Code Labs

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the digital data and IT manager for Novo Nordisk, a multinational pharmaceutical company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Code Labs?

We needed help with custom software development.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We initially hired Code Labs for a digital security assessment. Afterward, we hired them for custom software development projects related to patient support programs and digitalizing the procurement process.

After selecting Code Labs, we had kickoff sessions with their team, our digital transformation team, and our business teams to ensure we were aligned on how we’d work together on the project.

Then, we started different development cycles and activities, including meetings and follow-up meetings, to get to an initial MVP product. After testing and approval, Code Labs has launched the product and provided support and maintenance. They’ve done the full software development cycle.

We provide the context of our business needs and requirements for each project. Code Labs is also responsible for UX design. They’ve created mock-ups of the applications and reviewed them multiple times with our business teams to get feedback and adjust the layout. If we have documentation supporting the design, such as process flows or descriptions, we provide that material to them.

For example, we’ve worked with Code Labs on the procurement digitalization project, which is a platform used by our internal users and vendors. The application supports all users in creating a vendor within our company. Our users can request to create a specific vendor, and the vendor will get a request from the system to upload their documentation. The vendor will go through an approval workflow, and different areas of our company will review it, including procurement, legal, and compliance. Many other groups have to approve the vendor, and then the vendor will be ready to start contracts, purchase orders, and invoicing.

Code Labs has worked with AWS and supplied the servers. They’ve configured the servers, purchased the required domains, provided maintenance and support, and trained for the platform.

What is the team composition?

I work a lot with the technical lead, but I also know the owner and management level. We also work with project managers, Scrum Masters, developers, and designers. Depending on the situation, we can also contact some developers if we have a specific issue or need to troubleshoot something.

How did you come to work with Code Labs?

I knew Code Labs when I went to an interview in Bogota, Colombia, and met them there. We stayed in touch, and when I needed development capabilities, I thought about them. We launched an RFP process related to specific needs, and Code Labs was invited to participate. They submitted their proposals and presented them to us.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent more than $100,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Code Labs at the beginning of 2022, and our engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We measure success based on the satisfaction of our stakeholders and the areas that require a digital solution. We also measure success based on Code Labs’ delivery of what they’ve committed to delivering. If we have a specific scope and budget, we expect them to align with our expectations.

Code Labs has consistently addressed our issues. If we’ve had technical issues, they’ve been resilient in trying to solve them. In some cases, troubleshooting requires discussions with our technical team and trial and error. Code Labs has always been flexible in pursuing solutions, which I appreciate.

How did Code Labs perform from a project management standpoint?

Overall, Code Labs has been very disciplined in tracking the scope of what we’ve committed to achieving. The team has stayed within the scope, and if we’ve asked for additional functionalities, they’ve raised their hand and said it’s not in scope. They’ve addressed it as a change request.

In terms of project management, Code Labs is very good and always on top of things. Of course, in complex projects, it’s hard to deliver things on time. As a result, we haven’t always been on time with the projects. However, that’s also been due to our company’s deadlines.

Code Labs has used monday.com for most of their tasks and to organize their development and design work. Sometimes, we’ve had to adapt to using the same tool.

We have many communication channels with them. We try to stay very connected with the development team. We have two weekly meetings, and depending on the project stage, we can increase or decrease that frequency. We’ve also had a few face-to-face meetings. We also use phone calls and WhatsApp to stay connected with information that requires attention.

What did you find most impressive about them?

What impresses me the most is their way of working, which makes it fun to work with them. That’s very important because we have very demanding projects and a lot of stress. Code Labs is very collaborative, and I enjoy working with them and going to meetings with them. They’re also very committed to what they do and try to understand what we’re trying to achieve as a group.

Code Labs has delivered a testament to their ability to be flexible. I really appreciate that they try to achieve results in a development project.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Throughout the project, we’ve had misunderstandings and communication issues. However, Code Labs has been diligent in discussing the situation, creating an action plan, and finding a way to fix it. We’ve always had a good relationship with them, and they’ve been flexible and open to addressing the situation and feedback.

Code Labs is very good at what they do. However, dealing with difficult clients like us has been a little complicated. For example, we’ve had to deliver something; in some cases, the person wasn’t available and couldn’t deliver what they needed. Code Labs has tried to follow up as much as they could, but there was a limitation from our side.

