Factory

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a lead developer at Index.hr, the leading Croatian news portal. We have about 100 employees that help us share stories covering politics, business, sports, entertainment, and various featured content. We publish over 200 pieces daily to our website and mobile app and each month we get over 160 million views.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Factory?

We needed a mobile application that could properly support all of our content and users and also assure that our breaking news coverage was immediately accessible.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted the application to be profitable for our business and increase accessibility for our readers. The application’s main functionality was to intuitively aggregate our news stories and instantly update with our most recent content, videos, and photos.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Our business partner recommended Factory for the project, and the results have been great.

Describe the project in detail.

We provided wireframes and determined the functionalities we wanted, then Factory completely designed the platform in alignment with our brand colors and general company guidelines. The team developed the news aggregation app for both iOS and Android devices. Finally, we linked our social media accounts to the platform to increase audience engagement. The Factory team provided QA services throughout the project.

What was the team composition?

Factory provided a project manager, an Android developer, iOS developer, and a quality assurance analyst.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The app was downloaded over 1,000 times within the first three months after its launch.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The team provided consistent project updates through email, phone call, or Skype. They showed a high level of respect for our company and our time. Factory was very attentive and involved in the process. We had differing opinions at some points, but we ultimately decided on what was best for the app and our business.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I was impressed by their ability to work with our internal IT specialist. Working with an outsourced company was challenging, but Factory had good collaborative skills. They listened to our in-house specialist and they worked together to find the best solutions.

Are there any areas for improvement?

There is always room to improve, but they continue to provide great work.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m a marketing manager at Tehnocentar. While we started as a wholesale seller of consumer electronics, we’re now one of the largest audio, visual, and IT equipment distributors.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Factory?

We needed to develop an online store to organize all of our offers and show off all the products and services we offer.

What were your goals for this project?

Our company had decided to modernize, and we needed new ideas and a fresh look for our site. We were looking for better UX, and the ability to incorporate Facebook games.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We were friendly with a few members of Factory’s team and we knew that their track record was full of successful, creative projects that we loved.

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

We had meetings to discuss our goals and ideas very often in the design phase. They were very interested in our goals and wanted to know every detail in order to reach the best possible solution. We received wireframes, mockups, and designs for our whole site. They introduced a Microsoft Dynamic system and developed applications for our games on Facebook. Recently we changed the slide bar on our homepage and Factory provided and implemented a new design.

What was the team composition?

From the beginning of our collaboration, we’ve had a project manager to support and inform us about our project at every step. Sometimes, the project manager includes developers to discuss some of their ideas.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our new website allows better inventory tracking than before, including all the products we have at our warehouse. It also provides a complete overview of our easy to use sign-up process.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

We had very frequent meetings, either via Skype calls or email. Our project manager was reliable and quick with every demand we had. They provided excellent service and support.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They showed understanding, patience, and care for our web shop. They listened to, were accepting of, and reacted thoughtfully to any idea we had. They guided us to develop the best web shop possible.

Are there any areas where they can improve?

We just want them to continue their excellent work.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

With years of research in transformers, rotating machines, switching devices, wind turbines, and rail vehicles, The Končar Electrical Engineering Institute offers unique solutions to control and monitor electric power, renewable sources, and railway equipment and systems. The Institute’s qualified and accredited laboratories provide diagnostic and on-site testing of electrical equipment and mechanical components. The Institute also has an independent organizational unit to assess product conformity to international, European and Croatian standards. I am a digital marketing specialist.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Factory?

We needed a new website to solve problems caused by the functional constraints, obsolescence, and complicated maintenance of the existing version. Because we lacked the necessary internal resources, we decided to enlist a web development agency. After comparing several potential vendors for this project, we decided Factory would be our ideal partner.

What were your goals for this project?

The goals were to improve our online presence, improve the usability of the website, and enable better, more streamlined interaction with website visitors. We wanted a user-friendly website in order to create a positive user experience and achieve our communication and sales goals.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Not only were they a personal recommendation from a reliable source, but their expertise, knowledge, and professionalism really set them apart. We are also impressed with their proposal for our website and their great existing references.  

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

Factory completely designed, developed, and launched our website. They provided their knowledge and expertise to help us with cost and time estimates, social media promotion, wireframe and design materials, and custom-made features. 

