Computools

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the COO of Global Retailers LLC

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Our company is a worldwide merchandising organization that sells fashion and apparel products. Compared to other merchandising companies, we successfully balance the leading industry tendencies and our skills. My function within the company is leading digital change projects, specifically emphasising process improvement across the departments. I lead on establishing and managing digital solutions, improving product enhancement, and streamlining our market entry strategies.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

• We wanted to improve the level of data integration and shared business data across the departments, provide real-time data access and accelerate the time-to-market for new collections.

SOLUTION

How did you find Computools?

Clutch Site

Why did you select Computools over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Good value for cost

How many teammates from Computools were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

The project included developing three core workspaces: line planning, product presentation, and a virtual sandbox for assortment configuration. Computools also integrated the platform with our PLM systems, allowing real-time data updates.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Due to the platform's use, the new products' generated go-to-market timeline improves by 20%, cutting down on plan costs and, most importantly, enhancing the connection between the departments. The availability of near real-time information and the enhancement of the speed of decision-making are truly remarkable.

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

Computools used scrum methodology, allowing them to ask questions about any change and address input accordingly. Successful communication was held through GitHub project channels and daily video conferences, allowing them to remain up to date at each stage of the project.

What was your primary form of communication with Computools?

Email or Messaging App

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

This being Computools’ first time working with us, they demonstrated a genuine effort to understand and fully agree with our vision.

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

Overall, we were satisfied with Computools' performance. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the former Head of Sales and Marketing of the company.

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We're a software development company that creates custom web and mobile solutions to meet business needs. Since 2009, we have been delivering high-quality products and supporting clients from inception and design to engineering and support.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

• Creating an Android Mobile App

SOLUTION

How did you find Computools?

Clutch Site

Why did you select Computools over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Computools were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

The Computools team crafted an Android application for our partner, showcasing data visualizations to its audience through Java. They utilized Node.js, paired with the Express.js framework, and integrated proprietary solutions during its inception. Significantly, Computools added modules that empower users to navigate and link to relevant infographics and articles.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Following the Computools-led project, there was a notable 35% increase in daily active users and a 25% improvement in user retention rates. The revamped application boasted a 20% reduction in load times, while user feedback reflected enhanced satisfaction, with higher ratings emphasizing the app's improved navigation and content linkage. These outcomes underscore the project's evident success.

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

Computools demonstrated proficient project management, consistently delivering milestones on schedule and exhibiting a responsive and adaptive approach to our evolving requirements.

What was your primary form of communication with Computools?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

What stood out most about Computools was their innovative approach to solutions combined with their unwavering commitment to client satisfaction.

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

No, throughout our collaboration, Computools met our expectations and delivered with proficiency.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the CEO of TraCert OÜ

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Our mission is to make data archiving safe and secure with Cert-Trace, GuarDoc and BAITA that are our highlight platforms to provide revsion proof documentation ranging from aerospace or medical or food industry to nownership proof for expensive watches and jewellery.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Creation of powerful database, workbase and webshop

SOLUTION

How did you find Computools?

LinkedIn

Why did you select Computools over others?

Because of their country Ukraine

How many teammates from Computools were assigned to this project?

6-10 Employees

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

Computools has been responsible for creating a novel database and front-end solution, incorporating both the development portal for digital standards and a modern shop for the sale of these standards. Throughout the course of the project, we have been consistently impressed by the professionalism exhibited by the Computools team, as well as their detailed understanding of our client's processes.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Although the project is ongoing, our experiences with Computools have been extraordinarily positive thus far. Their expertise, commitment to our objectives, and consistent delivery of high-quality work are notable aspects of their service. In light of this, we are more than happy to recommend Computools as a reliable and efficient software development partner.

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

Very timely delivery

What was your primary form of communication with Computools?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

We highly appreciate their competence and friendliness

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

We do not know yet

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm a director of Sakura-communication. Our company is a system integrator. Consulting and planning projects for our clients companies and developing software with collaborating foreign software developing partners mainly from Ukraine.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Our client is cyber security related service vender. Since their market is growing very fast, they are losing a lot of business opportunity from not upgrading their current services. Our goal was to create their new service.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

We found them though NPO JASIPA that is ICT association located in JAPAN. In order to create the new service, we needed high level engineers who are familiar with networking and security technology. It was almost impossible to build a team in Japan due to the human resource situation and our basic skill level in the market. There are many factors to decide Computools team. The skill level, well communication, good advice, great in thoughts.

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

Develop tools that obtain traffic which is non http protocol. For android and windows OS. The scope of work for the first 4 months was discovering technologies and prove of concept. Rest of 8 months goal was to develop the actual software. Key deliverables were the tools and documentation for the developers guide. Various technologies that obtain non-HTTP traffics were used.

