Endive Software

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the operations manager for a school with elementary, middle, and high school students. My wife is the principal, and I help her from an operational and technical standpoint.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Endive?

We wanted to better capture students’ moods and identify negative trends that might affect their performance and experience at our school. Further, if students returned home frustrated, their parents might not want to them to come back to our school. Understanding a student’s mood is difficult if you’re only conversing with them, so we wanted to develop an app to help us.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The system is made of two iOS and Android apps for students and a PHP web app for teachers and administrators. I came up with the conceptual design and trusted them to guide the process. Students check in when they arrive and answer 3–5 questions such as how they’re feeling that particular day and whether their energy level is high or low. The system then informs both our staff and the student’s parents of the student’s disposition. During the day, students answer questions about how comfortable they are with their teachers and how easy the lessons were to understand. When the student leaves school, they provide feedback immediately, so if something is wrong, we can talk to them or their parents.

What is the team composition?

Endive assigned a project manager after we signed a contract.

How did you come to work with Endive?

I contacted many different companies during my research, but Endive seemed more dedicated and eager than the others. Their price was also much better for our scope.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent around $6,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from July until September 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

This data is very important because it helps us identify whether a student’s issues are caused by their time in school or their time outside, which then helps parents better motivate their children. The parents realize that we’re not simply an English school, we’re also supporting them in their private lives.

Teachers can now treat students as individuals because they know more about how they’re feeling. Additionally, principals can look at the satisfaction level of both the overall school and each classroom and provide feedback directly to teachers. Finally, teachers no longer lose time taking attendance because students automatically check-in when they arrive.

How did Endive perform from a project management standpoint?

They were responsive most of the time, even outside of working hours; the project manager, in particular, was always there for me. We had to postpone some of the work after reviewing the scope and determining part of it wasn’t accurate. Their salesperson was keen to close, but I told her I wouldn’t until they brought a project manager on board, since I’d never developed an app before. After that, the team did an excellent job of getting the application up and running how I wanted.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Though I don’t have experience in software development, I’ve worked with offshore teams as the managing partner of a different business. Communication and the responsibility to address issues can sometimes be murky, but my relationship with the project manager lets us talk openly about such things. It became one of our strengths and convinced us to work with them again in the future. The project manager was particularly eager to understand the emotional theory behind the app.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Communications can sometimes be misinterpreted because of our different cultural contexts. I think having more international people in senior positions would help and I’ve discussed this with the project manager. Otherwise, I’ve been happy.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the CEO of INFOBIZ COMPANY LIMITED. We provide various IT solutions to our global brands.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Endive Software?

We needed someone to develop mobile apps for our platforms because we don’t have any in-house engineers.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to build a successful social networking platform.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We chose Endive because of their reviews.

Describe the project in detail.

They developed iOS and Android apps and submitted them to the App and Play stores; the apps worked before we uploaded them. Apple rejected the app and requested that we make certain amendments, but Endive failed to resolve the issue. Additionally, users couldn’t open or use the Android app after they downloaded it. Endive also failed to solve this problem.

What was the team composition?

We worked with multiple developers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I’ve lost $2,600 to this project.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

There was no proper communication between us after they were paid. The developers in charge of task management had difficulty communicating in English.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

There was nothing pleasing about our cooperation.

Are there any areas for improvement?

They communicated poorly and failed to articulate our issues. They need to be honest and serious about their work if they want to get ahead.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of Find an EMS, which connect electronics manufacturers (EMS) with original equipment manufacturers.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Endive?

I needed someone to help me build my thoughts into an operational software.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

From the initial thought to what it is now—a live website—Endive worked on every step of the software side. They created a whole log-in portal and admin side on the backend so I can manage users and give access to certain e-mail domains, because I don't simply want people on Gmail signing up; I want businesses. They also created a board so that a certain type of user, an OEM, can post, while another type of user, an EMS, can only view.

Another feature was a portal so people can make purchases if they find a contact or need that they're interested in. They've also set up email templates so that I can auto-populate emails whenever someone signs up or makes a purchase.

