14 Oranges Software

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the director of communication and special events for BAGI, a member-based association in the new home building industry. We promote our region’s new home construction, educate both our members and consumers on the homebuilding industry’s standards, practices and happenings, and provide networking opportunities to encourage member business opportunities and success.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire 14 Oranges Software?

We needed to find a new developer for our member-facing app who could meet our membership communication needs.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to seamlessly transfer our existing app content for a positive and improved UX for our existing membership. We require backend authentication of members in order to better streamline the sharing and approvals process. We wanted to offer the app through the App Store, and to develop a profile form that users could fill out when downloading the app to segment them into groups for messaging based on their preferences.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

My coworker found them in an online search after we had researched and spoken with four other developers. Through a couple of discussions, we saw that 14 Oranges Software was the best fit for delivering our needs within our budget and offering the support necessary to find solutions for the functionality they didn't yet support.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

They went through our existing app and transferred relevant content to their Info Grove platform while developing group-based messaging and new user profile functionality for us. They worked with me to align our branding and improve overall UX. Once they launched the app, they trained me and four staff members on how to manage the backend, create new content, manage users, and send messages to respective groups. They continue to provide support as needed when questions arise.

What was the team composition?

I worked directly with 14 Oranges and then looped in staff members when relevant for content and when it was time to train.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

When we lost our previous app developer, it created unexpected and unforeseen communication challenges for us. 14 Oranges provided us with all the functionality we had before and also improved upon all the areas we were looking to change. The backend has been very user-friendly and easy to learn thus far.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

Their process was very proper and professional. They kept me well-informed and provided clear deadlines and direction for deliverables. They met all deadlines.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They went above and beyond to deliver for us. They upheld their commitments and surpassed them on every level as they worked to find solutions for any challenge we encountered along the way.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, we’re completely satisfied.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the digital content coordinator for Education Minnesota—the teachers’ union representing more than 90,000 educators across the state.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire 14 Oranges Software?

We needed to develop a mobile app for our union.

What were your goals for this project?

Before this, we had an events app but no general mobile app, so we wanted to bring our union work into the 21st century. The app was to be a way for our members to download a membership card, get the latest news, and find events and trainings near them.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Other state teachers’ unions recommended 14 Oranges. 

Describe the project in detail.

The Android/iOS app has at least a dozen different icons displayed in a grid format, several of which contain dropdown lists. We're able to upload PDFs of our monthly magazine for online viewing, and users can enter their name and the name of their local union to obtain a digital membership card with a QR code.

What was the team composition?

We dealt mainly with the CEO and our project manager.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Two months after the launch, our app has been downloaded more than 1,500 times and has received excellent feedback.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We communicated primarily by email, but they were always a phone call away if something urgent came up. The CEO and our project manager were responsive and helpful.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

14 Oranges knows their stuff. Everyone we worked with was capable, quick, friendly, and went above and beyond the minimum requirements.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, I can’t think of anything.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Communications and Digital Media Manager at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute (MLI), an Ottawa-based non-partisan public policy think tank. I manage our social media platforms, maintain our website and web traffic, and help handle media requests.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire 14 Oranges Software?

We hired 14 Oranges Software to create a mobile app for Android and iOS that we could maintain in-house. The app needed to streamline our web content and encourage users to sign up for and engage with our other digital mediums like email and social media.

What were your goals for this project?

Our short-term goal was for the app to serve as another platform for users to consume our content. Over the long-term, it will serve as a high-engagement, low-bounce rate platform for returning users. We hope to leverage this traction into high-return donor funding and email signups.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We compared and contrasted a variety of vendors we found via web searches and network connections. 

Describe the project in detail.

14 Oranges Software developed an app to make our web content more user-friendly on Android and iOS mobile devices.  They built the app to be self-updating and structured the back-end so it’s easy to manage in-house.

They based the design on our existing WordPress website. 14 Oranges Software also provided our team with the training and technical competencies necessary to update the app in-house over the long term.