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

• Business analytics
• Project management
• C# development
• Android development
• Tech Lead
• Design
• Quality assurance

One of each for the positions were in the team.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We were able to build up a team in 30 days since we got request our client. The team has created powerful products despite the technologies are difficult more than we expected.

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

Since we are working online from different location, communication speed and trustable are one of important points that we forces on. The team is well experienced with management projects. That effort avoided unnecessary miscommunication and realize smooth project running in result.

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

Responsibility and honesty. They focused on building wonderful relationships with partners more than the short-term profit. In order to make us correct business decision, they share us all of the projects issue and challenge even though that brings disadvantage for them. These basic thoughts makes difference how to manage the team especially the last period of the project.

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

Since we communicate in 2nd language, of course it was bit harder to understand each other compare to our own language especially on the con call meetings. Only voice and text is good enough but if we could suggest to all of members to open camera as a basic behavior with caring members privacy nonverbal communication(reaction and gesture) helps for the meeting.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

We are an international logistics company that offers transportation services depending on the volume and type of commercial cargo, prepares accompanying documents, and organizes loading operations.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Our primary goal was to find the most viable solution for our internal processes that will offer competitive opportunities by improving the customer experience, accounting, and sales management. We were looking for software to streamline customer relations. Initially, we expected something like a CRM system that will store data on current and potential customers from various sources and optimize processes in sales, marketing, and customer service departments.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

We did our research on the Ukrainian IT market and we were looking for companies with similar background/projects behind their belt. Computools`s portfolio, stellar consulting from their sales managers, and very specific knowledge about the industry were decisive factors for hiring them

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

We turned to Computools with the idea of creating a sales management platform for our website. Thanks to their business analysts we pointed out the optimal list of functionality that included full sales cycle management, automation of necessary documents, tracking, inventory management, client base management, and analytical tools for better transparency.

Computools`s engineers formed a tech stack for our project, development guidelines, and optimal project management methodology to stay on budget, and finally synchronized the developed sales management system with our existing website.

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

Apart from the tech side, we were looking for someone with experience in the business analysis since our project required a deep understanding of the niche. Therefore, the final team stack included: 4 software engineers, 1 project manager, 1 business analyst, 1 business development manager, and a quality assurance engineer.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The project has indeed shown measurable outcomes for our company. Since we had an outdated IT infrastructure, the implemented solution has helped us to increase productivity, get a fuller picture of our sales, and automate many internal processes that required a lot of manual work before.

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

As our company lacked technical prowess, Computools helped us to align business goals/needs with the best technical solutions. Therefore the project`s timeline ranged from consulting and product design to product engineering and testing.

First, they shared their vision on how and which technologies will fit for the project, analyzed and explored the existing solutions on the market, defined foremost goals, and pre-estimated deadlines, costs, and resources. After the consulting stage, it all boiled down to the technical side of the project where they allocated teams, estimated tasks, formed the project`s requirements and scope, and other important documentation for successful project completion.

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

It would definitely be the approach and communication. It was our first time working with the software development company and they did their best to outline the foremost objectives of the project, risks, and optimal deadlines; they carefully explained what is really needed from the system and how to implement it, conducted regular check-ins and meetings for better transparency, and did many other things that resulted in a great product and good impression of work afterward.

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

Nothing comes to mind.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the managing director at a software development company. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Computools?

We needed additional developers and team members.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Computools is helping us develop a backend application, and they are responsible for most of its core components. 

What is the team composition?

We’re working with a business manager, a front end developer, and a back end developer. 

How did you come to work with Computools?

They were recommended by a friend. 

How much have you invested with them?

We have spent around £40,000–£70,000 (approximately $56,000–$99,000 USD).   

What is the status of this engagement?

For our first project, we worked togther from June–December 2020. For our current project, we started working in April 2021, and it’s going to be finished in July 2021.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’re really happy with Computools’ work. I would recommend them, and they’re great. 

How did Computools perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re good at meeting deadlines.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I’m really happy with their services.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of any. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

You should communicate well with their team. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm a Head od Marketing in Leaware. Leaware is a team of professionals from the IT industry that helps you achieve your clients' business goals on a daily basis.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Computools was asked to make a front end part for us. Computools has developed 2 beauty apps with friendly UX. One was created for beauty service providers and the other for consumers.

SOLUTION

How did you select Computools and what were the deciding factors?

Computools has been recommended to us by a friendly company from the industry

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

Firstly we discussed the project and mapped a workflow. Then we have identified the basic requirements for the project and the most appropriate technology stack. After that, the team immediately started developing the project.

