Axisbits GmbH

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the CTO of Mobile Orders, a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform that’s used for the fast development and launch of iOS and Android mobile applications for ordering different products. It allows you to create a product catalog with your design, display company information, and then track the number of sales.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Axisbits?

We needed a web app with which users can create their own mobile app along with a product catalog. We had a design in place and needed backend development done in Python and frontend development using JavaScript.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to fully create a SaaS platform, deploy it, and attract customers.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We found them in a freelance marketplace. They had all the necessary expertise and seemed like a good choice.

Describe the project in detail.

Axisbits implemented the self-service part of the platform using Django Python. They successfully completed all the tasks that we set.

What was the team composition?

The team included a frontend developer and a backend Python developer.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What outcomes or results can you share that demonstrate progress and/or success?

We received a fully functional SaaS system and started to build a client base. According to the stats provided by our first customers, their loyal clients make anywhere from four to 10 orders a month through the mobile app they created with MobileOrders. Also, more than 30% of their customers installed the app.

How effective was the project management?

I held the role of project manager and assigned tasks directly to the developers. The process was smooth and didn’t have any communication issues.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They have very good development skills, especially with HTML5 dynamic pages. Their management also rearranged the developers in an effective way towards the end of the project.

What tips or recommendations do you have?

I strongly recommend Axisbits.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am a Dutch national with 8 years of experience in the financial sector. I work both internally and, most recently, externally as a consultant. I’ve taken part in larger change initiatives and in the asset-liquidity management sector.

I started my own not-for-profit charity a year and a half ago, outside of my regular work. Through this platform, companies and individuals can start their own digital foundation. Instead of donating money to a project or charity, we work directly with impact investment fund managers. All of the proceeds from those funds go to charities or projects. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Axisbits?

The main goal was to develop the entire platform. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Axisbits was with me from the start, and we’ve been working together for over a year. We began with an overall estimate and planning phase, then initiated revolving sprints based on product needs.

I put together all of the business requirements. The software elements were derived from my original idea and from market research done by my team. Every feature was split into smaller items and discussed directly with Axisbits’ team, who gave recommendations about development and rough initial estimates. This allowed us to prioritize tasks.

The platform has many elements, including the main landing page to inform users about our vision. It needed to be easily accessible and legible, as well as contain interactive elements to guide users and gain their trust. We have a personal dashboard similar to the overview of a bank account. After selecting the number of projects or charities that users want to be involved in or informed about, they can make an account and will be assigned a dashboard with features that they can explore. These include managing the charity portfolio, gaining insights into the charities and projects selected, communicating with other users or our team, getting tax-deduction receipts, and so forth. We’ve also created “The Charity Guide,” which helps users see the big picture amidst these details. There are many charities available—1,300 in Germany alone. We’ve whittled the number down to 300, but that is still a lot of options for someone looking for a specific charity or project.

How did you come to work with Axisbits?

Initially, I wanted a web and database developer and put together a tender to assess companies with regards to honesty and pricing. We assessed 8 different vendors, and Axisbits came out as a clear winner for 8 out of the 10 points we looked at. I also asked a family member of mine, who’s a software engineer, to assess their offer. He said that, out of all the others I got, theirs was the most honest.

Instead of trying to overextend, Axisbits gave a transparent estimate and offered feedback. I may have gotten my hopes up about developing a platform for €25,000 [$28,370], but they told me that the sum would not bring me the entire product as I wanted it.

To me, the biggest advantage of working with technical people is that they’re not only focused on what they do best; they also brainstorm strategically about the business. Axisbits explained their experience clearly and offered a discount on the actual bill, as their team still needed to learn certain items. I was also free to contract other parties with more experience than they.

How much have you invested with Axisbits?

The total cost is confidential. It’s been a large investment. We have set hourly rates, and the cost is based on the amount of work I assign. Axisbits is allowed to go over our internal estimation by a maximum of 20%. If they go over that, they will give us a 50% discount or bonus hours that we’ll invest in other features.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Axisbits around 15 months ago. Our budget is running out, so we are currently in a development stop. I have wholeheartedly recommended Axisbits to people I know. As soon as we increase our investment, I will continue working with them. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’re constantly improving the performance of the platform by discussing client feedback with Axisbits’ team and assessing how we can build new versions of the site. We’re currently on the 3rd version and are developing the 4th right now. A senior UX designer from a large travel-fare aggregator site is doing pro bono work for us, setting up UX reports. This part isn’t related to Axisbits’ work.

