Astin Technology

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m director of marketing at Bollywood Everything. We provide marketing and PR services to small- and medium-sized business and large events.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Astin Technologies?

We contracted Astin Technologies on behalf of a third party. Our client wanted to revamp the websites for their two restaurants. They were looking to increase their digital presence while minimizing site upkeep. They especially were struggling to handle a regular bombardment of customer inquiries.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Astin Technologies designed the two websites as specified; I insisted that they use non-Flash-based graphics, and they found a very editable alternative that matched the industry standard. The team then developed the sites, implemented booking services and SEO, and integrated reservation booking services via OpenTable.

Astin Technologies also automated customer emails and phone calls using iSoN24. When it receives an email, the iSoN24 system sends the message into a database, runs logic on the content, and automatically responds with an appropriate package or set of information. As a result, the sites require much less regular maintenance on our client’s part.

What is the team composition?

I interacted primarily with an account manager, but I also sometimes met with their graphic designer. Our technical team worked with their developers and a web designer.

How did you come to work with Astin Technologies?

Our third-party client recommended Astin Technologies because they had worked with their team before. In my conversations with Astin Technologies, they demonstrated their expertise in their field and preparation for the particular project. The team had clearly researched the restaurant industry and suggested several technologies they wanted to try, including iSoN24.

How much have you invested with them?

Our clients have spent $5,000–$10,000 on their services.

What is the status of this engagement?

Due to unforeseen delays from our third-party client, the project lasted from January–June 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our client was extremely happy about automating their phone and email inquiry process. The restaurants now have increased online presence thanks to SEO and can manage the sites internally. Because they did such an outstanding job for our client, I’ve contracted Astin Technologies for two more projects since then. The team has brought more business to my firm because we can now offer top-notch web development services to our customers.

How did Astin Technologies perform from a project management standpoint?

I had weekly status calls with their account manager and was very satisfied with our interaction. I initially worried that we’d struggle to communicate due to the distance between our firms. However, they were excellent collaborators and great listeners. They guided us through what technology to use and responded quickly to our questions.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They demonstrated in-depth and up-to-date knowledge of the web development world. They’re willing to try out unfamiliar technologies in order to deliver the best solution for us and our clients. Very few companies will go that extra mile for their customers.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I wish they would market themselves better because they do outstanding work and deserve more business.

Any advice for potential customers?

The team is highly accessible, hard-working, and knowledgeable. If you give them a clear plan, they’ll fully deliver on your vision.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the general manager of Prasad Agrico Industries Private Limited. We have several businesses in the food processing and agroindustry. Our main branches include a fertilizer franchise business, fishery business, and a fruit and vegetable business.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Astin Technology?

Because we deal with stock management, we needed an inventory system to support our buying and selling processes.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Using details that I provided, Astin Technology designed and developed our website from scratch with Maximo and ServiceNow technologies. The platform allows our company to manage our entire business, but mainly our warehouse inventory. Users can’t buy anything through the site, but we plan to add that feature in the future.

Astin Technology also provided additional services including logo, email identification capabilities, messengers, and some digital marketing strategy.

How did you come to work with Astin Technology?

I found them through a Google search. After an initial meeting at their office, I chose to work with them because their team was familiar with database and development tools. They offered a sizable and knowledgeable team for a competitive price.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from March–September 2017.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

With the new inventory system, our company has saved money and significantly increased our revenue.

How did Astin Technology perform from a project management standpoint?

They finished the product ahead of schedule. They are a very well-managed and organized team. With my busy schedule, I appreciated that they always reminded me of meetings and deadlines. I really enjoyed working with them.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I would like them to improve their e-commerce development skills so I can use them for future projects.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the CEO of Human Touch Behavioral Health, a healthcare company that deals with mental illness.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Astin Technology?

We needed to develop and maintain a website.

What were your goals for this project?

Wanted to receive more business and provide information to people seeking help.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We were referred to them by a friend.

Can you go into detail about the services they provided and the scope of the project?

They designed and developed the website and maintained our domain and email. They also enabled patients to email us through the website.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The website helped us receive more business. New patients are now able to print intake forms from the website, which reduces the hassle of filing them at the office.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

I could contact their team members directly at any time, which was convenient. They finished the project on time.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They were supportive and professional and were able to talk despite the time difference between us.

Are there any areas where they can improve?

I wish there were no time difference, however, they never seemed worried about IT; they provided support whenever I needed it.