Zestminds

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CEO of a startup company, Herdum Systems Pvt Ltd. We are building an aggregation platform in the space of security and emergency services, which will cater to a global marketplace. Zestminds is our development partner for building the App and portal

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Zestminds?

Our company's mobile application and portal was being earlier built by a different company about a year back. However, we were unhappy about their competence, agility and delivery capability. We switched to Zestminds in May 2020 and have found them to be a reliable software development partner.

What were your goals for this project?

We defined a few stages to get to the MVP and be ready for market launch by Feb 2021. We are well on track to achieve this goal

SOLUTION

How did you select Zestminds?

We searched for development teams and came across Zestminds. They came well recommended and fitted well into our requirements of building a complex product from scratch. Their team members have displayed the maturity and knowledge that is required.

Describe the project in detail.

1. Mobile application on Android and iOS. Portal using Laravel backend.
2. Typical Process is: stage-wise ideation >> mockup >> designs >> coding >> QA >> Beta testing >> Build release
3. The product is customer facing, has partners and partner field force. Hence, the modules include:
   • for consumers: registration, validation, chat-bot for feature & pack selection, check-out amongst multiple packs and payment plans, payment, profile enhacement, SOS activation, movement tracking, feedback of responder (field agent), referral program
   • wearable and other device integration
   • for partners: on-boarding, rule based hierarchy of users, invitation to field agents, partner-assisted SOS call assignment to field agent, agent rostering, tracking of agents on SOS/otherwise, inter-partner call-transfer, B2B wallet, Uber type assignment of field agent

What was the team composition?

Initially, we started with one Android and one backend developer, one QA and one Project Manager. Over time this has grown to: 2 Android + 1 iOS developer, 3 backend developers, 1 QA, Project Manager

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We reached stages 1 & 2 of MVP roadmap in Dec'20 and Jan'21 respectively, and are ready for field trials in Feb'21. Stage 3 onwards are scheduled from Feb'21 onwards spaced out 4-6 weeks apart.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Workflow updates are done using Trello. We have weekly review meetings

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They are knowledgeable about both mobile application and portal development in several domains, and honest about where external help would be required. Their team members work with personal sincerity and integrity

Are there any areas for improvement?

As always, delivery is required on a yesterday basis, which is not always possible

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Consulting Technology Company

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

To work with our development team and build a custom application for a motor protection application.

SOLUTION

How did you select Zestminds and what were the deciding factors?

Customer reviews and after our initial discussions I could tell they had want we need and were the right company to work with. They are knowledgeable and willing to do what is right!

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

Project Steps:

• Initial development of requirements documents
• Iterative software development approach Key Deliverables
• Requirements document
• Programming maintenance manual
• Fully functioning software application Technologies
• Full web based application using
• SQL
• PHP / Laravel

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

4 member team 1- Project lead 1 - developer 2 - tester

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Excellent communication and cooperation skills. Was very happy to work with this and will continue to work with them in the future.

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

Excellent, they manage the project well and ensured that my goals were being addressed. Always kept what I wanted to be done first and foremost!

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

They ability to put me and my needs first. Usually most developers have the idea that this or that cannot be done, but these guys would find a way to ensure we did get everything I need in my application!

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

Keep up the good work, ensure you always stay customer focused and that is what made me very happy with you!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm a co-founder of a software company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We hired Zestminds to assist us with the development of an events app.

SOLUTION

How did you select Zestminds and what were the deciding factors?

We found them on the internet and struck up a conversation with Shivam who we got along with from the start. We had a number of conversations and through that trust grew.

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

The application consisted of a web based admin system which enables users to create and list their events as well as native iOS and Android apps.

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

We worked with 3 developers directly for iOS, Android and Web and had interactions with a QA resource as well as regular contact with the owner Shivam who was available to discuss opportunities to enhance the product.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We're developing a brand new product so it's difficult to give any exciting metrics other than the apps were downloaded and used which has enabled us to develop it further based on feedback.

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

We were in daily contact over Skype. It worked brilliantly. The way we work is pretty lean and mean. We've very results oriented which made Zestminds a perfect fit.

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

Zetsminds are a very friendly company. This may well be because Shivam picks people who have a very human out look. Zetsminds care about you and your projects. They want you to succeed.

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

Personally - I wouldn't change a thing.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am founder of an online elearning company teaching bartending and hospitality skills to individuals or companies looking to train their employees.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Over time I have had multiple programmers; some more skilled than others causing issues with the internal programming of the website. My goal in the project was to adjust some aesthetic and functionality issues.

SOLUTION

How did you select Zestminds and what were the deciding factors?

The company asked lots of questions to fully understand the project in detail and provided continued work and long hours until the project was completed correctly.

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

I had multiple adjustments that needed to be made to the CakePHP website. I submitted an initial requested of bulleted points to be completed. I was called promptly to discuss the issues to make sure they understood the project in detail. Then promptly corrections/adjustments started to be made.

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

I worked with one person directly; Shivam Sharma the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Zestminds.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They were able to complete the tasks requested in a timely manner. He updated almost me daily as the project progressed which was reassuring.

