TOPS Infosolutions Pvt. Ltd.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of a digital coupon app for healthy products.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with TOPS Infosolutions?

I needed a partner to build the platform, which included a backend event management system and the applications that coincided with it.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We built a coupon platform from scratch. Brands use our manager to submit a coupon event. An internal team checks it and ensures that all the information is correct. The platform adds product attributes and nutritional information automatically.

When the coupon event launches, it appears on the Android and iOS apps. Users can download or redeem the coupons for products on Amazon. They submit proofs of purchase and we pay them. The backend system manages everything from invoice collection to validation.

We also built a robust clearing house with an analytics component that determines event success and user actions. It's a large suite. 

What is the team composition?

I had three project managers. The manager who took me through the first year was great. Later, we moved to a technically skilled manager who focused less on the UX and more on the backend. I worked with the second manager for about a year, and four or five months with the third. I also accessed a project manager when issues arose during beta testing.

At one time, I had seven engineers working for me. They worked in teams, and the senior developers helped the junior ones.

How did you come to work with TOPS Infosolutions?

I looked at about 250 different providers through Upwork, Freelancer, and referrals. TOPS Infosolutions' business development was sharp. One of their reps called me, built some rapport, and put his senior developer on the call. Both wanted to understand me and build a long-term relationship. They had the right people in senior positions, so I knew I could count on them.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent over $100,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with TOPS Infosolutions in February 2016, and they finished the first version of the app about five months ago. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have one of the most sophisticated coupon platforms on the market. Their team was excited for the opportunity to work with me. Everyone wanted the project to be as successful as possible. They treated the work as if it was their own, which was one of their best qualities.

How did TOPS Infosolutions perform from a project management standpoint?

They had a lot of internal meetings but reached out to each other when I had challenges. It was easy to contact the senior leader. I didn’t do that all the time, but could always run to the top of the ladder. That was helpful when solving big challenges.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The team understood discounts, but many of them had never even used coupons. It took multiple iterations to explain the complexity of the project. They did the best they possibly could.

I've worked with larger coupon companies, and their positive attitude was better than anyone else’s. Some companies are too good to have a phone call because they have multiple projects or clients holding up their IT teams.

TOPS Infosolutions was flexible in turning around bug fixes, even when it doubled their work. They understood and never complained. A larger company wouldn’t have done that because their project managers are more stringent.

The platform would have cost several million dollars in the U.S. The TOPS Infosolutions team was fast, affordable, and eager to challenge themselves. They wanted to put their name on something, and they did a good job.

Are there any areas they could improve?

My first project manager understood my English best but lacked technical knowledge. Having both would be great. The senior people are fluent in English and technology, but can’t sit with the project managers. It would be good for employees with high technical skills to improve their English, and vice versa.

It was frustrating that a project that should probably have taken one or two iterations took three or four. However, their attitude overcame the inconvenience. They knew how to de-escalate my rampages and temper problems as they arose.

I didn't mind repeating things, since I saved a ton of money. If we'd paid them $250 an hour and not gotten what we wanted, I would be mad. However, I got high-quality work for the price.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

Complete at least 80% of the initial work yourself. Diagram and script the project, create wireframes, button up your look-and-feel, and polish the UI before engaging the team. Once the train starts, it becomes a pain to change anything. TOPS Infosolution is great with technical implementation, but design isn't their strong suit. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the director at UberMagicTwo Limited. I design web projects and applications in the education and holistic health sectors. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire TOPS Infosolutions Pvt. Ltd.?

I originally commissioned another company to build my product. However, they weren't technical enough to complete the project and left many issues. I approached TOPS Infosolutions Pvt. Ltd. to rebuild the app, fix its issues, and add functionalities.

What were your goals for this project?

My goals were to fix the outstanding bugs and develop new functionalities. I wanted the product to meet high quality standards.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I found them on People Per Hour. I was impressed by their reviews and their commitment to projects.

Describe the project in detail.

