Pell Software

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Director of Organizational Development of Asbestos Abatement Inc

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Full-service heavy demolition and hazardous materials abatement 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Pell Software to accomplish?

• Create API to integrate/sync data from our accounting software to our field software
• Provide pricing on a few future projects

SOLUTION

How did you find Pell Software?

Referral

Why did you select Pell Software over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Pell Software were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Our field software had an existing API integration with our accounting software. The standard sync plan included a monthly maintenance fee as part of our package. However, as we began implementing field software,  we realized that there were many fields we would like to sync that were not currently part of the standard sync. We engaged with Pell to create a custom sync for us specifically and to add in the additional fields. They provided a proposal that included clear expectations, and they delivered on all fronts. They communicated well throughout the project. They have been responsive and easy to work with for our ongoing maintenance needs, updates, and changes. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

All fields we wanted to sync going into the project were syncing when the project was done. All logic added to the sync was also working.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Delivered on-time, under budget, and were responsive to our needs the entire time. 

What was your primary form of communication with Pell Software?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

They are very efficient, open, and transparent. 

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

Nothing to note at this time

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Manager of Crossroads Marketing and Logistics

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We work with farming operations to assist with grain sales and merchandising.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Pell Software to accomplish?

• Develop software to organize all aspects of Farm production and sales tools

SOLUTION

How did you find Pell Software?

Online Search

Why did you select Pell Software over others?

Referred to me

How many teammates from Pell Software were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Create a software for organizing farm operations grain marketing and production details. It allows them to track and change production. Upload sales and contract info that is all organized and stored. We are pulling in with API's grain elevator, position information, and futures for each client.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

We have a really great software tool to sell to individual farm operations as well as a tool to utilize in tracking our own farmer clients information. 

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

The communication was fantastic. I never waited for anything and they responded immediately. I felt like I was their only client. We used a crm to keep in touch as well as email and phone calls. We also had a very organized short web meeting each week. I couldn't have asked for more professionalism and organization.

What was your primary form of communication with Pell Software?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

The leadership and communication was fantastic! I was also impressed at how well they adapted to my business because I know it was not one they had worked in before.

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

Nothing

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the VP of IT for Northstar; we are a demolition and remediation company. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Pell Software?

We hired Pell Software to help us with our API and to rebuild our ERP system into a new web-based health and safety platform. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We initially met with Martin (President) and decided to start with a test case and use one branch of our company. Pell Software was responsible for determining the plan’s scope and the data we needed from the ERP system by running a network mapping exercise. 

The team had a custom software sync tool and wrote custom queries to extract data to push to the new system. After moving over a few more branches, Pell Software created a video and instructions on how to continue the work in-house. If we had any issues, their team was willing to help us solve them. Pell Software used Python for the project.  

What is the team composition?

We worked with Martin and John (Software Engineer). 

How did you come to work with Pell Software?

They were a recommendation from another company that had used Pell Software. 

How much have you invested with them?

We spent between $20,000–$25,000. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together between July–October 2022. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Pell Software was able to complete tasks very quickly, and the work was extremely efficient. Other companies said our goals were impossible, but Pell Software made it happen.

How did Pell Software perform from a project management standpoint?

The team was extremely thorough and documented everything. Pell Software delivered on time and came in under budget. It was easy to contact whoever we needed to talk to, and overall, we have no complaints. We communicated via email and phone calls. 

Are there any employees from the service provider's team that you would like to give a shout-out to in this review?

We’d like to shout out John; he was amazing to work with and answered all our questions. He accommodated our needs and was creative and efficient with solutions. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

The team was diligent in their work and supportive throughout the engagement. We were impressed with their knowledge and development skills. They’re a top-notch team that we look forward to working with again. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

There’s nothing we think they could have improved upon. Any issue that we ran into was unexpected, and they handled it. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be upfront with your needs, and if there’s anything you think you might need, tell Pell Software because they know more than you think. The more information they have, the better the engagement will go. Their team knows a lot of systems and technologies and can make something more efficient than you might think is possible. Pell Software is a true partner and will do their best to ensure your success.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Director of Digital of 6AM Marketing

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Located in Madison, Wisconsin, 6AM Marketing is a multi-disciplinary brand and digital agency founded in 2004. We are known for developing creative strategies and campaigns that pierce the marketplace, delivering a strong ROI.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Pell Software to accomplish?

• Feature & Functionality Development of our Custom CMS
• Customized software development for client projects
• System Support and Continued Maintenance

SOLUTION

How did you find Pell Software?

