Celadonsoft

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the head of marketing for Wrap ltd, we are a global conglomerate specialising in E-commerce for books & media.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Celadon?

We hired Celadon to build us a react native app and website for our sell it back service. The task was to build a scanning tool that would allow users to sell their old books and media and we would offer them a price for it.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goal was to build an MVP app and replace our existing website. We wanted a new version that would challenge our competitors.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Through various tenders and I found Celadon who had a solid development background who had provided a fair quote.

Describe the project in detail.

We had an existing backend platform for Celadon to use. We also designed the mobile app/ web screens which Celadon drafted inspiration from to understand the UI flow. We had detailed API documentation conversations weekly, studying UX flows and regular test builds.

What was the team composition?

We were assigned a project manager aswell as direct liaisons with the CTO, QA testers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The project was launched internally with great success and everything was tested and met our requirements. We are still working with them in adding new additions to the project.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We had an effective working relationship through weekly skype meetings. A group channel between our developers and theirs.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The developers had a great deal of patience with us as well as observing best practices for UX and development. They were also very keen on acting upon our feedback.

Are there any areas for improvement?

We are satisfied with our product and did not have any concerns. Job well done!

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CTO of M2 Innovation, a startup. We specialize in connecting housemakers with service providers through an e-marketplace platform.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Celadon?

We needed help developing our e-marketplace platform to connect housemakers with service providers in the areas of home improvement, home building, home renovations, facility and property management, home furniture, and home products.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Celadon took care of the wireframes and design. After we approved those, they started developing the MVP for our mobile app. 

The app’s key feature is that users can find land on a map, choose pre-made or pre-approved designs, and then customize them. After that, they can look at different financing options for house loans. Users can also apply for permits and all government approvals. If they’re approved, they can sign the contract and follow up on the construction. They can see uploaded images, such as photos of the construction. During the construction phase, users can request an inspector to go through the home they’re building and provide reports.

Celadon built the app for iOS and Android and developed the frontend for the end-user. The team also developed a web app for our admin and engineering offices. Individuals can receive different services from one platform. They developed the mobile app using React Native and the web app using Python. They also did testing. 

What is the team composition?

I only communicated with the project manager.

How did you come to work with Celadon?

We had an RFP and chose Celadon from among multiple companies. We felt their proposal was the best approach for us. They understood our idea, and the price was good. They also worked in an agile methodology, which is what we wanted.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from March–September 2019. We might work with them on the next phase.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Celadon completed the MVP. We’re just waiting on the business to decide when to publish it based on the marketing team. We’ve already tested it and shown it to multiple users; we even had a session with a focus group. Everyone likes the idea, the design, and the user experience. Most of the feedback has been really positive.

How did Celadon perform from a project management standpoint?

They were willing to work in two-week sprints. They sent reports every two weeks. The project manager was really good, and communication was easy. We used Jira, email, and Telegram. The timeline was really good, and they were willing to make changes in the middle of the project. They were adaptable to changes.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They stuck with the agile methodology and had sprint planning every two weeks. We could see the visibility of their work. They locked down the scope but were willing to accept requirement changes. Communication was really easy, and their speed was average. The user experience was good.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They could be faster at developing, but we were satisfied with their work in the end. The quality was really good. Sometimes the quality is more important than the speed.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of an insurance software vendor company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Celadon?

We asked Celadon to create an MVP that we could sell to companies.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Celadon developed an app for clients of insurance companies. Their team worked based on the full requirements we provided, building the backend using Python. The app collects and analyzes information about driving habits. It produces analytics for companies, through which they can make decisions about insurance payments.

What is the team composition?

We worked with one project manager, a designer, and 3–4 developers.

How did you come to work with Celadon?

We found them through Clutch. Our team reviewed over 100 companies. In terms of skills and cost, Celadon provided a reasonable cost for qualified work. We’re also both based in Belarus.

How much have you invested with them?

It was below $100,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Celadon in February 2019, and it took six months for the app to be completed.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’ve made contracts with this application, and we’ll likely continue working with Celadon on it. Right now, we’re customizing pages that allow clients to provide the service to their insurees. Before the platform can be deployed, we have several questions to answer.

The systems of the companies we’re targeting have to comply with specific laws. We received stats on other apps from our marketers before the build began, but ours haven’t received concrete statistics yet. I believe it is performing well.

How did Celadon perform from a project management standpoint?

Within our six-month contract, Celadon was able to build the application. Their team was honest about how much time it would take. We communicated through Jira throughout the project. When we needed to get in touch with the director, we used phone calls or messenger.

What did you find most impressive about them?

