UDS Technology

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

We are a recognized sales training company with online and hybrid programs running across Brazil. I am currently an innovation consultant focused on education and I am responsible for digital projects related to the journey of our students.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire UDS Technology, and what were your goals?

We reached a significant number of students in distance education and market software (SaaS) no longer met our need. We needed a more robust platform, which allowed for scale in the number of students and with customized features for our type of education.

SOLUTION

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

We researched online and made a list of 8 companies. We filtered the best ones considering the cases in the sector. We choose UDS because of their previous cases, technical skills and work methodology.

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

UDS adopted a very useful methodology for our company, started activities with discovery and design workshops. With that, our main problems were identified and they created a development roadmap focused on solving the main problems and generating ROI for this initiative.

Subsequently, new people joined the squad and started to work on the specification, design and continuous development of the platform that involved web and applications. We received coma interfaces. prototyped user experience, user stories and then a version of the platform to start using in a test environment.

This work lasted about a month and a half and we found it very fast. Then development continued incrementally and we always had an updated version of the platform to use. C# was used with ReactJS and other solutions to develop our video streaming.

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

There was a Scrum Master, Team Leader, UX Designer, Business Analyst, 2 Front-end Developers, 3 Back-end Developers, a Quality Analyst and a DevOps Engineer.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We migrated all 57,000 students from the previous platform to the new custom platform in two weeks. We already launched 14 courses with 139 videos registered to more than 15,000 users simultaneously in production.

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

We were impressed with the UDS management and communication structure. Everything seems very organized, we had formal contacts throughout the project, watching over the ceremonies that the methodology preached.

We also had countless informal contacts to align design issues on a day-to-day basis. The management style seemed to me to be very fluid, personalized for us, but taking advantage of all the baggage and knowledge that UDS has accumulated over the years because everything was very organized.

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

UDS has incredible technical capacity. All the people we came into contact with were very knowledgeable and seemed to work in sync. They are engineers you want to spend more time talking to because you know you can learn a lot from them. The technical quality of the service is indisputable.

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

I believe that some deliveries could be better adjusted to our schedule as a customer. Some key people were traveling and didn't get in touch with important moments of the project.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm CIO of a company specialized in the marketing of electronic products focused on cellular telephony. We use point of sale terminals to distribute our products and services to more than 80,000 customers.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Capptan?

We hired them to develop a new platform for sales of our products through a mobile application.

What were your goals for this project?

Innovate in the distribution market of our products by reducing the cost per transaction.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We sought companies that could serve us with quality, speed, and fair prices. Capptan proved to be the best prepared for the challenge.

Describe the project in detail.

We started the project using agile methodologies, transforming our initial idea into prototypes over a 10-day period. The analysis steps were performed in two weeks, and by day 45, we had the first MVP. Some adjustments were made and two months after the start of the project the beta test was performed. We're currently in the deployment phase for all the organization's customers.

What was the team composition?

The team included a project manager, two analysts, one QA professional, and four developers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

By offering a 60% margin increase for customers using the solution, we've effectively reduced our transaction costs. Some of the services reduce the waiting time for solving common problems. The in-app e-commerce functionality has brought a small increase in sales, so we're creating exclusive promotions for selling chips and other products.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Through the use of common tools, the entire project was managed with the same agility with which it began.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their agility and commitment to deadlines.

Are there any areas for improvement?

We're currently working on improving our digital payment processes and including new products for sale in the application.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the project manager of a software house that has several segments, essentially being a factory of projects and software molded to meet market needs.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Capptan?

The objective of the project was to develop an application that promotes automation and agility to users of basic sanitation in Brazil, thus providing services that were previously promoted in location and can now be performed from anywhere.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Capptan developed a robust application capable of absorbing a scalable architecture with Agile and incremental delivery cycles. We use Swift 3 and Objective-C and have about 5 developers on board.

How did you come to work with Capptan?

They had already carried out large projects and their apps have good reviews in stores. We did a proof of concept with them for the customer and it was quality work, so we chose them.

How much have you invested with them?

We have spent over $100,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in 2016 and the relationship is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

According to the Fabric tool, the last versions in production had no crash errors and the adhesion to the application has been growing by approximately 25% per week. Overall, the error and rework rate has been very low. The app also has 4-star ratings in stores.

How did Capptan perform from a project management standpoint?

