Apptunix

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We’re an IT service provider. We offer software and hardware services to our clients, including custom web and mobile app development. I’m the general manager.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Apptunix?

We usually outsource development for projects, either in part or in full. We had a concept and designs ready for an iOS and Android app and were looking for a company to build it from the ground up.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They built a marketing app for a real estate developer. We provided a lot of information about the properties and projects within the scope of big real estate development. The app includes a login feature and customer dashboards. Users can view details about the properties they’ve purchased or access properties available for sale.

We wanted the app to be feature-rich. There is also an interactive map that shows the locations of different developments and an augmented reality model that lets users view locations throughout the construction stage. It allows the viewer to find objects of interest on construction sites.

What is the team composition?

I interacted with one project manager. He handled all the daily functionality and oversaw their development team.

How did you come to work with Apptunix?

We posted the job and completed a search. We interviewed multiple developers and reviewed their past work. Based on our analysis, we decided to hire them.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent $5,000–$10,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in November or December 2017. The app was delivered two weeks ago, but we haven’t launched yet.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Some of our staff completed internal testing of the app. We went through about 20 phases of revisions to fix bugs and add features. We are planning a marketing campaign ahead of the official release.

How did Apptunix perform from a project management standpoint?

We were very happy with them. They were communicative about upcoming deadlines and milestones. We spoke through messaging services and email. Everything was delivered as planned and we never had any surprises.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We enjoyed their professionalism and trustworthiness. They delivered everything they promised.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, they did well. This project was fairly straightforward.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Have clear requirements. We provided exact designs and flowcharts to help them build to our specifications. You will have an easier time if you provide the specs right at the start.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Texas ToGo is a restaurant delivery service. We partner with local restaurants to provide delivery logistics and online ordering solutions for our customers so they can see restaurants' menus and order. It’s kind of like Grubhub.

We have a team of delivery drivers on the ground who provide delivery for the restaurants. We use the technology to facilitate those orders. As of late, we’ve been focused in on the tech side of things and how all of that is progressing.

I’m the founder.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Apptunix?

We license our software currently from another company. We would like to have our own proprietary software to operate our business.

How did you come to work with Apptunix?

They were a referral. I work with a graphic designer who I found of Fiverr. We worked with him for years as just a graphic designer for our website. He said if I ever had development needs, I should reach out to his friend. I did some research on the company and started working with them.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We hired Apptunix to build a full functioning turnkey solution for our business. We have broken it down into separate projects and have been working on one at a time. The main project we started is just a white label online ordering website and app combination that a restaurant would own so they can control their menu and receive orders via the Internet. We have a central website and we want each of our member restaurants to have their own website and app.

What is the team dynamic?

We have a lot going on. Nikhil [Bansal, Founder] acts as our project manager. We also work with another person and speak with them often.

How much have you invested with them?

We have spent $40,000 so far.

What is the status of this engagement?

Nikhil came down to meet with us in May 2017 and we formulated detailed plans at that point. I’ve been in contact with Nikhil since the end of 2016. We started working with them in June 2017 on the development work. At the end of September, we completed one piece of the project which is the app and website combination for our restaurant partners. We’re going to continue to add features and develop that according to our clients’ needs. We also have other projects that we want to work on.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Everything is beautiful. We don’t have any metrics, yet. We have a few restaurants who love it. We just started getting all the implementation logistics ironed out.

How did Apptunix perform from a project management standpoint?

They are very personable. Nikhil speaks with me daily if I need it. We’ve got great communication. He makes sure to be available whenever I need him. They’ve conformed to the tools we use including Slack and Google Drive. I don’t know what they prefer but they’ve adapted to what we do.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I went to them because of their user interface and design and how their apps look. I’ve been really happy with the look and feel of how we wanted it to be. Aesthetics were important to us in this particular project. That’s been what I’ve been impressed with the most. Their personal communication is impressive as well.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of anything now.

