Forastar Technologies

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the head of special projects at a large commercial bank in Myanmar. We have about 500 branch offices across the country as well as digital banking.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Forastar Technologies?

We needed someone to develop several mobile apps.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We initially started with a small project related to creating customer accounts in the branch offices. We wanted an app that could run on tablets so that customer service agents can visit a customer’s home or office and facilitate the account opening process.

We specifically wanted to work on only with Android. Forastar Technologies came up with the idea of a customer onboarding app, which was designed to onboard a customer by using biometrics, face signature snapshots, as well as the national ID card. Whenever a customer comes into the branch, we can authenticate him/her by scanning their face and matching the data. We wanted to link the customer to all if the bank's services through the app, including ATM card issuing and all online banking features.

Forastar Technologies initially came up with a design proposal, which included design and development, internal testing, and integration testing with the core systems of our organization. We also had system integration testing and user acceptance testing as part of the deliverable lifecycle, after which we went live.

The initial scope was for four months, but when we added the onboarding tool, it expanded to a couple of months more. All in all, Forastar Technologies was involved with the online banking app, which is the customer-facing tool that provides customers secure access to their bank accounts, the onboarding app, and the ATM card issuance app, which includes a card management system. All these apps are integrated with each other.

What is the team composition?

Dhruv (Founder & Managing Director, Forastar Technologies) was our main contact. He had a small team and expanded it for the project.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent between $25,000 and $50,000 so far.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in February 2018. They provide ongoing support and maintenance.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our mobile workforce became more efficient as they’re now not tied up to their seat. They can move around and go to a customer’s office or home, and help them open their accounts. Overall, we’re satisfied with what they’ve delivered. All initial requirements have been met and future phases are being planned.

How did Forastar Technologies perform from a project management standpoint?

I’m in touch with them twice a week and assign tasks depending on the amount of work we have. User requirements are usually separated into different phases. Dhruv is very responsive; if we make a request in the morning, he gets his team on board quickly and schedules a meeting within five to six hours.

Additionally, their business analysts are talented and ask a lot of logical questions. If a situation arises where a requirement isn’t understood, I can easily reach them on Viber or WhatsApp.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their skills with Android, MySQL databases, the Laravel framework, and wireframe designs have been vital since the beginning. They’ve done better than other providers we’ve had, and are quite innovative in terms of design. They’re responsive and have far better prices than what I got from their competition.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Constant communication is needed because they’re a small company, so talk to the business analysts frequently to hash things out. In the very beginning, I didn’t communicate as much and some of the requirements weren’t clear. We created a Viber channel and were able to clear things up.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of Macczeb Pvt Ltd. Our company offers mobile app development

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Forastar Technologies?

We initially tried to build one of our more complex applications with a larger development team that didn’t perform or communicate well.  After searching for a replacement company to assist us, we found Forastar Technologies.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Forastar Technologies developed one of our native iOS and Android apps. It’s a virtual, fantasy league application that allows users to select and form a customized sports team and specify a captain and vice-captain. After assembly, they can participate in different types of leagues. 

We started with the design phase. It took three and a half months to complete the project. Forastar Technologies used Node JS to develop the backend. Now that the app is launched, the team helps us with maintenance. 

What is the team composition? 

Our team of five resources included a tester and project manager. 

How did you come to work with Forastar Technologies?

Forastar Technologies is located right next to the previous company we’d used. I contacted them about their service offerings and decided to give them a try. 

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent $9,000 on Forastar Technologies’ services. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We’ve been working together since April 2018.
 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our project started off slow, but the project manager and the team coordination came together to launch our app on time. We had an excellent experience working with Forastar Technologies. The mobile app they delivered is up and running. Right now, it has more than 10,000 downloads. There have been some bugs as is expected, but the team always corrects them. 

How did Forastar Technologies perform from a project management standpoint?

The project manager is very skilled. We communicated primarily through Skype, phone, and email on a daily basis. Forastar Technologies understood and delivered exactly what we wanted. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

My experience with Forastar Technologies was very positive.