and communication with Ackee, a mobile application supplier.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Ackee?

In case of Carolina, our first idea was to create a web application for car management. Over time, this idea has transformed into a mobile application as a modern and increasingly used digital communication tool. Our company did not have enough experience to develop mobile applications on its own and therefore we asked Ackee, which had very good references.

What were your goals for this project?

The goal of the Carolina mobile app is to create a complete tool for car management from purchase to sale. Carolina offers pre-purchase car check, car valuation as well as complete car management. In the future, Carolina will offer car owners additional value-added services from our automotive business partners.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We selected Ackee in competition of three other suppliers. Ackee´s experience in mobile application development and very good references decided.

Describe the project in detail.

Agile development was applied to the entire project. Before the actual development, an extensive analysis was performed and a complete solution of the application including graphics for both platforms was designed. The whole project was divided into several sprints and the development itself took 10 months. Carolina runs in Kotlin for Android and Swift for iOS. Carolina has its own web server CMS. Other technologies used: for backend Node.js, for website Redux and React.

What was the team composition?

In Cebia, the project team consisted of a project manager, IT manager and marketing manager.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Carolina is one of the most successful car management apps in the Czech republic. It has already exceeded 70,000 downloads after two years of operation and is currently being used actively by more than 30,000 users per month. Its success is also demonstrated by user satisfaction - the rating in appstores is 4.8 out of 5 possible.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The cooperation of both teams was very intensive from the very beginning. In spite of the fact that we have been adding ideas during the development process, Ackee has always been able to respond flexibly to our new requirements thanks to agile development. Communication was always professional and friendly.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their ability to understand project objectives and respond quickly to changes during the project impressed us. Excellent communication.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Of course there are some details that we want to improve on Carolina in the future, but the overall quality and speed of the work is in line with Ackee's reputation.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the owner of the company InMeteo s.r.o. We are Czech, family-owned company with a focus on advanced weather forecasting. We provide weather information for newspapers, TV channels, travel agencies, and for various industries too. In general, we collect data and provide advanced weather analysis.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Ackee?

We wanted to make our forecasts more approachable for wider group of users. To create an app where not only located weather forecast is available but where you can actually see the weather on a map. We had our own iOS team, but we were willing to outsource Android development as we found it more effective and faster solution.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goal is to build the best weather app worldwide.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We asked our friends to recommends us company for mobile app development. After initial meeting with Ackee we have known that Ackee is the best choice.

Describe the project in detail.

In the beginning, we had a series of meetings about what we want to achieve with this and what feeling should the user have from it. Then they developed, configured, and launched the Android version of the app. During the process, the communication channels were open on both sides to discuss the functionality of the app and how it works.

What was the team composition?

At the beginning of the cooperation, there were 2 Android developers and 1 Project manager. As the project went further, the team was completed with 2 more Android developers, 1 iOS developer, 1 tester and 1 designer.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The app has a million downloads currently and the number of active users is constantly growing. There is a lot of weather apps for Android, but our app is unique and therefore it is able to succeed in such a strong competitive environment.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

During the project, we found the communication with Ackee highly effective. We used dedicated Slack channels and Redmine to assign the tasks. Ackee always responded very quickly and on point. They also regularly asked for feedback to make the cooperation even smoother.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They are highly dedicated to their work and are always looking for the best solutions.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I would say that there is always something to improve in every area of man's doing. However, we were very satisfied with Ackee's contribution and they always responded to our feedback with improvement.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CTO at Košík.cz and CIO of MallGroup in Czech republic. Košík.cz has more than 400 employees. We are number two company in online retail with foods, drinks, drugstore and many others.

We have more than 16 000 articles that you know from your grocery store. I am responsible for the agile development of the whole B2B and B2C platform that support business needs.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Ackee?

We hired Ackee as a strong partner for the developing native mobile application for Android and iOS. We do not have any in-house mobile developers so because of the Ackee we are able to have a competitive mobile app and we still have time to focus on our core platform solution.

What were your goals for this project?

We know that in the modern world we must have a mobile app for our business to be successful. We started with web site application and goal of this project was to develop mobile app and provide our customers an easier way to order our goods.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We have selected Ackee based on their reputation on the czech market. We had a presentation from top three companies from Czech republic about concept of the app and Ackee won that tender based on their presentation/references and many others, it was a perfect fit.

Describe the project in detail.

At the beginning we had a series of meetings about face of the company, how feeling should user have from this app. We also filled Ackees design brief. We had limited time to provide first MVP version so it was more waterfall than agile access. Ackee made clickable prototype and then UI design.

During the development of app Ackee was also responsible for consultations of mobile first API design. During the last month of the development we merge testing teams on both sides to make sure everything is ready and we have a product in good quality for our customers.

What was the team composition?

Košík.cz provided API developers, testers and marketing team for the consultations. Ackee provided 1 PM, 1 UX, 1UI, 2 Android, 2 iOS developers and 1 QA. We worked as a team with recurring meetings every week.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have another two channels how to reach our customers. We don’t need to pay so much attention to our mobile website solution. We saw that our customers are using different platforms (website/mobile app) during different times of the day. Day also combine both options for single order. We support all major platform as our competitors do.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We used JIRA for development and MS teams for instant messaging. Ackee assigned for the project highly skilled project manager with a good technical knowledge so we were able to communicate with him almost all the details of the project. All other team members was also professionals, project went really well!

