Neuralab

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I work for Rare Diseases Croatia as a project manager. We are an NGO that works with patients with rare diseases. Our main purpose is to give patients information. We cooperate with doctors, social services, and all institutions on a national level and connect them with patients.

We also give patients special services such as information about social rights, psychological support, work therapy, and similar things. We also organize a lot of events together with doctors, institutions, along with patients. These events are about rare diseases, news in our area, and social rights. We also cooperate with European organizations for rare diseases.

We also organize a lot of public events to raise awareness about rare diseases. We also do a lot of media presentations and some documentary films.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Neuralab?

We were looking for a development company to help us with an internal website. We have been around for almost 20 years and have a free helpline for patients where they can call to get information and become a member of our organization.

We went from maybe 200 to over 1,000 members. All of the member information was in an Excel table, and there was information about them in Word and Microsoft Office, but it wasn’t enough. Because we communicate with so many patients, we needed to have all the information in one place so that we can find what we need.

If we need someone with a special diagnosis or if we need to know how many patients there are in Croatia, who their main doctors are as well as other information, we would have to look for that in all of those documents. It was sometimes impossible to find that information.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We hired them to develop a WordPress website, which is like a database for our patients. It houses all of their information such as how long it took for a diagnosis, their doctors, information about their treatment and medicine, their social rights, information about their occupations, information about their school. 

What is the team composition?

We work with 5–6 people from Neuralab. When we started, we worked with the director of the company, and when we met with the team there were five people. We were mainly in contact with two people from their team.

How did you come to work with Neuralab?

When we started looking for someone to do this for us, most companies didn’t understand what we wanted and why we wanted predefined answers. Neuralab understood us the best from the six or seven people we talked to.

How much have you invested in them?

We spent 21,200 Croatian Kuna (approximately $3,300 USD). They gave us a discount because we are NGO.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in May 2019, and we finished over a year later. I think they would have been finished earlier but they respected the fact that we had a lot of other projects going on and we couldn’t be involved in this particular project the whole time. We had several breaks and it was finished in July 2020.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We got what we wanted from the database. It's really user-friendly. Now, if I want to find all the patients from Eastern Croatia that have visited a specific doctor or have used a specific medicine, I am easily able to find them.

This database has predefined answers based on Croatian social and health policies. It is really useful because a lot of times, we need some concrete numbers for our projects, for media, and sometimes for doctors and institutions. This is for patients, and for patients in the region not only in Croatia. Sometimes we need information for our main institution on a European level. Everything is now in this database.

How did Neuralab perform from a project management standpoint?

When it came to deadlines, it was perfect. Our communication was with the director of the company, but when we had group meetings, there were more people included.

We had the most communication with one person. He first put our questions in order and then we checked if it worked for us. When he put the predefined answers in the system, we had meetings. He also explained how to use the database to our whole team. It was very easy to follow the project. We used Trello for communication and to correct mistakes in the program. 

They give us all the support we need. If we have any questions or if we don’t understand something when we are putting our data into the database, they are there for us.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The most impressive thing is that we actually got what we wanted in an operative way because it was really hard to explain what we needed. They understood what we wanted and were able to deliver. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

When they heard that it was an internal website, they didn’t prioritize the visual look of the platform because they didn’t think the visual aspect was important to us. It is internal, but we still have to present this website to organizations in our region and to institutions. I’m sorry we didn’t work more on the visual identity of the website as well.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be really clear with communication and if something goes wrong, communicate that to them immediately. If you communicate things to them immediately, they won’t have a problem with it.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

BIPA is multinational retail chain and a third largest personal care and beauty store on Croatian market with 120 stores. Recognized among customers for decorative cosmetics and perfumes. As a senior marketing specialist I am responsible for digital team as a lead, digital strategy, communication, PR and events.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Neuralab?

Neuralab was hired for development of niche perfume site as a preparation to future web shop. Our challenge was how to combine product and content seamlessly to engage site visits on site and to provide excellent user experience. The site needed to provide premium feeling with visual link to brand, with mobile first design.

What were your goals for this project?