We used an Agile development style and they delivered on time and within budget.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their frontend development skills differentiate them.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They should increase the number of automated tests.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We are a 20-year-old company providing food transportation in Brazil. We have over 200 trucks and work within the Paraná state. I am an administrative assistant.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Capptan?

We were looking to create an application that would better integrate drivers with the administration process of the company. It would give them a better overview of the hours driven and tasks they had during journeys. We looked at multiple development companies, but it was a challenge to find one locally who specialized in mobile apps.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Capptan developed an Android application for tracking haul routes. It allowed drivers to send documents to the administration office. This used to be done by paper, but we’ve made a feature for taking photos and sending the documents. Another feature involves sending feedback to the company on what we can improve.

Apple phones are too expensive for the Brazilian market, so we only developed the app for Android.

What is the team dynamic?

We worked with a project manager from their team and didn’t directly communicate with the developers. The other team members were copied on emails, but we only received replies from the project manager.

How did you come to work with Capptan?

We looked online for development companies and found Capptan. They were a local company, only five kilometers away from us, so it was easy to travel to their location. 

How much have you invested with them?

Capptan’s work had a cost of $30,000 to $50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Capptan in April 2017. They continue to work on updates for our app.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Drivers have been using the app and have requested more features for it. We wanted to first create an MVP [Minimum Viable Product], and for the most part, our users have liked it a lot. The goal was to make drivers adopt newer technology, and Capptan delivered the results we wanted. We haven’t identified any bugs on the app.

How did Capptan perform from a project management standpoint?

They sent us clear emails describing the deliverable and gave us weekly updates we could test. The features were delivered in the estimated time. Capptan did a good job of communicating and managing the project, as well as answering our questions quickly. 

We also liked the approach they had for understanding our problem, what we could do better or differently as a company. Capptan had a lot of ideas which complemented ours.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They have very good client communication. I’ve talked to other clients of theirs and found that Capptan did an equally good job for them and for us.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Capptan accomplished everything we needed. I don't have any feedback at the moment.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

Clients need to understand that weekly development is less common in our area, so the delivery of a project can be different.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

AGT is a startup software telecom business. Enterprises have a lot of mobile lines, some with as many as 100 to 600. My software scans the bill and gets information about each line the enterprise has. This "bill analyzer" uses the data to reduce the bill's cost. I’m the founder.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Capptan?

The business is growing fast, and I hired them to develop a mobile app so my customers could see their data information on their phones.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We didn’t have a mobile app, only a desktop application and the core business. The app can monitor the duration of the calls, SMS, and data consuming. Every time a customer opens their phone, the app collects data in real time and adjusts what the bill might be. Capptan built both the Android and iOS versions at the same time.

What is the team dynamic?

I interacted with three people, who all had ideas for me. I also talked a lot with their software engineer about my requirements.

How did you come to work with them?

I looked at two other agencies, but I went with Capptan because of a friend’s recommendation.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent $60,000 on the project.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in February 2017, and the project was complete in May 2017.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We've only launched the Android version, but our many users like the app a lot and we're happy with it. The iOS version is working too. Our customer base is growing fast in both platforms.

They promised me a specific time for the release, and they delivered on that promise. I gave them five months to complete the apps, but they got it done in three or four months.

How did they perform from a project management standpoint?

We had contact regularly and they gave me so much attention. We communicated by WhatsApp, email, and phone.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The attention they gave me and the clarity of the app was impressive. I’m very happy with their work.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the owner of SmartCoach, and we provide training prescription services for people all across Brazil. Athletes contact us, we evaluate them to see what kind of a structure they have for exercising, and then we prescribe workouts for them. Our app allows them to access the training.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Capptan?

We hired Capptan to develop our app from scratch.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Capptan handled everything on the technical side of the app. I initially wanted a bigger app, but then learned it was going to cost too much. We reduced the app so that my customers would be able to see each kind of exercise and the training they have to do throughout the week or month. They can see a picture of the exercise and how many repetitions they have to do for each one. My customers have to pay a monthly fee to my company, and then they get free access to the app, which is available for Android. Developing the app for iOS was going to be too expensive.

Capptan also helped with the marketing a little bit. They provided some insights into what they thought I should and could do with my product. First, I offered the app as a tool to my customers. Now, I have an online service, and that's why I was able to expand my services to Brazil.

How did you come to work with Capptan?