BACKGROUND

Describe your company and what you do there.

I work in the entertainment industry as a freelance stunt performer/coordinator.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Apptunix?

I wanted a mobile application directory to archive different stunt performers according to ethnicity, height, weight, and set skills. This way, when I need to search in the database, I could just punch in “I’m looking for X person with a certain look and skills,” and then come up with options, according to their locale or proximity to where they live.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Stunt performers create profiles. They have options on how to list their skills. Because of the way the information is categorized, I have a search function tool to immediately pull up information according to height, weight, skill set, gender, and local area working out of. From the same app, I can get that information and forward it via email to people who may need to have access to that, whether it be for casting or wardrobe reasons. I can do everything through my phone very quickly.

This is an app to be used as a resource within the industry itself. It’s an app that I’m sharing with other stunt coordinators. My idea is that I want to create a general database so that if I pull in other stunt coordinators, they pull in people that they hire and add their information onto the database, which makes it more complete, cohesive, and functional for people like myself that are always in search of different people with different skills.

They developed the app natively on both iOS and Android. What I’m looking for them to do is, as I go on and add more features or figure out what works and doesn’t work, provide the support that I need in future updates and versions of the app that fit what my current needs might be at that time.

How did you come to work with Apptunix?

I went online looking for app designers and developers and interviewed a couple that I came up with. When I came across Apptunix, I found them to be the most equal in personality. They seemed very easygoing. I don’t want a yes-person exactly. I know what I want and how I want it designed, but I don’t want anybody to just “yes” me all the way into a corner. I want someone who can, at the same time, work with my concept and throw an idea at me that might be even better. Or if they’re running into a road block, according to the limitations of what I’m asking them to do, I need them sometimes to think outside of the box for me and come up with a different solution to give me a similar result of what I’m looking for. I found them to have those qualities.

When I Skyped with them online, they had the right responses. There were other people that seemed overqualified and eager, but I felt like I was being yessed. I’m not a yes-person. I work in an industry where you’re blunt and upfront—you can do something or you can’t do something, or you don’t know. I’d rather have somebody tell me they don’t know if they can do something than blatantly lie to me and tell me that they can do it, and on the day, things don’t show up the way they say they would. And they gave me that feel.

How much have you invested with Apptunix?

It was $10,000-$20,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started in January 2016 and finished in December 2016. The app is released. Currently, I’m working on a new update with them. I’m very happy with their performance. The app is a fluid tool. I have a bunch of things I want to add to it, but I want to do it slowly. I want to get feedback from people using the app and incorporate those with my feelings on the app and continue working along. I’m doing this as a service and not as a profit for business because it also benefits me. The more resources I have as far as knowing who’s out there who can get a job done, the better it is for me as a stunt coordinator. It makes me more valuable because I know what resources are at local areas where I might be working.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Could you share any evidence that would demonstrate the productivity, quality of work, or the impact of the engagement?

I’ve gotten feedback from people, and it’s usually pretty good. I have a Facebook page for people who are on the app to leave comments, whether it be good or bad, along with ideas. It’s a living, breathing page, and feedback has been pretty good. I think I have 600-700 users at this time, and this is just locally. It’s a work in progress, but it’s been a very practical and functional tool for me.

How did Apptunix perform from a project management standpoint?

I think they were pretty spot-on. We’re in two way different time zones, so sometimes it’s just a matter of me sending details and breakdowns of my notes, and they get back to me immediately with their notes on my notes to make sure that they understood everything correctly. After that, they would issue me an updated test version of the app just to see how I felt it would perform. If I had any further notes, it would go back and forth. It was a very fluid, mutual running back and forth. I would come up with an idea or a note on how the app was performing, and they would come back and tell me, “Is this what you want? Here is the test of that.” They were pretty agile as far as getting back to me and coming up with quick updates or corrections to whatever notes I had during the development process of the app.

What did you find most impressive about Apptunix?

