Acropolium

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Department Manager of Synergy Partners Platform.

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Synergy Platform connects IT companies with relevant specialists and projects through a partner network, bridging the gap between IT needs and available expertise.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Our partnership with Acropolium to develop our Hotel Property Management System (PMS) has enhanced our operations and guest experience. From a technical standpoint, the expertise and proficiency of their development team were evident throughout the collaboration. The PMS they designed is built on robust and scalable technology, leveraging a modern tech stack that includes: 

• NodeJS
• Kubernetes
• Docker
• Aurora (MySQL)
• Cassandra
• React.js
• TypeScript
• AWS services

This architecture ensured the system's stability, high performance, and ability to integrate with our existing systems seamlessly.

SOLUTION

How did you find Acropolium?

Online Search

Why did you select Acropolium over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Acropolium were assigned to this project?

6-10 Employees

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

One of the standout features of the PMS is its real-time data synchronization, which has significantly improved our ability to manage room reservations, housekeeping schedules, and guest check-ins and check-outs. The system's user-friendly interface, developed with a responsive design, ensures that our staff can efficiently use it on various devices, including tablets and mobile phones. 

Additionally, Acropolium incorporated advanced analytics and reporting capabilities into the PMS. This has enabled us to gain valuable insights into occupancy rates, revenue trends, and guest preferences, helping us make data-driven decisions to maximize profitability. While the partnership focused on technical aspects, it's worth noting that the PMS has had a measurable positive impact on our business. 

Our occupancy rates have increased, and guest satisfaction scores have improved significantly. The system's reliability and security have also ensured the safety of guest data, complying with industry standards and regulations.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The custom PMS software development project has delivered tangible and measurable outcomes that demonstrate its success:

1. Increased Operational Efficiency: One of the primary goals of implementing the custom PMS was to streamline our operations. We've seen a significant reduction in manual tasks, such as room allocation and check-ins, leading to a 30% increase in staff productivity. 
2. Improved Revenue Generation: The PMS's advanced analytics and reporting capabilities have allowed us to optimize pricing strategies and occupancy rates. As a result, we've experienced a 15% growth in revenue year-over-year. 
3. Enhanced Guest Satisfaction: The PMS has notably improved the guest experience. Real-time room availability and quicker check-ins have led to a 20% decrease in wait times, resulting in higher guest satisfaction scores. 
4. Data-Driven Decision Making: The system's reporting features have empowered us to make data-driven decisions. We've achieved a 25% increase in occupancy during off-peak seasons by adjusting marketing and pricing strategies based on the insights provided by the PMS.
5. Scalability and Adaptability: As our business has grown, the PMS has seamlessly scaled with it. We've added new properties to our portfolio without a hitch, and the system's adaptability has allowed us to integrate with third-party services and technologies effortlessly. 
6. Enhanced Security and Compliance: The custom PMS has bolstered our data security and ensured compliance with industry regulations, resulting in zero data breaches and maintaining our guests' trust. 
7. Cost Savings: The automation and optimization brought about by the PMS have led to a 10% reduction in operational costs, further contributing to our bottom line. 
8. Reduced Errors and Discrepancies: Manual errors in reservations and billing have decreased by 90%, reducing the need for staff interventions and improving accuracy.

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

Throughout the partnership, Acropolium maintained excellent communication and responsiveness. They were receptive to our feedback and consistently implemented updates and enhancements to meet our evolving needs. Their commitment to project timelines and cost control has been a significant asset throughout our collaboration. 

In terms of project management and communication tools, we have established an effective workflow using a combination of Jira, Click Up, Zoom, and email. These tools have played a crucial role in facilitating seamless communication, tracking progress, and ensuring that all project stakeholders are on the same page. 

Jira and Click Up have proven instrumental in task management and project tracking, while Zoom has facilitated real-time discussions and meetings. Email, of course, remains a versatile and essential communication tool for documentation and correspondence.

What was your primary form of communication with Acropolium?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

What truly impressed me about this company was their extraordinary adaptability and commitment to tailoring their services precisely to our unique requirements, all while diligently adhering to tight project timelines. It's not every day that you encounter a partner who can seamlessly combine a customer-centric approach with a rock-solid project management skill set, consistently delivering top-notch results right on schedule. 