• Online Search
• Referral

Why did you select Pell Software over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned
• Expertise

How many teammates from Pell Software were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

We were looking for custom software development, and continued support for our in-house CMS solution and Pell was up for the challenge. We needed a team that was stateside, scaleable, and easy to communicate with. Over the past two years, Pell has been able to meet our needs and expectations.

 Their team of developers has the ability to act as a lead, OR as a team to solve our ongoing maintenance and project work. Tasks have ranged from general system maintenance and support to complete server overhauls, custom SAGE e-commerce integrations and continued functionality development of our CMS system

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

• We have delivered custom software solutions for our clients, Furthered the development of our CMS, and restructured our servers and systems for better and more efficient management of our client's assets.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Pell has been flexible with our needs. We have worked with them on an hourly rate, A project estimate, and an ongoing retainer. All of which their team can clearly communicate hours used, Estimated Hours, and a report on all assigned time.

What was your primary form of communication with Pell Software?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

They have the knowledge and resources to complete any task we have assigned to them. Their team of developers has the ability to act as a lead, OR as a team to solve our ongoing maintenance and project work. From Server support, API integrations, and front-end development. They have been able to meet all our needs.

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

We have been pleasantly surprised by many different areas of their services and team. Any issues we ever came across are quickly addressed and met with an opportunity for continued improvement.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Studio 180 is a boutique graphic design company specializing in website design and information architecture. We focus on medical, biotech and pharmaceutical industries. I am the owner of the company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We were left stranded by a prior developer in completing this project for MGB. Pell needed to come in and ramp up on the project and the intricacies of working within the client's network, and finish the project so it functioned as the client expected.

SOLUTION

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

Pell was responsive from the initial point of contact and understood the challenges, as well as had the expertise to complete the project.

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

This was a case of diving into the deep end. We had one kickoff call, then Pell took some time to study the current state of the project and where it needed to go. We spent some time working through questions and deciding the best course of action. Once a plan was in place, Pell made quick work of the development process and continue to be available for questions and follow-up.

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

I have mostly worked with the owner, Martin P.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We do not have measurable outcomes yet, but the fact that the project was completed and the client is happy is a huge milestone.

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

Pell is very responsive and detail oriented, making sure they had full understanding of objectives and goals.

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

The speed with which Pell ramped up and took over a project started by another developer is impressive.

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

Everything was great.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the founder of a new BigCommerce store for digital sheet music and music-related hardgoods.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

I needed to integrate my BigCommerce store with my supplier's API for digital assets. I naively thought it would be relatively simple, because that's what APIs are for! However, this particular API doesn't play well with others, so custom scripts had to be developed. It turned out to be a very complex and expensive project. After Pell met with my supplier regarding specific requirements, the quote doubled.

SOLUTION

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

I got quotes from other agencies, but Martin was by far the most responsive, engaged, and detailed in his approach. I was impressed with his interest in digging into the scope to provide the most accurate quote possible. I was confident that his team could handle the technical requirements, while I wasn't so sure about the other companies. Pell's hourly rate was less than the other agencies, and I believe I got more bang for the buck as well. More skill = more efficiency.

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

Setup & Infrastructure Initial Data Import Routine Product Data Update Routine Checkout/User Account Country Validation Basket/Checkout Validation Routine Checkout Order Processing Routine Order Details Download Link & Proxy Download Redirect Storefront Customization System Testing, Launch & Support They used Microsoft Azure as the middleware hosting environment, which has a monthly fee (billed directly to the client by Microsoft). For project workflow and client communication, they used a portal called Confluence, which is easy to use and keeps everything organized.

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

Three people were directly involved, although others may have been working behind the scenes: Martin (owner) handled the estimate, scope of work and general communication about the project. John (software engineer) handled most of the programming work and was my main contact throughout the project. Chris (software engineer) worked on specific tasks related to the checkout process.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

This was a highly complex project with many twists and turns. Pell delivered custom scripts that do what they are supposed to do. They are focused on quality in all aspects. There is one part of the script that I wish functioned differently because it created unexpected manual work for me (and my supplier, in some cases). But the project was basically finished by the time I realized the unintended consequences of how it was written. Can't afford to change it at this point, and it's manageable for now.

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

The Confluence messaging portal made communication quick and simple. If I wanted to, I could even view each aspect of the project to check on the progress. They responded to my messages in a timely and friendly manner. Besides communicating with me, Pell also engaged directly with my supplier to make sure the scripts would behave appropriately according to their requirements. I appreciated not having to be the middle man with technical stuff that I have no clue about.

