Vog App Developers

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there. 

I’m president and CEO of Bitvo, a cryptocurrency exchange.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Vog App Developers? 

We commenced operations in August 2018 once our website and mobile app were up and running. We needed a partner to update and maintain both pieces on an ongoing basis.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Vog App Developers does incremental development and maintenance work on the website and mobile app. The website has two components. The first is a marketing site that provides information on our business to prospective account holders. The second part is the exchange website for Bitvo account holders. Those users can log in and buy, sell, or trade several different types of cryptocurrency as well as Canadian dollars. The mobile app allows users to do the same tasks but from their handheld phone. 

The app is currently only available on iOS. We’ve retained Vog App Developers to build the Android app at some point over the course of the next year. There are some chunkier incremental development pieces that they're working on as well. 

What is the team composition?

We work extensively with Vince (CEO, Vog App Developers) and Andres (COO, Vog App Developers). They take the lead on planning out projects in terms of how to organize them and delegate the tasks. They assign 2–3 mid-level or junior developers to actually execute the work. 

How did you come to work with Vog App Developers? 

They were a referral from within our community. We're both local Calgary companies.  

How much have you invested with them?

Thus far, we’ve probably spent $300,000 CAD (approximately $223,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement? 

We started working together around June 2018 and the engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We didn't engage them to solve a problem, but a key benefit to working with them is their fast turnaround time. Our business is complicated. They got up to speed on it reasonably quickly. They jump to address our issues, which has helped with efficiency. Vog App Developers delivers quality products from a functionality and reliability perspective. 

How did Vog App Developers perform from a project management standpoint? 

Their project management is excellent. We usually agree on a timeline and priorities in a Google doc and they execute in accordance with that. 

What did you find most impressive about them? 

Vince and Andres are senior executives. Their accessibility—and their willingness to be available whenever we need to speak—is a key advantage. 

Are there any areas they could improve? 

Vog App Developers is growing quickly. They've taken on a lot of work and have a lot of tasks on their plate. That has at times slightly delayed some deadlines. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers? 

No, I've enjoyed working with them and I have no issues recommending them.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m an accounting controller with a rail services company. We perform mechanical and tire repairs for railcar owners.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Vog App Developers?

We wanted to update an older app that our mechanics use to file work orders, and we had trouble getting the original company to do it.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Since the app we needed to update was five years old, they’re redeveloping it for us. They’re also developing a second app that helps us evaluate our equipment prior to every shift. Both apps are designed for iOS and are intended to reduce the amount of time our mechanics spend organizing jobs. The work order app contains lists of all our procedure and part codes—instead of flipping through paper books to enter those manually, and mechanics can search or browse a digital catalog.

In terms of design, Vog App Developers took the lead and we’ve reviewed each app to offer suggestions on the functionality or to ask for additional features.

What is the team composition?

We’ve worked with their CEO, a project manager, and one of their iOS developers.

How did you come to work with Vog App Developers?

I saw them in an online search and read their reviews. Of the companies we ultimately interviewed, I liked them the most.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve probably spent about $80,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in September 2017, and the project is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’re now able to offer same-day billing to our clients, and we’re their only service provider with this capability. Our invoicing staff has been very happy with the new features that have been added. Our mechanics have also said the apps have simplified their work. Both apps function well and are reliable whenever our staff uses them.

How did Vog App Developers perform from a project management standpoint?

Their iOS developer was always helpful, especially given that they didn’t build our older app and had to figure out how to adapt it. They’ve been able to patch errors and find workarounds to get us through until our new app launches. On top of that, they stick to deadlines well and are even willing to help us on weekends if we run into problems.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They really stand out compared to previous app development companies we’ve worked with.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. I’m satisfied with what they’ve done.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Meet in person if you can. We’re not in the same city and our team went out to meet with them, which helped get us started on the right foot.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m an investor in a technology startup that’s building a mental health app.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Vog App Developers?