From the very outset, it was evident that this company had a deep understanding of our needs. They took the time to thoroughly grasp the intricacies of our project, and they approached it with a level of flexibility that made us feel like their top priority. They didn't just provide a one-size-fits-all solution; instead, they meticulously customized their services to align perfectly with our specific goals and objectives.

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

There are no areas for improvement or anything Acropolium could have done differently in this regard.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Partner Engagement Manager of Synapse Team

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We specialize in leveraging cutting-edge IT team augmentation strategies and crafting bespoke software solutions to drive digital transformation and innovation

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

• Acropolium assigned a seasoned business analyst who conducted an on-site evaluation to ensure a comprehensive understanding of our existing workflows, encompassing spreadsheets, database applications, and custom-written platforms.
• Regarding functionalities, we’re a large work comp defense firm, so information security is one of our highest priorities because we manage data for extensive clients. We want to ensure that we have confidentiality and data protection.

SOLUTION

How did you find Acropolium?

Online Search

Why did you select Acropolium over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Acropolium were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Our system has been meticulously designed with a comprehensive array of modules to address the diverse needs of our organization. These modules include:

• Case Management: This component allows us to efficiently handle and organize all case-related information, ensuring that nothing falls through the cracks. It simplifies the tracking and management of cases, improving our overall productivity.
• Document Management: With this module, we can effortlessly store, retrieve, and manage documents related to our cases. It streamlines the document handling process, reducing the risk of data loss or misplacement.
• Calendaring: Managing schedules and appointments is crucial in our field. The calendaring module helps us stay organized by providing a centralized platform to schedule hearings, deadlines, and other essential events, ensuring we never miss a crucial date.
• Time Tracking: Keeping track of time spent on various tasks is vital for billing and productivity analysis. The time tracking module enables our team to log and manage billable hours accurately.

By integrating all these modules into a unified system, our organization benefits from improved efficiency, enhanced data security, and a streamlined workflow that significantly contributes to the success of our internal legal processes.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

With Acropolium impact, our system incorporates a variety of modules that cover essential aspects such as case management, document organization, scheduling, billing, backend accounting, and time tracking. This comprehensive suite combines all these critical functions in a unified platform, greatly enhancing our ability to simplify and optimize our internal legal procedures.

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

Our experience with Acropolium has been marked by their commendable ability to consistently meet project deadlines while staying well within the agreed budget. Their commitment to project timelines and cost control has been a significant asset throughout our collaboration.

In terms of project management and communication tools, we have established an effective workflow using a combination of Jira, Click Up, Zoom, and email. These tools have played a crucial role in facilitating seamless communication, tracking progress, and ensuring that all project stakeholders are on the same page.

Jira and Click Up have proven instrumental in task management and project tracking, while Zoom has facilitated real-time discussions and meetings. Email, of course, remains a versatile and essential communication tool for documentation and correspondence.

What was your primary form of communication with Acropolium?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

What truly stood out for me about this company was their remarkable flexibility in tailoring their services to meet our precise requirements while adhering to stringent timelines. They seamlessly blended a customer-focused mindset with robust project management capabilities, consistently delivering high-quality results within the specified deadlines.

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

Throughout our collaboration with Acropolium, we encountered no areas that warranted improvement. Their technical expertise and project management consistently aligned with our needs and expectations.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the CEO of Future Proof Technology

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We are a full-cycle custom software development IT company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

• Our main goal was to find a partner that will help us handle certain requirements for our customers. As customer demands surge, the need for efficient code development, website management, and customer-centric solutions becomes paramount. Acropolium emerges as the reliable partner you need to navigate these challenges seamlessly.

SOLUTION

How did you find Acropolium?

Referral

Why did you select Acropolium over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost

How many teammates from Acropolium were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

The team members at Acropolium company are responsible for writing code on my behalf. They develop various projects, including designing mobile-responsive websites for our clients. These websites are thoroughly tested and incorporate special features such as catalogs, online stores, and systems for calculating sales tax. They also handle other aspects related to shipping requirements.

Some of the projects we work on together are ongoing, and it's worth noting that Acropolium still manages some of the same tasks that we started working on early in our partnership. Whenever we conceive a new project requiring their expertise, we arrange a meeting to discuss the project's requirements. They then create a preliminary setup for us to test with each new project.