What was the team composition?

We dealt with a small, consistent team from 14 Oranges Software.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

14 Oranges Software had a keen ability to build a system which addressed our needs and met all our expectations. They delivered the exact product we wanted right on schedule.  Charging reasonable prices for our nonprofit, they adhered to the budget we laid out.  

They offered critical support to mitigate unforeseen issues with the App Store and made the necessary tweaks to certain aspects of the app after delivery. 14 Oranges Software has been incredibly timely and easy to work with when addressing changes. 

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

14 Oranges Software demonstrated a commitment to clear, consistent, and patient communication with our team. We collaborated directly over the phone and via email. They worked flexibly with our schedule and had no trouble meeting deadlines. The team played an active role in resolving technical and delivery issues.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

14 Oranges Software’s primary strengths were facilitating secure collaboration and showing a marked dedication to resolving unexpected issues.

Are there any areas for improvement?

More comprehensive app training including hands-on instruction would benefit the backend managers.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the health and safety manager for Orica Canada, a global mining support business.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with 14 Oranges Software?

We had some documents and reference materials that were only available by PDF or hard copy, so we were looking for a solution that could make the documents readily accessible by users on their phones without having to rely on internet connectivity.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

After going over our goals, 14 Oranges drafted a plan and laid out the scope of work. They developed a mobile app for iOS and Android that allows users to access reference materials, procedures, and contact information without an internet connection. They added other forms and quick links to external resources, including a touch-to-dial or touch-to-email feature. Users can fill out forms remotely and choose to send them once they're back in a location with cell service of wifi.

What is the team composition?

We worked with the owner, a lead developer, and a couple other support staff.

How did you come to work with 14 Oranges Software?

We searched for local vendors within Canada and came across 14 Oranges.

How much have you invested with them?

We've invested about $12,000 CAD (about $9,330 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We started talking to 14 Oranges around April 2017 and officially started development around October. We were ready to pilot the app by December, but ended up launching it internally in April 2018. We'll engage them again for additional enhancements and features in the upcoming months.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The app is working very well thus far. They've provided a great solution for our internal staff, improving productivity and accessibility to information. We haven't had any major issues or bugs, and users are already making suggestions for the next phase of development.

How did 14 Oranges Software perform from a project management standpoint?

Their project management is effective; they delivered on schedule and in line with original cost estimates. They're responsive through both phone and email and we were happy to also meet with them in-person initially.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The owner happens to speak French, which helped us on the delivery of the French version of the app for our Canadian users. Overall, their team is great at communicating and I'd highly recommend working with them.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the marketing and communications manager for the Washington State Pharmacy Association, a 125-year-old organization that represents pharmacists of all types of practices within the state. We currently serve about 2,000 members.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with 14 Oranges?

We needed to develop a robust app that linked to our website, serving as a communications tool for all of our members, while promoting our continuing education programs, events, and member academies (distinctions within the industry).

We also needed help with advocacy, as we do a lot of work for pharmacists within Washington, including the promotion of certain legislation or laws that enable pharmacists and pharmacies to better care for patients.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

14 Oranges designed and developed a grid-style mobile app (iOS and Android) to showcase communications within our organization, linking directly to our website. They incorporated icons to represent all the work we do, as well as an interactive calendar that allows users to register for events and classes, saving that information directly into their personal digital calendars. Users can access classes directly through their mobile device or online.

They built out a news feed and membership registration section, as well as a tab for accessing our magazine and social media accounts. The settings icon they built allows users to adjust the app to fit their needs concerning what information they want to see.

Their team also worked with a third-party on certain advocacy features, allowing users to use the app to reach out to their legislators or lawmakers directly.

What is the team composition?

We were assigned to a project manager and we occasionally worked with about three or four others.

How did you come to work with 14 Oranges?

They found us. I received a cold call from their company and liked how responsive they were and the fact that they were in our same time zone. As soon as my search for a vendor got serious, they were at the top of my list.

What is the status of this engagement?

