Code Labs

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m an inter-institutional relationships manager at a virtual university based in Colombia.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenges were you trying to address with Code Labs?

The university was working with about 400 institutions nationwide in different projects and partnerships. However, all of the processes involved in those partnerships were handled manually, using email, excel, and other simpler tools. Therefore, we needed help with developing a web platform that could help us handle our processes better.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Initially, we talked to Code Labs about our needs, the attributes of our university, and the types of enterprises we work with. We also provided them with a document detailing that information and had a couple of meetings to explain everything thoroughly. After that, Code Labs started working on developing the platform until completion.

This platform allows more than 5,000 university employees to present partnership proposals. Then, an interdisciplinary group uses the platform to review the proposals’ feasibility, convenience, and capabilities to provide an answer. Users can also upload documents and any additional materials, receive and respond to comments and observations, and handle the processes with great transparency. Finally, the platform also has an evaluation module for impact evaluation and report creation.

What was the team composition?

We worked directly with five people, including two engineers, a developer, a designer, and a support specialist, but I know Code Labs’ inner team was bigger.

How did you come to work with Code Labs?

As a public institution, we must go through an open licitation process to hire any new service provider. Thus, we did the same for this project, and Code Labs participated in that process, along with numerous other companies. Based on extensive criteria evaluation, we ultimately selected Code Labs.

How much have you invested in them?

We spent around $700,000.

What is the status of this engagement? 

We started working with Code Labs in December 2021, and they finished the project in December 2022. However, they continue providing post-delivery support.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

One of our most important success metrics is that thanks to this platform, we’ve been able to significantly increase our number of partnerships — after the first five months of launching it, we saw a 25% increase in that regard. Moreover, it’s now very easy for teachers and other university members to submit proposals. This usability has resulted in a greater number of proposals over time. In addition to those results, we can now create impact indicators that we couldn’t create before, helping us make better strategic decisions.

How did Code Labs perform from a project management standpoint?

Code Labs’ project management was perfect. They created a project schedule from the beginning, and every milestone was met accordingly. Their team was well-organized and adapted to our complex processes, mission, and goals.

Throughout the development process, we had tests with them to ensure the product’s usability was good. Code Labs involved everyone on the platform, facilitating a great experience. Once they completed the platform, they also implemented a pilot phase. During this phase, they allowed us to make any necessary adjustments and solve any issues that would come up before launching the platform.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Code Labs’ ability to understand our mission and the complexity of our requirements was outstanding. We had worked with similar companies, but this was the first time we received such close attention — they really cared about our users. Moreover, I really liked that they built the platform in a way that makes it very easy to make changes ourselves.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CTO of Tropigas Panama, which has several subsidiaries. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Code Labs?

We first contracted Code Labs to help us develop an update for our mobile application. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Code Labs provides us with cross-platform mobile and web application development services. The applications are for external and internal use; some help our customers place orders, and others help us manage our dealers. For each app, we provide the designs and take into account Code Labs’ feedback on them. If there are improvements to make, Code Labs will help us.  

Each of our subsidiaries has had company-specific development work completed for them. For example, Code Labs developed a mobile application for our subsidiary that sells water bottles. They also developed an app to help deliver gas that comes in various units. All of the apps were developed using the same core technologies. 

What is the team composition?

I work directly with an account manager, and nine other teammates work across different projects. 

How did you come to work with Code Labs?

My wife worked with one of the employees at Code Labs many years ago. More recently, their team approached me and came to me with a development proposal. 

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested around $150,000–$200,000 with Code Labs. 

What is the status of this engagement?

Our ongoing engagement began in March 2021. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Code Labs has improved our customer-focused apps by altering the UX, which improved the overall app metrics by 30% within a month. Their team has just finished developing the UX designs for our internal web application. The projects they complete for us to use in-house are always the best. 

We have a lot of contracts with various customers, and the app that Code Labs has created has improved our contract and shipping processes. The booking features are really good, which is nice because our shipments are determined by our bookings. 

A lead at a company that sells natural gas to us likes the web app Code Labs has developed, so they’ve asked for one for their company so they can replicate the software across other regions. 

How did Code Labs perform from a project management standpoint?

The primary account manager is very professional and manages our relationship well. We also have specific project managers for each project. Whenever we meet, we get straight to the point. Code Labs follows their project schedules and always delivers on time. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

I’ve had three failed projects with other companies, but Code Labs has taken them on and made them successful. They’re able to resolve my problems. I’ve been able to explain my issues to their C-level executives, who let me choose which teammates I want to work with, which is essential. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

Code Labs could improve their designs; sometimes, their designs don’t fit our requirements or project. Their team needs to find new methods for UX/UI design.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I run a couple of sales regions for a technology consulting company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Code Labs?

