Saritasa

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the VP of electronics at Vance & Hines. We make after-market motorcycle equipment. Most of what we do involves exhaust systems, but we do have an electronics line.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Saritasa?

We wanted to use their knowledge and people to help create a new web-based product that could allow a user to reprogram their motorcycle’s ECU. It enabled a smartphone user to download a map and make changes to the system. We created the software and hardware in-house, but we didn’t have the time to develop a website for it. Thus, they created a website integrated with the app.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They created a new backend API that allowed the user to download a map and install it on the motorcycle. They then built our database and added functionalities so that our customer service team could communicate with our database and users. This was combined with a backend service to edit maps in the database, which they also built. If a customer was having a problem, they could contact us and upload content so that our customer service team could investigate the issue. Later on, they created a duplicate of the server and modified it for other use.

What is the team composition?

They had a team of developers. There was one main person who went between us and the main programmer. 

How did you come to work with Saritasa?

I remember that we put the bid out to a few different companies. Saritasa’s quote showed that they had an understanding of what needed to be done. The other quotes were very generic and didn’t show a level of understanding we wanted. They gave us a list of requirements, a timeline, and a price. We moved on from there.

How much have you invested with them?

In total, it was around $70,000. The first part of the project was $50,000 and the second was $20,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started in late 2013 and the project ran six months. It wrapped up at the beginning of 2014. We then engaged them again in 2018 for the server duplication project.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Saritasa provided developers that were able to understand the requirements and build a site exactly how we wanted. The project would not have been as successful without them as we’d never done this before and didn’t know what to expect. They really worked with us and guided us through the process; we’re a lot smarter now. We could’ve been better at being more specific on what we needed. We continue to go to them if we run into a situation where we don’t have the manpower.

How did Saritasa perform from a project management standpoint?

In the first project, we had some issues with conveying how our files were structures. However, we were able to get on the phone with a programmer and other staffers from Saritasa to get around the problem. We typically communicated via email and phone calls.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’ve been very proactive and responsive throughout the project. We’re seeing results right away.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of anything.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

You should specify what you want on the product as much as you can. The other team is not going to understand it the same way that you do. It was really great that they worked to understand how we wanted the product to be designed. It was exactly what we needed.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the president of an online meal prep company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Saritasa?

We wanted to create a CRM software to streamline procedures and make them easier for all of our employees. We needed to build the technology effectively and in a timely manner.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We’re early in the process but Saritasa has been great. Their team’s working to build a CRM for account management in our backend. We offer a subscription service, so the platform will need to manage scheduling and meal assignments as well as information such as preferences and menus.

What is the team composition?

In the beginning, Michelle (Software Development Advisor and Director of Client Initiatives, Saritasa) was our account manager. She introduced us to Ben (Project Manager, Saritasa), who’s our project manager now.

How did you come to work with Saritasa?

I found them on Google and looked at a few local companies. I viewed their website and other reviews.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent $10,000 on their services so far.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started the project in September 2019 and it’s ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

So far, I’m happy with them. Saritasa has done a good job and products have been on time.

How did Saritasa perform from a project management standpoint?

We’ve used GoToMeeting. Saritasa has always been on time to meetings, which we hold once or twice a week with Ben—who’s really good at what he does. He’s always on time and has communicated clearly. When you’re not a developer, it can be difficult to get your ideas on paper to create a platform because we speak two different languages. He has been able to speak with us as non-developers and his developers, which I haven't experienced with another vendor.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their communication skills differentiate them from other agencies.

Are there any areas they could improve?

So far, no.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

They’re very good and will walk you through everything.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of Emerging Transformational Ventures (ETV) GLOBAL, Inc. We’re a California-based mergers and acquisitions and business development firm. We work with innovative companies to develop products and promote them in the market.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Saritasa?

The goal was to develop software solutions from start to finish, and then introduce the products to the market.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Saritasa is providing development services for several of our current and past clients on an ongoing basis.