This project is one part of marketing strategy for perfume category. The goal was to showcase range of products on site, on site that will stand out among competitors, and combined with other marketing tools increase sales and revenue.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

The vendor was selected based on presentation of idea that came out as a result of the brief and challenges that we presented to Neuralab team.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

Neuralab team provided us design and development of the custom build eCommerce platform based on WooCommerce. Project started with brief provided by us, then we entered in wireframing, design and development phase. We had constant support of Neuralab team during the project, and they were able to integrate our vision in to realization of the project.

What was the team composition?

Team was conducted of designer lead, designer and development lead, also they were introduced with our digital and creative agencies and they worked together on solutions that will give us best results.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We expect to see first results in 3-6 months, for now this project allow us to position ourselves in perfume category on market.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

Neuralab was able to execute the project on a tight schedule, and there were no delays on their side. Some of the problems that might occur were presented on time from their side and they guided us trough the project as well as our agencies.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

How they were able to listen to our needs and wishes, and how accurate all the proposals were to what we actually wanted. This relationship allowed us to go trough project stages event before the schedule.

Are there any areas for improvement?

On further project it would be easier to go in details trough proposal, so that we could integrate all working hours in initial cost, because sometimes we think something is implemented when in fact it isn't.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We’re a public company serving under the Croatian Ministry of Education. We handle most of what needs to be provided to the educational sector in Croatia, and we have around 250 members.

We’re a national research educational company, meaning we provide support to universities, high schools, elementary schools, and we’re also starting to support kindergartens. We provide them with internet connections, ICT services, and different ICT technology for digital learning. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Neuralab?

We were looking for someone to help us transfer our old CMS to WordPress. 

Our company was founded 25 years ago, and everything produced from that time was still there. The last update of our website was in 2007, and we were hesitant to start the project because the website was huge with a lot of information.

We needed someone to help us define a new structure and UX. We wanted to make the site responsive, and, most importantly, make it accessible. (As a public company serving under the Ministry of Education, everything needed to be accessible.) 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Before starting with Neuralab, we worked for almost a year defining what needed to be done. The process started after we chose them through a public tender.

We provided them a structure of the website and the desired outcome. We didn’t define it technically, rather in terms of what we wanted the user experience to be. 

For example, we wanted the site to be built on WordPress. I’m not familiar with other technologies they used. Also, they created the design. There was a lot of custom work on specific features we needed, from simple items like an address book to some larger features. 

We incorporated a single sign-on feature as well as a database of our member institutions. We had requirements that couldn’t be covered by off-the-shelf plug-ins, so Neuralab created custom accessibility features.

In addition, they had to move a lot of interactive features, such as maps, from the previous site to the new one.

How did you come to work with Neuralab?

We drafted a pitch and had a public call with five companies in Croatia offering their services, and we ended up considering two companies.

We’d heard a lot about Neuralab beforehand. We chose companies we knew had worked on big projects. We knew we needed someone that could provide custom development. (We didn’t want to go with one-man-band companies, or to someone who’d buy and put together different plug-ins.) 

We asked around and talked to other companies that were using Neuralab’s services and decided to call them in. We made arrangements for them to reply to our public call, and we chose them based on their experience and the number of projects they’d done previously.

How much have you invested with them?

The cost of their work was €25,000 (Approximately $27,900 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We started the collaboration with Neuralab in May of 2018. We finished everything by December of 2018, and we had some follow-ups in the first quarter of 2019. 

I’d say the project is currently wrapped up, since we haven’t had any additional features developed since January of 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We tracked KPIs for what we wanted to achieve. The most important one was migrating from our old website to the new one. Also, mobile optimization was a key feature for us, since more than 80% of our users are using mobile phones and tablets to access the website.

We were also looking at how much traffic came in through mobile devices. We’re seeing the portion of users accessing the site through mobiles growing year on year. That KPI was something we received perfectly. Now, we can see people accessing the site faster. 

Our other main priority was accessibility. There’s a new law in the EU that states public information has to be available in an accessible form. We couldn’t provide the new website without 100% of the accessibility of the old site. The pages load faster, which means less load time for the servers. We need fewer resources from our side to deliver the same content to users.

How did Neuralab perform from a project management standpoint?

