Akveo

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of DataAutomation, a software company. We build software that connects various systems.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Akveo?

We were looking for an agency that could provide no-code or low-code development to help us fulfill a project for one of our clients.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Akveo built a web app for one of our clients. They used Bubble for the backend development and Angular for the frontend. The platform helped automate e-commerce processes in a warehouse.

What is the team composition?

We worked with four teammates: a project manager, two developers, and a designer.

How did you come to work with Akveo?

A friend recommended them to me.

What is the status of this engagement?

The project lasted from October 2020–April 2021.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The app enabled our client to eliminate hours of manual labor. In turn, that allowed the client to process more shipments, increasing the overall profitability of their business. Overall, we were satisfied with Akveo’s work, and we appreciated how quickly they fixed any bugs we found.

How did Akveo perform from a project management standpoint?

It was a bit bumpy at first, but we eventually figured it out. They were very responsive, and we communicated through Slack, phone calls, and so on.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Akveo was reliable and handled urgent situations well. They jumped on things very quickly.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They could have understood our requirements better, but we eventually figured out a process that worked for us.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Create mock-ups at the beginning of the project.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the CIO of a Medical Bill Review Services Company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We wanted to jump-start the development of a medical bill review system that we are building. Our goal was to deploy dedicated resources to have this one-time development done quickly.

SOLUTION

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

We performed a world-wide search to find recommended UI / UX vendors. We found that many firms / projects were using Akveo's NGX-Admin tools, so we thought it would be wise to contract with the developer of that tool.

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

Akveo's work consisted of the development of Angular interface components, to interface with internally developed back-end components.

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

At the height of the project, there were 8 staff: a project manager, a BA, a designer, two full stack developers and three front-end developers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The rapid deployment of a large team meant that we were able to get started much faster than we could have by trying to hire our own staff. The project has taken a little longer than anticipated, but only because they have made excellent suggestions for improvement to the project design that improved the outcome.

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

We have brief daily video chat meetings to review the progress of each team member, and to work through issues. Also, at the end of each sprint, we review the work from the sprint in total, and plan the next sprint with the team. Everything is clearly communicated and documented, including costs and timelines. All of the work product is shared in our development environment as it is released, so there are no issues with code control, quality, or management.

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

Akevo is willing to continuously communicate about and evaluate the quality and delivery of their own team members, working with us to ensure that everyone is delivering to our satisfaction. They will work with us to replace team members as needed, and work with our team members on the UI side as well, effectively integrating them into their team.

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

Early in the project, we had some issues fully understanding the scope of the project. However, once we had the right BA in place, everything has gone extremely well. Having a lot of documentation and communication at the foundation of the project is the most critical thing.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

We are a Consultancy Company that supports many companies in New Zealand. We have been engaged with this client for 15 years.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We had commenced development with another party and engaged Akveo to do a review / audit as we were unhappy with certain aspects of the project. Akveo did a full review of the current project at this stage and made some recommendations. We reviewed these and ultimately decided to engage Akveo to be the primary developers going forward.

SOLUTION

How did you select *Akveo and what were the deciding factors?

We got acquainted with the ngx-admin dashboard that we had found on Github as an open-source product. When we faced several issues using the template, we asked Akveo to customize the dashboard and make a code review of the existing web app. Later on, we expanded their engagement.

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

Web application development, code review, and architecture consulting.

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

Most of the time, I interacted with the account manager. The development team included one front-end and one back-end developers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

First and foremost, we delivered the solution on time. And what's even more important, we received good feedback from our customer.

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

The team of Akveo handled both the front-end and back-end parts. Weekly meetings allowed us to stay on the same page regarding the overall progress, and daily syncs helped us resolve issues faster. We used Slack to communicate, Jira to manage the workflow, and Bitbucket as a code repository, which runs on our side. We could quickly review what Akveo was doing so we could react promptly and push new releases.

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

Our team was impressed by their knowledge and expertise. For instance, when I gave them a task for investigating, they came up with an optimal solution in terms of cost and quality efficiency.

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

Well, it's hard to tell on the spot. Akveo is really good at Angular and .Net. Their developers are well-acquainted with up-to-date technologies and UI components Leaflet, full calendar, nebular, smart table, and others. I would recommend them as a reliable technological partner. Besides, they deliver good designs as well.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We are producing motorized and towable RV`s in Europe. I’m responsible for product digitalization and my team brings intelligent functionality to our caravans and motorhomes.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with *Akveo?

I was looking for a mobile app developer that could help us in the field of IoT.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Our partner helped us with the whole development cycle. 

With the mobile app, customers can control everything inside of an RV: lighting, air conditioning, fuel status, temperature, and so on. We've developed a framework application with Akveo, which can be easily adjusted for other brands. 

Akveo adjusted the Figma designs according to our product owners' requirements. The app was developed in React Native, so most of the code was reused on Android and iOS.

What is the team composition?

At the peak time, the team included an architect, three mobile developers, a business analyst, a UI/UX designer, and a Quality Assurance engineer.

How did you come to work with *Akveo?