What is the team composition?

They assigned a review team to draft a proposal, a second team for the project outline, and a third team for development. They had a project manager at every stage who followed up with us.

How did you come to work with Saritasa?

A personal friend introduced me to their CEO. I had heard about Saritasa from another source who’d used them two years ago to develop a product. I met with them and introduced my first client about a year ago.

What is the status of this engagement?

One of our projects started in April 2019, and they’re still working on it.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

One of our clients was acquired by a large company as soon as Saritasa finished the project.

How did Saritasa perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re extremely professional and timely, and we’re very satisfied. We’ve used all forms of communication, including phone, Skype, and face-to-face meetings.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re friendly, and they’re available almost 24 hours a day. I don’t usually call late, but I’ve done it a few times follow up on a few things, and each time I was able to get a hold of people. Saritasa is also one of the most technically-knowledgeable teams I’ve met.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Billing isn’t clear sometimes, even though we’ve already agreed on the payment structure. It’s important to review with the client again, before billing has been done, so that they know what to expect in terms of when the invoice will be coming in.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of a car charging company. We make software.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Saritasa?

We needed help with UI design and backend development.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Saritasa helped us build the UI and some of the backend software controls for our charging station’s kiosk. They also helped design our mobile app. 

They’ve helped a lot with the creative process. Generally, my team has an initial idea, and then Saritasa helps us craft that idea into something palatable for actual interface with the users. That’s where their experience has come in. They also helped us with hardware issues and set us in the right direction. 

The work has mostly wrapped up, but there are some ongoing tasks. They completed the firmware piece, for which they brought in a firmware specialist. Throughout the years, we’ve completed different scopes of work and projects. Lately, we’ve found that the only way to find bugs is through actual testing in charging cars. Over the past 12 months, we’ve been doing testing in the field. We’re getting ready to work with Saritasa again to help us develop some really cool backend technology for our software and hardware.

What is the team composition?

My main point of contact is Stan (Manager of Client Engagement, Saritasa). Sometimes, I talk to the project managers and developers.

How did you come to work with Saritasa?

I found them through a Google search. They showed us some demos and their capabilities. I decided they would be a good fit for what we’re trying to do.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in 2013, and the work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Saritasa’s work has helped us save time and money. If we did this work on our own, we wouldn’t be able to do it in the way or time that they have. From a design end, the user experience is really good. The way they implemented our ideas and visions has received positive feedback from customers in the field. The design is simple yet somewhat elegant. 

How did Saritasa perform from a project management standpoint?

We start with an idea or vision, and Stan is really good at putting the right software team together and crafting that vision so that they can make it accessible for actual users. He’s able to parse it out in such a way that everyone, from the project managers to software programmers, is on the same page. He makes sure everything is clear, monitors the ebb and flow, and fosters good back-and-forth communication. Stan emails us if there are issues and takes care of them quickly. 

Saritasa is flexible with office hours. They’ve always allowed us to come by their office if we want to talk or drop something off because there’s hardware involved. As a team, they do a really good job of coordinating and communicating.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re an experienced and efficient team. We know that if we have a project that needs to get done, we can rely on them to do it in a creative way. There’s no uncertainty surrounding whether they’ll deliver or not. They’re a lot different than anyone else out there. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, they have everything covered.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I work for a company that provides services in the automotive industry. I specifically provide support for manufacturers, automotive dealer groups, and dealerships.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Saritasa?

We needed to train dealership employees in a new and more unique way to address the ongoing turnover challenges in the automotive retail industry.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The deliverable was an Android and iOS mobile app that could deliver modules and training to employees, either directly or via management. There was then a knowledge check and reporting behind that. They also integrated an API for the app’s interface. A CMS was also installed to display content.  

What is the team composition?

The basic structure from Saritasa involves an account representative, an account manager, and an account director. The account director has industry knowledge and is our direct point of contact. As with any business project, there are also development and design managers that work with our team.

