Monterail

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the CEO of a startup for a specialised web platform for geotechnical engineering.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

The application was first created as an internal tool. We hired Monterail to help with a more robust platform and new functionality for commercialisation.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

We searched for development companies of the right size with experitse for Vue.js.

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

We had a kick-off workshop to work on overall design, and then multiple rounds of development with weekly meetings.

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

A project manager was assigned throughout the project, in addition to a frontend and a backend developer.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have implemented many new functions that we would not have had the capacity to without external help.

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

We had weekly meetings on Zoom. In addition, there was direct communication with the developers over Slack.

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

Some of the developers we worked with have a very good ability to find the right level of detail in implementation, as well as critical thinking to make good independent suggestions along the way.

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

We encountered issues with the quality that some of the developers produced, as well as their communication style. However, we were able to discuss these issues with management, and later found ourselves with a team that we were very happy with.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CEO. Whimsifull is personalized video books for kids. Imagine a short Disney movie but with your child as the main character.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We hired Monterail to build out the onboarding and delivery of videos to clients. The onboarding and payment was done on a web application and the delivery of the videos through web and mobile applications.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

I had worked with Monterail before on many projects so i knew it had to be them for this.

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

The scope was to ensure the final product could face clients and look slick in a very specific timeframe. We used Django Admin as the backend linked to various cloud services and React for the mobile app.

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

About 8 at full scale. We had a team of front and backend Devs, Mobile Devs and a project manager

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They delivered on everything that was asked.

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

Project management was incredible. We have a slack channel to communicate daily. Weekly zoom calls where feedback was taken and items adjusted accordingly. I felt like i knew everything every step of the way.

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

They give a lot of thought to each item as if they are the owners of the company.

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

No

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the CTO of Learn Amp. We are a multi-award winning Employee Experience Platform, delivering learning and performance management for businesses globally.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Due to our rapid growth as a company, we needed to quickly scale up our development team, while ensuring highest quality new features and support to existing customers. Monterail has partnered with us

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

Monterail was recommended to us by some trusted contacts in the London start-up community. We travelled to Poland, and met the team and saw their offices. We felt that Monterail's track record and solid experience of delivering projects in our technology stack were a great fit for us.

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

Monterail offered us some developers to join our team on a remote basis. They were all full stack developers, capable of working across the tech stack. Ruby, VueJS, Postgres, Redis, AWS. We have incorporated them into our team, and they work as an extention to our core team.

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

A project manager was our main point of contact throughout the process. There were also 2 senior full stack developers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

After some time to properly induct and onboard the developers, which is normal for any software project, we were able to ship better software more quickly.

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

Our London team manages our wider remote team directly. We use Monday.com/Jira/Slack/GitHub as well as collaborate a lot on Slack calls and Zoom. Our project is slightly different from most Monterail projects, in that we did not need deep involvement from a Project Manager, as the work was not fully outsourced. We have appreciated Monterail's willingness to provide a light touch approach to PM.

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

I think being able to trust a software partner for outsourced work is so critical. We have appreciated Monterail's clear communication. The developers are responsible, trustworthy, and capable.

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

I think at the start, Monterail had to adjust to our more direct remote management of the developers. But they were great about this, and proved very flexible. So we have not had any further issues here.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CEO and Co-Founder of a startup in the hospitality space, we digitize their procurement and inventory management with easy to use software that is leveraging the data from existing systems on site.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We hired Monterail right from the start after founding the company to create an MVP and then build the product with us for market readiness,

SOLUTION

How did you select Monterail and what were the deciding factors?

We reviewed a couple software partners that included design, backend and frontend development under one roof. While the costs were similar, the business analysis team at Monterail identified highly relevant topics and issues and seemed to be clear where we wanted to head with the product. In the end it was this understanding that led me to decide for them..

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

• Technologies used: Python with Django, Javascript with React.js, Redux, Typescript
• Project steps: Kick-off, framing of the scope
• MVP: Web App with interface to one supplier's price catalogue, to show products, create orders and conduct rudimentary inventory management
• Ongoing: Development together with our growing inhouse developer team for the entire product to be ready to market.