What I like is they could understand my need for clean, efficient-appearing elements in the app. I don’t want it to be very busy. I want it to be simple and straightforward. Most of the older generation of people that I’m trying to get involved in the app, they’re like tech dinosaurs—they’re scared dealing with the tool. I call myself a “stunt geek”: when new technology comes in, I’ll try to find out if there’s a way that I can use it to my advantage, as far as my business goes. It’s very important for me to have something that’s very practical for somebody that’s more tech-savvy, but at the same time, something simple enough so that someone who’s not comfortable working with tech can fully comprehend and use it. Apptunix has done that for me.

Are there any areas Apptunix could improve?

I can’t think of anything.

What tips or recommendations could you share that might increase the likelihood of success with Apptunix?

If you’re looking for someone to help you design something from scratch or if you have a good premise to what your idea is, they could provide the framework for it. As far as my experience goes, they’ve helped create a concept that I have into a functioning idea. I speak totally as a novice because I’ve never done anything like this before, but I’m very content and happy with their ability to help me out.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Tantiv4 Technologies is based in India and specializes in IoT products, which is an upcoming technology in the IT world. We focus on both the hardware and software development of products which can ease people's lives. Our startup was founded two years ago, and we have a four or five-person team.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Apptunix?

We needed to develop a mobile application that could help us interact with IoT devices, and configure them. Our partner needed to have both application and server-side knowledge, and design an iOS app which met our requirements.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Apptunix developed our iOS configuration app using a couple of resources.

How did you come to work with Apptunix?

We needed an iOS developer who could code an application which interacted with our IoT product, and looked at a few options found through references. Our CEO is based in the US, and met Apptunix's principal. We started a formal conversation and looked at the products they'd executed.

How much have you invested with Apptunix?

The cost of Apptunix's work was between $15,000 and $20,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Apptunix in December 2015. The work was wrapped up in February 2016.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Could you share any evidence that would demonstrate the productivity, quality of work, or the impact of the engagement?

The product has been launched only recently, after a Kickstarter campaign, and we're still improving it. We saw a very good response and were able to attract around 600 backers for it. We plan to ship in June 2017, and have reached the commercial stage of the project.

How did Apptunix perform from a project management standpoint?

The team was very good, and able to understand our requirements clearly. One resource in particular was extremely good, and allowed us to not have to babysit the Apptunix team. We were able to share some documents in the beginning and bring them up-to-speed quickly.

What did you find most impressive about Apptunix?

Apptunix was able to quickly understand certain key functionalities of our product, especially mechanism-related ones, which were critical. They did so with minimal support from our end, which was important. Their technical abilities for understanding issues and providing solutions impressed me a lot.

Are there any areas Apptunix could improve?

Apptunix surpassed our initial time and budget estimations at times. One area for improvement would be giving customers advance notices of areas which could drag-on. We didn't have any major issues in this area, but have had to allocate an additional three weeks of development. We have also changed our requirements, since we lacked experience in the iOS field. This is a normal occurrence in product development.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the founder of a secondhand marketplace portal for individuals and vendors. Users rent or sell their used items through our platform.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Apptunix?

We needed help structuring our idea for our web and mobile application. The app would arrange meetings with the buyer and the seller through the e-commerce portal. There is a small subscription for each membership, along with free and paid listings, so we needed a payment gateway for the subscription.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We are not technically sound regarding the frameworks and programming languages they used. They mentioned what technology they were going to use in their proposal. All the expertise came from their side; we just had an idea. We do not have any expertise in the coding part. There was a project manager for the designing and another manager once the development started.

The designing part was the first thing we did. Apptunix helped us design the structure, programming, and layout flow of the app. We first did the app for iOS, then Android, and finally for the web. The project was finished all together.

How did you come to work with Apptunix?

I found them through a portal where they were referred. I shortlisted four or five companies, and Apptunix was one of them. I had a conversation with them and then had a physical meeting. They sent us a proposal. Then there were negotiations, and finally, they were given the project.