As a result, they could improve their open communication and follow-up. It’s also essential to ensure they can better explain the consequences of missing deadlines. For example, if we’re going to be two weeks late in delivering specific information, they can let us know that the deadline will be moved by about two weeks. They can improve by ensuring we understand the consequences of our delays.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

My first piece of advice is to provide good context about the area they’re working on. For example, if Code Labs digitizes the procurement process, they must understand it first. That way, they can understand how to improve, design, and develop the platform. Giving the proper context and spending time with them at the beginning of the project is really important for the project’s outcome. 

The second piece of advice is to be very clear on what everybody has to do. Code Labs has to do their part, and the client has to do their part. Ensuring roles and responsibilities are clear is essential so that the project doesn't stall.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m an inter-institutional relationships manager at a virtual university based in Colombia.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenges were you trying to address with Code Labs?

The university was working with about 400 institutions nationwide in different projects and partnerships. However, all of the processes involved in those partnerships were handled manually, using email, excel, and other simpler tools. Therefore, we needed help with developing a web platform that could help us handle our processes better.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Initially, we talked to Code Labs about our needs, the attributes of our university, and the types of enterprises we work with. We also provided them with a document detailing that information and had a couple of meetings to explain everything thoroughly. After that, Code Labs started working on developing the platform until completion.

This platform allows more than 5,000 university employees to present partnership proposals. Then, an interdisciplinary group uses the platform to review the proposals’ feasibility, convenience, and capabilities to provide an answer. Users can also upload documents and any additional materials, receive and respond to comments and observations, and handle the processes with great transparency. Finally, the platform also has an evaluation module for impact evaluation and report creation.

What was the team composition?

We worked directly with five people, including two engineers, a developer, a designer, and a support specialist, but I know Code Labs’ inner team was bigger.

How did you come to work with Code Labs?

As a public institution, we must go through an open licitation process to hire any new service provider. Thus, we did the same for this project, and Code Labs participated in that process, along with numerous other companies. Based on extensive criteria evaluation, we ultimately selected Code Labs.

How much have you invested in them?

We spent around $700,000.

What is the status of this engagement? 

We started working with Code Labs in December 2021, and they finished the project in December 2022. However, they continue providing post-delivery support.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

One of our most important success metrics is that thanks to this platform, we’ve been able to significantly increase our number of partnerships — after the first five months of launching it, we saw a 25% increase in that regard. Moreover, it’s now very easy for teachers and other university members to submit proposals. This usability has resulted in a greater number of proposals over time. In addition to those results, we can now create impact indicators that we couldn’t create before, helping us make better strategic decisions.

How did Code Labs perform from a project management standpoint?

Code Labs’ project management was perfect. They created a project schedule from the beginning, and every milestone was met accordingly. Their team was well-organized and adapted to our complex processes, mission, and goals.

Throughout the development process, we had tests with them to ensure the product’s usability was good. Code Labs involved everyone on the platform, facilitating a great experience. Once they completed the platform, they also implemented a pilot phase. During this phase, they allowed us to make any necessary adjustments and solve any issues that would come up before launching the platform.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Code Labs’ ability to understand our mission and the complexity of our requirements was outstanding. We had worked with similar companies, but this was the first time we received such close attention — they really cared about our users. Moreover, I really liked that they built the platform in a way that makes it very easy to make changes ourselves.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CTO of Tropigas Panama, which has several subsidiaries. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Code Labs?

We first contracted Code Labs to help us develop an update for our mobile application. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Code Labs provides us with cross-platform mobile and web application development services. The applications are for external and internal use; some help our customers place orders, and others help us manage our dealers. For each app, we provide the designs and take into account Code Labs’ feedback on them. If there are improvements to make, Code Labs will help us.  

Each of our subsidiaries has had company-specific development work completed for them. For example, Code Labs developed a mobile application for our subsidiary that sells water bottles. They also developed an app to help deliver gas that comes in various units. All of the apps were developed using the same core technologies. 

What is the team composition?

I work directly with an account manager, and nine other teammates work across different projects. 

How did you come to work with Code Labs?