TOPS Infosolutions Pvt. Ltd. fully analyzed the application, reviewing the outstanding bugs and documenting other issues. We chatted over Skype and formed a plan with many milestones. They sent me an agreement with the tasks, costs, and milestone delivery dates. We also worked together on testing.

What was the team composition?

Their team had a business analyst, project manager, and developer. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The application received good feedback, and we got an investment from another party who wanted the software for a similar project.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow was effective. We used Skype to conduct regular meetings. TOPS Infosolutions Pvt. Ltd. tested the application frequently.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I appreciated their passion for getting involved. They dug deep into the application to fix bugs and recommend functionalities.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, this project worked brilliantly. It was a relief to find a developer who would take on another company's code and fix its challenges.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the managing director of CSF Couriers Limited. We’re a freight forwarding company based in Trinidad and Tobago that forwards and distributes customers packages from the US to Trinidad.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire TOPS Infosolutions Pvt. Ltd.?

Originally, we decided to makeover our brand, bringing it in line with our marketing strategy and updating it with the latest technology and design trends. Our awesome experience with this project led us to have them develop our new portal—a management portal for customer- and partner- companies that would automate all our processes.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to attract more customers and maintain the support and quality of service my company is known for.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We were browsing different companies online and made an inquiry on their website, which they addressed immediately. We had a phone call to discuss the requirements and they came back to me with a well-documented proposal, complete with cost and timeline and expectations, that we signed off on.

Can you go into detail about the services they provided and the scope of the project?

They’re creating an internal module to replace a third-party system we were dependent on. Their project manager orchestrates the entire experience, from the requirements and understanding phase to prototyping, design, and development.

What was the team composition?

Their team has three developers, a QA resource, a frontend UI/UX designer, and a project manager.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Customers now have a smooth, easy-to-use interface, and we’re able to manage more customers, deliveries, and couriers in one-third the time. Compared to when we used multiple different systems and had to re-do lots of work, our staff is now more productive and manages day-to-day operations more efficiently.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

We have daily scrum calls, weekly meetings, and received updates through Skype, email, and ZOHO, a project management tool. They always inform us of anticipated delays well in advance, no matter what the reason.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They never hesitate to ask questions about features or business processes, and they took time to understand our industry and our workflows. They’re developing the system with care as if they would have to run it and use it themselves. I can easily see our companies growing side by side with one another.

Are there any areas where they can improve?

I think that they’re doing well and should keep up the good work.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner of Olivenation, a gourmet food retailer.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with TOPS Infosolutions?

Because we have a tricky inventory situation, there wasn’t an existing software on the market that met our needs. I needed a company to develop a customized inventory management solution.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

I buy in bulk, then sell smaller packs in different marketplaces like Amazon, Walmart, and eBay. The software needed to push my inventory information to those platforms every 15 minutes, displaying a live inventory on each website. Additionally, we needed to find the most cost-effective way to ship to our clients, which required a customized shipping operation.

We started by discussing possible technical strategies to manage our challenging inventory. On our own server, we then developed a custom system using PHP that incorporated our tailored shipping plan. TOPS Infosolutions developed a scanning software that identifies products and determines live rates from shipping companies like UPS and FedEx, finding the cheapest provider. There are a lot of customized trigger and notification features that alert us to abnormalities or problems in our inventory operations.

The software has evolved into a full-fledged enterprise warehouse tool, enhancing our shipping and distribution capabilities. We continue to work with TOPS Infosolutions to maintain the system.

What is the team composition?

I work with four resources from their team. They’re very flexible, allowing for communication with both project managers and developers.

How did you come to work with TOPS Infosolutions?

I shared a bid on Elance. Out of the responses, I narrowed down about five final candidates. After a three-month interview process, I chose TOPS Infosolutions.

How much have you invested with them?

So far, we’ve spent $550,000 on their services.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in August 2012, and the partnership is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I didn’t want a lot of people in the warehouse, but I also didn’t want any mistakes. TOPS Infosolutions provided a scanning software that meets both of these requirements. Because it is a customized solution, we’re able to tailor it to our unique and changing needs. Currently, the system is managing about 5,000 stock keeping units (SKUs), ranging across all of our markets and channels.

