AVAMAE Software Solutions Ltd

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the head of business development at an Eye Care Provider. We’re a corporate eyecare provider, helping companies in the UK be compliant with the DSE legislation by providing corporate eyecare for our customers' staff.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with AVAMAE Software Solutions Ltd?

We had an online voucher hub to manage our customers' vouchers. The hub was a web portal that handled the whole voucher process users go through, including searching for opticians, redownloading vouchers, invoicing, ordering glasses, and feeding information through other systems. The system was built in 2017 and was becoming quite old. As more data was added to the system, it took longer to load and harder to get reports out of it.

We only had one developer who could work on it, so we reached out to AVAMAE to see if they could help us replace the existing voucher management portal. We wanted to move it from our own servers to the Microsoft Azure platform and make the system more intuitive. We also wanted it to be developed in a more streamlined way so it would be quicker and we didn't need to change many of the database elements.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We've worked with AVAMAE Software Solutions Ltd on the full scope of our web portal to define what we needed. The team is building the portal from scratch without using any code from the existing portal. AVAMAE is building the portal in Microsoft Azure, which is where it'll be hosted. The team has shown us a mock-up of the screens and how the system would look and work before going into the development phase. 

What is the team composition?

We work with about five teammates from AVAMAE. Rob was our first point of contact. We've been handed over to Joshana, and we've also worked with two other teammates. Joshana is our main point of contact.

How did you come to work with AVAMAE Software Solutions Ltd?

Our CEO has worked with AVAMAE in the past. He joined our company in September 2023 and recommended the team to me since we were already searching for development companies. Our choice was a lot easier since our CEO had already worked with AVAMAE. The fact that our CEO was buying into the team gave us the confidence to push the button and go ahead with them.

How much have you invested with them?

The total project budget is £190,000, and we've spent £175,000 so far.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with AVAMAE in March 2024 and hope to launch the portal in December 2024 or January 2025. After launching the new portal, we plan to work with AVAMAE on a monthly basis to help us streamline the system and keep it updated. The team will also provide support for bug fixing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

For us, the project's success is shown in AVAMAE's understanding of the system. The team gave us a really good understanding of the system's look and feel before going into development. Since then, 

How did AVAMAE Software Solutions Ltd perform from a project management standpoint?

AVAMAE gives us monthly updates on their development progress, and we send emails back and forward almost daily. If we have a complicated task to address, we jump on a Microsoft Teams call, and Joshana records the call to present it back to AVAMAE's developers. The team keeps in contact with us and ensures we lead the way with the project's database.

Are there any employees from the service provider's team that you would like to give a shout-out to in this review?

Both Rob and Joshana have been helpful.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We're impressed with AVAMAE's transparency. The team has been open and involved with us in the project. AVAMAE has helped us use their expertise to draw out what we're looking for and enhance what we’ve got.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can't think of anything AVAMAE can improve on — they've done exactly what we've asked.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

AVAMAE is really easy to work with. My only advice is to ensure you have everything scoped out when working with the team. Think about what you need exactly and rotate your time with that scoping work.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m an executive at VEN App. We’re a friendship app for men.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with AVAMAE Software Solutions Ltd?

We needed to build our application.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

AVAMAE Software Solutions Ltd is currently building our app. They’ve included us in the design phase. Initially, they conducted market research with another company.

The team has listened carefully to what we’re looking for. During the design phase, we’ve had weekly meetings with the software engineers to discuss what we’ll do and what we want. We give them a marketing perspective, and they give us their feedback on more technical aspects. It’s been a real collaboration.

In the building space, the development is for iOS and Android. One of the functionalities is the ability to choose friends based on the stage of life, such as living at home with parents, married, traveling the world, new in town, or looking to learn English. We like that feature because it takes away many men's fear that we're a dating app.

Additionally, AVAMAE Software Solutions Ltd has integrated groups, forums, and events where users can physically build offline relationships.

What is the team composition?

We’ve been in contact with Rob (Project Acquisition Manager) from day one. We’ve been in touch with other product staff, but we primarily deal with Rob and Joshana (Senior Product Manager).

How did you come to work with AVAMAE Software Solutions Ltd?

