Bulcode

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m an executive at a fintech company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Bulcode?

We had to build the first version of our product early in our journey. In the interest of speed, we decided to outsource our web app development.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Bulcode started with a discovery phase where we reviewed the requirements and fleshed out the backlog. Then, they made three sprints of development to get us an MVP. Currently, they’re still developing the web app, and we’ll be working with them for two more sprints. We’ve worked with their product designer to create all the assets required for the app. That person is still doing development in case there are any changes or questions. 

The app has three components, and the first is a client-side that supports the UI. The UI allows users to create an account, log in, verify their account, and then enter an onboarding journey. That journey has several functionalities where the user has to provide information, some supporting documents, and integration requirements for our product to be integrated with their systems. Once they’ve done that, users can access many other frontend functionalities, like a dashboard. 

The second component is an API that Bulcode has worked on. They’ve also built an admin portal on the backend for our staff to manage users and review onboarding documents to approve or reject accounts. The Bulcode team has developed all sorts of functionalities for the admin portal. 

What is the team composition?

We work with a team of three developers, two senior tech leads and architects, a project manager, and a QA engineer.

How did you come to work with Bulcode?

Someone recommended them to us. We assessed several agencies, and Bulcode was the most flexible and showed the most seniority in their team. They were also accommodating on the start date, which was very important for us.

How much have you invested with them?

We spend €50,000 (approximately $53,000 USD). 

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?

Bulcode has developed a high-quality MVP for our web app. They deliver on time and work fast. The team has been flexible in swapping things out when something doesn’t work out. Moreover, they have good DevOps infrastructure and AWS setup skills and have provided advisory in that area. 

How did Bulcode perform from a project management standpoint?

They performed well in terms of project management because they’re organized. Their structure is a good fit for a startup because they know how to stay simple; they use straightforward concepts to address simple requirements like ours. The team is also very flexible in meetings and their ability to work with external teams they don’t know. We use Jira to structure the work and track the time spent.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Bulcode is a team of doers. They don’t just try to sell us beautiful things; they’re technical experts who know their stuff and deliver on it. The team has really familiarized themselves with our product, and they do what it takes to make it successful. They’re embedded with our internal team and have even extended their time without billing us. Bulcode wants us to succeed; they were happy to see us get our first customers. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

They could improve on documentation; if they set aside more time for it, we could avoid a headache later on. However, this issue is also because we didn’t supply enough time.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Let Bulcode do what they do best! You shouldn’t interfere with their working methods because they’re used to building things.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the manager of Online Trade Commerce, which runs an online hair product store. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Bulcode?

My business was growing, and the website we were using wasn’t serviceable. So, we hired Bulcode. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Bulcode completely reorganized and developed our e-commerce website in Drupal. The branded design was completed by another agency when we first began the partnership, so all Bulcode’s team had to do was develop the site. Specifically, they rebuilt the backend to help process orders. Bulcode also added integrations to external platforms, including eMAG and a courier. Once all the development was complete, they began maintenance services. 

What is the team composition?

I am in contact with the project manager and Bulcode’s team of developers. 

How did you come to work with Bulcode?

I was referred to Bulcode by a larger company that doesn’t operate in Bulgaria. I ended up hiring them because it’s rare to find development specialists in our region. 

How much have you invested with them?

I’ve invested around $20,000 with Bulcode. 

What is the status of this engagement?

Our engagement began in September 2020, and it’s ongoing. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

While users may not be able to tell the difference on the frontend, the entire backend of our site is more streamlined. The site is now easier to work with because it’s almost entirely self-managed — I need fewer employees to run it. Also, the site is operationally better for my customers because purchase flows are much cleaner. 

How did Bulcode perform from a project management standpoint?

