Core Logic

Please describe your company and your position there.

The VEHIS Group was established to meet the expectations of hundreds of thousands of car users. It is with them in mind that we have created a new service that brings together everything you need to choose, purchase, finance, insure and use a car in one place.

I am the IT director responsible for every area of software deployment or IT infrastructure. I am responsible directly to the management for all IT activities.

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

We hired Core Logic company to build a comprehensive IT solution both for the sale of cars through the internet and the entire handling of financing processes (leasing, rental). These solutions also apply to software related to vehicle insurance process and debt collection processes.

It is a full package of IT solutions for a financial company. In addition, they provide us with services in the field of design, construction and maintenance of IT infrastructure based on various types of automation and hybrid technology (containerization) with security solutions (i.e. WAF).

How did you select Core Logic and what were the deciding factors?

We collaborated with Core Logic on projects carried out in other companies. Based on the experience gained, we can say that we were very satisfied. They showed high technical and business skills. They understood our needs.

They also realized that as a startup, we needed greater demand and a lot of commitment at the beginning to start the business. Hence, the decision was to implement the full project with them.

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

The elements of the entire ecosystem of applications that were delivered are:

1. Car sales system
2. Publicly available at: https://vehis.pl - financing system
3. An internal system that is necessary for the full leasing process,
4. Insurance system
5. An internal system that carries out the process of assigning insurance to the purchased vehicle,
6. Debt  collection system
7. An internal system for the debt collection process,

Core Logic supported the full application development process, from analytical support to software development and its production implementation.

Core Logic support ranged from architecture to full solution development. The best technologies were used for buliding all application: J2ee, Linux, opensource and Oracle databases. All applications were launched in the IT infrastructure also prepared by Core Logic.

The IT infrastructure is based on IaaS and microservices. As a result, it is scalable and can be quickly adapted to new application requirements. Currently, Core Logic supports us in the development and maintenance of applications and IT infrastructure.

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

Due to the fact that the entire environment of the application and infrastructure ecosystem was big, many people with various specializations took part in the project. On the side of the partner, there were, among others: analysts, project managers, developers, devops, testers. From our side many people from business took part in the project.

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

This project was a key element for starting the entire business. The idea was to create an application ecosystem. Main part where modern sales platform and highly functional backoffice. Without the described solutions, it would not be possible for the current business to operate so efficiently. It would be even hard to start the business.

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

The project management was really good. Mostly the deadlines where met. Because of their business knowledge in automotive they understood out needs and knew how to address implementation of IT processess. Communication tools which we used: Redmine, Skype, Mobile phone.

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

The most impressive thing about the company was the organization of work and real involvement in the project. All involved people understood the purpose, risks and the need to make important decisions in order to efficiently launch all necessary business processes. As our company launched its activities, it was a very important aspect, thanks to which everything went smoothly.

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

There are always areas that could have been corrected or changed. Nevertheless, the way an organization works is an individual matter. We do not have the technical knowledge to be able to issue opinions on its functioning. We believe that everyone involved in the project used their best knowledge and experience to achieve the intended goal.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the IT manager of Traficar, a rental car company in Poland.

What challenge were you trying to address with Core Logic?

We needed help with the development of our website and applications for our car sharing platform.

What was the scope of their involvement?

They developed our website, web application, and Android and iOS application. We provided all the requirements and designs. Once we had the UX and roadmap for our customers, they built the backend and frontend. They also developed a second website for us that is a car rental website with a rental agreement portal. We didn’t use any packaged programs. We built everything with Core Logic. They continue to help with maintenance and development of new features.

What is the team composition?

We have a good connection to the CEO if needed. He was the main developer and provided help for every accident and situation. Also, there was a team leader, two or three Android developers, two or three iOS developers, a frontend developer, and 3­4 people preparing the backend.

How did you come to work with Core Logic?

We started the project with a marketing agency that recommended Core Logic. We decided to go with them because of their experience. They made a good portal for an airline in Italy before we started working with them, and they were extremely satisfied with Core Logic. Also, one of our employees works for an insurance company that had a good experience working with Core Logic and their app is excellent.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent $200,000–$250,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in June 2016 and the work is ongoing.

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

We have 1,300 cars and 20,000 active users of the app, and the platform is used every day by 2,000–3,000 people. The app is on the market, and we were the first car sharing company in Poland. We use the second website every day as well.