We found them through a Google search. I looked at their previous client list and reviews and was impressed with them. Then, I contacted them and spoke to their representative, Rob. I was very impressed with their customer service skills and what they told me the company could provide.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent around £100,000 (approximately $124,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working with them in October 2022, and our relationship is ongoing. The app will be launched next year in London, and then we’ll expand in the UK and America.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

AVAMAE Software Solutions Ltd consistently listens to us and saves us time and money. We could continue the project elsewhere but are happy to stick with them. The team meets expectations in terms of the quality of work, and they promptly respond to our queries.

They’re very patient. They’ve kindly introduced us to other marketing agencies that can help us with the business launch. Overall, they’re more than just technical builders; they’ve been a partner to our startup.

How did AVAMAE Software Solutions Ltd perform from a project management standpoint?

They deliver within budget and on time. If there’s a slight delay, they always communicate it in advance. We’ve been impressed with their clarity; they communicate exactly what’s going on.

The team also breaks down any technical terms we might not be familiar with. They’re software developers, and we’re not, so they’re patient. Additionally, they’re always available to make the changes we request.

We primarily communicate through emails and Microsoft Teams meetings. They’ve also created a prototype, which we use to give them feedback.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Although they’re software engineers, they’re excellent at communicating exactly what they’re doing. We don’t feel like they’ve taken over the project; they keep us involved even if we don’t have much technical background.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, there’s nothing I can think of. As a software company, there will always be staff turnover, so projects can get slightly delayed. However, AVAMAE Software Solutions Ltd has managed our expectations really well.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I definitely recommend speaking your mind and informing them what they need to do so it’s a collaborative process.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a department head for one of the UK's leading manufacturers of showering and domestic bathroom products. In my position, I’m responsible for the technology inside these products, such as the electronics, the firmware, the software, and any cloud services we might be using.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with AVAMAE Software Solutions Ltd?

We were looking to replace our existing cloud-based infrastructure with a new one, so we hired AVAMAE to do it for us.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

AVAMAE is developing our new cloud-based infrastructure from scratch to our specifications. Initially, we provided them with a broad specifications document with a number of criteria defined by what we want to achieve. AVAMAE has divided these specifications into user stories, and behind each one are the requirements to meet that user story.

The deliverable for each user story is an API endpoint. Whenever AVAMAE delivers one, we test it to ensure we’re happy with how it works. So far, we’re halfway through our total user stories.

This infrastructure will host a loyalty-based cloud product using IoT to connect with multiple units installed in the field via Microsoft Azure IoT Hub. This product allows us to control those units from a mobile application.

What is the team composition?

I communicate with 2–3 people from AVAMAE on a daily basis, but they have more people working behind the scenes. Their team includes a project manager, a solutions architect, and a support person for the solutions architect.

How did you come to work with AVAMAE Software Solutions Ltd?

When we were looking for a partner, we needed someone with a very specific set of technical skills, specifically around IoT and MQTT, a messaging protocol for IoT that allows us to control devices from a cloud-based infrastructure. We found AVAMAE through online research and discovered that they were specialists in Microsoft Azure and Microsoft Azure IoT Hub, which is what we required. Moreover, they already had experience working on similar projects.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started discussions in March 2022, but we signed the contract with AVAMAE in August 2022. Our engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Although we’re halfway through the project, we’re very happy with the features that AVAMAE has delivered so far.

How did AVAMAE Software Solutions Ltd perform from a project management standpoint?

AVAMAE is very responsive, and they’ve delivered everything on time and as required so far. In fact, they’ve managed to get a long way ahead of us in terms of the development schedule — we’re never waiting for them. Moreover, they respond to our questions very quickly. We mainly communicate via email and Microsoft Teams, and we manage the project using Microsoft Azure DevOps Server.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I really like that AVAMAE is not a big organization, so they’re able to respond to our needs in a timely manner. From a technical perspective, their team understands requirements very well and takes the time to ensure that their solutions are appropriate not only for our current efforts but for our future goals as well. That part is very important for us.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t think there is something AVAMAE could improve on.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Have your requirements very well-defined in advance and try not to deviate from them.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder and director of a SaaS startup based in London.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with AVAMAE Software Solutions Ltd?

We needed help with creating a bespoke solution for our SaaS platform so that we could address the technical requirements of our target market. As a startup, it was important for us to create this solution so that we could raise equity investment and go ahead with the project.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

AVAMAE has helped us with IT consulting and UI/UX design. Initially, they helped us brainstorm ideas related to our product and asked us a lot of questions. Taking our input, they then helped us create the first designs using our brand identity, and they started mapping out our platform, its different pages, and its technical requirements.

