Inflash

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the managing director for a construction group.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Inflash?

We wanted to develop software to automate our accounting process.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Inflash developed a customized web application using Microsoft.NET. Our accounting department needs the app for bookkeeping and other financial matters, including invoices, inventory, and sales.

How did you come to work with Inflash?

They were a recommendation.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent $20,000 on this project.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in May 2011, and they finished the web app in July 2013. We continue to work together. Our accounting department contacts Inflash’s team leader whenever they have problems with the software or need updates.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Inflash delivered what they promised. The software has helped us save time and labor costs, so we’re happy with the outcome.

How did Inflash perform from a project management standpoint?

We have a good relationship with them.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re hardworking, cooperative, and committed. They understand what we need and deliver accordingly. We’re satisfied with them.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the publisher of Jerawyn Publishing and the Atlantic Cruising Club’s guides to marinas. I oversee our information-gathering and publishing processes. I also handle some advertising and our website.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Inflash?

We hired them to update our website so that our review data on marinas is fully integrated and easier to maintain.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

One of the major site updates involves creating a user portal that will allow owners of marinas we review to access that information, edit it, and submit revisions to us online. On the back end, our editors will be able to see who’s submitted to us and then verify, revise, and incorporate that information onto our site. Another component of this portal involves setting up automated emails that explain different parts of the process to our users.

What is the team composition?

We have two project managers. We deal directly with the one who’s local in the U.S. and she communicates to the developers.

How did you come to work with Inflash?

We found them online and set up a meeting. We liked their approach. They not only had a good technical view but also seemed to have a good grasp of the business side. It’s always helpful if your developers understand what role the technology they’re building will play for your company. We also liked that their pricing was very competitive.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in spring 2017 and we’re getting ready to take everything live this summer.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

This project will go live next month and we’ve been very pleased with the work they’ve done so far. They’ve done a good job testing everything and they’ve delivered on the functionality they promised. Our suggestions and changes have been incorporated well throughout the project.

How did Inflash perform from a project management standpoint?

Our main project manager has been with us since the start of the project and knows all of the technology, plus the original build-out, modifications, and changes. In terms of tracking the project, we have access to a test site and they tell us when things are ready for review. We’ll also communicate via conference call once in a while, and that’s very productive because it’s easy to use screen-sharing tools to clarify the changes we want.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their project managers have top-notch skills and ensure all our goals are accomplished effectively. I also appreciate that their team’s developers have strong design skills when it comes to the graphics and aesthetics of the site. I think end-users will be impressed by the final product, which reflects well on our company, and makes people more willing to provide the data we’ve asked for in a timely fashion.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Give them the big picture of what you’re trying to accomplish from a business standpoint. It helps them determine how to proceed and they’re good at translating your goals into a development concept that works.