They were the perfect partner. We had no issues with them in terms of deadlines. We had a lot of kickoff meetings before starting the work to define dates and how to tackle each part of the project. 

Neuralab was a good coach in terms of what to expect, what to do, and how to deliver information to them. We used a platform to communicate with them and comment on their proposals and their work.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We have a very good relationship, even now, when the project is over. When we have something we’re not sure about, like a change on the web page, they’re still available when we call them. We’ve had a great time working with Neuralab.

Are there any areas they could improve?

If we had more information before we started, we probably could’ve done it faster. When we started with Neuralab, just talking to them gave us a lot of information we hadn’t considered. 

I’m not sure there’s something they could do differently. There was probably more we could’ve done on our side, in terms of preparation, to make the process faster and more agile.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner and co-founder of Wow-junkie.com, an e-commerce company providing a webshop for beauty junkies.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Neuralab?

I needed a company to develop an e-commerce website from scratch.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They developed our e-commerce webshop from scratch. That included building the website and implementing WooCommerce. Their team implemented all our ideas and desired features: branding, platform development, UX/UI, online functionalities, etc. They also created a logo for us that brings attention to our brand.

What is the team composition?

I worked with 6–8 people. In every meeting, there were 4–5 of them in the beginning when we were explaining our ideas to them. The team consisted of the owner, main developer, copywriter, internet marketing specialist, and UX designer.

How did you come to work with Neuralab?

We were talking with several agencies trying to find someone suitable for WooCommerce development or WordPress. In terms of the price and the scope of our project, they were the best. They weren’t the cheapest, but that was okay. We had a couple of meetings with other agencies but worked with Neuralab because of their expertise in WooCommerce solutions.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested $50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in August 2015 to February 2016.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Neuralab successfully developed the whole platform. Prior to their work, we were a small, niche e-commerce site. Now we’re competing with larger, European e-commerce sites. I can tell the work that Neuralab provided really helped us to grow over the years. From the first meeting, one could tell that they’re very specialized, knowledgeable, and hardworking. We’re full partners with them. I don’t consider them as an in-house solution for us.

How did Neuralab perform from a project management standpoint?

Project management was very fast. During the first six months, we were within schedule and under budget. That was very important for us. Whenever there was a milestone, we’d meet in the office. All the time, we were using Trello on a daily and hourly basis. We also used Skype. They’re highly responsive and very good listeners. Due to the nature of our work, we were in need of those tools. When something broke, I needed to call them immediately, and they answered. We had many communication channels.

What did you find most impressive about them?

When I had an idea, they’d send me an email or call me within a few days. They’re our guardian angels—always 2-3 steps ahead of me. They really understand our need for their knowledge and expertise.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There’s nothing I’d have them do better. It’d be great if they grew their team so they could get more clients because they do a really great job. I’m really thankful for doing business with them.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Express your ideas very clearly. Let Neuralab do their business. As a client, you don’t always know everything. It’s great to have a partner like them because they understand everything. They understand your background and budget. Through their knowledge, they’re able to scale up for you.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner of Corus, a Croatian technology company. My core business is flood protection systems.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Neuralab?

Two years ago, I wanted to build an IT project that combined a mobile application, a website, and a web application. I needed someone to help me with the project.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Neuralab developed the website, which is a CMS system that I can adjust myself. We had three iterations with Neuralab. 

First, we spoke with the project manager who gave us guidelines on how the website should look. I took some benchmarks I found online and showed them. They then explained which things would benefit us: for example, they told us that the site needed to load fast on the user’s side to make it more usable. They showed me three different designs for the website. After the second iteration, I chose the one I wanted. They then developed the mobile app as well.

I also did a video with Neuralab to showcase the project. We used music with permission from a professional Croatian singer who is from my hometown. They also put pictures into the video along with the music. There’s one part in the video where 5–10 seconds will be changed with the website application when it’s finished. 

The web application is a major project we will start in the summer of 2020. It will require their professional team because they have a good design team for websites and web applications.

What is the team composition?

We work with 6–7 people.

How did you come to work with Neuralab?