We worked closely with AVAMAE during this design process, which eventually turned into a UI/UX design exercise. Out of this exercise, we defined the product’s frontend functionality and the user journey.

Now, AVAMAE helps us whenever any of our investors have technical questions. At some point, we’ve also asked them for advice and technical guidance ourselves because our platform involves a lot of mathematical algorithms, and they’re very good at that. On those occasions, they’ve given us a great overview of what our technical requirements should be like.

What is the team composition?

I’ve primarily worked with Rob (Project Acquisition Manager), Oliver (Founder & Solutions Architect), and the technical lead. We’ve also been slightly involved with a couple of their designers for basic design work.

How did you come to work with AVAMAE Software Solutions Ltd?

I found them on Google. During the vetting process, I had several conversations with different potential providers, but AVAMAE was nicer and more engaging. Additionally, their reviews ranked them very well on review sites.

Before hiring them, I had many discovery calls with Rob and Oliver to determine if they could do what we needed, if what we needed was feasible, if we were a good fit, and how much the project would cost. They helped us brainstorm all these different areas and steered us in the right direction, so we decided to partner with them.

How much have you invested with them?

Thus far, we’ve spent less than £10,000 (approximately $12,000 USD). AVAMAE has done a lot of work for us as a favor because we haven’t raised investment funds yet. We’re looking to raise about £500,000 (approximately $576,000 USD), of which we would invest a large percentage in AVAMAE.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with AVAMAE around July 2021, and we continue to work with them.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

AVAMAE has been a helpful partner, and they’ve basically become the technology brain behind our fundraising process. Now that we have our SaaS platform’s UI/UX designs, we can demonstrate our product to potential investors. The feedback from people we’ve already shown the product to is good, and they easily understand how it works; the platform looks good and is well-designed.

How did AVAMAE Software Solutions Ltd perform from a project management standpoint?

AVAMAE offers clear communication from a key point of contact, as well as accurate and timely pricing and timeline estimations. Their team delivers on their promises, which makes them great to work with because we’re not chasing them or following up on them. We communicate via email, Zoom meetings, and phone calls.

What did you find most impressive about them?

AVAMAE is personable, approachable, forthcoming, and helpful. They’re more interested in developing a trustworthy partnership with us and eventually becoming our IT department instead of just developing a one-off solution for us. In addition to building the entire platform, they want to stay with us for the long term, which is great for us — they’re exactly what we needed.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Give them a call, let them know what you want to do, and take it from there.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CTO of a software development company. We develop a financial software used by banks and asset managers to manage money.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with AVAMAE Software Solutions Ltd?

We had a desktop application in C++, but we were lacking some flexibility in developing new features in this UI framework. We needed help with custom software development using React.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

AVAMAE Software Solutions Ltd is developing a custom software using React. The solution can be installed inside bank premises, where account managers can connect through plugins. It allows users to access and manage all of the data inside.

We’re currently developing the solution’s backend.

How did you come to work with AVAMAE Software Solutions Ltd?

We found AVAMAE Software Solutions Ltd through Clutch.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent around $40,000 so far.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in March 2022, and the engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The project isn’t completely done yet, but we can definitely say that everything’s been going well and as planned.

How did AVAMAE Software Solutions Ltd perform from a project management standpoint?

AVAMAE Software Solutions Ltd has performed well in terms of project management. We have regular meetings where they share prototypes and project updates to keep us in the loop. They’re straightforward, transparent, and responsive.

We typically communicate through Microsoft Teams and email.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We’re most impressed with AVAMAE Software Solutions Ltd’s exceptional communication skills.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, we have no complaints.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the director of Cycle Safety Technologies Limited. We develop an awareness and communication app for vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians. The vulnerable road user can identify whether they’re a cyclist, pedestrian, or another type of user, and the app will automatically launch once they’re on the road. 

Our app tracks vulnerable road users so they can advertise their presence to vehicle drivers up to 500 yards away, notifying the vehicle drivers on their telematics or Google Maps screen. The product removes all blind spots from vehicles, which is especially important for 40-foot trucks since they have high fatality rates for cyclists and other vulnerable road users.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with AVAMAE Software Solutions Ltd?