That includes various features in Backend (Interfaces to integration software, ElasticSearch) and Frontend (Many more screens, barcode scanning, ... )

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

• 1 Project Manager
• 2 Backend developers
• 4 Frontend Developers
• 1 Designer (on demand)
• 1 QA Analyst
• 1 Key Account Manager

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Very efficient goal-oriented development to get something out that is usable. We did not always meet communicated deadlines, but customers at our market launch have been happy. High-quality standards were held up thoroughly by their very capable QA developers.

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

Daily standups for the entire team with the project manager, at a later stage this included our own internal developers without problems. For communication the main channel is slack, for all tasks its Jira.

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

The drive to get things done for us, in meetings that include Monterail and our developers it feels like this is just one homogenous team. Personally, as a startup in hospitality we faced hard times during the Corona crisis and Monterail was very accomodating.

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

The only things coming to mind is progress reporting that could be done regularly (e.g. make it a company-wide standard to let the client know each sprint exactly what happened) and the foresight to ensure meeting deadlines.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

System Engineering is a consultancy company focused on helping engineering and production companies streamline and improve their industrial design and processes through the ISO/IEC 81346 standard. As the Program Manager for Systems Engineering, I sit with the main daily management, budget, and strategy for developing the Systems Engineering Hub.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We needed a dedicated development team to build the Systems Engineering Hub product. Because of the complicated and complex nature of the consulting that we provide, we needed a contractor that could provide us with a dedicated, embedded team of people who were willing to challenge and ask difficult questions and explore better options on their own rather than to do tasks. And therefore, the choice landed on Monterail.

SOLUTION

How did you select Monterail and what were the deciding factors?

We ended up building a large array of microservices, as well as implementing graph databases. The reason for this was:

• Scalability
• Price
• Functionality

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

Because it was an embedded team, which changed a bit over time, the scope of work was also dynamic as Systems Engineering build out their business opportunities.

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

We started with a super strong team of one senior frontend and senior backend developer. We then expanded the team into, when we were the most people were about 10 people. And then eventually settled on a team size of four developers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

After the cooperation with Monterail, we have provided complex, online tools for our customers.

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

We used a hybrid between SCRUM and Agile, using stand-up meetings as well as a continuous resisting of priorities.

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

I am impressed with their commitment to learning about our business, ask critical questions and suggest honest, good improvements for both the product and the business model.

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

All/any areas of problems that we encountered were handled and solved. When working for a long time with a team, there will always be some issues, but they will also always be solved.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CTO of a three-person startup. We’re a dating service.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Monterail?

We needed an MVP built out. We had a high-fidelity wireframe of our MVP that included all of the typical app features.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Monterail built out the frontend of our responsive web app’s MVP, which had mobile screens as well. 

We developed the backend ourselves, although Monterail helped a little bit with that. They used React on the frontend, and we used Rails on the backend.

What is the team composition?

We mostly worked with a project manager and an engineer, and then we worked with a third person in the last couple of weeks.

How did you come to work with Monterail?

I believe I actually found them through Clutch.

How much have you invested with them?

The total was roughly $30,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from November 2020–January 2021.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Monterail was very thorough. They wrote clean and usable code. The team provided a very holistic service — they helped think about the business in terms of different features, and we had a good back-and-forth.

How did Monterail perform from a project management standpoint?

We didn’t have strict deadlines, but they generally came in early on all of the deadlines that we did have. We finished the project a couple of weeks before we thought we would.

We used Jira for project management and Slack for communication. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

They were very professional, and their project management was well-done.

Are there any areas they could improve?

We’ve gotten more competitive quotes from other places.

Any advice for potential customers?

Have your wireframes and business requirements really fleshed out beforehand.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the Managing Director of Taleva, a company that offers a performance management and talent development solution for small- to mid-sized companies.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We hired Monterail to develop a bespoke SaaS platform that fully supports our performance management and talent development process.

