Brival

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Lean Street Company is an outsourced tech firm. We support startups globally by matching skills to each client’s needs. We have US-based project managers who work with clients to determine what they need and communicate with developers.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Brival?

We were looking to build an application for a private airline.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Brival used Python and Django to create an application. The system helps pilots, staff, and customers coordinate trips and departure times. They worked with the client to nail down requirements. At the end of each 2-week sprint, they would show a demo that included each new feature built.

What is the team composition?

We work directly with Mateusz (CEO, Brival) and one other developer.  he maintains a close relationship with his team.

How did you come to work with Brival?

I was working with another engineer, and he brought them on board. Later, I was working primarily with another team and had Brival working on a few smaller projects. It was clear, though, that Brival’s team was outperforming our other partners. Now they’re our go-to.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent about $500,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working together in January 2016 and we continue to work on a variety of projects together.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They’re all-stars. The team is able to think on their feet and raise flags when things don’t work. They participate in ideation and are helpful partners for things other than coding. They’re incredibly effective and outperform other people I’ve worked with.

How did Brival perform from a project management standpoint?

They always deliver on time. Their estimates are always accurate—they just get it done, and that’s the big thing. We communicate over Slack and Zoom.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They think on the client’s behalf instead of just finishing code. They really want it to be the right solution.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I can’t think of anything.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Prepare what you want to do ahead of time, and let them know so they’re not surprised. Also, engage with them. Work with the demos and provide feedback on how to improve the system.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We are a post-production company for photography. Photographers from all around the world free up a lot of their time by sending their photos to us to edit. We offer software as a sale (e.g. offer subscriptions to our clients).

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Brival?

We wanted to automate file transfers between our clients and us. A lot of those file transfers were done directly from an FTP app with no alerts, synchronization, or custom automation. We needed to remove the human element so that our international and domestic clients could send us their work 24 hours a day.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They created a system using a browser-based app as a platform, which includes a user interface for us to monitor the system. They currently manage the backend of the system, which we constantly update.

 The automated system checks the accuracy of files sent. Then, the files go into our production queue where they’re automatically assigned. Brival built the system on AWS, which allows us to be online all the time. So, our clients can send us files even if our power goes out.

We’re using Django as our platform, which is where I use a dashboard to manually manage files. PHP scripts on our File Transfer Protocol (FTP) server are set up to syncs the files with AWS. 

They’re also helping us with Podio, our production management software. It manages billing, file transfer and completion, and emails going to customers. They help customize the software and their scripts integrate well within the system. 

What is the team composition?

I’m working directly with Mateusz (CEO, Brival) — he’s been the project manager and developer. We’ve always been in direct communication. I’m not sure if there are other individuals working with him. 

How did you come to work with Brival?

We contracted Mateusz through a relationship with a PR company. We’ve built our professional relationship by working together on projects from the start. 

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested close to $10,000 with Brival for this project.

What is the status of this engagement?

I started working with Mateusz at the end of January in 2018, and we’re still working together.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The user interface is user-friendly for someone who doesn’t understand code. Our clients’ experience has improved. 

When clients communicate problems, we can channel them directly to Mateusz. He’s very responsive about taking care of adjustments, and that immediacy and dependability is important because our clients are busy. 

Due to our positive experiences with Brival, we’re looking to expand our investment with him for future projects (e.g. rewriting our entire system).

We believe Brival can take our company to the next level. Mateusz knows exactly what our needs are and has been very accessible and helpful.

How did Brival perform from a project management standpoint?

Project management has always been great. I’ve had no issues with his organization. We use YouTrack to see what’s next in the queue. Mateusz prioritizes tasks well and keeps the project moving forward.

He schedules tasks and then gets estimates for them. He gives an estimate of effort, and he’s very transparent about the cost. 

Despite the time zone difference, Mateusz has been very responsive within our core hours of business, and he makes sure he’s available. He’s very flexible.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their integrity stands out. They make sure that what’s promised gets done. In any business, relationships are the main factor in measuring success. A business relationship is a synergy you’re creating. When you’re thriving, they’re thriving. Our relationship with Brival has taken our business to new heights. We never have a ceiling or limitation to where we can go.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, we’re in a really good place.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

It’s very helpful to understand what you want and how to communicate that (e.g. understanding technical language). It’s always good to get on a video call and talk through what you want. When you can’t explain it, show examples. I’ve been learning how to communicate better from a development standpoint.

Mateusz is good at meeting me halfway. If he doesn’t understand, he’ll do the research as well. We’re both learning and adapting to each other. He’s very good at understanding the logic of your business needs. So, you should be able to communicate your requirements, your purpose, and the backbone of your business.