Our collaboration involves a blend of outsourcing and direct involvement. In fact, we have a dedicated project manager from Acropolium who not only coordinates with our team but also supervises the group working on our projects. This collaboration is much more integrated compared to traditional outsourcing agreements.

Given the rapid pace of advancements in our industry, we've navigated through numerous changes alongside Acropolium. Whenever we adopt new technologies, they conduct thorough research to ensure they possess the necessary knowledge for our projects. While we provide initial project specifications, they take it from there, crafting wireframes and fulfilling all the requirements.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• Project Continuity: Acropolium has successfully managed and continued some of the tasks that began early in our partnership, indicating long-term commitment and reliability.
• Website Development: Multiple mobile-responsive websites have been designed for our clients, complete with catalogs, online stores, and sales tax calculation systems.
• Quality Assurance: Each new project undergoes a rigorous testing phase. This includes a preliminary setup for our team to evaluate and ensure all deliverables meet our standards.
• Adaptability: Our collaboration with Acropolium has navigated numerous technological advancements. This is evident in their commitment to conducting research and adopting new technologies whenever necessary.
• Efficient Collaboration: The integrated partnership model, which is a blend of outsourcing and direct involvement, has proven to be effective. This is underscored by the appointment of a dedicated project manager from Acropolium who coordinates with our team and oversees the projects.
• Design & Development: Beyond just specifications, Acropolium has played an active role in the conceptualization phase, crafting wireframes, and ensuring all project requirements are fulfilled.

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

The vendor's approach to project management was truly impressive because of how well-organized and efficient it was. They fully embraced the Agile methodology, which meant they could easily adjust to changing project requirements. They used communication tools like Jira or Trello to keep track of tasks and how things were progressing.

Moreover, they made good use of video calls and regular meetings to ensure open and clear communication with our team. The vendor was always on time, which was really important, and they consistently met all the deadlines we had agreed upon.

What was your primary form of communication with Acropolium?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Acropolium has truly amazed us by flawlessly bringing together these two critical elements, making a lasting impact on our overall experience. It's crucial to find a partner who not only possesses technical expertise but also deeply comprehends the complexities of the field. Moreover, what really stood out was the vendor's unwavering dedication to customizing the solution to fit our exact needs.

Their proactive communication and collaborative mindset fostered a strong partnership, making us feel genuinely valued as a client. This approach ensured that our feedback was carefully integrated into the project. All in all, the vendor's exceptional technical skills, industry insight, and client-focused approach unquestionably positioned them as the top choice for our project.

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

The vendor's performance throughout the project was truly outstanding. They demonstrated the highest level of professionalism, a robust grasp of technical expertise, and a profound understanding of the technologies. Their communication was smooth and effortless, and their unwavering commitment to meeting deadlines resulted in a seamless development process that exceeded all our expectations.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Head of Digital Marketing of Premier Hotels and Resorts.

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We are a distinguished network of 3 to 5-star hotels across multiple destinations offering exceptional service and an immersive city experience.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Our main goal was to move from one tenant to multi-tenancy. The initial hotel channel management solution was supporting only a single tenant, and we were looking for a company to support multi-tenancy. We already had legacy system functionality, which had to be implemented in a new solution.

SOLUTION

How did you find Acropolium?

Referral

Why did you select Acropolium over others?

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

How many teammates from Acropolium were assigned to this project?

6-10 Employees

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

Our primary goal was to find a dependable technology partner to transform the current single-server hotel management application into a scalable cloud-based hotel chain management software. This transformation aimed to enhance operational efficiency and elevate customer loyalty. 

The project's scope involved developing and implementing a multi-tenant SaaS application compatible with various mobile platforms. This application boasts advanced in-room dining menus, up-to-date hotel amenities, and a comprehensive guide to local and tourist attractions. It also offers an automated booking system for guest services and features a centralized control dashboard empowering hotel staff to update information effortlessly. 

Our approach was driven by the following key considerations for application development: 

1. Automated Booking Process: Streamlining the booking process to ensure efficiency. 
2. Centralized Platform: Creating a unified platform managing hotel, channel, and visitor information.
3. Real-time Services: Delivering real-time services and synchronizing information across the entire portal. 
4. Diverse Reservation Management: Handling various reservation types, including individual, group, company, travel agent, multi-legged, multi-rate, and waitlisted.
5. Seamless Integration: Integrating hotel information seamlessly with the existing in-house system. 
6. Intuitive User Interface: Designing an intuitive, functional, customizable user interface. 
7. Social Media Connectivity: Enabling customers to share, rate, and promote hotels through social media via advertising offers and campaigns. 