SOLUTION

How did you select Monterail and what were the deciding factors?

We've selected Monterail based on extensive research. Ultimately, a personal connection who had already worked with Monterail for several years was one of the main deciding factors.

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

The scope of the project included the full development of a modern SaaS platform. This included a design phase, a build phase and continuous project management as well as quality testing.

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

We had a team of one project manager, two front-end developers and one back-end developer. We also had the support of the lead designer and his design team at Monterail. We also had access to the development support team incl. DevOps and QA testing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Monterail did a great job developing this piece of software for us. Their team is reliable, competent and asked the right questions to understand exactly what we wanted to build.

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

Their approach to project management was professional. Our project manager kept us up to date on how we track against the timeline and budget. Communication was seamless, using tools such as Jira, Slack, Google Docs and regular video calls.

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

Monterail is a modern company that invests in their people. Their collaborative culture and emphasis on continuous development helps to deliver quality client projects.

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

We had a few minor communication issues during the project. However, these were quickly resolved by our project manager. Overall, Monterail has fully met our expectations and we recommend them as a reliable development partner.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

AmRest is global restaurants operator for equty and franchse brands.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

The challenge was to build mobile first online ordering platform for Pizza Hut for Delivery and Take Away orders that would increase mobile web conversion by at least 30%.

SOLUTION

How did you select Monterail and what were the deciding factors?

Careful design and programing combined with very motivated team helped us deliver expeted business results within just 8 months including desing, programn and testing phases.

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

We have decided to program new website based on our know how based on React technology. Focused on major processes we tackled them sprint by sprint to make sure all works fine together. There was only one key deliverable - performing website but we went thru several prototypes and adjusted them based on customer feedback.

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

PM, Architect, and up to 3 programmers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Yes we have achieved over 30% uplift on Conversion Rate for mobile website within first few weeks from deployment.

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

We based on JIRA & SLACK what worked seamlessly. Daily communication with developers, weekly project calls. Open management style.

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

Their attitude and motivation impressed us. It wasn't just another project for them. It was a passionate experience.

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

Make sure we do not miss any path when switching website. We have missed few functions.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Co-Founder of Headminer - The Workforce Exchange - where companies can find, offer and manage skilled workers more easily.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Monterail?

They developed the frontend of our product.

What were your goals for this project?

To create an awesome product with a high quality scalable, component-based frontend.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Based on Vue.js expertise.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

Vue.js frontend development.

What was the team composition?

1-3 developers (2 junior-medior and 1 senior)

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Not yet, as our go2market was planned during Coronacrisis but from my experience they delivered great.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

Good. I took care of the devteam myself since I have a tech background, but on their side they followed up very well.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The level of client service and how they think with you to optimize your business. They really are good at servicing you and delivering meaningful software.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Hard question. They're not the cheapest for their area but we think it's worth it.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm CEO & Founder of Guild, a messaging app for professionals and businesses.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Monterail?

To build and continually develop our mobile and web apps as well as our marketing website.

What were your goals for this project?

To launch on time and then continously improve and interate using an agile approach.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We did a longlist, then a shortlist, and then had an RFP process which Monterail won.

Describe the project in detail.

We had created branding and designs and a design prototype in InVision but needed to translate this into a fully working product. So we needed a technical partner who could build and develop mobile apps in particular but also help with our website.

What was the team composition?

The rough split is two back end developers, two front end developers, and a project/product manager.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We launched on time and have continued to show a great velocity in shipping new features. We release an update to the app every week. Usage of app has grown at least 20% every month.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We use an agile approach with a backlog that we reprioritise in a major way every 3 months with a physical meeting and then every week with a call and daily via Slack. We release an update every week. This rhythm works well.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Excellent quality and value. Commitment. Integrity. Hard work. Good/honest communications. Proactive suggestions for improvements. Excellent English.

Are there any areas for improvement?

A few small mistakes that quality control has missed but nothing serious and have been quickly fixed.