My wife worked with one of the employees at Code Labs many years ago. More recently, their team approached me and came to me with a development proposal. 

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested around $150,000–$200,000 with Code Labs. 

What is the status of this engagement?

Our ongoing engagement began in March 2021. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Code Labs has improved our customer-focused apps by altering the UX, which improved the overall app metrics by 30% within a month. Their team has just finished developing the UX designs for our internal web application. The projects they complete for us to use in-house are always the best. 

We have a lot of contracts with various customers, and the app that Code Labs has created has improved our contract and shipping processes. The booking features are really good, which is nice because our shipments are determined by our bookings. 

A lead at a company that sells natural gas to us likes the web app Code Labs has developed, so they’ve asked for one for their company so they can replicate the software across other regions. 

How did Code Labs perform from a project management standpoint?

The primary account manager is very professional and manages our relationship well. We also have specific project managers for each project. Whenever we meet, we get straight to the point. Code Labs follows their project schedules and always delivers on time. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

I’ve had three failed projects with other companies, but Code Labs has taken them on and made them successful. They’re able to resolve my problems. I’ve been able to explain my issues to their C-level executives, who let me choose which teammates I want to work with, which is essential. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

Code Labs could improve their designs; sometimes, their designs don’t fit our requirements or project. Their team needs to find new methods for UX/UI design.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there

I am a product development manager at a retail company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenges were you trying to address with  Code Labs?

We needed help with the development of our website and a platform to manage our client loyalty program.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Code Labs developed our website and the platform for our client loyalty program. The platform allows us to manage our client’s information and is available on the web and mobile. 

What is the team composition?

We are working directly with a project manager.

How did you come to work with Code Labs?

We have a bidding department, and when we had the need for this project, Code Labs participated in our bidding process. We chose them because they were the best option in terms of cost and technical capacity.

How much have you invested in them?

We have spent around $50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We have been collaborating with them for eight years, and it’s ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’ve had good results from Code Labs’ efforts, and every one of our projects has worked perfectly. We never have any issues, and we don’t need to fix anything. These platforms streamline our processes and improve our relationship with our clients. 

How did Code Labs perform from a project management standpoint?

Code Labs delivers on time as long as we provide them with the information and access they need.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their customer service and attentiveness are impressive. Code Labs immediately responds whenever we needed anything.

Are there any areas they could improve

We haven’t had any problem with Code Labs. As a company, you always wished the prices were lower; however, their services are worth the cost.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the COO of Leo Burnett Open hub dedicated to managing in Colombia "Grupo Bolívar" with Davivienda Bank and Seguros Bolívar, with more than 100 people in the team

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

In the team we make developments according to the needs or campaigns that we work such as landings, websites, custom software and cloud computing services. Our goals have quality developments under the established schedules and work on innovative projects according to the needs of the campaigns

SOLUTION

How did you select Code Labs and what were the deciding factors?

We found in code lab the best partner more than 9 years ago, to meet the challenges we have of custom software developments, web platforms, etc., about 4 years ago we integrated an in-house team specialized in IT led by code labs having the best results.

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

There are many projects that have different processes, from the beginning of a campaign where landings are developed with informational objectives, sales or generating experiences to brand websites. all projects have their schedules and their QA process

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

From code labs we have a senior leader and 9 developer engineers

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have had very good results with innovative and quality products in the established times, that is why we have been working for so many years. Several of these developments have had very good results contributing to our client's business, which I cannot share due to confidentiality.

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

The Code Labs team is very organized in their projects, they have management tools and they comply with the schedules.

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

We have direct contact with the leaders of code labs, we have their support and they always find solutions to our needs. They are very professional and transparent

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

His work is so professional and quality.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Digital producer with a large international advertising aency

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We designed a custom interactive website with deep social media integration where users could enter their name and the site would find other names within your name.

SOLUTION

How did you select Code Labs and what were the deciding factors?

Through word of mouth recommendations and a pitch/bidding process, we landed on Code Labs as our partner of choice!

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

Based on a simple design comp and a dream, Front and back end development from Code Labs helped us bring our vision to life!

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

Not entirely sure, I interfaced with the project manager and 2 lead developers, but I’m sure there were more people behind the scenes.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The project was extremely well received by the client (a nonprofit). Our campaign won a Cannes Lion Silver in the Digital category as well as a Facebook award in 2017.