It`s already my second engagement of Akveo. The first contact was based on the reuse of AKVEO customizable admin dashboard template (Angular). They are experts in AngularJS and React and have attractive prices.

How much have you invested with them?

The cost are around $250,000. Soon we will be entering a maintenance contract with Akveo to host us as well.

What is the status of this engagement?

The project started in the autumn of 2019, and we are releasing the app at the beginning of 2021.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Feedback from the field (survey) was good and product owners are happy with the application.

How did *Akveo perform from a project management standpoint?

We set up two-week sprints. Their business analyst set up the project to be managed internally by their project manager. Plus, they participated in our weekly architectural boards. We’ve integrated the AKVEO team into our development process with a good velocity.

What did you find most impressive about them?

AKVEO is a small, agile, and straightforward company. They’re open for discussion, have innovative solutions, and they understand how to use and leverage them on the market and investing a lot in great open source products.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Well, I don't see anything serious, except for the issues associated with growing businesses. However, that's understandable. Besides, they're slowly increasing their team, and I've never had the feeling that they're growing without checking the people they bring in.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Go on with Akveo. You won't regret it.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

We are an Italian IT&C company specialized in Banking & Finance sector, providing banking and high-end enterprise solutions, services for Payment Service Providers (PSPs), all strongly focused on SEPA and pan-European solutions in the payments world, in particular on Online Banking ePayments (OBeP) model and mobile channels. I am a Business Development Consultant, managing the relationship with both existing and possible future clients, for the area outside Italy.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire *Akveo?

Our project consisted of a web portal for an Italian bank - to provide for their clients access to their invoices, payments and analytics. We hired Akveo for the Angular front-end development of the bank's client portal web application.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goals were to get the front-end of the application developed in quite tight timelines specified by our end-client.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Because they were creators of the Angular front-end UI kit we chose for this application.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

Akveo developed the Angular application based on the mock-ups our team provided within the timeline we specified.

What was the team composition?

1 part-time project manager, 1 full-time software engineer

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We were able to deliver the project for our end-client within the agreed timelines. This allowed our end-client to provide the product for their customers as planned.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

We had weekly calls with Akveo where we discussed open topics and nearest plans. They suggested to use spreadsheets to keep track of all open and closed issues which was quite useful as the project and the team were not really large.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

We really appreciate their level of detail and the accountability they have demonstrated on the project. As well as their efficient customer service, their willingness to accommodate our need for occasional requests and the way they conducted the business as a whole.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I would guess they are already continuously improving themselves since our collaboration went really smooth.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the co-founder of a veterinary appointment scheduling company. We offer a modern way to schedule veterinary services for pets.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Akveo?

We needed a company to develop our iOS and Android apps. We were looking around for the right tech stack and what framework to use. We quickly decided that native was perfect for us. After that, we looked for a frontend framework: something like a bootstrap for React Native.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Akveo developed our iOS and Android app from scratch. We had some InVision prototypes and mockups. They provided us with design and UX support as well as development support. We discussed at the beginning that the person who knows the framework should handle the design as well. That speeds up the project and cuts cost—Akveo knew how to apply the designs instead of changing it too much.

The main functionality is that people can view past and upcoming appointments as well as the history of all results from each appointment. There’s a section with health tips for your pet and a chat program to contact our veterinarians to get medical guidance. The standard features are there as well, such as changing the users’ data for themselves or their animals and looking up their subscription data. 

The whole project took six weeks. We’re still in the phase where we still need to set up some things on our end. We will continue working with them.

What is the team composition?

I worked with one developer and a part-time person for UX design at the beginning.

How did you come to work with Akveo?

We liked the Kitten framework and how it looked and what it offered. Akveo had developed the framework, and that’s why we approached them.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent about $10,000–$50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from August until October 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We were satisfied with the quality and the speed that Akveo achieved in the timeframe. We’ve been impressed with everyone we worked with from their team. The quality of work and the mentality in which they tackle things was outstanding. Our success metric is that we were successful in launching the initial product on time.

How did Akveo perform from a project management standpoint?

We had some issues with the UX design. Everything worked out, but the time commitment given wasn’t appropriate for what we needed in the beginning. That caused a few small delays in the development. 

They were overall minor issues—the rest of the project management was really good. The product manager on our end loved working with Akveo.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re really active in the open-source community. Especially now, with our experience with React Native, they have their own design framework in place that they've made public. It not only attracts good developers but also speeds up the app development process. 

This is something that you can rarely find with other agencies. When most agencies use frameworks, it’s not their framework; so, if something in the framework is missing, you can’t do anything about it.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There were small things about planning, UX design, and making a little more effort in the beginning, but it was minor. Overall, we’re satisfied.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Talk to them about the best operating mode for you. Then take them on as your partner. They know what they’re doing, and if you trust them, you’re going to be in an excellent position. The level of quality for the price we paid Akveo was outstanding.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm a solution architect at a nonprofit humanitarian organization with a presence in 130 countries. I design IT solutions that support organizational needs and provide technical advice to improve collaboration processes. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Akveo?