I did a Google search, and they were on the first page. I sent an inquiry to 3-4 companies, and Neuralab was the first one who answered me and one of the only ones to get back to me at all. They were really quick and fully professional. After our meeting, I decided to do the IT project with them.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent $25,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in March 2018 and the work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I’m fully satisfied with their work. I’m not an IT guy. When I’m trying to make changes, I send them an email, and they reply instantly.

How did Neuralab perform from a project management standpoint?

We normally communicate via email. If it’s something really quick, I call them on the phone. They respond quickly. We’ve been able to meet in-person as well. They always keep me informed and give me options to choose from. They never miss any deadlines. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

I like their approach. When a problem comes, they don’t call and tell us we have a problem. They call us with a solution. They never have any delays.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There’s nothing I want them to improve. I highly recommend using them. I also recommend using Gantt charts to see how the project moves and track progress. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

The best way to communicate is to send them emails. They will direct you to the right sector whether it’s for design, web development, or something else.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

ViaBill is a Danish FinTech company that provides online POS consumer financing. Our payment solution is seamlessly integrated into more than 4,500 websites in Europe and North America. We serve more than 155,000 consumers on a monthly basis. I’m the operational manager at our newly opened New York office. I’ve been appointed project manager for our new US website.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Neuralab?

We hired Neuralab to build a website for us. We wanted a scalable site that could expand to include new sub-pages.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goal is to build a responsive, mobile-friendly website that stands out. We wanted to give our company a fresh, new look to hopefully engage better with our target audience. We also needed a website that we could edit without having to write code.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We hired Neuralab for this project because we’ve had great experiences using them. We know that they deliver high-quality results within set timelines. This is important for us because we’re moving into a new market with limited time and resources.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

Neuralab decided to build the website on a Wordpress platform so we could easily manage it. They have five different stages of development: ideation, estimation, approval, production, and review.

What was the team composition?

We have two developers and one project manager from Neuralab. They’ve all been extremely effective and helpful with any concerns. They’re also good communicators, which makes the delivery quick and precise.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Neuralab has helped us grow by more than 400% in the US market over the past few months. They’ve assisted us in providing necessary information to new customers who visit our website.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

Neuralab meets all of our short deadlines. They take a professional approach, using Trello to coordinate project tasks. The way that they categorize the phases of the project has made it easy for us to evaluate the status. This structure and transparency have been crucial to our success.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their delivery has been outstanding, and their level of professionalism is one of the highest I’ve seen. Neuralab has been fantastic at securing a streamlined finish all around.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I haven’t yet encountered a situation where there was a problem that they couldn’t fix.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We’re a Danish fintech company developing a payment solution for the e-commerce market. It allows customers to receive items and pay later, as well as to pay in small instalments—we pay the merchant in full and then the customer’s payments go to us. We’re planning to extend the solution all over Europe, as well as to the U.S. I’m the head of partnerships.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Neuralab?

We wanted to build our own payment gateway.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They developed our payment gateway using a WooCommerce WordPress solution.

It was extremely important to make a prototype or mockups that showed how the model was designed. They needed to understand our expectations for that, which they did, and came up with a good mockup. They then worked on the actual solution.

What is the team composition?

I spoke with Krešimir (Director, Neuralab) and with the main developer that built the model. Krešimir is our contact person, so we discuss any features with him, and he passes on the information.

How did you come to work with Neuralab?

I found Neuralab and had a small chat with them, then hired them for the task. I wasn’t looking for the cheapest solution, but for developers who knew what they were doing, had experience, and could help us. I did receive lower offers, but I felt Neuralab fully understood the task.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in June 2018. The project is complete, but we have some smaller features that we’d like to build in, which they will work on.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The model is still new to us, so it’s hard to say. We’re still testing it with some merchants, and it isn’t available for the public to download yet.

We’ve had some minor issues, but this is to be expected with a new product. We plan to use the model they made in all our external markets.

How did Neuralab perform from a project management standpoint?

They handled the timelines perfectly—they started the work quickly, and the development itself went fast. I have nothing bad to say about this part.