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

Mostly handled through traditional tools - email, calendars, etc

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

The ease of workflow despite a great distance between us and some language barriers really made this project a success. Deadlines were never missed, communication was clear, and the work looked great!

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

A couple minor hiccups along the way with bugs and such, but all to be expected in any project!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the director of interactive production at WOW MKTG. I oversee the creation and development of websites, applications, ad units, and campaign landing pages.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Our company was in the process of rebranding from Wow Factor to WOW MKTG and wanted to use the full solar eclipse as a way to transition. We needed to build a campaign site that would connect to the progress of the solar eclipse in real time.

The site would show our old branding and reveal the new branding after the eclipse peaked.

SOLUTION

How did you select Code Labs and what were the deciding factors?

Code Labs was one of our partner vendors we had worked with previously for ad units/banners. After discussing the project details and timeline, we were confident that they would be able to delivery.

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

We had a kickoff without the CodeLabs team and our creative team. Our creative team would design the landing page and provide assets. CodeLabs would then convert that to HTML/CSS and connect the visuals to update in real time based on progress of the solar eclipse.

The CodeLabs team used javascript to calculate and animate the visuals on page as well as determine when the new logo would be displayed.

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

After discussing the project scope with their CEO and CTO, a project manager and one lead developer was assigned. We worked closely with both until the project was launched.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The project was met with praise from our clients and partners who were unaware of the rebrand. The landing page was amplified on social and helped increase awareness of our rebrand.

Site traffic to both the landing page and our main website increased during the solar eclipse.

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

We communicated daily with both project manager and lead developer to discuss progress and anticipate any possible issues. Communication was all handled by phone/skype with email recaps.

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

They work fast without sacrificing quality. With a creative team of their own, they were able to work with all design assets provided when we had design changes. This minimized back and forth between our design team to provide updated assets to CodeLabs.

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

All issues were identified during QA and debug phases which were identified during the building of the project timeline. Everything went as expected.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Digitas Publicis is one of the 6 more important Advertising, Media, and creative groups in the world, we work with huge projects and all type of clients, like Banks, Retail, and others.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We're challenge Code Labs with different projects, for acquisition, sales, leads, show our clients product and others, based on: Agility, Security, and innovation. Like: Chatbot development, Drupal, Magento, and WordPress development, and other kinds of projects.

SOLUTION

How did you select Code Labs and what were the deciding factors?

Code Labs has extensive knowledge on: Development, servers (aws technology), visual design, technology, and others. we see many trust facts that transform Code Labs from an external provider to our principal Partner.

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

we're working with codelabs on different projects as: New site from La Lechera (Nestlé Product) Code Labs create all the backend using Drupal, integrate a chatbot using Dialogflow and Phyton.

Code Labs was clear with us and provide, code from the site using for example GIT and creating touchpoints weekly using agile communication.

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

Huge teamwork: 1. Manager 1. PM Manager 3. Backend Engineers 2. Frontend Engineers 1. Financial Contact 1. Financial Support 1. Tester

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

All the features were perfect on-site, and the timetable was exactly as planned.

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

Create weekly touchpoints, using Agile Methodology, we create a shared canvas for the site using Trello

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

Code Labs give us a clear solution, was part of the project and part of the team, they create solutions for topics that we haven't in mind.

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

No.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Senior Digital Producer of Digital Innovation 360

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Digital business accelerator agency

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Code Labs to accomplish?

• Yuuju App Redesign
• Increased conversion rates
• Improved User Experience

SOLUTION

How did you find Code Labs?

Online Search

Why did you select Code Labs over others?

• High ratings
• Good value for cost

How many teammates from Code Labs were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

User experience analysis through methodologies such as focus groups, digital benchmarks and complete redesign of the Yuuju App.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The deliverable of the entire App redesign ready for development.

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

Everything was coordinated and agreed upon by the team for its proper fulfillment. The resolution of our needs was almost immediate; we were very satisfied.

What was your primary form of communication with Code Labs?

Virtual Meeting

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

The working methodologies and assertive communication that were always maintained.

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

We are very satisfied, there will always be things to improve as a natural process, but we have no observations in this regard.