How did Core Logic perform from a project management standpoint?

Project management is excellent. We use Redmine, telephone, and email, and we have face-to-face meetings every two weeks. The platform must be up 24/7, so they provide help 24/7. If there are situations, they help us quickly.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Because they made apps for insurance companies, they were able to apply that expertise to building our backend. The feedback about Core Logic is outstanding.

Are there any areas they could improve?

We had an issue on the website, but our project manager/developer couldn’t see it. We talked to the CEO and suggested replacing him or giving him further training. He spent 3–4 days at our company, and we showed him the data and details of the process that we wanted on the website and explained what customers would be doing on the site. After that, everything changed. They started thinking more like customers and less like developers.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We’re the Polish branch of a worldwide automotive corporation, working as a combination of a financial and automotive brand. I’m a product manager in the company.

What challenge were you trying to address with Core Logic?

We brought Core Logic in as an IT development partner during a mobile app project. We were looking for a developer that build a mobile app that connects to one of our promotions.

What was the scope of their involvement?

Core Logic developed an iOS and Android app, along with the backend service. They created a backend management portal that runs on desktops.

The app acts as a tool and is connected to a loyalty program. Users can log in, check their reward points, look at their bonus history, receive offers, and more, all through their phones.

What is the team composition?

We’ve worked with about ten people from Core Logic across different stages of the project. There have been Android, iOS, web and backend developers.

How did you come to work with Core Logic?

We performed market research and obtained recommendations. We ranked a few companies, and they won the competition.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our first meeting was in the second half of 2017. We started working on the project with Core Logic in January 2018, and the collaboration is ongoing.

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

The app is in its initial stages, and we’ve built the MVP version. Core Logic has delivered to our expectations.

How did Core Logic perform from a project management standpoint?

I don’t have any complaints regarding their project management. We’re pleased with the overall collaboration between Core Logic and our team. There have been no issues with deadlines.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We found their flexibility and engagement in the project as well as their collaboration with us. If we have a problem or request, their team talks to us about it through calls or online, if possible.

Are there any areas they could improve?

The documentation during the project should be more detailed, but, besides that, Core Logic has done everything we've asked exceptionally well.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

If a customer is interested in an IT solution or mobile app, I’d advise them to go to Core Logic. They’re an excellent partner.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the IT manager of Blue Panorama Airlines, an Italian-based aviation company.

What challenge were you trying to address with Core Logic?

We hired them to upgrade our internet booking engine and connect it to our online reservation system.

What was the scope of their involvement?

The main project focused on building the website and business logic behind the e-commerce platform. Core Logic developed the frontend and backend using Java Platform, Enterprise Edition, Linux, and Angular.js. We then decided to develop a new branch of the project—a separate platform for the mobile side. We asked Core Logic to use an open-source CMS and introduce customizations for managing the website according to the demands of our business vertical.

How did you come to work with Core Logic?

We sent our RFP to multiple companies with relevant development experience in the airline industry. We then shortlisted three vendors and assessed them with an internal score ranking system that factored price, technical competence, and industry experience. We selected Core Logic because they had a smart approach and worked with new technologies. The team was highly skilled in the open-source development community.

What is the team composition?

We worked with the owner and multiple project managers.

What is the status of this engagement?

We put out the RFP in 2014 and started working with Core Logic in late 2015. The partnership ended in 2016. We were about to start a second engagement—a small pilot integration with hotel inventories—but delayed that project after another firm acquired us.

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

We were satisfied with their work. Otherwise, we’d have dropped the relationship. We applied a new approach and technology. They then provided suggestions for the final look-and-feel. We stipulated requirements and the team was open to additional suggestions for improving deliverables. Overall, the project was a good experience for both teams; the partnership gave us several advantages.

How did Core Logic perform from a project management standpoint?

We worked with their owner initially and it went well. However, I wasn’t too satisfied with their project management during the second stage. They changed the PM and we were happy after that. The latest project manager was straightforward and understood our needs. He was an effective intermediary between teams. As a result, Core Logic was reliable and met our expectations.

