Software Things

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm part-owner of a design firm that works in the cultural sector.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We hired Software Things to help out with a number of web development projects. Our goal is to produce products that support the ambitious cultural goals of our clients.

SOLUTION

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

A friend of Software Things got in contact with us via a post on the web dev forum here.

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

We do a lot of wordpress / php sites, often headless using vue / nuxt for the frontend. Most sites are multilingual and have significant requirements for user input forms and unusual graphic design. Software Things has made us two websites and taken over some ongoing maintenance.

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

We have worked with maybe 5 people on the team.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our clients are generally very happy! They feel their sites represent them and work the way they expect.

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

Very helpful, friendly dependable. We have quite a complex and not very well organised set of devops management systems (email, Jira, Gitlab) that are running parallel for various clients. Not always easy to manage, but we are managing.

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

They are nice, patient, and generous to our clients.

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

No, we are very grateful!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am specialist at RCKIK Katowice. It’s a regional blood donation unit which operates on most of the upper Silesian voivodeship, we supply with blood one of the most important hospitals in Poland.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Our cooperation with Software Things was a whole digital transformation. We had started with a new website of our institution, this was followed by new websites of our child companies. Our latest realization is a mobile application – Bliscy Krewni – both for Android and iOS.

What were your goals for this project?

The main purpose of our cooperation with Software Things was to help our blood donors to easily get information about our institution, whole blood donation process, and their donations. Our goal was to strengthen our relationship with donors.

SOLUTION

How did you select Software Things?

Software Things were selected from other companies in a public order procedure. They had offered the best price to quality ratio.

Describe the project in detail.

1. Our institution's main website was designed by their sister company Kava and implemented by Software Things. The website was very warm welcomed by our blood donors. 2. Other websites of our children's companies were made in the same design which made our company image coherent. We also really like that managing all of the websites are in one CMS panel. 3. Mobile application dedicated to our blood donors has allowed them to check the history of their donations, see the latest news from our institution, and check current blood level. This type of app is one and the only solution in Poland.

What was the team composition?

We worked with three people from the team (including account manager), as far as we know there were also at least other 3 programmers and one designer.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Projects implemented by Software Things and marketing support done by their sister company Kava has lead us to a 1.5% increase in blood donation in the 2019 year (despite the fact of action reduction).

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We love the fact that we could work with the whole team, yet there was an account manager responsible for the success of our project. All the processes were well arranged and have ended with great products.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Most important for us was that they had led through the whole digital transformation process. Moreover, their cooperation with their sister company Kava has allowed us to shorten the decision process and resulted in less work for us.

Are there any areas for improvement?

We don’t have any recommendations.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I represent the newly opened (2019) institution in Katowice called Bajka Pana Kleksa - The Center of Science and Culture aimed at promoting Polish cultural heritage and "learn-through-play" idea. Within the company I am responsible for Children`s University project.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We have asked Software Things to cooperate on 3 projects related to our Center: responsive website, web design for the ticketing system and the online shop based on Shoper e-commerce platform.

What were your goals for this project?

Taking into account the fact that we are extremely new on the market, before launching our services we had focused on building brand awareness on local and national level. Through creative web development Software Things helped us to create our unique identity among customers. They also supported us with promoting and selling our first products.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Software Things is already well known on the Polish market so basically we`ve heard about the company before. We had one positive testimony from the enterprise we know along with their recommendation and we did some additional research. They turned out to be the best vendor for our project.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

We were provided with responsive website that renders well on desktops, tablets and mobile devices.

The website itself was optimized and connected with our ticketing system based on external platform. The connection was carried out in a very intuitive, failure-free manner allowing customers to easily proceed from reading about the Center to buying the entrance ticket.

Another solution we were provided with was the online shop based on Shoper e-commerce platform. Software Things was responsible for entering the products and the store design.

What was the team composition?