They’re also quick at answering our questions and at providing feature requests. We use Trello to handle the tasks, which means when I make a new request, I will know exactly where it is in the timeline, and I’ll know when it gets handed over to me. That allows me to test the new features as they are developed. If I approve the work, I can move it to default. We used that system to handle all the communication between their developer and ours, as well as between me and them.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They understood the task very well and provided their own ideas for new features. Their ability to think in that way is the most impressive thing about them.

It’s extremely important that, when hiring someone, they will know what the client wants, and that they can see features that the client couldn’t come up with by themselves.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t come up with anything.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

My advice to someone looking to team up with them is to make a mockup prototype of the product, have a chat about it, and sign it off before going into the project.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am a co-founder of a company providing a platform for food traceability. We are also developing a blockchain within the platform.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Neuralab?

We wanted to build an easy-to-use platform. We needed Neuralab’s help with development and design.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We had an initial meeting, during which I explained what I wanted, and they figured out a solution. From there, we started working on the logo and visual design. We chose one of the six options one month later. They also produced a video that we presented during the Zagreb Connect event, and they’re writing content for our blog.

Neuralab designed and developed our platform. The system is meant for end consumers to retrieve a PID (producer identity) through a simple click. We have a like button to measure users’ satisfaction with the app.

We have 3–4 projects on the backlog for 2018 alone depending on our funding and the development of the platform.

What is the team composition?

I worked with their head programmer. He managed the entire process on our behalf. Aside from him, I worked with four other people, including their head designer, a video producer, and content writers.

How did you come to work with Neuralab?

I had a coffee meeting with Krešimir Končić (CEO, Neuralab) and explained our idea.

How much have you invested with them?

The cost of their work has been around €100,000 ($125,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

The project officially started in February 2016 and the platform launched in August 2017.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The logo designed by their team is very appropriate, combining a field and a fingerprint.

We attended the biggest fruit and vegetable trade fair in the world and made good connections there; people liked our logo and they tried our platform. We have also seen interest from retail chains in Croatia. This wouldn’t have been possible without Neuralab’s work. Without a great team behind me to develop the platform, I couldn’t have reached this point as fast.

How did Neuralab perform from a project management standpoint?

We initially used email for communication. Later, we posted and discussed tasks on Trello. Their lead programmer helped us even during his holiday when we had an urgent task. Neuralab has been a good team.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They are quite fast, not only in terms of development but also in understanding what the customer wants. It was impressive to tell an industry-specific story to an IT specialist and have them understand that story in all its complexity. Neuralab understood everything we wanted to implement on the platform and came up with backup plans when our budget couldn’t accommodate the original vision.

Are there any areas they could improve?

The only improvement I can suggest is to grow the team size.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

It’s important for the client not to think that they know everything. I’ve learned about the process from their team, who explained everything to me. Someone with a creative idea and some funds will definitely benefit from Neuralab’s help.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am a marketing director of HBO Adria, which covers the whole Adriatic region. I take care of everything in marketing and coordinate with the entire marketing team.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Neuralab?

We had a campaign connected with the new season of Game of Thrones. We had an iron throne at our disposal, so we exhibited the throne in a public location and invited fans to come and sit on the throne and take photos. We wanted an app to contain all those photos within it, giving the fans the ability to modify their photos by changing the background or adding a Game of Thrones quote. The purpose was for them to receive an additional value other than just taking the photos by themselves. They would then publish the photo from our app creating a social buzz.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Neuralab coordinated the event and created the app for us. They also organized taking photos of the fans on the spot.

The app was made for Facebook. In addition to the app, they also recorded interaction with the fans and asked for feedback about the show while fans were on the throne. At the end, they prepared a mash-up of the fans’ experience and the whole interaction with the app, which we would later use for our internal presentations as well as social media on our fan page.

What is the team dynamic?

We worked with Krešimir [CEO, Neuralab], who coordinated the whole event within his team. Bruno [Head of Motion Pictures Department, Neuralab] was in charge of taking photos as well as video production. They also had some people from their team helping at the event and developers working on the app itself.

How did you come to work with Neuralab?

I know Krešimir and Bruno from college, and I follow their work and the development of their agency. At that time, Facebook apps were fresh, and I knew that they were into new trends in social media as well as digital. I saw their portfolio, and we decided to work with them.