There are very few providers available for machine learning and Python development. Celadon had excellent reviews. Our partners had information about their skilled team as well. It’s easy to control their work and the spend because they’re based in the same country as us.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There aren’t many companies that could’ve built this app. Celadon should focus on growing and bringing in more developers. This will help their team take on more jobs at the same time.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

I can recommend Celadon for machine learning and AI projects.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We manage gyms in the UAE. I'm the CEO, and I started the company about two years ago.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Celadon?

We hoped to venture into mobile applications. Our clients would benefit from an app that could show them how to exercise properly.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They supported us as consultants and developers, and they suggested functionality that captures users’ movements through a phone camera. The app then analyzes movements through 3D points and reports whether users are completing exercises correctly. We provided a concept and some basic wireframes, but they built the whole app from scratch for iOS and Android. They suggested the best technologies to use, and they helped us understand the technology requirements with a mind to the future. Based on their recommendations, we chose React Native and C++ to build the app.

What is the team composition?

I communicated with an account manager and a technical lead. In the early stages of the frontend development, we also worked with a graphic designer.

How did you come to work with Celadon?

A friend referred them to us. They were initially consultants, but we liked their approach and decided to give them the whole project.

How much have you invested with them?

We have an arrangement with them that I prefer to keep confidential. Compared to other developers in our region, their rates were good for the high level of their experience.

What is the status of this engagement?

The engagement ran from January-July 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

How did Celadon perform from a project management standpoint?

They're fantastic project managers. We took our time at the beginning to change the designs. That added a week or so to the timeline, but everything else was delivered exactly as they promised it would.

Communication is their best quality. They always include us in the project, and I love working with their team. We are always in the loop, and their deliveries are on time. Their transparency and their quality are amazing. They read our minds and provide exactly what we want. The ease of the process is wonderful.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They have the tools to help us. One of our contacts on their side is fluent in Arabic, which made communication even easier. As an Arab-based company, our team members have varying levels of fluency in English. Having a resource who could connect to our whole team established synergy that we appreciated.

Are there any areas they could improve?

We don't have anything they should improve up to now, and we're currently planning a second phase with them.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of Hallowgate, a social media marketing company. We’re creating a platform to link brand influencers and companies looking for influencer talent. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Celadon?

We engaged Celadon to build our platform. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Celadon created two web applications and an Android application; they then integrated these multi-sited systems to make up our platform.

One web app is exclusively for advertisers—the brand clients who use our system to find ambassadors. Celadon built the app using JavaScript, React, Express, MySQL, Node.js, Sketch, and other technologies. The other web app is for donors—users who want to fund organizations with limited resources that are looking to broaden brand awareness. The team built in search methods on both apps so that donors and advertisers can connect.

For the brand influencers, Celadon developed an Android application with an API that connects to the web app for advertisers. We wanted to create an iOS version and payment system as well, but we ran into time constraints.

Celadon designed the overall system and created user stories. We gave our approval on how to define the user experience; they used our feedback to start building and testing each app.

What is the team composition?

We work with two developers, a UI/UX designer, a QA engineer, and a project manager.

How did you come to work with Celadon?

We searched online for Europe-based developers and came across Celadon. I downloaded one of their apps to my phone, and its sophisticated execution impressed me. We then reached out to their team to complete our project.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in January 2019, and the project is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Celadon executed each program perfectly and met our tight deadline for delivery. The apps have launched, and we already are seeing clients join and revenue coming in. We’ve commissioned them for more work. Celadon is currently making modifications and another module for an app update. Once the update is finished, they’ll help us manage the platform.

How did Celadon perform from a project management standpoint?

The team is highly responsive; they reply to our messages within minutes. Each team member ensures that someone is accessible even while one of them is traveling. They find back-up means of communication when one doesn’t work. We regularly interface with their team through WhatsApp and receive weekly updates.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their software engineering skills are superb. The team went above and beyond to make sure that the final products are viable and secure, which we appreciate. They also provide accurate estimates and total transparency; the team was honest about what they could and could not do within our given timeframe. That gave me a lot of reassurance.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Their graphic design could be more visually appealing, but we’re otherwise thrilled with their work.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Make sure you understand your project, its functions, and its intended audience in advance. Celadon will help you bring it to life.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

We provide B2C and B2B marketing services through our digital platform. I'm the CEO and technical lead at the company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Celadon?

We needed to recode a project for one of our platforms.

What were your goals for this project?

We needed to fix the bugs and create a more robust code using the existing resources.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

After reviewing multiple vendors, we decided to hire Celadon.

Describe the project in detail.

Celadon reviews the current code, identifies the bugs, sets a timeline to fix the code in multiple stages by priority. They execute the stages in order and debugs our solution.

What was the team composition?

We work with a project manager and 15 developers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Their work allows us to take back control of our platform as a whole. This process helps us understand our bugs and fix them accordingly.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Our workflow is extremely effective.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their clear communication and dedicated commitment to our timelines are impressive.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I work for a travel agency that offers a wide range of tours and holiday packages. We also help customers acquire permits and visas.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Celadon?