What is the team composition?

I have a project manager that’s my point of contact, but I don’t know how many guys are dedicated to my site.

How did you come to work with Endive?

I discovered them through online searches while I was running another website, and I had them continue on to help me with this new, unrelated website. They’re good at understanding my thoughts and are very proactive, so I kept them on.

How much have you invested with them?

I’ve spent between $5,000–$10,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from January until June 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

People have mentioned that it’s a unique site, and I attribute that to them because I pitched this idea to other developers and they didn’t envision it the same way I did. We’ve had to do a few revisions, but I definitely get comments from people saying that it’s very user-friendly.

How did Endive perform from a project management standpoint?

They've been able to answer my questions. I get on Skype with them whenever I want and my project manager's really responsive in getting back to me. Having a single point of contact works great for me, because I don't want to deal with a whole bunch of people. They talk everything out and relate to me what they came up with.

What did you find most impressive about them?

My project manager has really set the tone and made me feel like my ideas are getting across to their developers. I think this is a real big deal, because usually you don't talk to developers directly, so your ideas can get misinterpreted and things can happen.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can't mention too many because they're pretty good. I haven't had issues with them so far.

Any advice for potential customers?

I would tell other people that are looking at him to have clear communication, and to use Zoom. We try to use Skype but it doesn't seem to work well.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

the director of a consulting and software solution provider.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Endive Software?

I wanted to develop a mobile application for my client.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Endive Software is developing iOS and Android applications. They’ve used AngularJS for the frontend, Node.js for the backend, and MySQL for the database.

What is the team composition?

Our project manager is working with a team of four testers, three developers, and a coordinator.

How did you come to work with Endive Software?

I was looking for a company that could do agile development and provide dynamic communication. I did an online search and checked the references of my shortlisted candidates. Endive stood out, so I gave them small, interactive test projects. I was satisfied with their initial work.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent $45,000 on their services.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in February 2018. The work is ongoing, with about 80% of it completed. The apps will go live around November.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I rely on Endive to deliver what I’m expected to deliver. So far, my client has been happy with their approach and the results they have shown.

I always focus on vision. Even when I’m defining requirements, the vision is the topmost priority. Fortunately, Endive understands this and the context behind my requirements. In fact, they often suggest additional features that improve my client’s ideas.

How did Endive Software perform from a project management standpoint?

We use several tools for communication, including Google Hangouts and Skype. They provide demos every two weeks, allowing us to make decisions quickly.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They quickly adapt to changes and proactively mention any issues they encounter, allowing us to collaborate better and improve product delivery. I’m never surprised by unfortunate things. They excel at solving issues in creative ways.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I’d advise others to clearly discuss their vision, goals, and priorities.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of a small development firm.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Endive Software?

I needed a company to supplement my development team and help deliver an existing project. Outsourcing the work is more cost-effective than hiring additional team members. I also wanted to utilize a time zone difference to achieve a 24-hour work cycle.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Endive Software helps create apps for both iOS and Android. They do front- and backend design and development. They specialize in AngularJS and use Node.js to perform backend development. They also utilize a MySQL database, conduct product testing, and fix any bugs that occur.

What is the team composition?

I communicate with a project manager and three other resources from their team.

How did you come to work with Endive Software?

They were recommended to me. I reached out to them and it worked out well.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent around $78,000–$80,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in December 2017 and the work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They do great work for us. Issues are always addressed professionally and promptly. On one occasion, an app needed a solution that our internal team couldn’t provide. Endive Software solved the problem within the required timeframe. I have no complaints regarding their performance. I’m grateful to have them as part of our team.

How did Endive Software perform from a project management standpoint?

They use various communication tools and often interact with us daily. They reliably fulfill their commitments.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They give advice beyond what you’d expect from a development firm. Their team has experience in a wide array of industries. Some of their unique suggestions have greatly benefited our company. They’re consistently professional.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They could reevaluate their pricing and charge more.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

If the scope is clear and defined, a lot of confusion and problems are easily avoided. This applies to any outsourcing project.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the project manager for a consulting firm that has clients in both Europe and the U.S.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Endive Software?