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I appreciate their passion for their work and commitment to delivering the best product possible in a limited timeframe.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I don’t think so, nothing special to be pointed out in this sense. We cooperate on the product also after the MVP phase. We are working in the rapid release cycles and iterative improvements of the app. We are releasing at least one version per month.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Account manager of Triad Advertising

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

It's a marketing agency

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Ackee to accomplish?

• Create microsites

SOLUTION

How did you find Ackee?

Referral

Why did you select Ackee over others?

• Great culture fit
• Referred to me

How many teammates from Ackee were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

They created competition microsites for us.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• Number of participants. 
• Hassle-free entry to the competition. 
• Completed PEN test without any problem. 

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

It was a pleasure to work with the company on the development of our competition microsites. They demonstrated excellent project management throughout the entire process. They consistently delivered items on time, adhering to the agreed-upon schedule and ensuring that each milestone was met with precision. 
Their team was always responsive to our needs, promptly addressing any questions or concerns we had. They maintained clear and open communication, keeping us informed of progress and any necessary adjustments. Their commitment to our project and their proactive approach made the collaboration seamless and highly productive.

What was your primary form of communication with Ackee?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Their willingness to help and come up with a solution.

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

Not in my experience.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the CTO of a financial services company 

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We provide digital rental deposits for Switzerland, including a novel investment feature

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Ackee to accomplish?

• Build a MVP of our product
• Write solid code
• Do the above quickly and at low cost

SOLUTION

How did you find Ackee?

• Online Search
• Clutch Site

Why did you select Ackee over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost

How many teammates from Ackee were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Two web apps for different user groups (real estate managers & tenants) One joint back-end API service Integration with a digital bank

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• Core solution was developed within first 6 months and was delivered with superb code quality
• Interactions with the team were very efficient and pleasant FE and BE teams worked together effectively needing only limited guidance
• Project Managing was handled very well using adequate tools (Remine) and processes (Agile)

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

• Most items were delivered on time and delays were flagged early on
• Our needs were very well taken care of and there was always good discussions around finding satisfactory yet pragmatic solutions

What was your primary form of communication with Ackee?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

The flexibility around working mode - I myself am a deeply technical person and implemented 90% of the infrastructure. Over time, I also became more involved in FE and BE app development. The developers and PM handled the constantly changing setup very well and are amazing to work with!

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

Feedback about ideas, features and contractual matters is given by Ackee to the client very openly, which is a very good (and uncommon) thing per se. But it is sometimes not done in the most constructive way, this could be improved with slightly better communication

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

 I am the Head of Product innovations of an utilities company 

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Energy retailer

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Ackee to accomplish?

• Mockups for the energy sharing administration tool

SOLUTION

How did you find Ackee?

Referral

Why did you select Ackee over others?

Vendor's vendor

How many teammates from Ackee were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Mockups

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Mockups delivered

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

Timeline met

What was your primary form of communication with Ackee?

Virtual Meeting

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

They prepared valuable mockups for user validation and testing.

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

nop

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.
I am the Solution Architect of Asseco Central Europe, a.s.
Describe what your company does in a single sentence.
Asseco Central Europe is one of the leading providers of technological innovation and modern information technology.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Ackee to accomplish?

• We hired Ackee to help us with the creation of a library for our application e-Doklad. They are also our partner for consulting app development.

SOLUTION

How did you find Ackee?
Referral
Why did you select Ackee over others?

• High ratings
• Referred to me

How many teammates from Ackee were assigned to this project?
6-10 Employees
Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.
Ackee is developing a library for a future app named e-Doklad. e-Doklad will be used to store ID cards and other personal documents. The library is core functionality in the app and it has to follow ISO document and is of course very focused on security. 
Together we consulted the application specification, then studied the ISO on the basis of which we proposed the next procedure - the application must naturally meet certain conditions. From the specified procedure we programmed a PoC and on that basis we thought it was doable. Next, we discuss the procedure so that we adhere to the conditions of the ISO document.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
The project is still ongoing, however the PoC was completed on time and exceeded expectations. We are very happy with that.
Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?
We are happy with the project management as they deliver everything on time and they discuss everything that is needed. They are trying to meet all the requirements.
What was your primary form of communication with Ackee?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?
As I said the project is still ongoing but so far we are happy with the work speed, communication and Ackee's strong technical skills and know-how.
Are there any areas for improvement or something Ackee could have done differently?
The app itself is not launched yet but for now we are very happy with the process and Ackee's work.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Coordinator Ghost Gear of WWF Germany

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Protection of the planet

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Ackee to accomplish?

• Design and build the GhostDiver App
• Connect our Database to the App
• Maintain the GhostDiver App

SOLUTION

How did you find Ackee?

• Online Search
• Other

Why did you select Ackee over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Referred to me

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

Create an App which connects WWF Goal to reduce Marine litter, specific lost fishing Gear, by connecting volunteer divers with our Work. Create 2 paths, new findings and verification of sonar positions.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

A functional App

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

Very professional. Always responsive

What was your primary form of communication with Ackee?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

They were always responsive.

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

Not to my knowledge