What was the team composition?

From designer and web developers to our project managers, Factory has been excellent. They were always available with answers to all our questions and solutions to any challenges. In addition to email, we also communicated via Skype, which proved to be a faster, simpler way to stay in touch and collaborate. Factory recommended the Productive app for better organization; it served as an excellent tool for tracking project progress, updating task status, and sharing feedback and discussions. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The new website is a custom WordPress solution that meets all usability standards. Using interactive graphs and forms for faster search and content filtering, the website provides a complete overview of our solutions, services, and activities in a clear, user-friendly way. It now facilitates easier implementation of other digital marketing activities, improving our online presence, and the enhanced UX has led to a growth in queries from contact and demo request forms. 

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

The project management was top-notch throughout the duration of the development process. From meeting deadlines to consistent availability, they were a reliable and supportive partner.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They are a team of young, enthusiastic people who are passionate about their work. Their simple communication, patience, guidance, and recommendations helped us achieve what we wanted: a new website we love. 

Are there any areas where they can improve?

Working with Factory was an excellent experience and exceeded all expectations.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CTO of Agrivi, a farm management company. We’re based in the U.K. and have a development office in Croatia.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Factory?

We were building a farm management and productivity platform based on our large knowledge of agricultural processes and techniques. Our in-house development team had built our main products (a web app, and different microservices and APIs), so we started them on our mobile apps. The first version was a hybrid app for Android and iOS, but the project didn’t go as planned. The app wasn’t compatible with all devices, so we decided to find a more skilled partner to build native apps.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Factory has developed native apps for iOS and Android based on our functional specifications and visual design assets. They don’t provide strategy services, but we do rely on them for technical specifications and project management. At one point, we used their designers for mockups and UI work, but most of that was done on our side.

What is the team composition?

The team size changes depending on the project phase. For most of the time, we’ve worked with six people: a project manager, a QA tester, and two developers per platform.

How did you come to work with Factory?

I looked at multiple options for a local partner, so we could have onsite meetings and be more productive. We had several major development agencies in Croatia, and Factory was our top choice. They had a good price, provided quality references for their previous projects, and had the right resources available.

How much have you invested with them?

The total price has been between $50,000–$100,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Factory in June 2014. They’ve been our mobile app development partner for the last three years. The work isn’t constant, with projects lasting 3–4 months.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our user base consists of 40,000 farmers.

How did Factory perform from a project management standpoint?

We typically work on a per-project basis, agreeing on specific scopes and delivery dates. Those decisions determine how many developers we need from Factory. Although their project manager has changed since we partnered, it hasn’t created any significant problems. They complete their work efficiently and on time.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I appreciate their pragmatic approach to development. We can always find additional resources when we need specific skillsets. Factory can provide visual design, as well as Google Play and Apple Store management and publication—everything is done through a single partner.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Nothing comes to mind.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

It’s important to present the full requirements to the team. We needed to give them insight into the business value we offer customers and what use cases were expected from the mobile app. Collaboration was one of the key elements in the beginning; everyone needed to know who our customers were and what they needed.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m a librarian at the National and University Library in Zagreb. We have about 300 employees. I manage projects that deal with digitizing library holdings and presenting them in new ways for free public use. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Factory?

Our library has a collection of old postcards that have been digitized but not presented in an engaging way for users. We wanted to bring the postcards to life, so we decided to build a mobile app. We do not have in-house Android developers, so we decided to hire Factory to meet this need.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to move beyond traditional ways of engaging with our patrons. Because the project was financially supported by the Zagreb Tourist Board, we wanted to use our holdings (i.e., old digitized postcards) to create a digital cultural product that would highlight our library as an active participant in the growing Croatian tourism sector. 

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We searched online for app development firms that would be willing to take on this project. Once we contacted a few options, we received four initial pitches offering different solutions. After some debate, we chose Factory because their solution (a native Android app) met our needs the best. Throughout our initial communication, they showed enthusiasm and understood the specific nature of working for a nonprofit cultural institution like a library.

Describe the project in detail.

We began with a series of conversations where we described the nature of our work and holdings as well as the end goals of the project. Factory proposed solutions and shared advice based on these discussions. They sent us mockups and designs, and we provided feedback. After a few versions, we settled on the design and functionalities. Factory started the Android development process, and we began to prepare the materials and content for the app.

