Brainsmiths Labs

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the principal owner of Trackurstaff, an employee management task-based software.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Brainsmiths Labs?

We brought on Brainsmiths Labs to head development and bring our idea to life.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They helped us develop a web app and mobile app for iOS and Android that allows the manager to monitor everyone on their team from a single platform. They developed everything from the initial wireframe to the front- and backend.

The app includes features that allow managers to check on the progress of assigned tasks, check if their employees are projected to hit their deliverables, and project completion dates, all at a glance. It’s easy for colleagues to share work from the platform, which is particularly handy when a team member is working remotely. Managers can also monitor their staff’s location and track their online use. For example, if an employee logs into Facebook, they will automatically be clocked out because they’re not being productive. On the flip side, they’ll be properly rewarded for work they do at home because they’ll get to log back in.

What is the team composition?

We had about a dozen people working on different aspects of the project.

How did you come to work with Brainsmiths Labs?

I initially found them online. I’ve outsourced before and have noticed that it’s really easy for communication to disintegrate and for there to be a disconnect between what the consumer wants and what the vendor actually delivers. Brainsmiths Labs just checked a lot of our boxes. We communicated well and they clearly understood our vision.  

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent about $400,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working together in July 2015, and the project is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’re in the final phase of development, but they will manage the backend once the platform is launched. I’ve had a few friends with different businesses try the platform and provide feedback. So far, Brainsmiths Labs has been spot-on. They did a great job and delivered what they said they'd deliver. As a bonus, their fees were great.

How did Brainsmiths Labs perform from a project management standpoint?

Their management style was great. We communicate largely through Skype or via phone, and I get regular monthly updates. They pretty much stick to project timelines, but have delivered early or late here and there. They’re very responsive to project needs.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They captured my vision perfectly.

Are there any areas they could improve?

We had one small miscommunication, but we sorted it out very quickly.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Work with them, just make sure your vision is clearly understood.