We've been working with them since October 2017 and we expect to launch the app this week [in early March 2018]. We're going to continue to expand on the app as we get more feedback from our members over time.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The app is very comprehensive, which we're incredibly happy about. Although we haven't formally launched it yet, everyone who's seen the app is amazed by their work. They delivered a product that exceeded expectations and brings a new level of depth to our work.

How did 14 Oranges perform from a project management standpoint?

They've always been very professional, courteous, and responsive. The entire project moved along smoothly and their team provided clear instructions throughout, communicating to us mostly by email and phone without any issues.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their team went above and beyond to make us happy with the final product; we couldn't be more pleased.

Their team is also incredibly approachable. Not only do they have a thorough understanding of the type of work they do, but they've also acted within our best interests and even worked within the limits of our budget. When I mentioned my budget to the other development companies, they turned me away, so I appreciate that 14 Oranges was willing to pursue our project. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

Since it's the first time I've been involved on a project like this, it would be useful for a customer like me to get some more training to help me become more comfortable with the types of technologies they're employing.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the communications specialist of a professional association for educators.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with 14 Oranges Software?

Our website wasn’t mobile responsive and with more of our membership was using phones or tablets to access the internet, we needed to update the site. To further connect with our members, we also wanted to develop a mobile app.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We initially collaborated on the website design by discussing what we were looking to accomplish. They put together a design and made changes per our feedback. With an outline in place, they revamped our website site using WordPress and created a template we can easily update content with.

They also developed our app for iOS and Android using a service they created called Info Grove. Utilizing self-managed software, Info Grove allows me to makes changes or add content to the app with only basic computer skills. They’re developing new features to integrate based on internal and external innovations.

What is the team composition?

Their CEO is my main contact for this engagement. I also interact with select team members as needed (e.g., the lead app developer or web designer).

How did you come to work with 14 Oranges Software?

We saw work they had done with other education associations and were impressed. Also, we considered the ability to manage the app ourselves without having to hire a designated coder valuable.

What is the status of this engagement?

The project began in 2017 and the engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The app officially launched in November 2017 but we’ve only recently started to promote it heavily. As a result, it has 100 downloads so far, but we expect that number to increase.

We’ve gotten positive feedback from members regarding the website. It’s much easier to use and they appreciate accessing it on their phones. It’s a vast improvement over the previous site.

How did 14 Oranges Software perform from a project management standpoint?

We’d have a set meeting each week and occasionally I’d have to cancel. They remained flexible and would quickly reschedule. When necessary, the CEO would bring in team members via video-chat to teach me how the app backend works or how to make website changes. To conclude each call, we’d outline what each person needed to accomplish to move the project forward.

We used Trello to manage everything and send tasks to one another. They’re extremely easy to work with.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re very easygoing and roll with issues as they come up. If we have a problem, I can quickly tell them and they take care of it. Also, the software they've developed for the app is very user-friendly. Its backend is similar to a CMS [Customer Management Software] platform and I appreciate the work they put in to develop that.

Are there any areas they could improve?

The only issue we had was losing an archive of news posts when switching to the new site. We didn’t save the material and I guess they didn’t realize we wanted to keep it.

Additionally, working closely with us to market the new website would’ve been helpful. Although, they did help issue a press release, so that’s more of a suggestion than a complaint.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We are a financial services company that introduces investment firms, such as hedge funds and private equity firms, to investors. The introductions happen both online through our website, and offline at our events. I am a co-founder.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with 14 Oranges?

We are heavily web-based, and have outsourced our web development since we came up with the original idea for our company in 2005.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They provide the technology and programming work for our website, including PHP, MySQL, HTML, Java, etc. It is a large, complex website that includes a social network, online introductory service, payment options, an internal CRM, and a database of financial products, including analytics. 14 Oranges also builds specific websites for our conferences and events, providing payment solutions, and developing iOS and Android mobile apps. We have considered hiring an internal programmer, but they are still a more cost-efficient solution. I work closely with them, and we stay heavily involved.