How did Axisbits perform from a project management standpoint?

Every development project has a learning curve, and it’s important for both parties to get to know each other. I’d been working in Agile for a while when we started this project, but every party has its own peculiarities and ways of working. Because Axisbits was working out of Ukraine, I couldn’t travel to them every week. I was running the charity project on a personal loan, so it was important to me to keep in touch using available technology. We found a good method of working by constantly reviewing our collaboration and being honest with each other.

For the first month of working with Axisbits, I wasn’t happy with the progress, and I came to the point of blaming it on them as the development party. I held a small workshop with a couple of local people and came to the conclusion that, if 2 parties are working together, then 2 parties are at fault when issues arise. I called Axisbits and told them that I wasn’t happy with the progress and that I was sure that they had their gripes with me as well. I mentioned points about project development that were bothering me and asked them to review those items and give me an answer the next day. When we spoke again, they shared concerns from their side as well. From that moment on, we’ve continued to be brutally honest with each other during every call. This is sometimes tough to swallow, as I’m the person paying for the project. I don’t think many development parties would be willing to do that, but we’ve reached a level of trust.

Depending on the intensity of development, we had meetings at least twice a week using a variety of technology, including Slack for day-to-day items, Trello for project management, Google Drive for saving use and test cases, and Skype for calls.

What did you find most impressive about Axisbits?

In my industry, I’ve often heard that remote development is impossible. Working with Axisbits has shown that this assumption is completely false. When people say that I need to have on-site developers to handle problems, I wholeheartedly disagree.

Are there any areas Axisbits could improve?

I’ve noticed places where they could improve, but these items don’t factor into my rating. Instead, they’re a part of the experience we’ve gained as a team. If I had more money, I would have requested a better designer on their front. Because my investment is limited, we couldn’t put the full amount for the design. This is a personal limitation. But, we’ve had weekly calls and continued to give each other feedback on the work process.

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

I could consult on project management services, as I have documented a perfect working method for any external partner. Before kicking off a project with any developer, clients should invest in a 2-week period to discuss the working process, delivery, development, testing, and deployment. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Facility Manager of Chalet Matterhornblick

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We rent holiday apartments in the Swiss alps

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Axisbits GmbH to accomplish?

• Attract new customes
• Keep existing customers

SOLUTION

How did you find Axisbits GmbH?

• Referral
• Clutch Site
• Other

Why did you select Axisbits GmbH over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

What was the size of Axisbits GmbH’s team?

6-10 Employees

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

The key delivery was a website from where that people can directly make a reservation for the appartments

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• Good occupation of the apartments
• Many visitors on the website

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

Their project management is very strong and as well their customer orientation. They responded very well to our needs.

What was your primary form of communication with Axisbits GmbH?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

The tailor-made development of the site. They strong involvement of the Axisbits specialists.

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

Not really

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Founder of Yourasset

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

A luxury asset manager, in your pocket.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Axisbits GmbH to accomplish?

• Create wireframes
• Frontend development
• Create Figma designs

SOLUTION

How did you find Axisbits GmbH?

Clutch Site

Why did you select Axisbits GmbH over others?

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

What was the size of Axisbits GmbH’s team?

2-5 Employees

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

Supported our company to get started with web development from scratch. First wireframes developed into Adobe XD or Figma design files. Axisbits also supported with frontend development and various adhoc marketing animation tasks.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• Design files
• Web development
• Video creation

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

Competent and personal project management. One lead project manager handles the communication between the Startup and the vendors designers and developers. Project tasks are delivered on time. Sometimes it was more complex to define the exact outcome of milestones. The team of axisbits is always very responsive and looking to find a solution.

What was your primary form of communication with Axisbits GmbH?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email
• Messaging App

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

The project managers situated in Switzerland. The web designers of the company.

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

They were always proactive in their communication.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Asset Management for Cryptocurrencies. CEO.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We had to launch our first website. the goal was to create a unique site which is modern and trustfully.

SOLUTION

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

We checked online rating. Axisbits had great ratings and a very charming team.

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

We had a kickoff meeting, where we discussed everything. After that Axisbits created wireframes to visualize the concept. That step was very welcome cause it helped to further shape the details. After that they worked on the page until it was finished. Even afterwards we were able to bring some more wishes from us.