We needed to outsource the development of a very rudimentary app. My team wanted a scalable, professional, and secure app that met strict health regulations.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

First, Vog App Developers completed an audit of the app to determine how we should proceed. The audit revealed that we had weak coding, bootstrapping, and various other problems. Then, we expanded the scope to include the rebuild. Vog App Developers used our original app to build an improved wireframe for iOS and Android versions. They designed the net interface and administrative panel, which gathered app information and data. We also provided them with requirements for security, a PP compliance, and storage information.

What is the team composition?

There were separate teams for iOS and Android development. A design team created the net interface and administrative panel.

How did you come to work with Vog App Developers?

My company wanted a local vendor for convenience. We searched for reputable IT companies on Clutch.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent between $100,000–$250,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

The partnership began in June 2018, and the app build started that August. Vog App Developers is currently maintaining the iOS version. Our maintenance contract ends in April 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Describe the impact this engagement has had on your business.

We bought the code from Vog App Developers and showed it to a third-party development agency to assess its performance. They reported that the app has significant security and non-compliance issues.

Investors have put around $1 million into the app and are dissatisfied that the launched product does not meet expectations. Since we would need more funding before recommencing work on the app, we are unfortunately in a holding pattern.

How was project management handled?

Initially, Vog App Developers was accommodating and engaged. We had several in-person meetings with the CEO and the development team. My team didn’t work directly with the app developers, but they seemed to understand our vision. However, we had substantial communication issues. The project manager did not utilize any of the channels he said we would use: Trello, Slack, email, and phone. Andres was responsive when we initiated contact, but the communication was unavailing because he did not provide project updates.

Vog App Developers did not concede that there were any problems. They overpromised on delivery and timelines. My team believed that launch would occur in November 2018, but Vog App Developers was still working on pilots at that point. We don’t think they were malicious or negligent; our only concern is that we might have trouble securing our code and other materials when the contract expires.

Is there anything that the vendor did well or that you would consider a strength?

They were accommodating during the audit phase of the project, and the CEO seemed knowledgeable. They remained a viable partner through the beginning of the app rebuild project. The team delivered a wireframe that met our expectations for look and functionality.

In what specific areas can they improve?

The Vog App Developers team seemed genuine, but the CEO lacked strong leadership abilities. When issues arose, the CEO cast blame rather than making an active effort to fix them. We would have been flexible to deadline and budget changes if they had acknowledged the project’s issues sooner. Ultimately, we believe Vog App Developers grew too quickly and took on too much work.

What advice do you have for clients with similar needs to yours?

Take the time to understand the language in the agreement. Make sure the timeline is clear.

Company Responses

The vendor responded on April 9, 2019. The reply is written by Vince O'Gorman (CEO, Vog App Developers).

Our team is never happy when we receive a poor review, but we also take issue with inaccuracy. For example, the contract agreement was under $140,000. The $1 million investment referenced in the review was not made with Vog App Developers.  

At the start of the project, we requested one point of contact on the client side to streamline communication. Yet, the client assigned six different people to interact with our team. We responded quickly to requests, even those that came in at 10 pm on Sundays. Our team did ask to talk via email rather than texts, but that ask was responded to only with more contentious and unprofessional communication.

The review specifies security issues with the application, but we haven’t received proof of what those issues are. Our team still has hundreds of emails and texts that prove how this review contains baseless facts. We believe these were made to hurt Vog App Developers’ reputation.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the VP of Payment Products & Operations for a financial services firm. I manage all of the payment products including, prepaid and secured cards, Interac e-transfer, PAD (pre-authorized debits) and EFT (electronic fund transfer) platforms, as well as banking and direct deposit tracking accounts. I work with all the customer products and programs that come into our office.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Vog App Developers?

We procured our processing platform which would include payment transfers & refunds. We hired Vog App Developers to build and design our platform and mobile applications.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Vog App Developers does extensive development work for our firm. Their team developed a web interface for administrators and customers. They built our client portal where cardholders and clients can log in, and combined different API calls from various vendors into one to smooth the process for clients.

Their team provided wireframes and sketches for the mobile application. They built the app for iOS and Android. Vog App Developers implemented our Interac e-transfer program and an ATM locator into the mobile app. Through entering your postal code, users can find the nearest ATMs through a GPS locator or receiving text or emailed directions.