We hired them to create a user-friendly mobile application for iOS and Android. The app would allow users to manage their documents and apply for visas with a few clicks.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goal was to increase client engagement and loyalty by simplifying their experience for visa application. We wanted to offer a smooth UX that required minimal effort. We also wanted to upsell our tour booking services.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

They were a referral.

Describe the project in detail.

Celadon built an app and integrated several third-party APIs from our partner networks. They also added an AI smart offer feature, which displays potentially interesting tours based on in-app user behavior and history. They also made sure to secure user data and stored documents.

The Celadon team continues to implement new features. For example, we realized that we needed to develop an advanced application management interface. We also had to add some integration to our existing management software.

What was the team composition?

Initially, I met a manager from Celadon who helped me compose the project brief. When the project started, Alexei (Co-founder, Celadon) became our main contact. We’ve also worked with two frontend and two backend developers from their team.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We got positive feedback from our clients during testing.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Alexei knows how to plan and manage well, so our workflow is smooth and tight. It feels like we have our own software development department.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They are honest and creative.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Unfortunately, Celadon does not offer training for the management and maintenance of the app.  

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the managing director of StalTorm, a company that specializes in supplying steel parts for construction.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Celadon?

We were using a couple of standard software tools but had trouble synchronizing them. As a result, a lot of our work was being done manually through phone calls and data was being lost in the process of communicating between the facility and our management office. I was trying to solve this by somehow automating the process. At the same time, I wanted to simplify it so that we could avoid these problems kinds of problems altogether.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Celadon developed a web platform that I can administrate. It allows me to create users for managers and assign responsibilities for orders. We can track the amount materials we’re producing, how much is being ordered, and how managers are supplying the facility.

I’m not a specialist in software development, so they gave me a project description and provided designs for me to approve. I’ve been testing the delivered software, and after requesting a couple of changes, we’ve started to use it.

What is the team composition?

There were multiple developers involved but I’ve mainly interacted with their manager, who’s also a Russian speaker, making the collaboration quite comfortable and smooth.

How did you come to work with Celadon?

A friend recommended them. They understood our business and the problem we were facing.

How much have you invested with them?

The cost of their work has been around $21,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Celadon in the fall of 2017 and the app was completed by January 2018. We’ll probably work on developing additional functionalities in the future.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The product is easy to use and it’s easy to teach our workers to use it. We’ve faced very few problems, and they’re fixed immediately by Celadon.

How did Celadon perform from a project management standpoint?

We communicated through phone calls and messenger tools, and they always responded immediately. I changed some requirements during development and thought that it could become a problem, but they were very flexible and responsive. They quickly understood what I wanted to change and delivered per my request.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I found it quite easy to collaborate and communicate with them. I never felt that my requirements were too complex nor that the work was overpriced at any point. There was a level of trust between us during this engagement. I doubted whether I needed custom software in the beginning, but I’m now convinced that the tool they built is really useful.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They ask for prepayment for their work, which I understand they do for securing themselves, but trusting clients more could help them. However, after we started working together and I saw the first results of their work, I knew I didn’t have to worry. We ended up giving just a small payment in advance and then paid them based on the delivered work.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

Celadon was offering us a fixed-price, but they suggested going with a time-and-materials model, which made us both more relaxed during the work. I didn’t trust this model very much at first, but it proved to be quite convenient.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the CEO of J. P. L. J. Unipessoal Lda

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Web application for publishing and managing Personal Ads and selling media content (photos and videos)

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Celadon to accomplish?

• Renovation of the Website and Backoffice

SOLUTION

How did you find Celadon?

Clutch Site

Why did you select Celadon over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Total availability, responsiveness and the cordiality of our Business Development Manager

How many teammates from Celadon were assigned to this project?

6-10 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Celadon was contracted to develop all the management functionalities and automations described in the specifications, including the integration of a new payment gateway.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The project has gained automation and some new features. Many of the day-to-day tasks are now completely automated, without any intervention from our team. It will allow our company to grow exponentially with our current resources.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

The Celadon team was always there. The constant and easy communication gives us a sense of security throughout the project and makes us feel that we have found the right partner for our IT needs. All work deliveries were scrupulously agreed and met by the Celadon team.

What was your primary form of communication with Celadon?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

The feature of Celadon that impressed me the most, and which I still enjoy to this day (we continue to develop new features for our application with Celadon), is the presence and constant communication during all phases of the project. This feeling is so genuine that it's like we have an IT department in our own company.

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

Given the specifics of our project, it was difficult to ask for more from Celadon. In many ways, they exceeded our expectations. For our part, we hope to continue working with Celadon for many years to come.