By addressing these considerations, we aimed to create a cutting-edge solution that not only meets the needs of the hospitality industry but also paves the way for enhanced customer experiences and operational excellence.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The project delivered promising and measurable outcomes, receiving positive feedback from all stakeholders. Key measurable results included a significant cost reduction of 40% and a 30% increase in annual profit. Moreover, developing the brand new solution on the legacy app led to a 100% optimization of the working systems. 

Regarding general feedback, stakeholders expressed satisfaction with the user-friendly interfaces and seamless integration with the legacy system. The vendor's focus on optimizing the load speed for critical pages and data processing resulted in improved speed for availability and rate calculations. 

They also successfully implemented promos, special offers, and loyalty programs that can be utilized across the entire hotel network, including 'in-room' facilities. Furthermore, the team developed a hotel chain management mobile application for iOS and Android platforms.

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

The vendor's project management style was outstanding due to its exceptional organization and efficiency. They fully embraced the Agile methodology, which allowed them to adapt and be flexible as the project requirements evolved. They utilized communication tools such as Jira or Trello to track tasks and progress. 

In addition, video conferencing and regular meetings played a vital role in fostering open and transparent communication with our team. Punctuality was a top priority for the vendor, as they consistently met all the deadlines that were agreed upon. 

They provided comprehensive progress reports and promptly addressed potential delays or obstacles during development. Collaboration was actively encouraged, and our team's input was highly valued, creating a genuine sense of partnership and ensuring that the solution catered precisely to our specific needs.

What was your primary form of communication with Acropolium?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Acropolium has impressed us with its remarkable ability to seamlessly integrate these two crucial aspects, leaving an indelible mark on our experience. In the fast-evolving landscape of the hospitality industry, finding a partner who possesses technical expertise and deeply understands the intricacies of the field is paramount. 

Furthermore, the vendor's unwavering commitment to tailoring the solution to align with our specific requirements perfectly stood out as a distinct feature of their approach. Their proactive communication and collaborative mindset cultivated a robust partnership, making us feel genuinely valued as a client and ensuring that our feedback was meticulously incorporated into the project. 

Overall, the vendor's exceptional technical prowess, industry understanding, and client-centric approach undeniably positioned them as the standout choice for our project.

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

The vendor's performance throughout the project was impeccable. They showcased the utmost professionalism, strong technical expertise, and an in-depth understanding of the hospitality industry. Their communication flowed seamlessly, their proactive approach was evident, and their strict adherence to timelines led to a flawless development process, surpassing all expectations.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Project manager of an it services company

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We are an IT company that delivers tailored software solutions to supply chain and logistics firms

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

• Seamless integration expertise: Achieve smooth integration of the cutting-edge blockchain-driven logistics platform with existing systems and databases
• API standardization: Establish standardized APIs to facilitate efficient data exchange and compatibility between various components
• Phased testing proficiency: Conduct well-structured phased testing to ensure a seamless transition and identify and address any issues
• Maximizing transformative potential: Optimize the platform's transformative efficiency, leading to enhanced innovation and effectiveness in logistics operations
• User adoption and data security: Implement user training and robust data security measures to encourage successful adoption among logistics stakeholders and safeguard sensitive information

SOLUTION

How did you find Acropolium?

Referral

Why did you select Acropolium over others?

• High ratings
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost

How many teammates from Acropolium were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

The scope of work encompassed developing and implementing a cutting-edge blockchain-driven logistics platform. The project was initiated with initial planning, requirements gathering, and design, followed by creating vital components, including the blockchain infrastructure, smart contracts, and user interfaces. The primary objective was to revolutionize the logistics industry by leveraging blockchain technology. 

Key deliverables included a fully functional logistics platform offering end-to-end supply chain visibility. The platform featured automated smart contracts streamlining payment settlements and compliance enforcement processes. Real-time analytics provided stakeholders with vital insights for data-driven decisions and operational optimization. Secure APIs and decentralized ledgers achieved seamless integration with existing logistics infrastructure. Security and data privacy were paramount concerns, leading to robust measures for safeguarding sensitive information and preventing unauthorized access. 