The team was comprised of 5 people. From the very beginning we had very helpful Account Manager assigned to our project who took care of every single question, idea and doubt. We were extremely satisfied with their friendly and helpful approach.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The best evidence for mutual success of the project are the statistics. In first three moths after grand opening, almost 30 thousand visitors came to see our exhibition. We believe that the numbers speak for themselves.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

Project management was arranged in a very professional way. Before going into details, we had few brainstorming sessions to redefine our initial ideas and to find some tailor-made solutions. Then we proceeded to the execution of clearly defined activities supervised by our Account Manager. Despite the very short time we had, the project was implemented in a timely manner.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The most impressive thing about Software Things is that they provide you with out-of-the-box solutions. We also appreciated very quick response time.

Are there any areas for improvement?

There is no area requiring improvement. Everything went great.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the owner of graphic design agency- Morphing Design. We deal with graphic and web design.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

I cooperate with Software Things in projects that require programming and implementation of websites. I also use Software Things services to solve problems related to adapting websites to display at different screen resolutions. I have hired Software Things to implement the website and train the client in how to edit data.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to implement a good and responsive website design, in which Software Things will encode all our design solutions and ideas

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I have worked with Software Things many times and I always use their services first. They are timely and very competent, open to interesting and non-standard solutions that complicate the project but have a positive impact on innovation.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

Implementation of the website designed by us. Software Things based on our layout project transferred the whole composition and mechanisms to the network. Additionally, it trained us to edit content.

What was the team composition?

From the Software Things website, we received a contact with the project supervisor and a contact (in the subject of technical solutions) with the people programming our website.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Certainly, the smoothness of contact allowed for quick reactions during project implementation and even allowed for flexible introduction of minor changes. I think that this approach to the client allowed us to speed up the project finalizations and we could move on to the next business challenges.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

In managing the project we could see the experience of Software Things, because they were the ones to guide us smoothly through the stages of project implementation.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I likes their very quick response time to our comments and questions.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I have not noticed such elements in my cooperation so far

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the account manager at *Bespoke, an event agency. We’re responsible for producing various conferences, special events, and tours.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Software Things?

We needed help with IT development for an event.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Software Things built a portal solution for the event exhibitors. With this app, exhibitors can choose what they want and exchange information with the organizer, who is our client. Exhibitors can also prepare the physical booth and also manage their presented job offers. Another feature of the app is a ticketing system that presents programs of the events as well as all the important information for vendors.

There’s also another app that provides all the general information about the event. It presents a map of the event, the event program, and information about each exhibitor and the job offers they’re presenting.

Software Things handled the technical development and design for both of these applications; their work is web-based. The design is based on the key visuals that were prepared by our clients. Now, we’re working on six additions every year. So far, we’ve had three additions this year. Our client would like to build a new mobile app for visitors, and we’re planning that as our next project with Software Things.

What is the team composition?

I was in contact with one person. There are also frontend developers and designers involved.

How did you come to work with Software Things?

My colleague knew them from previous engagements. I met with Software Things and discussed our plans. Overall, it seemed like they’d be a good partner.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested €40,000 (approximately $43,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

The engagement started in November 2017, and it’s ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Overall, I’m satisfied with their work. For the event app, we received good feedback from exhibitors and users. Some of the feedback has expressed that the system works very well. Software Things does a really good job.

The first addition wasn’t that great because we had to adjust things at the beginning. However, later on, it improved and is good now. The quality level is pretty high. The visitors rated it as an 8.4 on a 10-grade scale, which is very good.

The way we designed the exhibitor panel together is rare in this industry. Overall, the exhibitors are very happy with how the app works. It provides all the important information and gives them a good view of what it’ll look like at the actual event. They’re pleased with the design and functionalities. Visitors can easily get a ticket and although they don’t really comment on the fact that it works well, for us, it’s important that the system works.

How did Software Things perform from a project management standpoint?