What is the team composition?

I work mainly with Vince (CEO, Vog App Developers), Andres (Business Development-Account Manager, Vog App Developers), and Brad (Software Developer, Vog App Developers).

How did you come to work with Vog App Developers?

The owner of my business found Vog App Developers.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working with Vog App Developers in June 2018, and the work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Vog App Developers fulfills our expectations, completing everything we ask. We were on hold due to our customers’ needs but recently picked back up working with Vog App Developers. The platform is reliable, and its functions are exactly what we were looking for. We’re satisfied with working with their team.

How did Vog App Developers perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re fantastic at project management. Brad is a fantastic process developer, and Vince and Andres are incredibly patient. During the heat of the project, I heard from them every day at the end of the day. They relayed what they did and where their pain points were. I knew what was happening every single day. Along with in-person meetings, we communicated with Vog App Developers through email and phone calls.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I was impressed with how knowledgeable their team was. They’re incredibly flexible, and always willing to take a call or meet. Their team even worked all Thanksgiving weekend to get work done. I appreciate Vog App Developers’ amazing work.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, there are none that I can think.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I advise scheduling in-person meetings with their team. Those meetings help the progress as opposed to only phone calls.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m director of business development for Kasa Consulting, which is a health and safety consulting firm.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Vog App Developers?

We’d just sold our company and were looking to get back into the market. We previously relied on word of mouth, so we needed a website to help us get exposure.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Vog App Developers led the design of the site. The only thing we provided was our logo. They built a WordPress site, and continue to make tweaks adjustments. They add and remove people from our staff list. We asked them to create a community highlights section of the site to show who we sponsor (sporting events, teams, and charities).

We had no idea about SEO so they’ve taken the lead on that as well. Since we write a lot of papers about safety, they suggested adding a blog to our site. They advised us that the blog would help us get attention for our ideas. They’ve done different things to improve our search rankings, including keyword research.

What is the team composition?

I mainly work with Vince (CEO, Vog App Developers).

How did you come to work with Vog App Developers?

We worked with a branding company about five years ago. However, they were out of our price range when it came to building our website. We started looking around and I asked friends on Facebook. Somebody suggested Vog App Developers to us.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent about $20,000 CAD (approximately $15,200 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together around November 2016. We have a small ongoing engagement for website updates.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We were down on page seven on search results when the site first launched. Thanks to their efforts, we’ve jumped to the first page of results on Google. They put an info button on the website that allows us to track where sales originate. We’ve increased our ability to market to larger companies. The website makes us seem more credible.

How did Vog App Developers perform from a project management standpoint?

Their team provides good communication and overall responsiveness. I have direct contact with Vince through phone calls and email. We had one in-person for the initial consult, which was really nice. They got the site done on a very short timeline.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They make communication easy.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, not that I can think of. We’ve had no issues with our project.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I went in with a “this is all I want” mindset. I didn't allow them to upsell me on anything. Maybe those features could have made our site better, but we had a budget and we stuck to it.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the owner of a blog called Own it Babe, which offers courses and information on topics that include mental health, personal growth, and intuitive eating.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with VOG App Developers?

I wanted to make my website more interactive and optimize its performance, so I engaged VOG for web design and SEO services.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

After providing VOG's team with my goals and requirements for the site, they setup a new template in WordPress and redesigned some elements, providing a scope of work and wireframes in the process. They collaborated with me to ensure all my needs were met before launching the site, implementing any requested changes from my end as needed. They've also made changes to the website to make sure it's SEO-friendly.

What is the team composition?

I worked directly with Brandon (Advertising Manager, VOG App Developers), connecting with him a few times a week during the engagement.

How did you come to work with VOG App Developers?

My husband had worked with them before and recommended them. After talking to a few other companies, I thought VOG was the most helpful and keen to work on my project.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from around July–October 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

My site has already experienced a 3,000% increase in traffic within just a few weeks of launching. I'm also able to capture many more emails thanks to the changes they've made to the site.

How did VOG App Developers perform from a project management standpoint?