We had partnered with another development company that built a prototype for us, but the product they created wasn’t scalable, which was a problem. Although they proved our concept worked, we couldn’t even support 10 cyclists with the prototype. I had to go back to the drawing board and find a reputable company that could complete the product for us. Now, AVAMAE is working with us to build a scalable product, which is still in development.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We had created a template tracker ready for testing before meeting with AVAMAE, which was classified as hardware. AVAMAE evaluated the tracker and walked us through the potential logistical problems for launching the tracker with over a million users. They identified the timeframe it would take to create and print the templates, and we ultimately decided it would be too complicated. 

AVAMAE recommended that we build a tracker as a separate download for smartphones, which everyone already carries. They removed much of the logistical work that comes with inputting reference numbers and greatly simplified our product. They provided us with a professional, confidential estimate. Then, they submitted architectural and structural designs for the internal workings of the app, which outlined the security measures they planned to use, and the web design in Microsoft Azure.

They built the app for iOS and Android, which acts as a simple beacon that works in the phone’s background technology. The app uses motion sensors to track the speed and location of vulnerable road users. AVAMAE enabled the GPS to be compatible with Nano 5G, and they synchronized the app with our website.

We plan to engage their services for other apps that we’re developing. One of the apps will be geared toward vehicle accident management and prompt users to collect forensic details and create an accident report pdf that they can send to insurance companies. AVAMAE will work on the web development for that app as well. 

What is the team composition?

We primarily work with a project manager at AVAMAE.

How did you come to work with AVAMAE Software Solutions Ltd?

We wanted to work with a local partner because an overseas company had previously burned us. We wanted to engage a partner with whom we could go to coffee and meet in person. I approached AVAMAE solutions after researching numerous development companies in and around London. 

I’d never heard of AVAMAE before and didn’t know what to expect, but I was open-minded. They were the only company that showed us empathy, which is very important, and showed a deep understanding of our product. They wanted to be responsible for the completion of the product, so we engaged them as partners.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested about $6,000 in the project, but we’re projected to invest a total of $78,000. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working with AVAMAE in February 2022, and the project is ongoing. We plan to launch the first product in October–November 2022.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

AVAMAE is a great company, and their standard of work has been phenomenal. They’ve taken the time to give us good advice regarding the scalability of our product and the web design and security measures. We have a contract to supply the product to one million trucks by the end of November 2022, and AVAMAE is working directly with our client to achieve this. 

We’re projected to meet our launch deadline, and they’ve helped us develop a phenomenal product that people are excited about. They’ve helped us create an important product that could save lives around the world.

How did AVAMAE Software Solutions Ltd perform from a project management standpoint?

AVAMAE's whole project management approach has been fantastic from day one. They’ve been very patient and understanding of our position and work well with us, which has been refreshing.

The project manager is our main point of contact, and they never miss an appointment, call, or message. They always inform me of progress and share advice as they see fit. They streamline communication with the other AVAMAE team members and let me know where we’re meeting and who the participants will be, which is fantastic.

They present us with many scenarios and comparable solutions so we can see the whole picture and make the best possible decision. The team is very professional, and we communicate through Zoom, emails, and phone calls. We use Teams to manage the project.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I am impressed by the level of dedication the AVAMAE team has afforded us. They’re always willing to go further than necessary to ensure our app is securely encrypted, and they go to great lengths to ensure their development work is nothing short of fantastic. 

We’d become quite cynical of developers after our past experiences, but AVAMAE has blown us away with their desire to finish this product. They are empathetic, knowledgeable partners and always strive to provide excellent quality solutions. 

I’ve had an outstanding experience with them, and they’ve conducted themselves far and beyond our expectations. They’ve helped us reach a turning point for our company, and there’s no team I’d rather partner with to finish building this product. I’m very happy with the engagement and strongly recommend AVAMAE to other businesses. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I have nothing AVAMAE could improve on. They’ve provided us with a fantastic experience.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I advise being transparent about your goals and taking the advice that AVAMAE extends. You are the scriptwriter, and AVAMAE is the director. If you write the script, they’ll direct your project as if it were a movie being held to the highest standard.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the director of an employee research organization.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with AVAMAE Software Solutions Ltd?

We wanted to develop our own survey and reporting platform for the employee surveys we run for our clients.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

AVAMAE Software Solutions Ltd does custom software development. The process has been collaborative. Initially, we had a scoping meeting where we spent time with them to illustrate what we wanted. We took them through the kind of functionality we were looking for. Then, they prepared a scoping document, and we agreed to it.