We needed Endive Software's support with developing a platform.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

For this project, my team is focusing on the business requirements while Endive Software executes all the development work. Once finalized, we send them our client’s requirements along with prototypes and sketches. These guidelines indicate how they are to develop the platform and our desired look and feel. 

The team’s architects give us helpful tips and suggestions for the final product. Our database is MySQL, the frontend is AngularJS, and the backend is NodeJS. We’re currently testing the web design. Once all the requirements are complete, and everything is done for testing purposes, we’ll submit it to mobile app stores.
 
What is the team composition?

I work with Ajay (CEO, Endive Software) and Jaya (Sr. Business Analyst, Endive Software).

How did you come to work with Endive Software?

They’re one of the 2-3 companies we use here in Germany. Endive Software’s product quality is good, and their prices are even better. We may assign them more of our business next year.

How much have you invested with them?

So far, we’ve spent €50,000 ($58,510 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in March 2018, and our engagement is ongoing.
 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Once we finalize a design, we know Endive Software will develop and deliver an excellent quality product. We’ve only seen a few small bugs that don’t require a high-level change in the requirements. There are no significant issues.

How did Endive Software perform from a project management standpoint?

We hold meetings regularly. Endive Software has excellent communication skills and is always available.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Endive Software gives useful suggestions but also complies with our requirements when we need them to. They ask topical questions and conduct generative discussions with us. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m an IT Manager for the company that organizes Colour Day Festival, a music event in Greece.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Endive Software?

We hired them to develop a web and mobile ticketing platform for the commercial market. Endive Software needed to address several technical challenges in a short period of time.

What were your goals for this project?

The platform needed to be modern and secure. We also wanted to offer users a streamlined ticketing process.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We chose them in a competitive process because they were committed to fast deliveries. We appreciated the team’s listening skills and response to our initial scope.

Can you go into detail about the services they provided and the scope of the project?

Endive Software is developing the web and mobile apps. In the ongoing partnership, their services have included analytics and bug fixes.

What was the team composition?

The team includes a business analyst, an IT manager, and a developer.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?

Although development is still ongoing, the solution has already changed our company’s profile for the better. We can’t wait to see the platform once it goes live this fall.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

They find solutions via robust analyses and communication. We have daily Skype conferences, which help us reach our goals.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Our close partnership makes them feel like family more than business analysts.

Are there any areas where they can improve?

We’re happy with their services and capacity for improvement.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the director of the company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Endive Software?

We were developing a software solution and mobile app for a client.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Endive has been working with us on the implementation of the product. It’s a typical app with different interfaces for customers, service providers, and admins. We provided a scope, requirements for how we envisioned the product, and the metrics and reports we wanted to generate. They put together wireframes based on the requirements we agreed on. We used open source technologies, including AngularJS, Node.js, and MySQL.

The basic structure for customers, service providers, and admins is set up. Things are going well, and we are currently creating credit card integrations. We plan to engage them for the second phase of development as well.

What is the team composition?

They assigned 6–7 people to the team on their end, including a technical lead, a project manager, developers, and a database specialist. We interacted with 4–5 of them, depending on the issue. Our project manager and I interacted with them.

How did you come to work with Endive Software?

We interviewed many vendors. Endive was transparent, allowing me to understand their capabilities. They provided profiles for their key team members, including their previous work. I determined whether they had the right skill sets, expertise, and experience. We reviewed many vendors and settled on Endive.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent $65,000 for the first phase of development.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Endive Software in December 2017. The project is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They demonstrated an understanding of what we were looking for, came back with ideas and built from there. We’ve been satisfied with Endive so far. They are sticking to the timelines they committed to, and they have the right focus for the implementation.

How did Endive Software perform from a project management standpoint?

They are good in this area. We were overall satisfied with Endive’s delivery mechanism.