Brandon was very understanding and flexible to work with, and made sure all the changes I requested were implemented swiftly. We were in constant communication throughout the engagement, so I was very happy with the level of support they provided overall. They were also very responsive and accessible, even over the weekends as I needed technical support after the site went live.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They implemented my ideas very well and made the site look even better than I expected. They also never turned down any of my ideas; they made whatever I wanted happen.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can't think of anything.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I would just definitely recommend working with them. They transformed my website into a beautiful, interactive, and modern platform.

BACKGROUND

[This is the original review from November 27, 2017. An updated review is found at the bottom.]

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m president of Skillpics, which is an e-portfolio networking platform.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Vog App Developers?

I realized that the scope for building a job search app from scratch was too large to execute with an equity team or contract developers. I needed a firm to provide those services.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The app is aimed at postsecondary institutions and students. Users can communicate their expertise and strengths by sharing multimedia reports that highlight their skill sets, which are then searchable.

I met with the team and gave them my design and navigation concepts. Using selections from my stack, they built an MVP from scratch for iOS, Android, and the web. Each version has a native platform. The website is in beta with one institution and is set to launch with others in Alberta and the Northeastern United States in January 2018. The iOS version is also in beta and available in the app store prior to its formal large-scale launch. Currently, we’re building a team of developers to raise capital as we progress with the project.

The company offers post-launch maintenance services in their contract with a supplemental 24-hour support option available; we have yet to use these services. They are the only third-party working on the app. We do branding and promotional work in-house.

What is the team dynamic?

I interface with Vince (President, Vog) directly. The team includes separate groups for each platform with as many as seven staff in total. As a whole, the company has grown from 12–20 employees in the last year.

How did you come to work with Vog App Developers?

I interviewed and qualified seven different development firms around Calgary, Canada, and narrowed my search down to two. I knew some companies from their reputation in the community and found others through research. I used pricing and my comfort with the respective teams to make my decision. My advisor also helped with the selection.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent $85,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

Initially, we connected in November 2016 and work began in January 2017. The engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

User feedback is only positive and affirms the app’s utility. The team’s execution matched my preferences for simplicity and efficiency in workflow and product design.

How did Vog App Developers perform from a project management standpoint?

They understand startups like mine because they started out as one too. Overall, the team is easy to work with and receptive to ideas.

We limit the technology used to keep the process simple. They use Google Docs to maintain workflows. They are responsive and make the whole process seamless.

What did you find most impressive about them?

While not the cheapest in their market, they make concessions to maximize their client’s success. Their work ethic matches or exceeds my own; that makes a big difference in this field. They’ve built a strong team that is excited to work for their clients. Their dynamic creates a lot of momentum.

Vince is accessible and keeps everyone on target. I’ve built a great relationship with him; I can see being friends with him after the project’s completion. This rapport reflects not only the firm’s success but also the level of interest they have in their clients.

Are there any areas they could improve?

The team nearly doubled in size. I think they experienced growing pains as they shifted resources to onboard new hires. That may have hindered some areas that needed more attention. However, I think they did a good job building the team and are now back on track with execution. This happens with every growing organization and did not have a lasting effect.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Do as much homework before the engagement as possible. Be able to define the challenge and vision in detailed terms; this will expedite the developers’ process and overall project management.

UPDATED REVIEW

The review was updated by the client on September 20, 2018. The original star ratings were: Overall – 5; Quality – 4.5; Schedule – 4.5; Cost – 4.5; Willing to Refer – 5.

What was the scope of their involvement?

We contracted Vog App Developers to build our student job search platform. At the time of my first review, the project was delayed beyond the anticipated completion date. We began work in January 2017 with the intention of launching in September to match up with the start of most school years. I tried to be an understanding client and not have anybody feel rushed. I must have given them too much leniency and no longer felt like a priority.

I paid them in full in November 2017 once I got confirmation that the app would be prepared to launch in December. Several months later, the app and website were still malfunctioning and crashing. We found it more difficult to get prompt action on these issues in the months after full payment.

What is the team dynamic?