Bulcode communicates well — my teammate and I shared a Google Hangout channel with the team dedicated to my project. We’ve also used Skype and Google Meets to communicate. Project tasks are tracked in Google Sheets. Our deadlines are fluid because we’re often testing different elements. Overall, I’m happy with Bulcode’s workflows and pricing. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

I believe that Bulcode’s communication is their biggest strength. They’re also very patient, especially with those of us who aren’t as technically versed. Bulcode’s team is supportive and provides a lot of options to show me what was possible for my site. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I wish Bulcode would hire more teammates. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I’d advise customers to hire Bulcode because they’ll do what it takes to deliver what the customer wants, even if the customer doesn’t have a lot of documentation before beginning the engagement. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a researcher and educator with over 20 years of experience in media design. I focus on developing interactive media systems that support educational goals and objectives. Currently, I am developing an education platform supporting an offline instruction environment in order to offer corporate training using design-centric methodologies.

I am a principal and lead designer. My roles include conceptualizing and developing ideas and design constructs for implementation within a digital learning environment. I also manage the developers and technical leads who work on the technical component of the system.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Bulcode?

We needed to design and deploy an interactive, feature-rich instruction environment for digital education. The core requirement was to create an intuitive and efficient learning system, as well as an effective way of managing users and their rights and permissions. Also, our business requirements required detailed tracking of usage patterns via built-in analytics. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Bulcode assisted with digital development and deployment. They served as lead developers for a Drupal content management system. They managed all aspects of server-side development, including communication and assessment of our business requirements, technical implementation, cost assessment, and live server deployment.

How did you come to work with Bulcode?

I was originally referred to Bulcode by a prior developer who was involved in the initial stages of the project. The introduction happened via Skype. After an initial conference call between the prior developer, the Bulcode team, and myself, we started the work. The transition was seamless, and we had no issues or demands for further instruction.

How much have you invested with Bulcode?

The project cost between $10,000 and $49,999.

What is the status of this engagement?

I began working with Bulcode in March 2017. The work is in its final phase of completion.  

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Due to the nature of the project and our production schedule, the final efficacy will be verified by extensive use in the future. The system also relies on specialized digital content that’s designed to be delivered through the system. As a result, the ultimate assessment will be generated through an effective, rewarding response to the system when used as intended. 

How did Bulcode perform from a project management standpoint?

They did an outstanding job. They provided quick and professional descriptions and prepared written summaries of what we’d agreed before executing. Each of the intended outcomes was delivered quickly. They tracked work in a clear and professional manner, and the billing was detailed and transparent.

What did you find most impressive about Bulcode?

They’re nimble, professional, thorough, responsive, and inventive. Bulcode offered efficient and comprehensive service and always sought to exceed our expectations.

Are there any areas Bulcode could improve?

I haven’t found any identifiable deficiencies at the moment. Perhaps, in a more extended engagement, issues would emerge. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the CEO of an education company

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Interactive, bite-sized edutainment content platform focusing on soft skills that nurture lifelong learning

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

• Technical infrastructure
• Technical documentation
• MVP development

SOLUTION

How did you find Bulcode?

• Referral

Why did you select Bulcode over others?

• Good value for cost

How many teammates from Bulcode were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Managed teams as a service - an independent development and quality assurance team, part of a multi-team structure, building the back-end project from the planning stage to launch, with subsequent iterations and maintenance managed by our project coordinator and your Product Owner. MVP delivery to startups and product development as a service; Technical architecture as a service.

The project was delivered Agile, despite having a fixed price and scope. This resulted in faster response times, feature prioritisation, and backlog scope changes. On top of the actual scope of delivery it was included performance optimisations, load tests, and refactoring of BE code to ease the mobile team's workload. The documentation is detailed, with explanations, examples, and separate documentation for administration.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• Increased Development Velocity
• Quality Assurance Enhancements
• Performance Optimizations
• Backend Refactoring Benefits
• Comprehensive Documentation
• Client Feedback
• Engagement Business Impact

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

• Project Management: The team adopted an Agile approach, demonstrating flexibility and a strong commitment to meeting project milestones. Their structured yet adaptable methodology facilitated smooth progress from start to finish.
• Timeliness and Delivery: Deliveries were consistently on time, showcasing the team's ability to efficiently manage resources and navigate tight deadlines effectively.
• Responsiveness: The team was highly responsive to our needs, readily incorporating feedback and making necessary adjustments. Their proactive communication and problem-solving skills were key to surpassing our expectations.
• Scope Changes and Prioritization: Even with a fixed price and scope, the team skillfully managed feature prioritization and scope adjustments, ensuring the project remained aligned with our evolving requirements.
• Quality and Added Value: The inclusion of performance optimizations and backend refactoring went beyond the original scope, significantly enhancing product performance and team efficiency.