What is the team composition?

We have a lead developer for our web-based content, and the owner, Sylvain [CEO and President, 14 Oranges], works with me as our project manager. We also have at least one mobile app developer. 

How did you come to work with 14 Oranges?

14 Oranges bought our web development partner about three years ago, around 2014. Our original programmer is a personal friend, and we had worked together since 2005. The transition was seamless, and we continued to work with the same developer after the acquisition.

What is the status of this engagement?

We’ve been working together for years and will continue to do so.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Their quality is high. By the time a new app or product is launched, we never have issues. They make sure our clients receive good products to work from, and our apps and website work cleanly. They make our job much easier.

How did 14 Oranges perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re very good. Sylvain comes up with organized timelines to meet completion dates and goals. I’m really happy with them. Over the past three years, I’ve worked with a number of lead developers, all of which were high-quality. I’ve always been impressed with them, and plan to continue.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They hire skilled developers, meet deadlines, and deliver a high-quality product.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I don’t have anything particular that I would change.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

We have an open line of communication with them that helps. They’re totally open to weekly calls, and will even initiate them.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a systems support technician with the Galveston County Elections, which is a division of the Clerk’s Office.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with 14 Oranges?

We had a mobile app through another company that went bankrupt. We needed to replace the agency and app in order to keep our voters abreast of election-related information.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They rebuilt the app from scratch for iOS and Android devices. The app provides voters the following information on: races, candidates, voter ID laws, mail ballot applications, absentee voting deadlines, and election dates and locations.

The app launched October 2017 in time for elections in November. They update it constantly and consult us periodically for input on future develop, roadmaps, and added features. We can access backend and input new information as it becomes available. While we collaborate on design, the look is primarily their creation.

How did you come to work with 14 Oranges?

We already knew them prior to the engagement.

How much have you invested with them?

I prefer to keep that confidential.

What is the status of this engagement?

Work started June 2017 and work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We can only compare this app to its previous version, which was experiential in nature. But we have learned a lot about potential functionalities since switching agencies. The ability to execute new ideas efficiently is an important metric for us, which they’ve achieved.

How did 14 Oranges perform from a project management standpoint?

The whole process was streamlined. They did an excellent job keeping us and themselves on deadline.

We met once via videoconference, but now primarily use email and phone. I serve as the liaison between our office and theirs.

What did you find most impressive about them?

There’s a lot of personal interaction. Their president will get on the phone whenever needed to resolve an issue.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, because we provided feedback during the process.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Have a concrete vision for the final product’s look. They won’t know what to aim for if the original concept is too nebulous.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m an administrative analyst with a governmental office. We have 50–55 employees who are permanent staff.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with 14 Oranges?

To develop a mobile election application.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We created an election-based app that provides all the information an individual would need for a any election. The app includes information ranging from voter registration forms and vote-by-mail applications to a polling location finder and real time election results. Our app has push notifications that were tailored to specific demographics. For example, for the last General Election, we sent push notifications to all the municipalities throughout our county. On other occasions we have “ Special Elections” where only certain municipalities in the County are involved, in that case we can tailor our approach to those specific towns having special elections with ease due to how the push notifications and platform were set up.

What is the team composition?

I dealt with three people who helped me throughout the process. It was a fast-moving project, but we finished in time for the election. I’m unsure how many people worked on the backend.

How did you come to work with 14 Oranges?

They were recommended to us other individuals within the state who used their services. 

How much have you invested with them?

We spent $25,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in September of this year, and the work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Government in general can be a slow adapter to technology compared to private industry. It says something about our County, Administration, and certainly to our County Clerk in taking a progressive approach to disseminating critical election information to the public. Creating this application has supported this offices initiative in creating complete transparency with the public.

How did 14 Oranges perform from a project management standpoint?

There were some issues we experienced along the way, as there are with any new project. We experienced an issue during our registration process for the iOS platform. Due to what I was told was a policy change by Apple Inc. , We had to scramble to resubmit our content to Apple directly and were not permited to use a 3rd party intermediary. The staff at 14 Oranges did all they could to do facilitate an expedited review. Lucky for us we got the project approved and running just in time for the General Election.

