Novarum Software & Consulting

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder and general manager of Aksys Grup İç ve Dış Ticaret. We provide systems, applications, and products (SAP) consulting services for German ERP software. We’ve been in the business for a few years, and we’ve also started developing software for our clients.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Novarum Software & Consulting?

Our main business offering is SAP implementation, consulting, training, and additional development, but we also took on several projects outside of that specialty. We needed a vendor to help us with these other projects. We were hoping to develop quality solutions like websites and mobile apps to attract a wider client base.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Novarum Software & Consulting developed a web portal for ERP service professionals and clients. It serves as a marketplace for clients to find consulting companies that could help them with SAP implementation and solve their problems. Clients can post their project and requirements on the platform, and service providers can connect with them.

Based on requirements that we provided, the Novarum Software & Consulting team handled the entire process, both design and development. They used a variety of technologies in the build, including PHP and CSS for the frontend system. They also set up our hosting operations. If we ever pointed out any issues in their work, they quickly made the necessary corrections and revisions.

We were satisfied with their work for that project, so we also asked them to build a small CRM software for our internal sales and marketing activities. We started using the solution immediately after they finished it, but we realized we needed to add a few functionalities. They made those changes and provided additional remote support. At that point, we hired some internal developers, but we still went to Novarum Software & Consulting for any complex questions or challenges.

What is the team composition?

Our main point of contact was Halil (Founder, Novarum Software & Consulting). He was in charge of the entire process, acting as project leader, designer, and developer. I’m not sure how many people were working under him.

How did you come to work with Novarum Software & Consulting?

I posted my requirements in several Turkish online portals. We received offers from multiple agencies and freelancers, and I interviewed several of them. Novarum Software & Consulting seemed the most capable.

How much have you invested with them?

We initially set aside a small budget for this project, but we soon realized that we needed to invest more to ensure we saw great results. With that said, I think we would’ve paid double or triple the cost with another vendor. They did good work and didn’t charge us for any small changes.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked with them from 2015–2018. The first project took about two years, and the second took one.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Overall, we’re satisfied with their work. Their assistance allowed us to complete an outside project without taking away from our core business. We also learned a lot throughout the engagement; specifically, how much time and effort goes into portal development projects. Their team was a valuable resource, guiding us in the right direction and explaining their process along the way. Now, we know how to manage and execute projects outside of our area of focus. With their help, we’ve expanded our internal capabilities.

How did Novarum Software & Consulting perform from a project management standpoint?

We met with Halil about twice a week to discuss our needs, go over previous work, and provide updates on any key results. The team put together an estimated timeline at the beginning of the project. They submitted each task through that form, allowing us to test each delivery. They stayed on schedule for the most part, but there were a few delays. Overall, I have no complaints regarding their project management skills. We trusted their development expertise, so we didn’t get too involved in the technical parts of their work.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They had a solution to every requirement we threw their way. When we realized we needed additional development assistance, they willingly offered their services and accommodated our new requests. We communicated consistently, so everyone had a mutual understanding of the priorities. They didn’t spend too much time planning but focused on quickly addressing every task and minimizing potential delays.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, they guided us through this entire process. They offered input whenever they felt it was necessary, even suggesting we change directions. Given our lack of experience in the field, we trusted their guidance and appreciated their help. In addition to development, they also gave us supplemental advice regarding marketing, sales, and advertising.

Any advice for potential customers?

Partnering with the Novarum Software & Development team is definitely a good choice. In any project, it’s important to establish a clear set of requirements at the beginning of the engagement to make project management a bit easier and avoid problems. With that said, the Novarum Software & Development team can accommodate changes and adjust their workflow seamlessly if they have to.