We were opening up our business in Latin America and needed engineers who spoke Spanish and Portuguese. We have our engineering base in India, and the customers are in Latin America, so we needed engineers and project managers that spoke the language.

SOLUTION

What is the team composition?

We work directly with their CEO, who is extremely attentive, and their CEO will occasionally help out. Obviously, we work with a number of engineers.

How did you come to work with Code Labs?

One of my colleagues found them searching for different vendors in Latin America and filled out a form on their site. We reached out to around 15 different companies, and Code Labs was one of 2–3 that responded to us. After discussing our basic needs with them, they came back with some options on how to proceed.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent between $1–$10 million with them.

What is the status of this engagement?

We’ve been working together since October 2021.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We had zero engineers in the market beforehand, and we’ve grown to 15 over the past six months.

It has given us very directly the feedback from our customers that we need these people who can speak the language. That’s been critical for us. Additionally, the technology we need them to know is Google Cloud, and it’s much more niche in Latin America than AWS or Azure. Code Labs’ ability to find experts with this technology stands out.

How did Code Labs perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re very responsive. I text on WhatsApp with them, and they’re always willing to jump on a call. And with this responsiveness comes professionalism. They’re very active in the relationship. I’ve even gone down to Colombia to visit them a few times. He’s also given me advice on my business strategy, acting as a true partner.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We worked with another vendor in the region who’s much more reluctant to deviate from their process, but Code Labs is very flexible. They’re not transactional, like the.other companies I’ve spoken to have been. They’ve pushed back on a few things that they haven’t been able to work with, but they almost always work with me. Particularly in this new stage of our business, we need this flexibility to figure things out as we go.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Most of the time they can provide the resources we need, but sometimes our niche skills and short timeframes lead to them not being able to fulfill our needs. In those situations, they haven’t left me hanging out to dry, however. They keep me abreast of the process so that my options are open.

They’ve never been offended when I speak to other vendors about specific opportunities]\ as well. They want what’s best for our business.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there

I am a product development manager at a retail company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenges were you trying to address with  Code Labs?

We needed help with the development of our website and a platform to manage our client loyalty program.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Code Labs developed our website and the platform for our client loyalty program. The platform allows us to manage our client’s information and is available on the web and mobile. 

What is the team composition?

We are working directly with a project manager.

How did you come to work with Code Labs?

We have a bidding department, and when we had the need for this project, Code Labs participated in our bidding process. We chose them because they were the best option in terms of cost and technical capacity.

How much have you invested in them?

We have spent around $50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We have been collaborating with them for eight years, and it’s ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’ve had good results from Code Labs’ efforts, and every one of our projects has worked perfectly. We never have any issues, and we don’t need to fix anything. These platforms streamline our processes and improve our relationship with our clients. 

How did Code Labs perform from a project management standpoint?

Code Labs delivers on time as long as we provide them with the information and access they need.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their customer service and attentiveness are impressive. Code Labs immediately responds whenever we needed anything.

Are there any areas they could improve

We haven’t had any problem with Code Labs. As a company, you always wished the prices were lower; however, their services are worth the cost.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the COO of Leo Burnett Open hub dedicated to managing in Colombia "Grupo Bolívar" with Davivienda Bank and Seguros Bolívar, with more than 100 people in the team

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Code Labs, and what were your goals?

In the team we make developments according to the needs or campaigns that we work such as landings, websites, custom software and cloud computing services. Our goals have quality developments under the established schedules and work on innovative projects according to the needs of the campaigns

SOLUTION

How did you select Code Labs and what were the deciding factors?

We found in code lab the best partner more than 9 years ago, to meet the challenges we have of custom software developments, web platforms, etc., about 4 years ago we integrated an in-house team specialized in IT led by code labs having the best results.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

There are many projects that have different processes, from the beginning of a campaign where landings are developed with informational objectives, sales or generating experiences to brand websites. all projects have their schedules and their QA process

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

From code labs we have a senior leader and 9 developer engineers

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

We have had very good results with innovative and quality products in the established times, that is why we have been working for so many years. Several of these developments have had very good results contributing to our client's business, which I cannot share due to confidentiality.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timelines.

The Code Labs team is very organized in their projects, they have management tools and they comply with the schedules.

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

We have direct contact with the leaders of code labs, we have their support and they always find solutions to our needs. They are very professional and transparent

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

His work is so professional and quality.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Digital producer with a large international advertising aency

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Code Labs, and what were your goals?

We designed a custom interactive website with deep social media integration where users could enter their name and the site would find other names within your name.

SOLUTION

How did you select Code Labs and what were the deciding factors?

Through word of mouth recommendations and a pitch/bidding process, we landed on Code Labs as our partner of choice!