I worked with three different project managers over the course of this engagement. One decided to quit the company, and another was fired before Vince (President, Vog App Developers) became the project manager. That turnover was frustrating and made it difficult to find any sense of consistency. The development team experienced similar personnel changes.

How much have you invested with them?

I spent a little more than $87,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

The working relationship has currently ended with Vog App Developers.

Describe the impact this engagement has had on your business.

Vog App Developers knew well in advance that I would be attending Web Summit in Portugal, in November 2017 to showcase the platform. However, by the time I arrived there, they had yet to produce a truly functioning version of the website or app. Instead of clicking through a working platform, I had to present individual screengrabs of the user flow. I had similar issues at a startup event in Calgary later that year and was unable to conduct a normal beta test with a local university because the students kept experiencing crashes and bugs with the website. We removed the app from the app store in December to avoid any negative customer feedback and were unable to effectively test it with our beta group due to the bugs.

In my attempt to apply for a Canadian tax incentive program (SR&ED), which would recoup a portion of my project costs, we required some technical questions to be answered by Vog regarding their development work. We needed four technical questions answered to know if we would be eligible for SR&ED. Getting these answers was not easy and the ones we got were lackluster. This led me to believe that there was nothing unique about Vogs development work and my SR&ED consultants said they did not believe I would be eligible based on the feedback from Vog.

I wanted to have two freelance developer friends do a code review so I could be confident in my investment. I repeatedly requested Vog to allow shell access to my trusted code reviewers, but I was given the runaround. I believe they were attempting to hide an incomplete or structurally compromised project. After more than a month of requesting access, they reluctantly granted my friends shell access, but not before they charged me for it. Their review unearthed many backend shortcomings, including security issues, which was disappointing.

How was project management handled?

A solid project management plan was never implemented with us from start to finish. Their team’s turnover made that nearly impossible. There was a lot that fell through the cracks. Many important launch or platform showcase dates were missed or hit below expectations.

In what specific areas can they improve?

Having a project manager and consistent plan from start to finish, which they seem to have in place now. They have a QA technician on their team now as well, which they did not have during our project, this cost us a lot of time, users and resources. Tackling startup projects from a lean approach, building in sprints, getting your product to test in the market quickly and then iterate. Also, building leanly with a website or web app first to test in the market, before moving ahead.

What advice do you have for clients with similar needs to yours?

Do not pay in full until you are completely happy with the project. Make sure that you have a QA analyst on hand, and make sure there is one project manager in place for the entirety of the engagement. Make sure you build leanly and get a website to your market first, to validate your ideas and user experience before moving to more expensive areas of your project, like app development.

Company Responses

This comment was provided by Vince O'Gorman, Owner and Founder of Vog, on October 5, 2018. 

Vog is disappointed when a client departure ends negatively and a review is posted with the intention to defame our company. Our continuous support for this client can be evidenced by the hundreds of hours of services we provided at no cost, which included help with grant application submissions, providing technical answers to SRED requests, and in addition to this our CEO was on the Skillpics Advisory board without receiving any compensation. Rationally our support ceased when their requests for free services out of scope continued. The referenced shift of project timelines are attributed to their continuous requests for out of scope changes. Vog accepts that timelines were missed which could have been avoided had we refused to make changes for the client.  However, we did as requested every time the client needed support. Our response time was always within 1 business day for project related requests. The client failed to mention in their recent review that he admitted to Vog of his shortcomings as an entrepreneur and visionary.  Evidently the original review aligns with the other factual Vog client reviews, and therefore it is clear that the updated review was done in spite and as a retaliatory action due to our unwillingness to provide free development services that are out of scope. Again, we are saddened by such a review but remain confident that the true representation of our company and the quality of our products are clearly expressed in the other positive reviews posted on Clutch.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a co-director of a healthcare technology company. We’re trying to create a customized, unique way for clients and patients to experience non-pharmacological approaches to taking care of their health, which, for now, is mostly through means of nutrition. Our solution allows people to get a customized nutritional plan tailored to their medical condition or health needs.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Vog App Delivers?