From there, they started developing the platform. They use ASP.net and some JavaScript and Microsoft SQL databases.

What is the team composition?

We have a dedicated account manager and access to the developers.

How did you come to work with AVAMAE Software Solutions Ltd?

I knew the director. He worked on a previous project when I was with another company.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in August 2017, and our relationship is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They’ve delivered according to the specifications. We now have a survey and reporting platform that we can use easily with our clients, who enjoy the output.

How did AVAMAE Software Solutions Ltd perform from a project management standpoint?

They’ve come in slightly beyond the timeline but within budget. They’re good people and easy to work with. Also, they’re very responsive; we communicate via email and Teams.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Despite its complexity, they have a good understanding of what we do. We have a detailed system, and they’ve gotten to know us and our business. Moreover, the account management and responsiveness are excellent. Also, the quality of what they produce is fantastic. They take the time to understand our requirements and develop accordingly.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I’d like them to improve their deployment processes.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be very precise about what you want and why you want it. The more detailed information you give them, the better they can do their job.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the founder of DroneAG. We provide a software solution that uses drone systems to scout farmers’ crops and return information on their fields.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with AVAMAE Software Solutions Ltd?

We started talking to AVAMAE Software Solutions Ltd very early on. We had an MVP at the time and wanted to start building out the full platform, but we didn’t have the resources in-house. We hired them to develop the first full version of our solution so we could go to market.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Another company was building an iOS app to be the main interface for the users, but we needed AVAMAE Software Solutions Ltd to build the backend infrastructure that we needed. They created a database infrastructure and wrote some pretty sophisticated programming for drone flight control. They integrated a few other services that enabled the drone to provide information on the farmer’s fields.

To do so, they created a robust set of cloud-based API endpoints that could communicate with the app and pull data in from other external third-party endpoints. Then they created a central system to store all of that information, process it, and then send it where it needed to go.

Additionally, they did a bit of frontend work around a user admin and online portal. Since the app launched, they’ve been constantly improving the app, the software, and the backend.

What is the team composition?

They put as many people on the project as we needed to meet our requirements.

How did you come to work with AVAMAE Software Solutions Ltd?

Our CTO knew Oliver (Founder & Lead Solution Architect) really well and thought they would be a good fit for what we needed to do. After a couple of discussions, it sounded like they had the expertise that we needed. They were pretty familiar with high-end mathematics calculations and geo-referencing, while other partners we talked to didn’t have that background.

How much have you invested in them?

The initial contract was $50,000, but now we pay a monthly fee.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started the project in August 2019 and we launched the app in March 2020. Now we’re working with them on a month-to-month basis.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

AVAMAE Software Solutions Ltd got the app to that we could launch it. With their ongoing support, we now have about 120 users.

For the service they provide, they’re reasonably priced. Of course, there are bugs, but even then, they take ownership and fix them without additional costs. I think it has overall been very good.

How did AVAMAE Software Solutions Ltd perform from a project management standpoint?

All of our project management is done through Microsoft Azure and Microsoft DevOps. We also have weekly meetings where we get to talk to the project manager and developers. All of the communication has been really useful.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The team has a very pragmatic approach, which works very well for what we are doing. They have a lot of expertise — they have PhDs in mathematics — and they are not afraid to give us their opinion. Overall, their transparency is very helpful.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They’ve done a really good job throughout the project. I haven’t needed or wanted anything more from them.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

You want to have a very good and clear idea of what you want to do and what you want the final outcome to be. Trust that AVAMAE Software Solutions Ltd has the experience to know the best way to get there. You really have to think about what you want to do and then they will tell you how to achieve it.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the deputy managing director at a strength assessment business. We have a strength assessment tool that’s a cross between a psychological assessment and personal development tools that allows users to find their strengths and find ways to use them more effectively.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with AVAMAE Software Solutions Ltd?

Our service is controlled through an online web-based platform where AVAMAE Software Solutions comes into play.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They designed and built our current platform. It was a long period of development, design, and feedback. We had to work with this while keeping the older system running.

AVAMAE Software Solutions managed that process through design, coding, delivery, and hosting.

What is the team composition?

We directly interface with our project manager and Oliver (Founder). We also deal with some of their developers and a designer.

How did you come to work with AVAMAE Software Solutions Ltd?