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

A follow up call to initial requests to fully understand the issues was always held at the beginning of the project to make sure they fully understood the needs. Quick messaging kept me informed throughout the process which was helpful. He was quick to ask questions if there was any uncertainty on his part and I feel they understood the issue and were diligent in completing the task correctly.

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

They were able to fix the issues as needed and I could tell that they truly cared that everything was completed to our full satisfaction.

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

I appreciate the style of communication and feel they truly cared that I got the results needed.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I work at 1337institute of Technology.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Zestminds?

We needed a company to help us with various technical issues, such as adding content or making programming changes.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They used PHP, Java, and HTML to develop the backend of our WordPress website and then they became a one-stop shop for all of our technical issues. They provide technical support and address any server problems, troubleshooting and making sure we're up and running in record-breaking time. They understand the complicated programming issues and have a great set of programming skills. If they don't have a particular skill, they reach out to a third party that can handle it.

What is the team composition?

I mostly work with the owner, but he has a team that is working on our project.

How did you come to work with them?

We were looking for an offshore developer because they have affordable rates. We were considering a few different offshore agencies, but we had to deal with many communications issues. Zestminds is a small agency and they understood our needs. They helped develop our platform and knew the whole infrastructure and ideas, so we reached out to them again when we needed tech support.

How much have you invested with them?

We've spent between $20,000–$30,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in June 2013 and the relationship is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Because of their work we were able to launch two third-party distribution deals–with Groupon and StackSocial, each of which brought us $50,000 within the first two months.

How did they perform from a project management standpoint?

They work almost on autopilot, so we talk every other week to check the statistics and make sure everything is going well. We use Skype and a screen sharing tool to communicate.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I appreciate their responsiveness. If there is an issue, they make it their number one priority.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I'm uniquely satisfied (even though I'm not a person who is easily satisfied).

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and do the necessary research. Also, be open to suggestions since they know what they're talking about. The best decisions I made were based on their recommendations.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

we're a startup in the advertising space that aims to integrate with different social media channels. I'm the CTO/COO

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Zestminds helped us to develop and host our website from scratch, they implemented the front end and backend design as well as API integrations with various external systems.

SOLUTION

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

We decided to go with Zestminds after sourcing from multiple different parties. We picked them based on their prior expertise and their openness of communication

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

We had a kick off to discuss scope after which we set up several sprints, each with key features to be delivered. On a daily basis we had a connect with the development team to clarify questions or to simply update on the progress. This allowed us maximum transparency as well as allowed to finetune along the way

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

we had 1 full time developer who was supported by a UI/UX designer as well as a senior developer when needed.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

the easiest KPI to highlight is that we recently onboarded our first customers, which basically means that we have a working solution.

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

project management and communication is very organic. We used jira for daily sprint meetings and documenting the requirements. We did have multiple sprints that overran, which i believe is a mutual responsibility.

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

communication and transparancy, combined with a can-do-mindset. I never felt there were any problems too big or items I wasn't aware of.

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

I think sprint scoping and timeline management can use some improvement. Definitely something we'll keep in mind as we move into the next phase with Zestminds

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

The company didn't reply while they were paid in full. I have several messages into Shivam and Amit and they never reply back. I would avoid this company at all costs. I have the messages on WhatsApp to prove what I am saying is true.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We had them develop a system to connect to voice dialing system.

SOLUTION

How did you select Zestminds and what were the deciding factors?

Found them on upwork.

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

Do not want to list in detail our scope but it was made to dial using AMD and it used node.js per Shivam and Amit

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

Shivam and Amit

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

It worked for a cleverly short time and then no help and communication broke down from Zestminds and Shivam!

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

Communication was whatsapp, zoom and phone. Very poor timeliness.

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

Nothing, terrible company

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

Communication and not abandoning jobs

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Marketplace for home service providers - CEO

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Zestminds?

Full range of services platform development, admin back-end, SEO, ongoing maintenance.

What were your goals for this project?

Build a home service marketplace, grow organic leads, grow user sign ups and sale products. the products being services.

SOLUTION

How did you select Zestminds?

Went to Upwork.com posted job liked what Zestminds had to offer.

Describe the project in detail.

Mapped out project and started work.

What was the team composition?

Set up a Skype account with Zestmind team, where we discuss project, and I communicate what I want done.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Work is on going and the team works better as we all know what our goals are. The team works in a timely manner and communicates well.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

workflow is good

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Shiv is always available if I need to work something out or run ideas by.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I am happy with the results I get, but as a on long term and going project sometimes you have to put a fire to it to keep the team focused.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the founder of VisID Analytics, a marketing analytics company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Zestminds Technologies?

I needed web development help.

What were your goals for this project?

I set out to develop, test, and deploy a web app.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I spoke with different firms and relied on reviews.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

They developed a custom web app.

What was the team composition?

I worked directly with Shivam (Founder, Zestminds Technologies), a dedicated and experienced developer, and Keshwani (Managing Director, Zestminds Technologies).

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I had a great experience working with the Zestminds team.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

We organized tasks using Trello and communicated daily. I was able to track progress and provide suggestions all the way to completion.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They communicated frequently and hit their deadlines.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, not that I saw. It was a great experience and I hope to work with them on other projects.