How did you come to work with Saritasa?

I was brought into the project after they had already been chosen.

What is the status of this engagement?

The project began in September 2017. The project is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’ve had three separate original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) engaged with the product. Quantitatively, the users provide a feedback score at the end of each training module. Our average score has been 4.7/5.0, which is very high in our experience, which has been very solid. We work with many developers, and having a two-year engagement with Saritasa is definitely a mark of success.

How did Saritasa perform from a project management standpoint?

It’s an intertwined relationship, at this point. As the relationship has grown over the last two years, the account manager has stepped back and allowed us to streamline work by working directly with development and design managers. Learning how to operate within their system took time to develop, but they now know what our needs are. They use Jira to communicate. Both of us are working out of Jira, which has made everything much easier. It’s a very transparent system for both sides.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their ability to develop a custom product from the client’s perspective. Rather than taking an off-the-shelf product and making it fit, everything they do is designed to order.

Are there any areas they could improve?

The ability to develop a custom product sometimes incurs some extra costs—there are likely opportunities to use some different products and integrate them into the project. They don’t necessarily have to develop everything, which would reduce costs from a client’s viewpoint. I think they can look for savings and share what they’re doing with us.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of a parent company to an organization that guides veterans in their effort to increase their VA disability compensation.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Saritasa?

This is a new industry, so we needed some unique software to automate our workflow process. At the moment, there’s a lot of manual labor being done with the transfer of data right in our system.

There are many intricacies and rules needed in order to manage our many processes. We needed help centralizing it all in one software that performed tasks automatically. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They’re building proprietary software for internal use by our team. Eventually, it may be public-facing. For now, it’s an internal-use, automated workflow handling medical forms completed by clients and doctors that are needed for us to do our job. It’s created a one-stop-shop by integrating our several platforms into one. 

What is the team composition?

We work directly with our account manager and Stan (Software Development Executive, Saritasa), who both are responsible for monitoring the success of the project. Our team has also dealt with someone working more directly on the project, too.

How did you come to work with Saritasa?

We vetted 3–4 companies before deciding on Saritasa. Our team did a Google search and asked our web design partner for recommendations. We ended up landing on Saritasa.

How much have you invested with them?

In total, we’ve spent about $250,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started the project in February 2019 and are still working on it. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We just began testing the first phase of the project, and our team is very impressed with the product so far. Everything’s gone smoothly. I wasn’t expecting it to take this long to complete, but that’s often the case with large projects like this one.  

How did Saritasa perform from a project management standpoint?

Our contacts are very responsive when addressing our questions and concerns. We met in person a handful of times, but they reached out to me often suggesting meetings. Otherwise, we use email to communicate. They’re also able to show us their progress through a software that allows us to make comments on their work. When testing, they respond well to feedback and changes at different stages throughout the project.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re very transparent and clear, always making sure they respond to our needs. We’re confident that they know exactly what they’re doing at all times.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of anything off the top of my head. They’ve invested in our relationship and genuinely want us to do well. I don’t feel like we’re just another paycheck for them.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Provide as much detail at the beginning as possible. As you go through the process with them, you’re going to run into several changes. Knowing exactly what you want before hiring them will help as you make modifications later down the line.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of a travel company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Saritasa?

Our previous website was built on Weebly. It was very simple and the functions were very limited. We wanted to upgrade the website and needed someone to help us.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They developed a whole new website using WordPress. It allows customers to book trips online. The site was based on a travel template. The most extensive part of the contract in terms of time and money involved linking our website to our ticket booking engine. We also have a professional backend where we can check sales.

What is the team composition?

Kyle (Account Manager, Saritasa) was the person who oversaw the project. Jonathan (Project Manager, Saritasa) is our daily contact.

How did you come to work with Saritasa?

We did some research online to find a good company.

How much have you invested with them?