What was the team composition?

Our project manager at Factory changed during the process, but we didn't experience any setbacks. The project manager served as our main point of contact, but we also had open communication with the CEO of the company, which we really appreciated. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Within 20 days of the app’s launch, we had over 500 downloads and multiple five-star ratings on Google Play. Media coverage following the app launch event increased the visibility of the digital library and attracted interest from the general public. Our digital library webpage earned increasing views during the year that the app launched.

The campaign and related products have promoted our digital library on an unprecedented level through more than 50 national media outlets (including print, radio, TV, and internet portals). Factory helped position our library as an active participant in cultural, social, economic, and technological life in Croatia.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Our project manager was friendly, helpful, and effective. We received frequent updates and were able to share our opinion at every step in the development process. Our weekly conversations with Factory included phone calls and emails. They made sure we were satisfied with the end product.

Factory also gave me access to their project management software (Productive.io), which made the project feel like a joint effort.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I was most impressed by Factory’s ability to adapt to our specific needs. They were open and not afraid to tackle the unknown. (This is the first mobile app ever developed by a library in Croatia!) They showed genuine enthusiasm in our work. Specifically, I appreciated being included in their project management software, which contributed to a sense of transparency and trust.

Factory was willing to go above and beyond for us. Their advice and assistance with our landing page, for example, wasn't in the original contract but has been invaluable. Since we didn't have any experience in app development, Factory’s willingness to work for us and with us and to share their knowledge sets them apart from other vendors. We will certainly reach out to them for future projects.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Since we ended our project in a timely matter and were happy with the communication and the end product, I don’t have any suggestions. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the founder and director of a small startup developing online assessment tools that help companies have a more efficient hiring process.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Factory?

We had a complex project—the launch of a new online platform featuring several tools. We wanted it to be similar to social networks like LinkedIn, but with a lighter layout. It didn’t need as much customer functionality, but had to support account updates, comments, likes, posts, and so on. It was a React project, and we couldn’t do it by ourselves.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We completely outsourced the web development of our platform to Factory. We handled the specifications and gave them as much detail as possible. They built everything from scratch, starting with wireframing and designs, and continuing with the entire development. The branding and logo were also done by them.

The product is the first in our region to have social networking functionalities. We’re quite excited about that. It also combines several other tools which are innovative for our segment, including an e-learning and career guidance component—customers can go to a segment of the site and learn how to find a job.

Companies also have tools that can help them be more efficient in hiring. It’s a combination of a job advertising tool and an online assessment one, through which companies can administer their own online tests and apply those tests to job applicants. There are also interview functionalities, advanced dashboarding, analytics around the hiring process. Our platform combines several tools in one.

What is the team composition? 

We worked with 2 or 3 people from their side on a regular basis, including a project manager in charge of coordination and task organization. On the development side, there were 2 or 3 people involved, and on the design side, we had 2 resources.

How did you come to work with Factory?

We went through a market-research approach for determining to whom we should outsource the project. Factory was quick in terms of communication around project structure, cost, and timelines. Bigger companies didn’t have as much time to respond to us, or perhaps didn’t see our project as being big enough. 

I was happy with a few elements on Factory’s side, including their responsiveness to initial requests. In the end, the feeling we had mattered. Factory is not the biggest company in Croatia, but we wanted to give them an opportunity.

How much have you invested with them?

The project cost of 50,000 euros [$60,000].

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Factory in August 2016 and launched the platform on November 21st 2017. The project is currently in its second stage. There is some work to be done for making improvements and adding digital interviews, dashboards, and analytics.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’re quite happy with every segment of the platform. For our first project, we were working a lot with HR people and developed good relationships with them. They were keen to give us feedback on this platform as well, and that feedback has been positive. They find the product intuitive and easy to use. We’ve heard the same comments from the applicant side. In general, we expect to see more users on the website in the following months, after we’ve done some marketing.

How did Factory perform from a project management standpoint?

They exceeded my expectations. I have worked with other teams for different projects and wasn’t always as happy with them as I’ve been with Factory. In terms of written communication, all the channels through which they are supporting the project management—Productive App, Skype communication, and others—have been very professional. Even though we’ve become friendlier after working together for a long period, they're still professional in handling my inquiries and setting up meetings.