Additionally, the platform seamlessly integrated with Internet of Things (IoT) devices, enhancing tracking accuracy and data collection. Rigorous testing and QA ensured a reliable and issue-free deployment. Comprehensive user training and support documentation fostered successful adoption among stakeholders. 

The project also prioritized continuous improvement, with provisions for future enhancements to align with emerging technologies and industry requirements. Ultimately, the scope of work aimed to transform the logistics industry by fostering transparency, efficiency, and security for all participants in the supply chain.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• Fully functional logistics platform: Successful development and deployment of a useful blockchain-driven logistics platform with end-to-end supply chain visibility. 
• Automated smart contracts: Implementing automated smart contracts that streamlined various logistics processes led to increased efficiency and reduced manual intervention. 
• Real-time analytics: Integration of real-time analytics capabilities, providing stakeholders with valuable insights for data-driven decision-making and improved operational optimization. 
• Seamless integration with existing infrastructure: Seamless integration with the existing logistics infrastructure is demonstrated by smooth data exchange through secure APIs and decentralized ledgers. 
• Enhanced security and privacy measures: Implement robust security measures to safeguard sensitive data, ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations and preventing unauthorized access.

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

The Acropolium project management style was characterized by its highly organized and efficient approach. They embraced an Agile methodology, enabling flexibility and adaptability to changing project requirements. Communication tools such as Jira or Trello were utilized to track tasks and progress, while video conferencing and regular meetings ensured open and transparent communication with our team. 

Timeliness was a strong focus for the vendor, as they consistently met agreed-upon deadlines. They provided comprehensive progress reports, promptly addressing any potential delays or obstacles that emerged during development. Collaboration was actively encouraged, and the vendor sought input from our team, creating a sense of partnership and ensuring that the solution catered to our specific needs. 

Moreover, the vendor demonstrated a keen understanding of risk management, proactively identifying and mitigating potential risks to maintain project momentum and deliver a successful blockchain-driven logistics platform.

What was your primary form of communication with Acropolium?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

What impressed us most about Acropolium was their exceptional ability to seamlessly blend technical expertise with a deep understanding of the logistics industry. Their track record of successful blockchain implementations within the logistics domain was particularly noteworthy, showcasing their experience addressing industry-specific challenges. Additionally, the vendor's dedication to tailoring the solution to meet our specific requirements stood out as a unique aspect of their approach. 

Their proactive communication and collaborative spirit fostered a strong partnership, making us feel valued as a client and ensuring that our feedback was incorporated into the project. Overall, the vendor's technical prowess, industry knowledge, and client-centric approach made them a standout choice for our blockchain-driven logistics platform project

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

Everything was perfect with the vendor's performance throughout the project. From the start, they exhibited high professionalism, technical expertise, and a deep understanding of the logistics industry. Their seamless communication, proactive approach, and adherence to timelines resulted in a flawless development process, exceeding all expectations.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a TOP manager at an international IT company that provide product development services for enterprise customers

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Our customer was looking for a reliable vendor to deliver the first version of a complex SaaS solution for global recruitment and HR in the short term. We did not have detailed project documentation, so we needed to make the investigation phase. We requested the Acropolium team to make the discovery phase and set up a team to deliver a quality solution in a short time.

SOLUTION

How did you select Acropolium and what were the deciding factors?

I got acquainted with Acropolium several years ago. I shared with them the request details, and they were the only ones among several competitor companies that showed a professional approach. Prompt communication, sufficient portfolio, deep technology background and price-quality ratio were the deciding factors.

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

First, the Acropolium team collected all the information required for evaluation. They made the discovery phase and suggested a detailed project delivery roadmap. As a technology step, our client has requested Java for the backend and Angular for the frontend. After all, they provide us with a team to deliver the project on time. Apart from the development side, Acropolium has also provided us with qualified Project Manager, Business Analyst, QA engineer and DevOps specialists. So, that covered all our development needs. After we agreed on the scope, we started the development project based on be-weekly sprints. They also went beyond expectations and advising us with the best methods, approaches, and even business ideas.

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

There were in total ten people in the team. A project manager/business analyst, two backend engineers, two front-end developers, one full-stack developer, UX/UI designer, QA, DevOps and dedicated Account Manager.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The Acropolium team delivered the first version ever faster than expected. Our client has already a quality and workable solution that brings business outcome. We are already planning the project scale. All steps were transparent for us. We did an impressive job together!

