Axabee

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Based in Prague, Čedok is the Czech Republic’s largest travel corporation and one of the country’s most recognised brands. Founded in 1920, Čedok operates on multiple levels of the travel business both in the Czech Republic and internationally, serving its customers with destinations in over 50 countries .

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

With the rapidly evolving technology industry, we decided to refresh our systems and invest in modern solutions. At the very beginning, we wanted to redesign our website to adapt it to the current requirements of our users. The next step was to replace our current booking system with a new one, tailored to our needs. The final step was a mobile application (iOS & Android), which nowadays is an essential element of sales. Our goal was to bring a technological revolution that would streamline the operation of the travel agency and provide the best experience for our customers.

SOLUTION

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

The project required extensive experience with travel industry implementations. Therefore, we needed a partner who would provide us with a wide range of services. Based on Axabee's expertise, which provides technological support for the largest Polish travel agency, and our partner belonging to the same capital group, we had no doubt that we were in good hands and would complete the project with great success.

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

Because of the wide range of services Axabee provided for us collectively, we decided to divide the projects into phases to best plan and execute the work. After the contract was signed, Axabee held a meeting on each project to dig deeper into our needs. After determining them, Axabee created teams to work on the given elements - booking system, mobile app, and e-Commerce website.

Axabee works in Agile methodology, so everything was done in two-week sprints.

a) Booking System - an advanced reservation system that meets the specific needs of a travel agency. The system was integrated with a mobile application, mailing system, e-Commerce, CRM, and search engines. Our main goal was to obtain a reliable tool that would be easy to use and facilitate our work. We are satisfied with the straightforward interface, the ability to manage prices, offers, and a comprehensive list of analytics. Technology: .NET, ASP.NET MVC, Oracle, MS SQL, React, TypeScript, Redux, JavaScript, CSS

b) Mobile Application - a dedicated mobile application that handles the entire customer purchase process. The mobile version of the website contains all the necessary functionalities to satisfy customers who prefer browsing on their mobile devices. Axabee is aware of how much sales on mobile devices contribute to the market. The app has been designed according to the latest trends to provide the best experience to the customers. The customer can log in to their customer plan (access to their trips, guides, documents). The application allows to compare prices of tours, hotels and read reviews left by users. From the application level, ordering additional services: tours, car rental, or booking a different flight is also possible.

The application is available for two platforms: iOS and Android. Technology: Swift, Android Framework, Android Jetpack, Kotlin, Android MVVM, Firebase, RxJava c) e-Commerce - A tailor-made platform for selling tours and related services. Designed in detail by a UX/UI specialist. While designing the website, Axabee took into account our requirements and combined them with current trends. As a result, we have a modern-looking website adapted to the user, facilitating the purchase process, and we have an excellent platform that stands out from the competition. In addition, the website is user and SEO-friendly. Technology: React.js, node.js, Redis, Elasticsearch, MongoDB

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

For each project, a separate team was assigned, consisting of:

1. Booking System 9 people – 2 Project Manager, 6 x Developers – 3 dedicated to Front-End and 3 to Back-end, Automatic and Manual Tester.
2. Mobile Application 9 people – Project Manager, Developers - 3 dedicated to iOS and 3 to Android platform, 1 UI/UX Designer, 1 Automatic and Manual Tester.
3. e-Commerce 6 people – Project Manager, Developers – 1 dedicated to Front-End and 2 to Back-end, 1 UI/UX Designer, 1 Automatic and Manual Tester.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The implemented products have met our and our customers' expectations. We can see this by checking the number of visits to the website and mobile application. Comparing the statistics from a few years ago, we see a significant increase (although we are comparing the numbers at the time of the covid pandemic). After implementing complete solution from Axabee we can see increase up to approximately 160% of total sales (turnover and/or number of PAX). In case of the sales over web, we see increase of 230%.

The share of sales over web increased from 14% up to 20%. And we can also see the continuous increase of sales over mobile app, but this we cannot compare because this is a new sales channel which solution from Axabee opened for us. The reservation system has significantly improved our operation. We are satisfied with the fact that it has opened many possibilities for us.

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

Axabee works in an Agile methodology, so all sprints were every two weeks. It doesn't mean that we didn't communicate during that time - we used standard communication tools - email, Teams, Slack and if necessary, we were in constant phone contact with Project Managers. Time estimation was done in Jira. Axabee is open to customer suggestions, and if we wanted to introduce an additional tool, there was no problem with that.

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

We are impressed with how easily the project was handled, given its complexity. Problem-solving skill is a big plus!

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

We are as happy with the collaboration as it went.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Our main business is See Places which is a multilingual online platform for booking tours and activities and I am the COO of the company. See Places is the Polish leading platform for numerous quality activities in leisure destinations. We cover most of the world’s finest resorts with top must-see places and offering multi-cultural experiences.