How did TOPS Infosolutions perform from a project management standpoint?

We provided a project manager on our end, and we use Zoom to share project tickets and Skype for regular communication. After determining the specs for each task, they submit a prototype for our review and approval. We collaborate to make changes and tweaks throughout the process. If there are any bugs, TOPS Infosolutions makes quick fixes. Together, we test everything before going live.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re smart people, and capable of everything we’ve asked of them.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They’re located in India, so we have to work to overcome the time difference. Certainly, it can get in the way of the project’s progress.

Any advice for potential customers?

Be clear in setting priorities to get the most out of their services. Task them with the more impactful projects first, then assign the smaller elements.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I run a full-service advertising agency. We support clients from many industries using digital, print, and outdoor media. I help clients attract more business and develop more effective practices.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire TOPS Infosolutions Pvt. Ltd.?

We hired them for SEO, design, digital strategy, Magento e-commerce development, and SQL query support.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to increase organic traffic to our client, optimize their website for conversions, and understand their customer base to make more strategic marketing recommendations.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I was referred by a former mentor who now runs his own online store.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

TOPS Infosolutions has comprehensively analyzed my client's site and employed dozens of on-page and hundreds of off-page SEO strategies. They also build SQL queries to mine data and understand the client's multi-buyer rate, single purchases, geography, and product popularity.

What was the team composition?

I work with a team lead, an SEO expert, and a Magento developer. My team lead provides additional resources and recruits experts for agenda items. The CEO answers all my questions and meets us on request.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Within 60 days, they produced detailed, specific documentation showing a 15% increase in specific targets. Their work has enabled us to strategically reduce costs and increase value.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

They use a project management software that makes it easy to keep track of projects. We also meet weekly to discuss open items.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They take a team approach, and their experts in each vertical genuinely support your needs.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I can't think of any. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CTO of a U.K. software and hardware provisions company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire TOPS Infosolutions Pvt. Ltd.?

We hired them to build a mobile application that integrated seamlessly with an existing web application.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted a mobile application that matched our client's specifications. 

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We have a long-term relationship with TOPS Infosolutions. They've completed over 10 projects of varying sizes.

Describe the project in detail.

After we selected TOPS Infosolutions, they sent us a project description template. They used this as the basis for conference calls and a full scoping document, which they tailored to our requirements. Development proceeded through weekly conversations about progress and changes.

What was the team composition?

They initially assigned us a business analyst. The team later expanded to include a project manager and two senior developers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our client is happy with the app, which is the best way to demonstrate a successful project. 

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We hadn't worked with this project manager before, but communication was easy. Their ability to understand our requirements and internal processes was impressive.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

We're constantly impressed with their knowledge of ever-changing mobile platforms, devices, and operating systems.

Are there any areas for improvement?

We were generally happy with them. Our only suggestion is that they provide a visual representation of their progress that we can relay to our clients.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the CEO of a Real Estate Technology Firm. We develop websites and marketing products for real estate agents.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire TOPS Infosolutions Pvt. Ltd.?

We needed to develop a CRM for our customers.

What were your goals for this project?

The CRM had to have the same functionality as those on top of the market but be user-friendly since Real Estate agents aren’t usually tech savvy.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We put out the project to reputable development companies. TOPS seemed to be the best qualified, and they bid a fair price.

Can you go into detail about the services they provided and the scope of the project?

They developed the CRM from start to finish through countless scrum sessions.

What was the team composition?

The team had four developers, a QA resource, and a project manager.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The project was well received and helped the company grow and launch other complimentary products.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

I couldn't ask for better project management. They had such a personal attachment to our needs and our product that you’d think it was for their own company. They were always available to address enhancements, bugs, and the system’s overall functionality.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They worked with integrity to make sure the project was done correctly, no matter the cost to them.

Are there any areas where they can improve?

There are none I can think of.