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

We mainly had contact with Denis, the CEO.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

It was really great, can always suggest Axisbits!

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

They work with the newst type of tools and are very clear in structuring the process.

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

Axisbits GmbH was great to work with, but the outcome was even better!

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

None.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am prjoect lead design of a software company located in Munich, Germany.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Axisbits GmbH?

In order to complete our project more quickly, we needed to strengthen our design team.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We did a Google search for design agencies, and they gave us the best offer.

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

We needed designs for our client and website. They started by wireframing the pages, then the wireframes were transformed into high fidelity designs.

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

We worked with Nicolas the project manager and with the CEO Denis.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They managed to get our website and client designed within three months, to our complete satisfaction. They are currently being implemented in house.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Communication with our project manager was smooth. When we noticed small changes, they were dealt with immediately. Deadlines were usually met and if there were any problems they always communicated them.

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

They had really good workflows and fast response time.

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

Communicating with the Project Manager was very good, but communicating within the team sometimes seemed to lead to misunderstandings.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the owner and managing director of Blade and Shade, one of the leading tattoo studios in Switzerland.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

I got in touch with Axisbits with the wish for a homepage that presents our work in a correspondingly high quality. So the focus was on design and usability.

SOLUTION

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

I have heard good feedback from several quarters regarding the Axisbits company. Since I have already had bad experiences with companies in the IT sector, it was extremely important to me to find a partner with whom I can be sure that I am in good hands. This was confirmed in the first calls and I was certain that I had found the right partner for this project.

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

We initially held a kick-off meeting with Dennis from Axisbits, at which the company that looks after us at Google was also present. It was quickly understood what we were looking for and what the right solutions were.

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

Dennis and Nico looked after us as project managers, we had no direct contact with the development team.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We've only had the finished page online for about 3 days, so we can't evaluate any stats yet. But what we are already seeing is very positive feedback. We seem to have met the taste of the customers.

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

The whole development phase was very pleasant. We have experienced excellent communication from Axisbits. Problems are tackled quickly, easily and with input of own ideas. Deadlines were always met, as were the agreed costs. With Axisbits you will find a partner with whom you can tackle such a project without any nasty surprises.

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

Axisbits has an extremely customer-oriented philosophy and always tries to find solutions and implementations for the wishes of the customers.

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

We wouldn't wish for anything else afterwards.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I‘m the CO-Founder of vonMedia - a social media agency.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We work with them whenever something needs to be programmed. Whether tracking facilities, web developments or other projects.

SOLUTION

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

It was an offline recommendation.

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

We have implemented various projects. Therefore, very different technologies were used. The consulting was great every time.

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

We worked with Nicolas the project manager and as well with the founder Denis.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

All targets were met and the quality is excellent.

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

Their communication is direct, fast and open. They are guided by their customers' wishes

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

They have really good workflows and fast response time.

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

Not at all. We are super happy with everything.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Investment with precious metals and trusteeship, owner of the company

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Website development and web design Development of a customer-friendly website with a design tailored to the company

SOLUTION

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

professional and reliable service, with appropriate price-performance ratio, selected this vendor on the basis of a recommendation

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

We had a kick-off meeting to discuss our goals an plans. After they started to design the Website and updated us regularly to discuss the steps.

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

They worked with a team of 4 people 1 Project Manager 1 Designerin 1 Frontend developer 1 Backend developer

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They finished our website within three month, with a result to our best satisfaction

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

They used save communication tools and always kept to the deadlines

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

They worked really fast, and where easy to work with.

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

When we first started there were some misunderstandings about the design from the website, but they where quickly solved

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

The software development company, Partner

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We hired Axisbits to develop the new CRM system from scratch.

SOLUTION

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

We found them on Clutch.

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

The scope was to develop a custom CRM system for our day-to-day operations. We had a large amount of data stored in Excel sheets, and it was very frustrating to use it as the company grew. Axisbits replicated data structure and business processes with the custom web tool.

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

Front and back-end engineers, designer, manager.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Now our work with clients and daily operations run much smoother and faster. We do not have to deal with endless Excel sheets anymore - every process is automated, and it’s a pleasure to use the new software.

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

We had daily stand-ups with their project. We used Slack, Jira, and GitHub to coordinate, and they worked well with our team.

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

They listened closely and tried to help in areas we were not sure of. All processes were transparent, and we were able to see the progress at every stage of development.

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

I can’t think of anything at the moment.