I work directly with one person, and we easily get everything done. Software Things is flexible, and I can trust them. I just tell them what I need, and they’re very responsive. Their team finds proper solutions for our needs, analyzes them, and offers a good service. We don’t have to describe what we want three times to get it done the right way — they know what to do.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Nothing more than what I’ve already said.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There’s nothing I’d have them do better.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Make sure to sit down and discuss what you need. Be straightforward with them, they’re really open about adjusting to your individual needs.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I work in a public cultural institution called Katowice City of Gardens. It is the flagship institution of the city of Katowice implementing strategic objectives in the field of culture. I am directly responsible for the Medialab Katowice project.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

The work commissioned to Software Things is the implementation of a website based on our project. The main assumption of the CityLab subpage was to show the achievements of Medialab Katowice in the field of activities for the city and broad research activities. Due to the continuous development of our project, we decided that these activities require a special subpage, which will ensure good exposure of our services.

What were your goals for this project?

The special purpose of the subpage was to show the extensive research activities of the project, activities related to the history of the city or data processing. In the future, the website is going to be a portfolio of Medialab, which will help us commercialize our services.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Software Things has done another job for us in the past - also a website, the cooperation was excellent. So was the price/quality ratio, which is particularly important when spending public funds.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

Software Things implemented the site on the basis of the project we submitted. The website was implemented in a universal way - desktop, mobile and tablets, which was particularly important for us. In addition, the company optimized the operation of the website.

What was the team composition?

From the point of view of an institution that carries out many projects at once - we did not have much influence on the team that carried out the order. We were in contact with one person, which was very convenient for us as busy people. This person performed his task in one hundred percent. We would like to thank every person who worked on it.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The website is currently used to showcase our activities in a simple and transparent way. It is also a great start to commercialize our activities.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

As I mentioned earlier, we were in contact with one person who was working from A to Z. It was very convenient. We believe that there is a well-organized team behind this whole project.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The biggest advantage is the direct, easy contact with the person responsible for the process, understanding the environment of official procedures and comparing quality to price.

Are there any areas for improvement?

With this scale of the project everything went great, I don't see any problems I could describe.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Director of Technology of Avantpage

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Making an Impact Through Translation Services

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

• Design and Develop a Vue application

SOLUTION

How did you find Software Things?

vue partners

Why did you select Software Things over others?

• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

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

2-5 Employees

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

• Functioning MVP 
• Source code 
• Design file
• Testing reports

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• sprint reports
• testing reports 
• usability of the app

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

The team performed exceptionally well, maintaining transparent communication throughout the project. The majority of deliverables were completed on schedule, with a few understandable exceptions that can occur in any project.

What was your primary form of communication with Software Things?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

The team demonstrated a high level of expertise and professionalism, skillfully adapting to our evolving needs. Their ability to adjust to changes was impressive and appreciated. The Software Things team has been exceptional in their contributions to the project. Their unwavering effort, professionalism, and dedication have been greatly appreciated. We would like to extend our sincerest thanks to the team for their invaluable contributions.

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

While the team demonstrated a strong skill set, there is room for improvement in their ability to accurately estimate project timelines and effort. By refining their estimation skills, they can further enhance their performance and efficiency.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a website administrator and spokesman in the town-hall in Czechowice-Dziedzice.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We hired them to create our modern, new website. We heard that they are very good at it.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted a better website to facilitate communication with the inhabitants of the municipality and to promote the town.

SOLUTION

How did you select Software Things?

The company was recommended to us by other municipalities and institutions.

Describe the project in detail.

The project was carried out to the highest standard. Initially, a survey was conducted among the residents of the Czechowice-Dziedzice municipality. They could vote and express their opinion about the look and content of the website. A thorough analysis was conducted and a UX mockup was designed.All graphic elements were well designed. A key visual system was also used, which was improved and expanded.

What was the team composition?

The project involved a project manager, graphic designers and IT specialists.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The new website has had very good feedback on its design and functionality.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The work was professional, quick, and without rework.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The company's modern and professional approach to customers and their needs are impressive.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I don't think so.