How much have you invested in them?

We spent around $3,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together on this project in 2014.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The app performed very well, and we were very pleased. They were very flexible and willing to engage in the project. It was very important that they kept their deadlines, and that they followed up on everything we agreed. The quality of the app from the design perspective to the functionality and how it was programmed was very good. They went the extra mile and were enthusiastic. They were also fans of Game of Thrones and HBO. We had a common goal to succeed, and we worked together as a team.

We measured the performance of the app by the overall activity and comments on social media, how many people applied for the content, and the reach we gained. We had great feedback from the fans, which was very valuable for us.

How did Neuralab perform from a project management standpoint?

The event was ad hoc, and there wasn’t much time to react, but everything went smoothly. We had good cooperation, and we joined forces to find the best solution in a short time period. Although it was very intense, it was productive, and there was good chemistry between my HBO team and their team.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They are a small team of big enthusiasts that cover a wide scale of skills, knowledge, and capability in the digital environment. They follow new trends and transfer that into the local market. They are very passionate about their work. They are problem solvers, and they’re good at multi-tasking.

Are there any areas they could improve?

For a small team, it is more about organization and how to profile each team member to be as productive as possible. Overall, we were pleased with them. Perhaps, have more of an umbrella approach combining not just one idea, but complement it with an overall solution that could be developed from the initial idea. Finding the connection and how it can escalate could provide more benefit to the company.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

HalPet specializes in education management. I am the co-founder and managing director responsible for program design, development, and delivery, as well as trainer development.

We provide business languages training for resident and nonresident professionals. The choice of languages is wide, depending on what our clients need to work on.

The company was founded in 1997. In 2013, we created our own teaching method called LPC, which is the foundation of all of our teaching and training programs. LPC stands for Learn-Practice-Communicate. Our programs are done in classrooms, and we also offer online or blended programs.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Neuralab?

We needed to design a custom-made LMS [Learning Management System] based on our LPC method. After several unsuccessful engagements with other IT companies, we were looking for a vendor who understood our needs and could follow through. We wanted to work closely together in order to get the product we wanted.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

In 2013, Neuralab built the first version of our LMS from scratch using LearnDash and WordPress. This version is still in operation and has proven to be a very reliable platform. Neuralab then built the second version of the LMS in 2016 and launched it in 2017. I would like to stress that the second version of the LMS was created only because the first version was not adaptable to all devices. They also did the branding for the first and second versions of LPC.

We also asked Neuralab to build our company website in 2014. They then rebuilt it from October 2016–March 2017. They also developed the first Croatian education webshop in 2016.

Currently, Neuralab’s customer support is practically working with us daily. They continue to upgrade the system and ensure that is it operating smoothly.

How did you come to work with Neuralab?

Neuralab was recommended by one of our clients. We met with different providers, and our meeting with Neuralab was the most promising. We clearly saw their interest in HalPet and their willingness to understand what we needed. We liked their suggestions and their flexibility. The initial offer they gave us was also acceptable.

How much have you invested with Neuralab?

We’ve paid around $50,000 for their services.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Thanks to the product we created in cooperation with Neuralab, we were able to transfer 20% of our language programs online in 2014. This reduced our operating costs in the first year by 15%. This percentage increases every year, by an additional 4% in 2015 and another 5 % in 2016. Our profits go up every year due to the applications and platforms.

In 2015, we received an award for the best e-learning program delivered to a Croatian national company. This award also had a great impact on our sales. The products we created in partnership with Neuralab make us unique in the regional market, allowing us to offer high-quality education services and support through technologically advanced platforms. The platform also enables us to offer B2B and B2C products internationally, which opens a new set of opportunities.

How did Neuralab perform from a project management standpoint?

Their communication skills are excellent. We use Zendesk, email, Google Docs, and meetings.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Neuralab’s team is creative and ready for challenges—they are constantly learning, developing, and growing. We appreciate their ability to understand clients who do not come from an IT background and their willingness to provide the best service. They are there when we need them.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Since they are always open and ready for feedback, there is nothing I would stress. They are growing fast, so there is always the issue of quality and deadlines. That is something Neuralab is aware of and trying to keep under control.