Output42

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CTO of the NHV Group, one of the largest helicopter operators in Europe specializing in the offshore transportation of people and goods. We also provide aircraft maintenance to third parties.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Output42?

We hired Output42 to help us to design and develop specific reports derived from data managed and stored within our company's ERP called Rusada Envision. Additionally, we were required to build and interface with our new accounting software.

SOLUTION

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

Previous knowledge of Output42's excellent track record. Moreover, this vendor's knowledge of the Rusada Envision database structure and the managed processes was a big plus.

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

We started with the joint meeting to discuss our specific needs. This was then followed by the submission of the relevant specifications followed by the development. This is still an ongoing process and all agreed deliverables were arriving in a timely manner to the satisfaction of the end users.

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

Approximately 4-5. We worked with partners of Output42 and their developers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We received requested reports tailored to our specific needs. Also, the requested interface between Rusada Envision and our accounting system is now functioning well for us.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Extremely efficient. Fast response times, quick delivery schedule

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

Their response speed, expertise, and quality of deliverables are impressive.

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

No specific improvement points to mention at this stage.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the head of the powerplant at easyJet, a low-cost European airline. My company is based in the UK and mostly flies around western Europe. I lead the powerplant team within the engineering maintenance department, which manages our fleet of engines and auxiliary power units. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Output42?

We needed to replace a few engine fan blades because of defects or damages from foreign objects, like birds. However, replacing blades was not a simple task because each had a different weight that affected the balance of the engine. 

My team had to do manual calculations through Excel each time we replaced a blade, which is time-consuming. We only worked Monday–Friday and couldn’t support the blade replacement operation 24/7.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Output42 provides an easy solution to our blade replacement efforts. Their team has developed a web-based software solution to pull the relative data from our engineering system to determine which blade is suitable to install in the engine.  

We’ve provided Output42 with the blades that could be replaced, the calculations, and the aircraft manuals. Additionally, Output42 has had access to the data from our fleet of aircraft. 

The software first pulls engine configuration data to determine which blade is needed. Then, it goes through our stock to determine which blades we have access to. The software is then programmed to take the stock and engine configuration data and run calculations to see which blade fits. 

What is the team composition?

We work with three teammates from Output42, including a software developer and the two company directors.  

How did you come to work with Output42?

The previous head of my department initiated the relationship with Output42, so I’m not quite sure how we first started working together. However, I believe that we connected with Output42 through connections in the aerospace community.  

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve paid Output42 around £100,000 (approximately $132,000 USD). 

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working with Output42 in March 2014 and our engagement is ongoing. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

There are no quantitative metrics, but the software is easy to use and has improved our downed airplane recovery time. My team no longer has to go into the system and manually complete calculations to find the correct fan blade. Additionally, we’ve never been in a situation where the software Output42 developed has gone down — it can handle all the data we upload to it with very few glitches. 

The software has improved our workflow and ensures that my team is not disturbed outside of work hours. When there are issues outside of working hours, the operations side of my department can handle the blade changes themselves. They can upload all the information to the software themselves and have a solution within minutes. 

How did Output42 perform from a project management standpoint?

Output42 met all of our deadlines, and if there were any delays, it was on our end. We don’t use any project management tools; the project management team in our procurement department handles all project management. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Output42 is very responsive. They’ll jump on it right away and accommodate our requirements if we need anything. They are an excellent company. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of anything they can improve. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

The software that Output42 developed for us has been really useful, but we had to do a lot of initial system cleanup with Output42 before starting development. Potential clients need to be aware of that and be willing to put the work in at the beginning — it will pay off in the end. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Smart Garden are a B2B supplier of garden and leisure products to the UK and EU garden retail and DIY sector, I am the Finance Director

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Output42, and what were your goals?

The business had acquired the source code for a product information database that had been developed to assist the growth of the business.

SOLUTION

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

I had worked with the Output42 team on a number of occasions to develop or enhance bespoke software solutions

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

Output42 agreed to takeover the development of the software which was ported to SQL and provide significant additional functionality.

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

1 project manager and 1 developer

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

As ever with these project there was some scope creep from our side so the final signoff took longer than initially envisaged. The delivered functionality has dramatically improved our efficiency and the scope and use of the information held

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

The team was responsive and relaxed during the engagement. They took time to understand our requirements which often meant interacting with non technical team members.

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

The team were responsive and relaxed, they took time to understand our requirements

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

We remain very happy with the project management and delivery i hope any future projects can be delivered in the same way.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Vistair provide quality, safety and document management systems for the airline, aerospace and defence sectors.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Output42, and what were your goals?

Integration of existing Output42 technologies into elements of the Vistair platform

SOLUTION

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

Output42 were selected based on their domain expertise and prior experience of working with the Output42 founders

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

Output42 has just completed a project to leverage there location marking technology in Vistair's safety reporting tools.

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

A core development team of 4 plus project management

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The goals of the project were well defined and revolved around incorporating and evolving existing capability. The deliverables were above and beyond what was originally expected.

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

The project involved close collaboration between the Vistair and Output42 development team to deliver the required functionality. The project was completed on time and on budget. They were cooperative and worked in a friendly environment.

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

Existing technologies they have developed and domain expertise

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

None

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Engineering Data Manager at an airline company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Output42?

Data migration was a real challenge for the AMOS implementation project (Swiss-as ERP) - Multiple metadata: Many data sources with different formats (MSAccess, , excel , paper scans , ..) - New target system: a good understanding of the new system required - Data consistency and check with high risk severity

SOLUTION

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

Vendor selected upon an international RFP - Experience - Agility - Transparence

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

• Data sources listing
• Data cleansing - filter, mapping, transformation, and transfer
• Continuous testing
• Accurate and helpful recommendations provided

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

Nearly 6 pp CEO, consultants, developper, tester

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Successful data migration with no significant delays

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Communication tools were mainly through Assembla for any mapping rules or decisions. Regular meeting and reportings through emails and phone

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

They provided a good sense of humor and positivity even under the most stressful conditions.

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

Visibility in the market

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

VAT Consultancy Director

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Output42, and what were your goals?

We hired Output42 to develop our online VAT solution.

SOLUTION

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

I had worked with Steve Crabb before on another VAT project in a previous role.

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

They designed and developed a complete online VAT solution for us from scratch.

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

We worked with Steve and Filip.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

This has been a project delivered in phases. The first phase is live and established, the second phase is live and just launched, the third phase is in development and expected to go live in early 2022.

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

Very flexible but constant communication and commitment.

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

Their quick communication and resourceful approach are impressive. There are no problems that cannot be solved.

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

We are very happy with their approach.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Head of IT and we are in to Transportation business in the energy sector

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Output42?

Data Migration project

SOLUTION

How did you select Output42 and what were the deciding factors?

Past experience, Cost, Flexibility

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

Data Migration from Legacy system to new ERP. There were around 12 iterations prior to the final go live. It required weekly interaction with end users to understand the data and transform it in to the format defined by the new system

How many resources from the Output42 team worked with you, and what were their positions?

Total 3, Team Lead and Team Member

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

No

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

I would say 50%, as we felt some lack of transparency from their side especially when they had a prior experience with the new system and in comparison with us, had better understanding of the same

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

They were flexible and hardworking team members.

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

Better communication and easy availability of the time slots for interaction