Two of the members on my team had developed a platform through a different tech company, but we needed to refurbish it into a minimum viable product (MVP) so we could get a couple of different groups on board to test it.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Right now, it’s a web-based platform that runs on an algorithm, and they created an MVP for us. They’ve also provided design and UX help, which has come in the form of on-trend and cutting-edge advice and suggestions. They’ll help us determine what looks best and would be easiest for users to understand. They’ve also mentioned that we could create a mobile app later down the road, so we’re also keeping that in mind.

What is the team composition?

We worked with the CEO and a dedicated resource they assigned.

How did you come to work with Vog App Developers?

They were starting out in Calgary, just like we were, so we found them through a basic online search.

What is the status of this engagement?

We’ve been working together for about a year and half now, since 2017. We’re currently putting the MVP through certain trials.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

On a performance level, I have no complaints. Everyone I've showed their software to has really liked the layout and the program. Seeing how far the platform has come, from what we had with our two initial team members, to looking at what VOG has developed it into is remarkable.

There’s definitely been a positive reaction to it from the outside population – people like it. We won’t really know anything concrete until we take it to market and see what the market says, but I have no complaints on that end. If I want to get involved in the healthcare and technology space a little bit more, I’ll definitely look at working with them again.

How did Vog App Developers perform from a project management standpoint?

When it comes to communication, most of it happened through the CEO, but I always had a connection with one or two individuals, so I didn't have to re-explain myself over and over again. They're very on top of things, and they understand the necessity of being punctual, especially when you're trying to bring tech software into the market. This agility also extends to ideas. I'll message the CEO - who's probably a busy guy, with respect to running the company - and I'll mention an idea and they're set up a date the next day to talk about it.

They’re pretty responsive, so if I need to send an email, they're pretty quick to reply to me. If I need something that's needs a little bit more discussion, I’ll get on the phone, which I prefer, personally. Emails are great for letting them know about little things that I need fix – which happens on the spot. Once, I noticed a part of the system was down during a mock presentation, so I emailed the guys at VOG and they replied to me and had it done within an hour.

What did you find most impressive about them?

You work with a company because of the people, I find, and the culture they bring out in you. The culture of the company is very inviting: being able to talk with those guys one-on-one and have a meeting in their meeting room is really personable. It makes you feel like you can trust and be confident in those guys. Talent is one thing, and it's something they have. But they'll also be very transparent with me about something they're not entirely sure about, or are still getting their feet wet about technically.

They're also realistic with price-pointing. Both sides understand that the other is still a company, and has a bottom line, so they’re also trying to find the best price. They’re a fair company, fiscally speaking.

They're very supportive and on-trend when it comes to what’s happening right now in tech development, which is nice. Being able to have those discussions with them, regarding any projects that we have, or that I'd like to pursue personally, makes it a lot easier for me - I know that I don't have to shop around.

Any advice for potential customers?

People should be transparent with what they want their product to do and be transparent about asking Vog what they think. Sometimes, we get caught up in the possibilities we see personally so we need to be grounded, and Vog is pretty good about doing that. They'll never shut your idea down, but they'll give you a moment to reflect based on their experiences.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner of a branding and graphic design company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Vog App Developers?

We had a client who had a large, paper based management system. They came to us to see if we could help flip that content into a more usable format. We re-packaged it into a mobile app that any employee could access, and given that a lot of remote employees and contractors need to access this information, this approach was a more user-friendly format.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They are developing mobile apps for iOS and Android as well as a website. Our role in the process is to complete all the project scoping and strategic planning as well as the app/site mapping, wireframing, UI design and produce the production files to pass on to Vog. Their role is based around the development.

The client specifically requested the app to be built with an admin panel, an interface which would allow the client to go in and make updates to text, graphics or diagrams within the app themselves.

Vog incorporated a QR code-scanning functionality so an employee can scan a piece of equipment and go directly to the instructions on how to maintain or operate it within the app.

There were also processes to track employee acknowledgments of procedures and keep records of them in the analytics. For example, if a safety officer went in, they can see exactly when that worker acknowledged that particular process. Having a record of that through the app was also important.