How much have you invested with Apptunix?

It was around $20,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in October 2016. The first meeting where I met Nikhil [Bansal], the owner of Apptunix, was in December 2016. They finished the project in January 2017. Then we made some changes to the app—we enhanced the features—and finally launched it.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Could you share any evidence that would demonstrate the productivity, quality of work, or the impact of the engagement?

We have feedback from people who have tested out the app. Some are positive; others have some ideas for improving it. This is usual for testing. We are getting more ideas and are developing on that. We are going to launch our advertising campaign next month, so we are hoping to get 100,000 users.

How did Apptunix perform from a project management standpoint?

The project started off smoothly. There was a delay because we made some changes in the app. They kept on giving us ideas for enhancing the app, so that added a bit of time; otherwise, it was okay. There was a time management system. They gave us this portal—we logged in and got all the details from that.

What did you find most impressive about Apptunix?

The best part was the enhancements they suggested to us. We gave them a small idea, and they created a huge one out of that. They helped us refine our vision and make improvements.

Are there any areas Apptunix could improve?

No. I am pretty happy with them.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CTO of EZ Leads, a software development company that builds apps for real estate agents in Australia.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Apptunix?

We wanted to automate the lead generation process for real estate agents.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They’ve worked on three apps for us. Two of them are basically identical; one is for Android and one is for iOS. The third is a web app, which was built using the PHP framework Laravel. I laid out the specification and design and they did the work.

The apps allow real estate agents to share referrals with one another. Agents typically service one area, and they can share leads they get outside their area. When a lead comes in, agents in that area get a push notification, and they can accept or reject it. We allow up to three agents to accept each lead. If one of them gets a sale, they share the commission with the person who put the lead in.

How did you come to work with Apptunix?

They had good reviews on Upwork. They had the necessary skills and the price was right, so we just hired them.

How much have you invested with Apptunix?

$200,000 AUD [approx. $150,000 USD].

What is the status of this engagement?

I started working with them in late 2015, and the project was complete in December of 2016.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Could you share any evidence that would demonstrate the productivity, quality of work, or the impact of the engagement?

The code they delivered worked reasonably well. We found occasional bugs, but they were fixed. They were well-priced, reasonably competent developers and excellent communicators.

How did Apptunix perform from a project management standpoint?

Their communication skills are excellent. They were available on Skype every day, and they responded quickly. They asked smart questions and they got things done within the deadline for the most part.

What did you find most impressive about Apptunix?

The communication was always awesome and first-rate. I’ve never had better with overseas developers. I can’t imagine it being better; they were really on top of it. They were pretty proactive. Whenever they had a question, they wouldn’t try guessing at the answer, they just asked me directly. There were minimal errors because of that.

Are there any areas Apptunix could improve?

I think their design could improve a little, and their coding is a bit messy and hard to read in some bits. That might have been because we were in a rush, as we’re building an MVP, not a final product. Getting it out quickly was more important than producing beautiful code.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

It’s a tennis application. There are two of us that created this idea, but we needed a coding team. This has not been done before for tennis. I am the chief executive officer.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Apptunix?

There were quite a few coders before Apptunix that couldn’t do the coding at the quality we needed. They did a 10% version of the app, and when it was tested, it was way off from what we wanted it to be. Apptunix, and Nikhil in particular, was very good at suggesting ideas, spending time talking about the spec, and making sure his team understood and that they were capable of doing it.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Within this app, there are two portals, a coach portal, and a player portal. You could book lessons with your coach and transfer payments through it. With that booking, you can also schedule lessons out, and you could book lessons for ten weeks in a row. They built the system to do that. Within those lessons, we wanted a performance system where all the teaching from your coach could be logged. We built all these teaching points. Then, your coach could also rate how you’re doing on the teachings that he’s told you. Then a development graph would be generated so you could see how well you’re improving or not improving. There’s also a video in that to help the coach explain further to you. The application is only available on iOS right now; we haven’t done Android yet. Their work is very good for iOS. I’ve been very impressed.

