Robert Sherman Programming

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the CFO of a food manufacturer based in Los Angeles.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Robert Sherman Programming?

We use Syspro as our ERP system. We wanted to create better reports to track our orders, and help with customer service and logistics.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We started working with Robert (founder, Robert Sherman Programming) about five years ago. We first did a couple of small projects. They were successful, so then we moved on to some larger projects. He helped us build an online portal that works in conjunction with Syspro. The portal pulls out accounting system data in a user-friendly format. I worked closely with him on the design. I don't know what programming language he used. He’s the expert there, so I let him make that decision. Currently he provides maintenance and support for the portal.

What is the team composition?

I mainly work with Robert.

How did you come to work with Robert Sherman Programming?

I found him through an online search. I interviewed him over the phone, and decided to give him a shot.

How much have you invested with them?

I’ve spent about $100,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in 2012, and the bulk of the work on the portal was completed in 2016. I’m planning to start working with him on some new products soon.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The portal has really improved our productivity and efficiency. We're able to manage our order processing at a much higher level. Our on-time deliveries, in terms of the percentage of products that we get out the door, has improved dramatically since we implemented the portal. We've been successful with everything he's done. It’s really incredible.

How did Robert Sherman Programming perform from a project management standpoint?

Robert uses TeamViewer as a project management tool. He’s very responsive. He gets back to me quickly, usually within hours if not in minutes. There's rarely a time where he can't respond the same day. He’s not just a programmer. He solves problems, and makes recommendations to improve our programs.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I've worked on several projects of this kind in my last few roles as CFO for different companies. His quality is higher than that of other companies. His finished product is cleaner with fewer bugs, which is awesome.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. Robert knows what he's doing. He’s very reliable and competent.

Any advice for potential customers?

Evaluate a project like any other business decision. For complicated projects, it’s worth taking the time to document on paper what you want to accomplish. He'll work with you to create a flowchart for your project before he gives you a quote.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the president of Precise Investigative Services. We're an investigation company that does professional investigations regarding workers' compensation fraud and insurance fraud.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Robert Sherman?

We were looking for someone to help us create a database.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

I gave him a description of what our documents needed to look like, how they needed to be printed, and how the information needed to be collected and accumulated in a database. I also explained to him what reports and information we needed to pull from the database–from case numbers to names and addresses. Robert created a Microsoft database for us within a week. He continues to help us with any corrections and adjustments we need to make.

How did you come to work with them?

I found him on Craigslist.

How much have you invested with them?

I spent less than $10,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

I worked with Robert in 2013–2014.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We now have a working database, so our customers can look through the database when they log into our website. The database is secure and functions as expected. If we run into a problem, we call Robert and he fixes it immediately.

How did they perform from a project management standpoint?

He's very attentive and always responds within minutes (he's available on his cell phone or via email).

What did you find most impressive about them?

I had worked with other IT vendors, but they were slow to get back to me and didn't do exactly what I needed. However, Robert works quickly and efficiently, doing whatever I ask of him.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can't think of anything.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be very detailed about what you want him to do and how you want it done.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the vice president of a market research company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Robert Sherman Programming?

We needed to build a platform that allowed us to coordinate between client projects and participants in our studies. We'd previously had bad experiences with other programmers, so we were looking for a reliable vendor that could deliver results.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Robert designed and developed a proprietary software program, using .NET and SQL, that allows us to integrate client and participant data into one system. He's in the process of working on the second phase of the platform, which includes the integration of an in-house survey tool.

What is the team composition?

We work directly with Robert Sherman (Owner, Robert Sherman Programming).

How did you come to work with Robert Sherman Programming?

Our IT staffer conducted the initial research for different vendors. I interviewed a few options and ultimately liked Robert the best.

How much have you invested with them?

Our first project involved cleaning up the work a previous programmer completed, which ran about $100,000, and the most recent project was close to $50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We've been working together for about nine years and counting.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Robert consistently delivers results and makes continuous enhancements on each project. He's constantly updating and streamlining our systems and is quick to turn around each task. He's helped us automate more of our functions, reducing labor costs by at least 30% over the years.

How did Robert Sherman Programming perform from a project management standpoint?

Robert is very organized and quick to get tasks done. He's also straightforward and transparent in his communication. We mostly communicate through email, unless the task requires more detail and needs to be discussed over the phone.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Robert oftentimes overdelivers when he sees ways to enhance or improve on a project.

Are there any areas they could improve?

It's hardly a complaint, but I'd say that Robert is very eager and enthusiastic when it comes to making additional changes and updates to things that we aren't always ready to do.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Keep an open mind and make sure to document everything, establishing clear timelines throughout the process.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner of Cyberce.biz. We’re an approved real estate provider, offering continued online education in multiple states.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Robert Sherman Programming?

A programmer designed my original platform years ago but didn’t provide any support or maintenance, so it became outdated. I reached out to Robert (Owner, Robert Sherman Programming) to redesign my site to meet all the state-sanctioned criteria and programming requirements.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Once Robert took over, he needed to figure out how the past vendor designed the site and work from there. Although it’s difficult for programmers to work on sites that they haven’t created themselves, he managed to update the site using MySQL and revamped the visuals.

The new site features a student portal where users can sign in, access state-issued resources, and legally take courses. Robert connected the platform to the Department of California’s database and ensured that it complied with all state-issued programming requirements (e.g., time frames, waiting periods, testing parameters). Currently, he provides ongoing maintenance and support.

What is the team composition?

I exclusively work with Robert.

How did you come to work with Robert Sherman Programming?

A colleague from an affiliate school worked with Robert to update his website and recommended him. At the time, I was looking for a programmer that knew MySQL and was happy to learn that Robert knew the language. I reached out to him, and it’s been a wonderful experience ever since.

How much have you invested with them?

I spend about $6,000 annually for changes and updates.

What is the status of this engagement?

The engagement started around 2009 and is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I can’t speak enough good things about Robert. Some of the programming challenges he’d faced hadn’t been completed by anyone else, but he did a great job of updating the site. Students are now able to take tests and receive certificates.

Furthermore, Robert is attentive and resolves issues quickly. If there’s ever a problem, all I have to do is send an email, and he’ll jump right on it. This is particularly helpful when I’m hosting a 500-person seminar and need prompt tech support.

How did Robert Sherman Programming perform from a project management standpoint?

He works quickly and often delivers projects well ahead of time. In terms of communication, we typically coordinate via email and text.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I appreciate how technically proficient he is. Robert is able to handle any project at hand. If there’s something that he doesn’t know, he’ll usually figure it out rather than just referring me to someone else.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, nothing comes to mind. For a one-man company, he does a great job.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be specific about project expectations so that he doesn’t have to make adjustments after the fact. If you leave something out, it can expand the project or cause unforeseen problems.