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

The team consisted of three developers and project manager.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We received an increase in the flow of customers within a week after the launch of the product. We have received some feedback on improving the customer experience.

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

We communicated directly with the project manager, and the tasks were provided in jira.It was very convenient to work according to the SCRAM method with daily meetings

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

We expected to receive fast service without delays or interruptions when choosing a service provider. Computools was able to cope with this task. All requests are executed extremely quickly and accurately.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the manager at a digital agency located in Norway creating custom digital solutions for a wide range of clients.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We hired Computools to help us develop a custom LMS platform for a client that publishes a wide range of articles and magazines. We needed a team with professional senior developers that could handle a complex and long-term project.

The main goal was to create an unique easy to use LMS platform for teachers and students that uses the client's database with content. Content that the teachers can use to create multidisciplinary assignments.

SOLUTION

How did you select Computools and what were the deciding factors?

We had meetings with different companies in Oslo in the fall of 2019. Based on our meetings we picked Computools to be a good match based on their feedback, follow up questions and quick turnaround when needed. We needed a company with great experience with the technology stack Laravel, React, AWS and Wordpress.

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

We started with UI and UX work before Computools got informed and hired for the project. Based on the project specification and design Computools used agile development to help us achieve important project milestones such as developing an pilot version for platform presentations and user feedback.

Since we did not have a strict platform specification containing user stories in advance, Computools helped us in an incredible way in terms of creating user stories and suggest solutions. They have been a great partner in this project, not just a vendor.

Based on end-user and client feedback on pilot version we continued to concentrate creating the first version for early platform launch in august 2020. Computools helped with auto-testing setup for quality and stabilization, and complete environment setup in AWS. 

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

The Computools team have consisted of 4-5 key resources and in some periods up to 7 people in the largest sprints. Their positions have been project manager, front-end dev, back-end dev, wordpress dev, QA, tech-lead and devops.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Since the project is a long term project and it’s not finished we don’t have final outcomes yet. So far the work done by Computools is solid and they have delivered above our expectations.

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

Computools have had a single project manager. This have made communication swift and effective. The team have mainly used Skype for daily communication and Jira for project management. Google docs have been used for documentation and sprint planning.

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

We are very impressed in how the Computools team have contributed in the project by solving difficult tasks that is not always described in detail. I think this have pushed the team to think for themselves and contribute to this project in a big way.

We are also impressed on how professional the company are in terms of follow up communication and how they want to build a long lasting professional relationship.

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

Nothing specific no.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the project manager of a cryptocurrency exchange "Rokes exchange" based in Estonia.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We were working with Computools on development of the new design for our exchange platform and some tasks on the backend. It was a major update for our project and the Computools team worked on PWA version of our main app.

SOLUTION

How did you select Computools and what were the deciding factors?

Computools was chosen as a vendor by one of the previous PMs, and I am not in a position to tell what this decision was based on.

Over the course of the year we worked with Computools, two other vendors were engaged in the development process, but in the end we decided to only stick with Computools, and this decision was based on their professional skills, the timely delivery on the tasks and good communication skills of the team.

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

The UI redesign was centered around frontend technologies, mostly the implementation of PWA version and web version of our app using Vue.js. Apart from that, Computools also participated in the implementation of GraphQL API in our project.

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

We had varying number of team members over the time we worked, but we always had one project manager and one business manager for the whole duration of our contract, and the development team was changing depending on the current scope of our development requests, while the lead developer was also with our project almost all the time.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have successfully launched our new design and the PWA app, mostly by the hand of Computools team. Everything was delivered as requested by our specification and design document. The quality of work was on a very decent level, and although there were inevitable minor bugs or things that needed small corrections, everything was fixed in a timely manner.

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

The project manager assigned to our project by Computools was proactive, had great communication skills and demonstrated fluency in English. We held sprint meetings and interim calls, while he them communicated with the development team.

If needed he also facilitated the calls directly with the lead developer and we always appreciated the team's ability to adjust to our changing requirements and deliver on tasks with little or no delay. For communication we used MS Teams, for planning we first used Trello, then MS Planner and then Github issues and board. T

he team had no problem with using any of these tools and also made reasonable suggestions on how we can improve the collaboration process using these tools.

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

Their ability to work in a very flexible manner, timely delivery and communication skills from both managers helped us to upgrade our product in the planned terms and their contribution was the most valuable among other vendors we worked with. They were able to easily collaborate with other teams and our internal team, sharing their extensive expertise and finding consensus with other developers was a crucial part of their work with our project.

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

There is always room for improvement and some things could be done differently, but it our case it is hard to tell what would that be and overall we are very happy with their work and performance.