How did you come to work with Apptunix?

My business partner runs a tech company but he doesn’t have people who specialize in apps. He has a team that does interviews, and his web tech team knows a little bit of coding, so they interviewed Nikhil’s team. They actually understood a lot, and that gave him confidence that they knew what they were talking about.

How much have you invested with Apptunix?

The total cost was 32,000 pounds [approx. US$ 40,000].

What is the status of this engagement?

The timeline was meant to be six months, and I think it took ten. We started December 2015 and we finished in September 2016.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Could you share any evidence that would demonstrate the productivity, quality of work, or the impact of the engagement?

We haven’t put it on the app store. There are a couple of things that I got wrong that Apptunix needs to change to help users; then we’re going to make it live. We’ve had the company evaluated and it’s been valued at $1.2 million. We’d had 100,000 pounds [US$ 124,890] invested so far.

What did you find most impressive about Apptunix?

They’re always accessible. Nikhil gets back to me quickly, and they will spend an hour of their own time asking questions. If they don’t understand something, they ask us to explain it another way. They’re prepared to not start work until they fully understand the task. We’ve had two hours of conversation on small details. Also, if they make a mistake, they rectify it really quickly.

Are there any areas Apptunix could improve?

Sometimes, when they’re giving us a quote, there are errors on their end. Sometimes they want payment for something instead of saying, “You’re good customers and we want to keep you long term.” That could be better. They’re good people. They really try to work hard. They’ve done some 18 hour days. I wish that since we just had that change we wouldn’t have to keep paying on that.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Boss of Mgwa

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Logistics

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

• Excellent

SOLUTION

How did you find Apptunix?

Online Search

Why did you select Apptunix over others?

High ratings

How many teammates from Apptunix were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Excellent

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Executive 

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

Excellent

What was your primary form of communication with Apptunix?

Virtual Meeting

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

Apptunix's communication stood out.

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

No

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Manager of Tesca Beauty

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Software development

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

• To be the best software developer

SOLUTION

How did you find Apptunix?

Online Search

Why did you select Apptunix over others?

Good value for cost

How many teammates from Apptunix were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

software development

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

scalability of software

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

yes they delivered on time

What was your primary form of communication with Apptunix?

Email or Messaging App

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

delivery on time

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

none

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Group Managing Director of a car rental company

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We provide car rentals across New Zealand through a large, modern fleet designed to give travelers a safe, reliable, and easy experience.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

• We hired them to build a simple mobile app for booking and managing our car rentals.

SOLUTION

How did you find Apptunix?

Online Search

Why did you select Apptunix over others?

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

How many teammates from Apptunix were assigned to this project?

6-10 Employees

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

The team built a mobile app for our rental customers that included account setup, vehicle browsing, booking, payment options, and push notifications for pickup and return updates. They handled the UI design, Android development, backend connections to our booking system, and basic testing before each build was shared with us.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

After the app went live, we saw more customers booking directly through the app instead of calling, and our team noticed fewer manual queries about rental status. The app also reduced the time we spent updating customers because notifications handled most of that automatically.

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

The team kept me updated with regular builds and short progress messages, which made it easy to follow the work. Most of the tasks were delivered on time, and when there were small delays, it was usually because I asked for last-minute changes. They responded quickly whenever I needed something clarified and didn’t make the process feel complicated.

What was your primary form of communication with Apptunix?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

What impressed me most was how willing the team was to adapt to our requests, even late in the process. They made sure the app worked exactly how we needed it for customers and staff, and they explained technical details in a way that was easy to understand.

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

One small area for improvement could be slightly faster responses to detailed technical questions. Most of the time they were quick, but occasionally it took a day to get clarification. It didn’t hold up the project, but quicker replies would have made things even smoother.