This is accessible through a user-friendly website with a convenient keyword search and an easy booking process. Our mission is to help travelers from all over the world create once-in-a-lifetime, unforgettable memories and to provide them with memorable experiences.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We hired Axabee to add new complex functionalities to the already existing system. The system we created earlier with another team worked but had many bugs. Firstly, we needed to fix the existing bugs and then we had to get ready to implement new modules and functionalities.

We were looking for an experienced team who would help us repair the system in a short time and then design and develop new functionalities. Goals for this project At first, we needed to repair the system and fix all the bugs, and then design and program new functionalities and modules.

The goals were to create a new platform for agents and affiliates, reporting on the sale of trips and expanding the online platform for B2C with e-commerce functionalities, such as: a shopping cart, packages, categories, tags and a multi-currency system.

SOLUTION

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

We were looking for a local company with experience in travel e-commerce.

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

Initially, Axabee took over the project from the previous software house. They approached it very meticulously, analyzing the entire system and completing its documentation at the same time. Then we started fixing the bugs. After the project was seamlessly taken over and bugs fixed, it was time to develop new functionalities and modules.

The Axabee team showed a great understanding of our needs. All large functionalities that we implemented at first went through the UX / UI design stage. Then, after our approval, we proceeded to development. The team works in two-week sprints. At the end of each sprint, there is a summary and then an implementation of new features.

Therefore, the progress is now clearly visible. At the same time, the team is agile in responding to our changing needs and priorities. The main functionalities that were implemented in just a few months of work were the following: a shopping cart, categories, tags, a multi-currency system, a new platform for B2B agents and affiliates and integrations with our partners’ systems.

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

There were three developers – two back-end developers and one front-end developer, a UI/UX designer, two automatic and manual testers and a project manager.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

By expanding our e-commerce functionalities, we managed to have more demand, a greater number of bookings, as well as a more complicated product which has been added to our portfolio.

SeePlaces is now the Polish leading platform for tours and activities in leisure destinations. We receive positive feedback from customers and the entire online sales process runs smoothly and faster. Thanks to the development of the B2B platform for agents and affiliates, we can efficiently expand our sales network.

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

The cooperation has been and still is very good. We have developed various forms of contact and standards for reporting bugs as well as new needs and functionalities. The team responds quickly and we can always count on their support and productive initiative.

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

Their methodical way of working and their ability to handle all problems that arose along the way.

Are there any areas for improvement?

We are completely satisfied with the up to date co-operation

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the e-Commerce Director at ITAKA. Our company is the biggest tour operator in Poland. We sell trips worldwide to leisure destinations, mostly from polish airports but also from other like Prague or Vilnus. I'm responsible for the online sales and online projects that generate income.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Axabee?

Axabee was hired for further mobile app development. We wanted to cooparate with a company that would quickly react to our needs. Our wish was also to increase the downloads, as well as mobile app stores ratings.

We noticed that our stats started to decline, so we decided to changes the software house.

What were your goals for this project?

• To create an intuitive application that, despite having lots of advanced functionalities, will be usable and clear for travel agency customers during the whole purchase path.
• To create various functionalities, starting from inspirations and holiday search (instant online booking), client service at the destination (travel representative chat, update about changes in reservation), to post sales service.
• Integration with various Itaka systems.

SOLUTION

How did you select Axabee?

It was a recommendation from a friend.

Describe the project in detail.

After choosing Axabee as a contractor, they took over the project that was handled earlier by other software house (for a couple of months). The project take over went very smooth, without any problems.

All overdue bugs were fixed quickly nad we were able to begin our cooperation in terms of new functionalities. Our work is based on two week sprints. The team gets on really well. It consists of 6 developers (3 working on iOS and 3 on Android), a tester and a UI/UX designer.

The development team has an enthusiastic approach to implementing new functionalities, as well as they initiate new ideas and share their thoughts on new features and fixes that can be implemented to the application.

Main functionalities implemented: search, filters, offer comparison, whole sales process, quick online reservations, upsell of additional services, push notifications, chat, video chat, reviews.

What was the team composition?

6 developers - 3 dedicated to iOS and 3 to Android platform, UI/UX designer, automatic and manual tester.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Advanced, yet simple and intuitive mobile application with 1 000 000 downloads and +4 rating in Google Play and App Store. Positive feedback from customers and large turnover from reservations made with the app.

Itaka gained a new contact tool to connect with clients, and application makes it much more easier to contact customers during their stay at a holiday destination - it is now a new way to communicate with clients.

Two nominations for Mobile Trend Awards. „Róża Kolumba” price for mobile app.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Very effective, we use MS Teams, earlier we also communicated via Slack. The team is very responsive and immediatelly solves problems.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their engagement, initiative, responsive team, knowledge about e-commerce and travel industry was impressive.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I do not have any recommendations. Everything went (and still is going) smoothly.