I searched online for companies that built apps and received quotes from 3 different companies about their services. Capptan was the one that gave me most confidence because it felt like they cared about my project. Capptan took the time to understand what I did and explain how they could develop a better app than what I was originally thinking because my first idea was very different from the one I got in the end.

How much have you invested with Capptan?

I think I spent about $2,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

I found Capptan, closed a deal with them 6 months later, and in less than 30 days I had the app in my hands. I'm still working with them on upgrades and updates.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Could you share any evidence that would demonstrate the productivity, quality of work, or the impact of the engagement?

I don't have any metrics. Only a few customers are using it, but so far everyone who uses it likes it. They say it's pretty and easy to use, and they can use it offline, which is nice because the Internet in Brazil is not that great. They can download it at home, and then use it at the gym.

How did Capptan perform from a project management standpoint?

I haven't had any issues with timelines, language barriers, or deadlines. In fact, Capptan has delivered work before their deadline. Every time I've had an issue, I've had a response within 12 hours.

What did you find most impressive about Capptan?

Capptan's best characteristic is their interest in my project. I know it's a small project compared to what they've done in the past, but I'm impressed by how much they care about me. I'm not just another company to them. The first time I visited them, they took the time to understand what I did and how they could develop the best app they could for my budget because I didn't have much money. That stood out to me.

Are there any areas Capptan could improve?

I wish Capptan had lower prices, but their work is worth it.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We are a technology company that works with system development and websites.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Capptan?

We have a management system. It’s an ERP, a management system that we sell to other companies. It’s ours, and we sell it or rent it every month. We needed a mobile app for this system. The app was not about making more money, it was about making our customers’ lives easier. They already have the system on the computer, but we wanted them to have it on their cell phones so that they could do things faster.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We provided Capptan with the information they needed and they did all the development part. We provided them the information about the system, our business rules, those kinds of things. They didn’t actually do the marketing, but they have the capability. Capptan also did some consulting for us. I’m pretty sure the app is for both iOS and Android because I have a lot of users for the system, about 5,000 or 10,000 users.

How did you come to work with Capptan?

I googled that I wanted to do a mobile app. Based on my search results, I talked to 3 other companies. I felt more confident about hiring Capptan because they were faster. While their price was not the lowest, it wasn’t the highest either. From our initial conversations, it was like they knew what they were doing.

What is the status of this engagement?

I’m not sure exactly when this project started. It was less than 50 days—maybe one or two years ago. Because I am responsible for all the commerce—a lot of projects go through me—I don’t know for sure.

How much have you invested with Capptan?

We’ve paid between $50,000 and $60,000 for their services.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Could you share any evidence that would demonstrate the productivity, quality of work, or the impact of the engagement?

I don’t know any numbers. What I know is that all of our clients, around 90%, use the mobile app as well as the system. They really like it because it’s now easier to use the system. You can have control even if you’re not in the office. It’s a strong, well-developed app.

How did Capptan perform from a project management standpoint?

They were very fast. They finished the app before the deadline actually. I was concerned that the product wouldn’t be so good. If you have a deadline, you expect them to meet the deadline or even be late. They went ahead of it. So, I was kind of scared that the app was not going to work, but it did. It was perfect. It was amazing.

What did you most impressive about Capptan?

I was amazed by how fast they were able to finish the app. Plus, they know what they are doing. It’s like they can read your mind and give you everything you want. It’s like they’re telepathic..

Are there any areas Capptan could improve?

There were other people involved in the process. But for my part, no. Everything was okay for me.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the CTO of TV NSports, a web-based sporting event broadcasting company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire UDS Technology?

UDS was hired to help us utilize the AWS CDN infrastructure.

SOLUTION

How did you select UDS Technology and what were the deciding factors?

The company was recommended to us by AWS itself. We assessed their technical capacity and decided to continue with the support of UDS.

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

The project includes configuring the AWS CDN for a live stream, configuring the Elemental encoder to meet the expected quality in the stream, and helping with the video player implementation, as well as exhaustive testing at every stage of the process.

How many resources from the UDS Technology team worked with you, and what were their positions?

The team varies according to the technical resource skill needed, but, on average, we had the support of 3 people.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The results were excellent. We were able to test the end-to-end transmission process, with excellent video encoder quality and the player working perfectly.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The work went very well. We always had people at UDS available to help us at all stages of the project.

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

The ability to solve problems. UDS seeks all the necessary support to reach the best solution.

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

In this project everything went very well. I would not change a thing.