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

All our project communication was in slack. The development process was split into fortnight sprints. Before each sprint, we had a planning session, where the tasks were described in details. After each iteration, we have been testing the result and made minor enhancements.

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

The self engagement of each team member was the most impressive. They are result-oriented. The work process they’ve built is great, and we try following it even on other projects.

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

I don't think so. I am delighted with their services.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the founder and Managing Director of an international company specialising in export/import procedures and documentation.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

My business was almost offline and I was looking to build a solution for exporters to create export documentation online. The system was to make completion of paperwork much faster for exporters.

The goal was to convert paper-based work and manual tasks to a digital paperless process to increase client productivity. The digital solution would combine this facility with the ability to check requirements for shipping to a particular country. The system would replace the use of excel templates. Additionally, it would store order information and order/shipping templates.

SOLUTION

How did you select Acropolium and what were the deciding factors?

I was looking for a IT vendor with a fresh approach to software solution development. As my first experience with nearshore vendors, I engaged several recommended developers.

I selected Acropolium for an initial project after I met with their CEO. Who highly impressed me with his technology background and ideas.

My decision was further reinforced by the attitude of the team and now after almost three years of continuous development we have transformed our business and services. We have better relations with our customs and other stakeholders.

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

The project started with creating the ability to output pdf forms. The main principle was to provide end-users with an application where they can enter certain data and generate standardised documents common to the industry sector and approved by governments.

After we reached this goal the solution went live and we started extending the system with additional features. Acropolium team developed the project from scratch and now we are working on new modules and advanced features.

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

The team consists of a dedicated account and delivery manager, business analyst, technical lead, 3 full-stack developers and QA engineer.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Acropolium has helped my business go online. We developed an export document system - digitized many customs forms and documents, implemented pdf generation and a solution for keeping track of content updates on external websites. Now, I can help businesses worldwide with all the processes of international transportation and customs clearance to anywhere in the world.

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

We conducted negotiations through email and online meetings via zoom frequently. I did not feel the language barrier with managers and the development team. Acropolium provided the evaluation and timeline for each particular feature and implemented a job on time.

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

I was impressed by the quality and delivery of work by Acropolium, their dedication to my business and level of communication. They always shared their vision and suggested useful feature ideas. Working with Acropolium, helped me to concentrate more on strategic goals.

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

We always discuss ways for improvement and make our collaboration process better. I am satisfied with the result.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm one of the SW architects at an innovative, international technology company, specializing in powerful, highly scalable Office 365 migration and management solutions. We enable our customers and partners to move quickly and seamlessly into Office 365 and then equip them with the tools they need to get the best possible ongoing experience with the service.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We needed an internal set of shared services, to provide us and our partners an easy way to manage their subscriptions and organizations in a flexible way. Management of multiple Office365 tenants is complex and complicated.

SOLUTION

How did you select Acropolium and what were the deciding factors?

We have had look on multiple out-sourcing providers. Each of those were given a small tasks and to provide the results back. The deciding factors were (in no particular order):

• Speed of work
• Technology stack / libraries used
• Architecture
• Design patterns

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

Since the early days of delivering just the Proof of Concept of the new set of services, we have seen a big drive to get everything implemented in the best possible way. Big time and effort was spent on analysis and identifying all the bounded contexts (Domain Driven Design) of initial deliverables.

This helped also us to split the individual parts to their own set of libraries / services. Allowing us to have specific and focused services by individual highly-specialized teams.

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

We have had multiple team-leads with individual teams spreading architects, senior and junior C# developers on back-end, UI/UX front-end developers (React). The width of the teams were dynamic (sometimes more, sometimes less) based on the demand from product.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have grown from a small set of shared services to a full set of services. Those services are now used as a platform for vast majority of our SaaS products.

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

We have daily stand-ups. Originated with Scrum, with Kanban where it makes sense. All the work was coordinated, implemented, and released by leveraging Azure DevOps service.

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

Great and very smart people working there. Whomever I interacted with was impressive, both from technology and human side. I truly believe they are always doing everything they can, to make their code, documentation, tests as good as possible.

And when something needs to change (because the business requirement has changed) - they think through all the implications, adjust the models and get the product/service in better shape as it was before.