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

Strong communication skills and very detail-oriented. As the scope expanded, Martin was proactively transparent about the additional time/cost required to complete the project.

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

The project was estimated to take 2-3 months, but it actually took about 7 months to complete. The scope did expand quite a bit, so I can't fault them too much for the delay. I'm sure there were other projects already on the schedule that had to be juggled.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

The Iowa Food Foundation is a non-profit working to perfect an online local food marketing program using the Iowa Food Cooperative as a model. I am the board president of The Iowa Food Foundation.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We launched a brand new software program, lost our original developer and we needed someone to take the reigns and help us make upgrades and adaptations over time.

SOLUTION

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

We interviewed a number of developers and immediately liked Pell's responsiveness and eagerness to help us with our project.

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

Pell first took steps to learn the code. Our shopping cart works and cycles and has many moving parts. We have been able to chart difficulties, and ask Pell to make the needed updates as we move through customer and producer focus groups. I am not techie enough to know all that is involved but I am always pleased with the positive communication. We have a weekly sync with Chris that keeps us on track.

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

5 at first and I might add it is nice to have a team to fall back on. We mainly work with Chris now. Martin is always quite responsive when needed.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our system was based on QR codes and it was a problem not being able to read UPC codes. Chris was able to get us both options. Our staff was very happy! Producers needed easy access and the ability to download their customer list and this option was delivered quickly.

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

We provide a list of tasks and Pell supplies the estimates for getting them done. We then choose the tasks we want completed and we keep records of communications in confluence - very handy way to share info. I always get a quick response to my e-mails. And the one time our site went down and I called they were already on the problem. We have a weekly 30 minute call to stay connected.

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

I have really enjoyed working with Chris and Martin. They are always pleasant and open-minded. They have positive attitudes which I greatly appreciate.

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

It can be hard to keep track of e-mails so I have found the bast way to keep up with our communications is in confluence. They kindly say either works - so this is more of a note to myself to use confluence instead of e-mail.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a Research Analyst at an Registered Investment Advisory Firm.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Pell Software?

We had recently transitioned data management software, and two of the applications did not have built in integration. Pell Software was hired to help us build and automate an integration process.

SOLUTION

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

Our IT manager at the time had sought out vendors and Pell Software was a firm the stood out.

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

Our firm came to Pell Software in need of internal integration between multiple applications that house and assess large amounts of data. Martin and his team were able to help automate and implement a process that ensured the data was transferred accurately, securely, and in a timely manner. We have since made several updates to the process and the Pell Sotfware team has been very responsive and has helped ensure that the process is functioning as expected.

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

We worked with 2 developers throughout the project.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We now have an automated download and upload process that saves us both time and ensures accuracy in the data.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

It is very easy to communicate and get feedback from Pell Software.

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

Ability to customize and make adjustments in a very timely manner.

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

There was one stint where edits to the code did not take effect and this could have been dug into a bit further. It was later resolved.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a financial analyst with a family office that makes private direct investments in various franchise companies, among other things.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Pell Software?

We had recently invested in a Dog Daycare, Boarding, and Grooming franchise company. We needed Pell Software to help us automate our reporting process. Basically, they came up with a process to automatically download a report and transfer the data into PowerBI on a nightly basis.

SOLUTION

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

We had worked with Pell Software in the past and had found the process successful. In fact, we are already talking about working on another project with them.

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

We needed a specific report pulled automatically from a website. This report had to be converted to a csv format, and updated in PowerBI nightly. This is for revenue reporting internally. We first worked with Pell Software to outline what we needed done, and if it was even possible. This kind of automation isn't our strong suit which is why partnering with Pell was so critical. Throughout the project and even after it was delivered, Martin had made himself available to help us out.

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

We worked with Martin Pellicore, the president of the company mostly. He is also a software engineer and was our main point of contact. We also worked with Chris Swenson, another software engineer at the company.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The project went exactly as planned. We now have almost real time data visibility in a way that was previously unattainable.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow was very effective. Martin was always available to answer questions and if he was out of office, he would include a coworker in the email to ensure we were taken care of.

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

Martin is very upfront and candid. We appreciated the level of transparency he had.

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

We hit a couple of snags along the way but Martin and his team always resolved issues quickly and communicated it clearly. I don't have any suggestions for things they could have done differently. We are very happy with the end product.