Aciron Consulting, Inc.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We’re a construction company that specializes in window treatment and construction specialty products. As a subcontractor, we also work with direct clients like facility maintenance managers and end-users through our high-end residential division. I’m the president and CEO of the business.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Aciron Consulting, Inc.?

We partnered with them to replace our outdated custom quoting software when it became obsolete. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We decided that we still wanted a custom quoting software, so we hired them to create it. Like all of our projects together, we collaborate on requirements and a storyboard before having them dive into the design and development. They completely code everything themselves that integrate with our other programs. That project has been largely completed for years, but we’re always making tweaks to optimize it. 

They also created a custom scheduling project for our installation scheduler. We’re still working on iterations of that program. Now, we’re starting up a large project to expand the functionality ofo ur scheduling program to encompass comprehensive installation management. We’re adding on warehouse and install requests, so it’ll have two-way feedback capabilities. 

What is the team composition?

I collaborate with an account manager and the company’s CEO. I deal with the CEO most frequently to determine the design and development requirements. There’s a team of developers working behind the scenes. 

How did you come to work with Aciron Consulting, Inc.?

I did a simple Google search to find a partner. They were local and we had a great interview, so we hired them. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them around the beginning of 2014, and our teams continue to collaborate.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I’ve been very satisfied with the program they’ve developed. The CEO adds value to our business by bringing new ideas and suggestions to the table. That different perspective enhances the programs that we develop together. Custom development is expensive, but they make it worth the cost.  

How did Aciron Consulting, Inc. perform from a project management standpoint?

In our requirements and storyboarding process, we’re able to work pretty directly with the CEO before being passed off to an account manager for day-to-day management and development. There has been some turnover with account managers over the years, and my experience varies depending on who our account manager is at the time. I’ve never had a negative experience, but some account managers are stronger than others. Working with their CEO is great, and he does a good job of recruiting effective communicators and hard workers. 

Depending on the project that we’re focused on, we schedule a different cadence for our meetings. At this point, we’re meeting weekly with them and will be doing that until we confirm our requirements for development. During development, we receive regular updates on progress. From there, we implement their work and have regular back-and-forth feedback from there. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

The CEO is extremely intelligent and offers value through his unique perspective and development ideas. He has experience across many different industries, so he’s been a great resource for me as a business owner. I’ve appreciated having a partner in the business world. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

Their CEO adds the most value, but he’s a limited resource. Turnover is an issue throughout the industry, but they keep a well-documented account of their work with us when transitioning someone new to the position. Still, there’s always some necessary ramp-up time for new account managers. For that reason, hanging onto account managers for longer periods of time would be beneficial. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Make sure that your account manager is keeping detailed notes and is fully aware of how the project is progressing. In the event of turnover, you’ll be more prepared that way.