What did you find most impressive about them?

This is a new technology, and something that’s in the early phase of adoption, so it’s tough to establish a benchmark for comparison. The staff at 14 Oranges were helpful through different phases of integration including the soft launch of our Beta version where we worked out some kinks as well as improved upon the applications overall aesthetic. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I would grade their overall performance as a B+. It wasn’t a seamless transition or perfect process as noted with the iOS review but the staff at 14 Oranges provided us with critical information that helped us get up and running just in time.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

This application technology is definitely worth exploring. It’s an exciting new medium of communication that has infinite possibilities. For anyone thinking about integrating an app-based software within their current communication portal, I would suggest hammering down exactly what you would like to accomplish with the given platform. Once you have a specific vision of what you would like to have achieved make sure you direct the project management team to execute your goals accordingly. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Our office is very public-oriented, and we pride ourselves on our customer service for the residents of our county. We handle all real property records and manage the open public records website. We are responsible for storing a high volume of the county’s archival, historic, and electronic records. During elections, we prepare the ballots, process vote-by-mail applications, tabulate election totals, and certify election results to the secretary of state. We also assist people who are seeking passports.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire 14 Oranges Software?

I hired them to help me create a mobile app that is designed to give our voters easy access to all information regarding the elections in our county. Within the app, users can find out if they are registered to vote, download voter registration, vote by mail forms, find their polling place, and view election results.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to make the app as user-friendly as possible so voters could easily pinpoint the information they were searching for. To achieve this, I worked with 14 Oranges to design a sleek menu that utilizes round icons to organize our elections information. I also wanted to utilize push notifications so voters were instantly informed about the latest election deadlines. The overall goal was to make information more readily available to the public and increase voter awareness and turnout.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I had created an earlier version of the app with a company that went out of business. A former employee of that business referred me to 14 Oranges for help with re-creating the app.

Describe the project in detail.

To start the project, we had an initial meeting with Sylvain Marcotte [CEO & President, 14 Oranges] to discuss our goals and objectives for the rebuild of our mobile app. He assisted with every aspect of designing and creating the app, as well as, submitting the app to the Apple App and Google Play stores.

Following the meeting, we sent him screenshots of our previous app and the content we wanted to use in the new one, including text, links, and photos. Within 2 weeks, 14 Oranges sent us mockups of a new banner and menu icons. The following week, we received access to test builds of the iOS and Android versions of the app. Through discussions with Sylvain, we finalized the design and made the app available on both the Apple and Good Play Stores. After that, my staff received training to learn how to maintain the app, send out push notifications, and troubleshoot issues.

What was the team composition?

I worked closely with Sylvain throughout the entire process. After the app was completed, my staff worked with Kevin [Sales and Marketing Coordinator, 14 Oranges] and Yvonne [Senior QA Team Lead, 14 Oranges], who handled training.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our app has been a great success. We’ve witnessed a steady increase in the number of downloads and positive ratings in the weeks leading up to the general election, which just took place last November 7. I have personally received great feedback from constituents stating that they love the app’s easy-to-use menu and push notifications. Our app was also a big hit on election night, as many voters used it to follow the election results live.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow between my team and theirs was great. We had constant communication regarding updates and troubleshooting for the app. I was also impressed with the timeliness in which we were able to create the app. Our goal was to launch the app least 1 month before Election Day, and we did just that. We were able to have the app live on the Apple App and Google Play stores in under 2 months.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I was impressed with our communication, and I appreciated the simplicity of directly working with their CEO. He’s an excellent leader for his company. We also want to thank his staff, who worked so hard behind the scenes during this process.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I am hoping that the ability to schedule push notifications for the app will be available in a future update. Since our push notifications are based on voter deadlines, it would be much easier for my staff to have the ability to schedule them in advance instead of having to keep track day by day.