We invested $80,000-$90,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in July 2018 until October 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The first important change made to the website is the look. Previously, it was simplistic and mainly words and pictures. Now it’s a professional travel website. Secondly, it allows people to book online. Every time people make a booking, it shows up on the new backend and we can take care of it. It’s integrated pretty well. The third new function is the airline ticket booking function where people can customize their travel or their selection of airlines on the website.

Their selection of the airline automatically makes the booking, which also shows up on our backend. It helps us save a lot of communication by talking to the customer on the phone and having to ask them what airline they prefer. They get to choose their own preferred air schedule. All we need to do is issue a ticket.

How did Saritasa perform from a project management standpoint?

Jonathan has been very responsive. He’s always there when we have any details we want to be added to the website or we find any error. Their response time is pretty short. We used email and phone.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re very professional. There were some items that were costing more than we had previously agreed and they would ask for my permission first before going ahead. Their team is always responsive to my requests and questions. They make changes as I need them.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Right after the website was launched, Jonathan sent me an email including the recommended updates on the website from the perspective of a potential traveler. That was very helpful. I’m already working on compiling all the changes we need to further make to the website and keep working with them. From there, we can further work together.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the chief technology officer of a restaurant support platform. We process offline orders for take-out orders and integrate with food marketplaces.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Saritasa?

We wanted to rebuild our platform in newer technologies.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Saritasa rebuilt our online application in Angular and Web API, helping to convert the platform’s logic and code. We had them add new features as well. They built an administrative interface to take some of the control away from the technical team and give it to the configuration team of our operations team. Saritasa also created group ordering, so the ability to invite other people to an order. Now, their team’s making incremental improvements to the platform.

What is the team composition?

We worked with a sales representative, a technical account manager, and a functional account manager. Mostly, we interacted with the technical account manager who directed our tickets as they were assigned to their internal development team. To streamline communication, we ended up interacting with a lead developer.

How did you come to work with Saritasa?

A colleague—having had a great experience with them—highly recommended Saritasa.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent between $35,000–$40,000 on the initial project.

What is the status of this engagement?

Saritasa started on the project in August 2017. It was a 90-day project. However, we went past the 90 days, which was intentional because we needed to fit more tasks into the scope. We wrapped up the project in December, but their team provides ongoing maintenance work on the platform.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The platform’s become our new flagship product and our sales have increased significantly since we moved to it. Overall, they’ve met the objectives stunningly; we continue to sell the product. The project was a smashing success.

How did Saritasa perform from a project management standpoint?

We have used JIRA almost exclusively. For source control, we’ve used GitHub. We changed priorities on them a lot and they were flexible with us.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’ve been accessible and flexible, which has been helpful for a fairly dynamic company like us. Things change a lot in our environment so having a partner that has been able to change with us has been valuable. Saritasa has taken things seriously. If we have an emergency, they’ll pull people in and help us. Their objective has been for us to meet our objectives.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I can’t think of anything. In the beginning, we needed a direct contact who was more technical than functional. We gave that feedback to Saritasa and they adjusted the team quickly, which helped with our communication.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I lead Digital Marketing and e-Commerce for one of the leading organic nutrition companies.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Saritasa?

Saritasa was hired to lead monthly support, maintenance and new feature development for a website we launched in late summer of 2018.

What were your goals for this project?

The successful operation of our dual-platform site (Adobe AEM front-end paired with Magento 2.0 e-commerce platform). Uptime within defined SLA, rapid turn-around on new features/functionality, etc.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

They were recommended to us by a trusted IT partner. Our dual-platform approach meant there were very few vendors experienced enough to support our unique architecture. While Saritasa did not initially have Adobe AEM experience, they were confident in their capabilities and invested in the required training to support our account.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

Although their scope was primarily two-fold: maintaining an existing website and developing new features and functionality as requested, they inherited code that had been written and maintained by two previous development agencies. They were required to get up to speed quickly, make sense of other developer's code, and ensure our site functioned as expected on an ongoing basis for a 12-month period.