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

Based on a simple design comp and a dream, Front and back end development from Code Labs helped us bring our vision to life!

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

Not entirely sure, I interfaced with the project manager and 2 lead developers, but I’m sure there were more people behind the scenes.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

The project was extremely well received by the client (a nonprofit). Our campaign won a Cannes Lion Silver in the Digital category as well as a Facebook award in 2017.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timelines.

Mostly handled through traditional tools - email, calendars, etc

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

The ease of workflow despite a great distance between us and some language barriers really made this project a success. Deadlines were never missed, communication was clear, and the work looked great!

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

A couple minor hiccups along the way with bugs and such, but all to be expected in any project!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the director of interactive production at WOW MKTG. I oversee the creation and development of websites, applications, ad units, and campaign landing pages.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Code Labs, and what were your goals?

Our company was in the process of rebranding from Wow Factor to WOW MKTG and wanted to use the full solar eclipse as a way to transition. We needed to build a campaign site that would connect to the progress of the solar eclipse in real time.

The site would show our old branding and reveal the new branding after the eclipse peaked.

SOLUTION

How did you select Code Labs and what were the deciding factors?

Code Labs was one of our partner vendors we had worked with previously for ad units/banners. After discussing the project details and timeline, we were confident that they would be able to delivery.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

We had a kickoff without the CodeLabs team and our creative team. Our creative team would design the landing page and provide assets. CodeLabs would then convert that to HTML/CSS and connect the visuals to update in real time based on progress of the solar eclipse.

The CodeLabs team used javascript to calculate and animate the visuals on page as well as determine when the new logo would be displayed.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

After discussing the project scope with their CEO and CTO, a project manager and one lead developer was assigned. We worked closely with both until the project was launched.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

The project was met with praise from our clients and partners who were unaware of the rebrand. The landing page was amplified on social and helped increase awareness of our rebrand.

Site traffic to both the landing page and our main website increased during the solar eclipse.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timelines.

We communicated daily with both project manager and lead developer to discuss progress and anticipate any possible issues. Communication was all handled by phone/skype with email recaps.

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

They work fast without sacrificing quality. With a creative team of their own, they were able to work with all design assets provided when we had design changes. This minimized back and forth between our design team to provide updated assets to CodeLabs.

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

All issues were identified during QA and debug phases which were identified during the building of the project timeline. Everything went as expected.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Digitas Publicis is one of the 6 more important Advertising, Media, and creative groups in the world, we work with huge projects and all type of clients, like Banks, Retail, and others.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Code Labs, and what were your goals?

We're challenge Code Labs with different projects, for acquisition, sales, leads, show our clients product and others, based on: Agility, Security, and innovation. Like: Chatbot development, Drupal, Magento, and WordPress development, and other kinds of projects.

SOLUTION

How did you select Code Labs and what were the deciding factors?

Code Labs has extensive knowledge on: Development, servers (aws technology), visual design, technology, and others. we see many trust facts that transform Code Labs from an external provider to our principal Partner.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

we're working with codelabs on different projects as: New site from La Lechera (Nestlé Product) Code Labs create all the backend using Drupal, integrate a chatbot using Dialogflow and Phyton.

Code Labs was clear with us and provide, code from the site using for example GIT and creating touchpoints weekly using agile communication.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

Huge teamwork: 1. Manager 1. PM Manager 3. Backend Engineers 2. Frontend Engineers 1. Financial Contact 1. Financial Support 1. Tester

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

All the features were perfect on-site, and the timetable was exactly as planned.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timelines.

Create weekly touchpoints, using Agile Methodology, we create a shared canvas for the site using Trello

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

Code Labs give us a clear solution, was part of the project and part of the team, they create solutions for topics that we haven't in mind.

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

No.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

We are an Austin, TX based Agency that caters to total market but we have a specialization and we see things thru a Multicultural lense given our start as a Hispanic advertising agency. I am the Managing Director.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Code Labs?

I've called them several times for everything from banner creation, back end coding, web design etc.

What were your goals for this project?

In all cases the goal was to provide our clients a seamless, white-labeled, quick and cost efficient solution to their Digital needs.

SOLUTION

How did you select Code Labs?

by doing what they do best which is to work fast and efficiently. By having great communication throughout the process with us and by adhering to the tight timelines.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

as mentioned before it varies greatly but it has been from the creation of several banners to coding to developing, meta data development, web design etc

What was the team composition?

they provided a POC that we had at all times and I personally dealt with Jacobo on most things.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Like I said before to me the most important outcome is to doing it fast , in budget and without mistakes. they do well on all 3

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

There was great communication with both teams.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

the personalized and fast service. the way in which you feel like you are the only one that matters to them

Are there any areas for improvement?

none at this time