I don’t know how that came about. It was before my time with the business. We’ve used them for ten years, but there was a gap until this project came along.

Their company is in a similar space as us, so it seems like they would be a safe choice to work with.

How much have you invested with them?

Over the years, it’s been over $300,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them on this project at the beginning of 2016.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have several measures we keep track of – through usage and completions. We also get feedback on usability and user interface. We have a monthly product development meeting with their team, where we discuss what is and isn’t working. It’s a key point of how we measure our success.

We’ve recently worked on them a few big products added to our offerings. We go through a fairly rigorous testing process with a group of VIP customers. We get significant feedback from them on usability and function.

How did AVAMAE Software Solutions Ltd perform from a project management standpoint?

We’ve been developing the ways of working within the last year. We have a good system in place that involves clear lines of communication between our project manager and theirs. We’re using Azure DevOps as a key communication tool. Everything is managed through that platform, and we’ve also been working with them to develop additional features there.

Along with the monthly meeting, we had quick catchups for 15 or 20 minutes to touch base. It works well with our process. At scoping stages, we have larger workshops at their offices to scope work out through whiteboards and demo software.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their ability to see what we’re trying to create impresses me. Their team comes up with constructive ways to do that. It feels like they’re part of our team, which has been invaluable to us.

Their team easily steps into our world and understands what we’re trying to deliver from a usability and technical perspective. Their insight has been helpful.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, we’ve been making big progress on the communication element. When I started with them, I would’ve said the communication needed to improve, but now, we’re at a point where they’ve done great work on that.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Talk about clear communication methods to make sure information flows. Structure that from the start. Treat them as part of the team – that helps them understand what you’re trying to deliver. They’re a core part of what we do now.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of buyfair.global.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with AVAMAE Software Solutions Ltd?

We were trying to find the technical solution for a physical problem. It was our goal to create an online auction site for our company.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

My co-founder Damon and I had several meetings with Oliver (Founder & Solutions Architect, AVAMAE Software Solutions Ltd) to discuss what we were trying to achieve over a series of several weeks. It was through our several conversations and their development work that we were able to work out how the web-based platform would function.

The final app is a multi-level, premium B2B auction platform. On the Microsoft-based app, users can list thousands of a particular item, and businesses bid on them within a certain time frame. This allows sellers more confidence that they can sell through large quantities of items.

The platform enables buyers to purchase a portion of the full quantity of items, something that other auction sites don’t allow for. At this point, we have a patent pending on the idea. 

What is the team composition?

I primarily worked with about three different people. That included Teresa (Account Manager, AVAMAE Software Solutions Ltd), Oliver, and another teammate. There were also others working behind the scenes.

How did you come to work with AVAMAE Software Solutions Ltd?

Along with that, we went through a tender process. In the end, we decided that AVAMAE Software Solutions Ltd understood our goals much better than other vendors. We had full confidence that they would be able to deliver. 

How much have you invested with them?

We spent about £125,000 (approximately $165,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

The partnership started in 2017, and it’s still ongoing. However, we launched the product in November 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Because of their work, we were able to launch the product and begin onboarding companies. We already have over 150 businesses signed up, and we’re beginning to see traction as well. At this point, we’re crowdfunding to expand our services. The site looks amazing, and their team continues to work very closely with it to ensure that it keeps improving over time. It’s been a great collaboration.   

How did AVAMAE Software Solutions Ltd perform from a project management standpoint?

The team was knowledgeable and responsive in each of their focus areas. They were very strong and understood our goals, which was refreshing. Leaving no stone unturned, they went through every detail of our project. We often did this in person or via Skype. Everyone had to sign off on changes before we moved on, which allowed for a workable system and solution.   

I also appreciated being on the same wavelength as our contacts at AVAMAE Software Solutions Ltd. While there were several people working on the project, it was nice to be dealing with a core group on their team. They were very responsive whenever we needed them to be. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

They truly understood what we were trying to achieve, providing us with their experience, knowledge, and interpretations. Receiving suggestions from a technical partner is ideal. We could rely on their engagement and advice. They can use their knowledge without being afraid of guiding me toward better ways of doing things. I’m not a technical person, so that’s greatly appreciated.   

Are there any areas they could improve?

Any customer wants even faster response times, but that’s likely unreasonable. They didn’t underperform in any way. In fact, they overperformed in any area. I’d push them to do their absolute best, and they responded well to that, often exceeding my expectations.