For smaller issues, we use Skype. I prefer the messenger part, but we also make calls through it. A call can be more efficient, but it requires more time. I also send them emails with attachments following tests on our side. We’ve had a few meetings in-person.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They learned a lot through our project and have adopted a great approach to tackling complex work. I’m happy with this, given that it would be hard for us to find another team for these projects. I’m satisfied with our relationship in general. I become demotivated if the communication and mutual respect are missing. I’ve worked with other companies and clients, so I know how much these aspects matter. 

Web development is a very difficult area, especially with more complex projects. As such, I respect their approach and task management skills a lot.

Are there any areas they could improve?

It’s hard to say, given that our project is completely outsourced and we have no internal IT team. None of our team members were actively involved in the development, so we don’t know what happened under the radar. The project was launched on time and I’m satisfied with the work we’re doing currently. I would always want things to be done faster, but this may not be possible.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Al Watan Online is a newspaper and media company. At the time of the project, I was the development manager.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Factory?

We wanted to build an application for our news business. We had a few issues, particularly with right-to-left (RTL). We offered it to a couple of companies, but they couldn't do what we requested.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They developed native apps in Android and iOS for our newspaper. It was a complete end-to-end project, from the designing phase to final delivery. They built the wireframes and did the mockups, and we refined them. The process was streamlined and interactive.

The most important aspect was the Arabic part with RTL. This is not natively supported on iOS. The challenge was developing it from the ground up to support each of the many systems, interfaces, screens, and elements. We had to come at it from both perspectives of Arabic and English.

What is the team composition?

We had an iOS developer and an Android developer. We later increased our resources to have two developers for iOS and two for Android. We also had a project manager, a tester, and a designer.

How did you come to work with Factory?

We have a sister company who worked with them. We liked their product and quality of work.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in June 2015 until June 2016.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Most of the feedback was positive, and we also received enhancement suggestions from our users, which Factory fixed up front. They also gave us more innovative design and the best support for our users. We released a couple of updates after that. There weren't any bugs, and it was a good addition to our application.

How did Factory perform from a project management standpoint?

They were quite responsive to our requests and knowledgeable in terms of ideas. They performed well and got the product out. They were well organized and stuck to the point. They gave a timeline and delivered on it. We could depend on them, and we’re happy with their output.

We used email, Skype, and sometimes phone calls. Most of our regular communication was through collaboration tools to share our project, like Google Docs.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They know their work and their tools. They’re best when you look from an application stance, as they give good value for your money. They also work with many causes to encourage people to go into app development.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m head of development for Tawseel eCommerce Group, the biggest online retailer in Kuwait. We currently run five e-commerce websites operating in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and in the Gulf area. Tawseel is one of our biggest websites, and it offers general items like electronics, groceries, and even fashion.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Factory?

We wanted to be accessible to our customers, so we needed help to develop a mobile application with an easy interface.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Since day one, Factory was in charge of design, frameworks, prototyping, developing, and overall maintenance of all our new applications. They’re native mobile applications for iOS and Android, and Factory built six applications for e-commerce websites and 1–2 applications for internal operations. The apps are in both English and Arabic. Our biggest selling point is the applications stability, and the UI, which is incredibly slick and easy to use. One of the great features is augmented reality [AR] inside the applications. 

What is the team composition?

We have one point of contact who manages all our projects. We have two development teams, which encompasses around 5–6 people all together, depending on the need.

How did you come to work with Factory?

They’ve been a personal acquaintance for a long time. I used to work with a company that developed web applications and introduced Factory to my current employer. We’ve been working together ever since.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent just under $200,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in June 2013 and the work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

At least 50% of our conversions on orders from one website are coming from one application, which is incredible. Responses from our customers were mostly positive, but there were some negative comments about layout problems. We quickly responded and corrected the issues, and we now have the best applications in English and Arabic, and we’re supporting both the layouts.

How did Factory perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re quite independent. I get results before I ask for them, and the research department creates features before we request them. The AR section of the application is innovative in our area, which was an idea tested and proposed by Factory. They’re reliable, honest, and to the point, which is key in our relationship.

For communication, we use Assembla, we talk weekly on the phone, and we also use Skype.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The greatest benefit is their dependability. If there’s a problem, they will stay up and fix it.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They could improve on retaining the best developers, project managers, and designers.