We used various communication channels including Skype, Zoom, Google Hangouts, and TeamViewer. They’ve been flexible and accommodating. We have a time difference, but they made their team available for calls during our workdays.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their flexibility impresses me. Their availability to us is very important.

Also, their team is solid. They have in-house expertise in project management and IT, which makes them unique.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. They’re professional and they’ve done well for us so far.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

Endive has the right knowledge base.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the director of a startup that’s working to digitalize the entire Australian healthcare system.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Endive Software?

We needed a developer to build our new platform from scratch.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Endive Software is developing a mobile app and web-based platform for the Australian healthcare system. Our streamlined booking system consolidates every Australian healthcare departments and independent doctor. Currently, patients have to individual providers to find available appointments. Doctors can use our product to access patient health records including reports and files of recommendations. Patients can easily access this data at to procure prescription medicine at their local pharmacy.

Developers used Angular, Node, and MySQL in the web-based platform. The mobile app uses native APIs instead of hybrid ones. Both versions will be available on Android and iOS. The team is about to integrate Stripe compatibility. Most features, including video chat, will be integrated during in the second phase. Currently, they’re working on research and development. They recently integrated a payment gateway and are about to incorporate Stripe compatibility.

What is the team composition?

Endive Software’s technical lead is constantly in touch with our internal project manager. He manages a team of eight software developers.

How did you come to work with Endive Software?

A friend of mine recommended working with Ajay (CEO, Endive Software). From the very first time we spoke, I felt deeply assured they had expert credentials in this domain. I awarded Endive Software our entire project.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent $30,000 so far.

What is the status of this engagement?

We’ve been working together since June 2017.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

As I shopped around, I noticed that comparable firms had much higher prices. This marked discrepancy made me feel doubtful regarding the quality and their skillset. I see no skill gap whatsoever.  We’ve received an amazing quality of service that maximizes our ROI. The project is right on track. They’ve stuck to each milestone from the initial scope. Ideally, we’ll be able to launch the final product fairly soon. I’ve really enjoyed working with them so far.

How did Endive Software perform from a project management standpoint?

The workflow has been smooth and effective. Our in-house team manages the project, and Endive Software executes each task they’re assigned.  The team’s velocity enables perfect timeline adherence. We hold demonstrations and use Zoom for screen sharing. Along with our frequent phone calls, the developers Skype with my technical lead. They’re flexible communicators. Sometimes, they’ll even work early mornings to maximize the overlap between our time zones.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Endive Software is highly skilled. We rarely have to communicate back and forth because they clearly understand all our requests.  They keep detailed documentation to preempt any deviations from our requirements.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I’d like them to help me redesign a CRM in the future. It would be great if they could incorporate other technologies.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the assistant to the owner of a luxury marketplace.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Endive Software?

We needed help with developing a fully functional website that would allow us to manage the whole system and business.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The website is a CMS for both personal and commercial use. People are able to register on it and sell their own properties or luxury items, and we promote their items on the homepage. In return, they subscribe to a package that we offer.

Endive used MySQL to develop the website. Additionally, they integrated PayPal and credit card payment methods to allow our users to subscribe to our packages.

What is the team composition?

We work with a project manager. I’m unsure of how many developers are working on the project.

How did you come to work with Endive Software?

We found them through an internet search. We decided to go with them because of their great customer service. They replied very quickly and gave us an offer, showing that they understood our ideas.

How much have you invested in them?

We have spent around $50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working with them in May 2017 and the work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Their work has been perfect and their customer service is excellent. The website is under development, but if there are any glitches in the system, I can send them an email and they fix it by the next day.

How did Endive Software perform from a project management standpoint?

Project management has been great. We use email and Skype to communicate with each other. I’m very happy with their availability and responsiveness. The customer service representative that I’m in contact with has been perfect; she always solves any problems that come up.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The work is amazing, but the customer service is even more impressive.

Are there any areas they could improve?

It would be good if they could increase their number of developers.