The company that we are doing the app for has multiple regions, and their employees have different roles which give them access to different types of content on the app. The app needed to be administrated so the different regions and workers roles were only accessible to people within the region and role that were relevant to them. Vog integrated this functionality into the admin panel.

What is the team composition?

The owner is our primary point of contact. He has a project manager who has been managing their internal staff including the iOS and Android teams as well as an internal QA person. We don’t interface with the project manager too much, but she is detail oriented and has shown great value from our perspective.

How did you come to work with Vog App Developers?

We did a competitive pitch process with them and a couple of other local companies via online search and network referrals.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working together in December 2017 and the work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

It is a massive undertaking. The direct contact for our client is happy with the look and feel of it and is excited for it to launch and ultimately help their employees and company continue to operate safely and efficiently. He has also received positive feedback from his superiors.

How did Vog App Developers perform from a project management standpoint?

It’s been good. When the project started, we set milestones associated with project deliverables and billing; we’re sticking to the process we set forth.

We communicate through email. Vog is typically quite responsive. If we send a request, they get back to us fairly quickly. They are good at receiving feedback and making adjustments. They are genuinely good people to communicate with and we appreciate their solution-focused approach.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

As with all projects it’s best to be organized at the onset and try to determine all the variables and scope as best you can in order to be able to stay on track from a project execution, timing and budget perspective.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a partner in a healthcare practice, providing general health services to families in Calgary, Canada. We conceived a mobile app that provides medical information and reminders to patients.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Vog App Developers?

We conceived the idea for our app after realizing that our patients consistently asked the same questions regarding immunization schedules and screening tests. As a result, we wanted to create a platform in which users could look up the latest, professional information in an accessible way without having to depend on doctors for basic knowledge. We approached Vog App Developers to develop a simple, user-friendly app for iOS and Android.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Using our ideas and product name, they built the app entirely from scratch, which involved designing the logo, designing the UX/UI, and writing and implementing the code. The app allowed users to keep track of their immunizations, appointments, and personal medication through medical reminders.

Beyond that, it also provided healthcare guidelines based on the Alberta and Canadian prevention screening tests depending on the user’s age, sex, and condition (e.g., pregnancy). For example, the app would indicate that a 50-year-old female user would need to start testing for colon and breast cancer, doing mammograms every two years. Because this information changes every few years, we ensured that the app had the most up-to-date details.

The app also features bilingual content in French and English. This was one of our bigger challenges because their team didn’t speak French. As such, we went through all the screens word for word to ensure that all the information made sense in both languages.

What is the team composition?

We primarily worked with their CEO, advertising manager, and UX/UI design team lead.

How did you come to work with Vog App Developers?

I found them online by searching for app developers in Calgary. Because we had a limited budget and little technical knowledge, we looked at smaller outlets that were willing to explain the process to us. We had a good feeling about their team from the get-go, and they made us feel comfortable.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent $80,000–$90,000 CAD ($61,436–$69,116 USD)

What is the status of this engagement?

Their work lasted from June 2017–May 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

While the app is currently live, we’re still working on implementing marketing strategies, so we don’t have any hard metrics yet. However, from a qualitative perspective, the app is user-friendly, and I’ve yet to receive any negative feedback. Users appreciate the app’s medication reminders and its immunization schedules. Despite encountering some glitches during development, the team has ironed out the issues, and the app runs quite well.

How did Vog App Developers perform from a project management standpoint?

We did a lot of back and forth with them, and they were pretty receptive to any changes we wanted to make. In terms of communication, they were willing to see us whenever we wanted. We could easily reach them via email or text, and we would also set up in-person meetings.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Aside from being approachable and readily available, they were honest with us. They offered a lot of insight into the development process, presenting ideas that we hadn’t considered.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, nothing comes to mind. I’d never worked with an app developer before, but I think they’ve done a remarkable job.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Have a clear idea of what you want from them, and be open with them. Initially, we didn’t have a plan and only threw out ideas. Luckily, they were able to sift through our ideas and turn them into something more concrete. I valued how they told us which ideas would or wouldn’t work.