We hired Akveo to build a SharePoint app. 

What were your goals for this project?

Our main goal was to develop a modern tool that would allow our organization to collect and track legal information wherever we operate. 

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I initially approached them after discovering their website. Akveo developed a UI template for our SharePoint apps and refactored an existing app. They finished on time and delivered the high quality we expected.

For this project, we chose Akveo after they bidded on our RFP. They could efficiently work with the technologies we proposed, which was one of the deciding factors.

Describe the project in detail.

Akveo developed a SharePoint app based on Azure SQL, ASP.NET, Angular, and Material Design. Since the target platform for the app was Microsoft Azure, Akveo supported the continuous integration process in the DEV and UAT environments. Akveo also developed a migration tool to move the data from an existing app to the target Azure environment.

What was the team composition?

Their team included two developers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The tool will launch soon. Since all the feedback that we've gathered so far has been incredibly positive, I believe this tool will have a huge impact on our organization.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Both teams handled project management. A point person from Akveo tracked all their activities, and we provided technical and business managers. Even without a typical project manager, the process was highly efficient.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Akveo was one of the best companies I've had the pleasure to work with. They were extremely professional and they deliver top-notch, high-quality services.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, hopefully, we can continue working with them.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CTO of Compass Point Systems. Our boutique business intelligence and software development company specializes in data analytics, data warehousing, and application development.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with KitRUM?

We needed to develop a mobile application for our customer.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Akveo developed a mobile app for iOS and Android that’s focused on electrical safety standards for utility companies. We built most of the architecture internally, and they handled the development. Whenever an engineer or a technician comes to work on electrical equipment, the app adjusts to show the appropriate safety standards that should be used around the equipment at hand. 

Our app helps workers document all the necessary steps to adhere to the relevant safety standards. It includes a process workflow with work orders and approval functionality. The application works in both offline and online mode on any mobile device.

What is the team composition? 

Akveo assigned a project manager and multiple developers to work on our project.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent $100,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from March 2018–January 2019 on this specific app and have ongoing work together.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We just launched the application and went through 10 iterations of user acceptance testing. The users gave us both positive responses and basic suggestions for changes. We’ve been getting great feedback about the app ever since it launched. It’s a huge step up from the previous version.

How did Akveo perform from a project management standpoint?

Project management was great. Akveo finished everything on time. They’re very organized. We used Gaia, which is an agile management tool similar to Jira. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Akveo is very professional. They allocated senior level resources to our project, which is what we needed. Since we work within short timelines without a huge budget, we have limited time to scale up the team in size.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. I couldn’t ask for a better company.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

If clients are organized on their end, everything will turn out well. Make your requirements clear and be sure to communicate well. Akveo will definitely execute on time and on budget.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the principal consultant of Velum Management. We’re a software consulting and development company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Akveo?

We hired Akveo to develop a web and mobile application and then expanded the relationship to further develop the application into a stand-alone product.

What were your goals for this project?

We needed to develop a high performing application with real-time communication capabilities.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We shortlisted and interviewed several local and remote development companies. Akveo was not only able to answer our questions, but they were also proactive in suggesting different ways to approach our project. This has continued throughout our working relationship and is one of the things we value most about Akveo's work.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

Akveo initially developed a prototype based on an existing set of wireframes and a UI design. They worked in a pre-defined agile approach and delivered the first build quickly. The code quality was fantastic, and we’ve continued with iterative builds. The application utilizes an Ionic Framework and a Firebase backend.

What was the team composition?

We work with a developer and a designer. Over our three-year relationship, we’ve had with the same developer and three different designers. Everyone has been great to work with.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They’ve enabled us to continually release high-quality products. Their work has also aided us in winning new business, which in turn allowed us to engage them further.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

We share project management responsibilities and communicate on Skype. Releases and timeframes are handled in Trello, while GitHub manages the code base. Features are nearly always delivered on time, and any delays are openly communicated. Akveo has been very professional.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their communication and problem solving are exceptional. Akveo is always suggesting innovative solutions and remains open and accessible. Their quality is also consistently high.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Akveo is already addressing anything I could have suggested. They have everything under control.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Enterperneur

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Akveo?

The design tem of Akveo handled both new projetcs: - mobile applicaton for ordering fashion clothers that you can customize or choose a taylor's consultation - mobile application for restaurants that allows customers to book a table and order food

What were your goals for this project?

The main goal was to provide new design concepts of 2 projects

SOLUTION

How did you select Akveo?

That's been our second project so far, so I was fully aware of their competence and skills.

Describe the project in detail.

Designs of 2 mobile applications

What was the team composition?

There were assigned 2 designers, one per each project.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Well, our first target audience as well as investors are more than happy with the app. That's all that matters.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The guys from Akveo are responsive and attentive to details. No matter the complexity of a project, they are professional throughout the whole design cycle. What can I say? They're great to work with.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The quality of the work was fantastic. I mean, the eventual UX and the skills that their team has shown are second to none.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Well, it's hard to tell on the spot. Don't get me wrong, there's always room for improvements, but at the moment I've got nothing to complain about.