What was the team composition?

We were supported by a core, on-shore project management resource, account team, and a lead development resource. We were also supported by an off-shore development team that scaled as needed to support our account.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Successful up-time was our primary expectation. To the extent our e-commerce site was down or not functioning as expected, the business impact would have been significant.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

Our project management team made every effort to respond quickly and often went beyond the terms of the SLA in order to make themselves available in the event of an issue.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They jumped in to learn a platform that they did not have prior experience with in order to support our account. They always made an effort to be great partners and were crucial in helping us identify opportunities to grow our business. When we did encounter issues, they were responsive and communicative.

Are there any areas for improvement?

We ultimately made the decision to transition to a new platform for reasons unassociated with Saritasa. We knew they did not have Adobe AEM experience when we hired them, but they could certainly benefit from continued training in this area if they plan to continue to service Adobe clients in the future.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the former digital director for a global communications and PR firm. The firm has over 27 offices throughout the world, primarily in the US, Asia, and Europe. My role involved helping clients with paid social opportunities, social media management, or web site redesign projects.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Saritasa?

We did not have an in-house web development team so we always outsourced to a few different developers. Our team had been put in a bind where we were missing deadlines, which was becoming a huge problem for retaining business. Eventually, we decided to look for a new web development team.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Saritasa worked with us on a variety of projects, beginning with smaller side projects and moving to bigger ones once they proved they were able to deliver. One of the main projects they worked on for us was developing a website for a client with about 300,000 monthly visitors to their site. The client was also getting ready for an IPO, so the site has to be delivered on time.

Saritas developed the site and helped us with web page architecture. The client also had a lot of content that had never been archived. The Saritasa team helped us come up with a strategy for which content should be archived to avoid losing SEO value. The client had also acquired a call location center in Europe, so Saritasa helped us integrate those call centers.

What is the team composition?

I worked primarily with Nik (CEO, Saritasa) and one other member of the Saritasa team from a project management standpoint. I also interfaced directly with Kyle (Account Manager, Saritasa), who was great at solving issues. The number of members on our team depended on the magnitude of the project or the type of technology our client wanted to use. 

How did you come to work with Saritasa?

Once I got the go-ahead from my boss, I searched for web development firms on Google. I was working out of our Los Angeles office so I was looking for a local firm that I could meet with face to face. After a three week search, I found Saritasa online. I explored their website, submitted a form, and got in contact with Kyle. 

How much have you invested with them?

We invested anywhere from $100,000–$140,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our engagement began in June 2017, and I left the company in April 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

That project had a lot at stake, and because it was a success, we were able to get more business with the client. The website did well because of Saritasa, which opened up the door for crisis management and more traditional PR contracts with the client. The website was delivered on time and the visuals and performance were to the client’s liking. Their team really had their finger on trends for websites.

How did Saritasa perform from a project management standpoint?

Most of the project was managed through Google Drive. Our team didn’t have processes in place, but Google Suite helped us bridge the gap. Their team used Google Sheets to account for content migrations and things like that.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Saritasa is full of understanding and genuine people. Some clients can be difficult, and because Saritasa is a third-party partner, they might not always have all of the information. They remained incredibly easy to work with throughout the process. 

Their team always comes in with solutions. If there was a problem, there was never any bickering. Instead, they provided multiple solutions and accurate cost estimates for each. Saritasa doesn’t just try to sell you on the most expensive option, they want to make your client happy.

They are also very technically skilled. I could tell after just being inside their offices. Saritasa is very savvy with where digital is going. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

My only criticism from the experience would be the speed with which we could get answers from their international engineers. That wasn’t always the case, there was only sometimes a delayed response. Other than that, their communication was great.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

The more organized you are and the more insight you have into your core goals, the easier it is to work with Saritasa.