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

Nothing comes to my mind. Great overall.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the CTO and lead developer of a cryptocurrency trading platform.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Acropolium?

We wanted to speed up our development and partner integrations, integrating with a lot of different external partners.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Acropolium does full-stack development, frontend and backend, as well as QA. The frontend is in Node.js and the backend is in Vue.js.

What is the team composition?

We started with one frontend developer and one full stack developer, and then we scaled up to have a team of 11 people. The majority of our team is being handled and organized by Acropolium. 

We also have a delivery manager and an account manager. I mostly interact with the developers and the project manager.

How did you come to work with Acropolium?

We interviewed three different agencies from Ukraine. In the end, the decision was made from the impression we had from the calls with Acropolium and the price. The quality of the interaction for the price that they offered was by far the best. They seemed very engaged from the beginning.

How much have you invested in them?

The total cost is between $150,000–$200,000 right now.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in January 2020, and we are still working together.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’ve worked with developers on all levels, from entry-level to senior level. Each developer we work with is always very on point, and they met the expectations that we had from certain roles. We did not have a single issue where we had to let one of the developers go; on the contrary, we kept hiring more.

One thing we really appreciate about them is that they went even beyond what we paid for and kept offering us consulting when it came to architectural decisions. They also gave us access to a business analyst if we needed it. Acropolium really made sure that we had everything we needed to grow in the best possible way.

How did Acropolium perform from a project management standpoint?

Our account manager is always very proactive, and we are in contact on a weekly to bi-weekly basis. We mostly communicate via Telegram chats with the delivery and the account manager. The developers are all in our Slack and email systems.

In the beginning, I handled the project management myself. Now that we have one of their project managers part-time, the process has improved significantly. We have bi-weekly sprints that their project manager now manages. We have daily stand-ups and the deliverability of our sprint plans and the outcomes have definitely improved. We use Jira as our project management tool.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I felt that from month to month, the more people we hired through Acropolium, the more I was able to turn down my active involvement in the day to day development. I really feel like the team that we now have acts as a team and acts independently. We give them the sprint priorities and they act it out without needing to be managed on a constant basis which has been a huge relief.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t think there is anything specific. We, as a trading platform, need 24/7 support for our customers and as Acropolium is based in Ukraine, we cannot deliver that tech support through them during US hours which is why we still have a developer in the US as well. It would be perfect to hire through them if they had people in the US, but I don’t think that is their business model.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I would definitely encourage them to work with Acropolium, and also tell them to be open to their suggestions. In the beginning, we had a pretty good idea of what we thought we needed, but they offered us much more than that at the beginning, free of charge, and then after a while, we had to pay for it. Their suggestions on how they think they can contribute to the business have always been on point.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m a business developer for Aciety, an IT services and products provider. It’s a platform through which European providers can submit their products and offer their services to clients all over the world.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Acropolium?

We had a client—a large logistics agency from Malaysia—that had a bad experience with outsourcing, so they picked us to help them find a match.

What were your goals for this project?

We needed to find a reliable, hardworking partner to help our client improve their services and implement the latest technologies, customized for their particular needs.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We knew of Acropolium’s experience and line of work, so it was easy to recommend them to the end client. We picked three companies from our platform but knew right from the start that Acropolium would offer the best value for that particular client.

Can you go into detail about the services they provided and the scope of the project?

The project involved a custom-made system for all logistic needs, starting from simple integrations of GPS trackers and growing into a fully-capable software. What was initially a rather straightforward, short-term project immediately escalated into a whole new, and much larger, open-ended one. We expect the project will extend for at least three more years.

What was the team composition?

They've assigned a team lead, five senior .NET developers, a QA specialist, and a project manager.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Right now, the client can easily track parcels, trucks, and other information; the software then visualizes the data and displays it on screens. We're currently collaborating to make a whole new, updated database with more internet of things (IoT) features added.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

They’re very effective, conducting frequent sprint calls and briefings. All communication is supervised by the CEO, but it’s mostly directed by the team lead. This means that all questions get answered right away.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Acropolium’s advice and recommendations have made and continue to make a great impact. There have been significant changes to the system thanks to their knowledge and willingness to take on the work. They make sure that the end client gets the most modern and useful solutions.

Are there any areas where they can improve?

They should consider opening an office in Malaysia.