CassavaHub Limited

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

We are a company based in Nairobi Kenya, dealing in construction logistics and information critical for construction projects. I'm the company IT manager

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Critical Mission Computing Ltd?

We hired Cassavahub Limited to redesign our company website and built a custom system to aid in our customers/clients interaction and facilitate other organization processes

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We were referred to by a friend who referenced their previous task- his system which they had built. The system entailed most of the features we needed ie Multiple authentication levels, notifications, simple and good UI and SEO optimized. On reviewing this our team felt they we could assign them this task.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

They do offer a wide range of services ie mobile apps development, website design, web system development up to also including payment and other gateways integrations ie Mpesa, Paypal, Nexmo, Africastalking etc. They also offer other extensive services ie IT. consultancy and S.E.O optimization.

What was the team composition?

What I can comment on their team is that they have a bunch of really good guys, knowledgeable and understand how to work and deal with clients. Good communication skills. Besides, they know how to maintain high-level standards when handling customers incase of crisis -learned this from their maintenance on our system

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

This system has really aided our tasks especially during this period of the Corona pandemic, I've been able to receive a number of customer requests from the system requesting different services ie raw materials supply and consultancy.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

They did have a person in charge of our task with whom we could reach and engage in the system progress, he always reported back after every 4-5 days with checked milestones giving us the chance to review. Felt easy on our part as initially the tasks we assigned other IT firms we always had to make a follow-through past deadlines due to poor communication and planning on their execution strategies.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their ability to engage their clients on a timely basis impressed us, as did their quality services.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Some of the places I do feel they can improve perhaps increase their maintenance plans

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Shinners Tours and Travel is a fully-fledged tour operating company with its head offices in Nairobi, Kenya. The company commenced business way back in 2013 and is located at Yala Towers along Biashara Street- Nairobi.

I am the IT Manager at Shinners Tours.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire CassavaHub Limited?

We initially had a dummy static website with poor user experience. Cassava Hub Limited was hired to do a website redesign and create a backend system to help in the business model.

What were your goals for this project?

Cassava Hub Limited was to provide a well-redesigned website for our business. The company was to build a backend system to allow visitors to be able to book and pay for tour packages.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

The selection process was through tender application. Various companies submitted their profiles and what they can do regarding Shinners Tours requirements. Cassava Hub limited emerged to be the best among the applicants.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

Cassava Hub Limited designed and developed a web application for Shinners Tours and Travel. The company designed a web application that was user-friendly and responsive on all devices.

The application had a custom backend system allowing us to easily upload packages, our customers are able to book and pay for packages. The backend system also allowed us to be able to reach to clients enquires easily and offer customer service.

Through the system, we are able to get meaningful reports to aid in decision making.

What was the team composition?

The team composed of 6 people. Our project manager was the point of contact between our team and Cassava Hub Limited. Cassava Hub team was composed of a project manager, Quality Assurance personnel, lead developer, designer and developers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The designed web application increased mobile phone visitors. Our clients' issues are now able to be attended to in the shortest time possible. We can now be able to accept payments from abroad through credit card, this has been a major breakthrough for our international tourism market.

We are able to get meaningful reports which are crucial in decision making. We are able to add features to the system as our needs keep changing over time.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

The team worked with meaningful timelines and was able to deliver the milestones on time. They used simple tools that was easy for non-technical individuals to understand. The team was well organized with GitHub and Microsoft Project for the success of the tasks. Delays and meeting schedules were well communicated.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The company is made up of young and energetic individuals who are flexible with their working hours. They also gave us free support and room for flexibility in case of a change in requirements. This was crucial for the success of our project. Cassava Hub limited team members were also easily accessible and always ready for action.

Are there any areas for improvement?

There is very little that Cassava Hub can improve. The only thing which I think needs improvement is they should advise the client on the best infrastructure and technology for the optimum performance of the business. Initially, we were using a shared hosting platform with so many downtimes not until they advised us to move to the cloud after the project kicked off.