What was your primary form of communication with Bulcode?

• Virtual Meeting

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

Agile Implementation within Fixed Parameters: The company's adeptness at applying Agile methodologies within the constraints of a fixed price and scope project was remarkable. This not only demonstrated their flexibility and commitment to delivering value but also their skill in balancing structure with adaptability.

• Exceptional Responsiveness and Communication: Their communication was exemplary, characterized by transparency and promptness. The team’s responsiveness to our feedback and their proactive updates ensured a seamless and efficient collaboration, making it clear that our project was a top priority.
• Quality and Comprehensive Deliverables: The quality of work, coupled with the team's initiative to go beyond the agreed scope—through performance optimizations, load tests, and backend refactoring—was particularly impressive. These efforts not only enhanced the project's outcome but also demonstrated their commitment to excellence and added value.

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

• Deepening Technical Documentation: The technical documentation provided was comprehensive, yet there's an opportunity to deepen this aspect further. More detailed documentation on certain complex functionalities could aid in quicker understanding and ease future maintenance efforts.
• Feedback Loops and Iteration Reviews: Increasing the frequency and depth of feedback loops and iteration reviews could provide more opportunities for early adjustments and shared learning. Structured retrospectives at the end of each sprint or phase could foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the System Administrator of V&V Isomatic

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Trade in electrical materials and automation

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

• Development of the company's website and e-shop

SOLUTION

How did you find Bulcode?

• Referral

Why did you select Bulcode over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Referred to me

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

Development from scratch of a fully functional company website and e-shop

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

A fully functional e-store with very company-specific features

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

Very responsive and flexible management and developers. Delivery of the individual modules in accordance with the agreed terms, without delay. They were very cooperative and had a professional attitude to resolve any development issues encountered.

What was your primary form of communication with Bulcode?

• Email or Messaging App

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

Very short response time and extremely professional attitude

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

None

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the online sales of Zaharo LTD

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

The company "Zaharo" was founded in 1991 in the town of Pomorie with the main subject of activity - production of fresh confectionery. Founded in the beginning as a family company, today "Zaharo" is a successfully developing brand with 30 years of experience in confectionery.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

• Creation of a WEB site for presenting our wide range of products, specific fillings and portions of our cakes and tying them to a specific decoration
• Implementation of our site for our confectionery and administration of orders through it.
• Implementation of functionality for application and personnel selection through the site.

SOLUTION

How did you find Bulcode?

Online Search

Why did you select Bulcode over others?

High ratings

How many teammates from Bulcode were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

A mobile version has been created and the general vision and presentation of our products on the Internet has been improved. This has led to a significant increase in online sales revenue.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Increasing site traffic, increasing sales revenue and reducing labor costs in administering extensions from our sites.

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

The execution of the tasks was in accordance with our requirements and the announced deadlines were met.

What was your primary form of communication with Bulcode?

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

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

Their proactive attitude towards our problems is impressive.

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

We don't know, we haven't had another service provider and can't compare. It is always possible to do a task better.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

We are a company that delivers transformation that matters to organisations, to public services and to society. I am Principal Developer.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Bulcode assisted us with our web development services within the Drupal technology space.

SOLUTION

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

We talked with a variety of suppliers and were most impressed with Bulcode due to their technical capabilities.

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

Bulcode developers worked alongside our Drupal delivery team on support and maintenance of Drupall websites.

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

We had 1 primary developer who was supported by 2 colleagues where required.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Their responsive and diligent work provided key support to our internal teams.

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

Daily stand ups with the primary developer at Bulcode and they were included in our internal comms tools.

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

Excellent Drupal capabilities.

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

No.