We worked in an agile environment and used Redmine to track issues and create tickets. We communicated via Skype and email. The latter was slightly redundant to Redmine, but they accommodated our preference to use email in the workflow.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their technical skills and confidence with open-source development stood out.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the COO of Traficar Sp. z o.o. We’re a car-sharing company that operates out of Poland. The company was founded in 2013 and, we officially launched the service in 2016. It’s the only service of its kind within our region. Our application and car devices were custom built for our company specifically. We operate in six Polish cities. Customers reserve and gain access to our cars using an app, then they drive to their destinations. We also have an app-based process that bills users for their drive.

I’m responsible for our internal operative processes, including sales, back-office processes, and our contact center. I also coordinate our relationships with the offshore companies that help us with app development.

What challenge were you trying to address with Core Logic?

In 2013, we looked for companies to help us build our car device and corresponding app. We started working with a Warsaw-based marketing agency, who helped us prepare the entire project. Not far into the engagement, they ran into a problem while developing the application. They suggested we continue the project with Core Logic, so we transitioned the work to their team.

What was the scope of their involvement?

We provided them with the same information we gave our previous partner—a description of the project, our business plan, and our budget. Before starting their own development, Core Logic reviewed all of the work that had already been completed. We were at a critical moment in the development process when we changed vendors, so they needed to make sure we were on the right track. Because it didn’t seem like our previous partner had made a lot of progress, Core Logic decided to start from scratch. We sat down for another meeting and formed a plan of action. In detail, we described how we wanted them to build our system.

They developed three applications; one for iOS, one for Android, and one for the web, all using Java technologies. The program allows customers to log into their accounts and reserve cars for specific dates and times. Core Logic integrated a back-office CMS that helps our team manage the entire system. They provide support, while also working on new features and updates. We have new ideas every month. They’re currently working on an improved billing system for our customers.

What is the team composition?

We’ve worked with at least 12 people from their team. For the bulk of the work, they provided two iOS developers, two Android developers, 2–3 backend developers, a graphic designer, a UX specialist, and a project manager. We also work closely with their board.

How did you come to work with Core Logic?

We held a contest within the Polish market, and our initial vendor came out on top. They submitted a good proposal and idea, but due to internal turnover, they lost some of their critical resources. When they realized they wouldn’t be able to complete the project, they shared a list of companies they’d worked with in the past.

Core Logic was on their list and highly recommended by their team. We reviewed several other references and some examples of their past work. We liked what we saw, so we chose to partner with them.

How much have you invested with them?

In total, we’ve spent close to $500,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Core Logic around November 2015, and it’s an ongoing relationship.

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

For several months, our app was ranked first in the AppStore’s travel category. We’re very competitive in our market, receiving largely positive reviews for both the iOS and Android versions of our app. These are promising results, but it’s still an evolving service. Core Logic is helping us make continuous improvements.

How did Core Logic perform from a project management standpoint?

We use a mix of Asana, Basecamp, and Jira to track the project. They share their development progress and technical information through Jira, where I can comment and add notes. In terms of communication, I primarily contact them via Skype, Basecamp, or a different video-call system. If we have an urgent issue, we just make a phone call.

Our project manager has access to all of their team members through an online service. To address questions or concerns, he can go straight to the specific resource that’s responsible for that component of our project.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We’ve collaborated with many companies, but we have one of the strongest relationships with Core Logic. It’s partly due to their size. As a small and local vendor, we see them as part of our internal team. It’s a very open partnership. If I have something on my mind, I can reach out for help at any time—weekdays and weekends. Their problem-solving abilities are admirable. They’re very supportive at our most critical moments. We’ve stayed with them for three years now, which speaks for itself.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Whenever we have something we’d like to change, we immediately discuss it with them, and they adjust accordingly. For example, we were only interacting through emails initially. After a few months, we decided it would be more efficient to add in project management tools. Now, we have a much more effective communication flow.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Independent Digital is the biggest independent digital distributor in Poland. We handle digital distribution of music, VOD [video on demand], and audiobooks, and have the biggest distribution network in Poland. We cooperate with all the world’s key players in the digital distribution market such as Amazon, Apple, Spotify, Tidal, Deezer, Google, etc. Our portfolio consists of 300,000 files that were delivered to digital services and it is constantly growing by 10,000 files a week. In order to maintain our day-to-day business and keep expanding, we need to have advanced technical assistance, which is provided by Core Logic. I am a member of the board.

What challenge were you trying to address with Core Logic?

Independent Digital searched for a software provider in order to create a comprehensive technological solution for converting audio and video files, deliveries to digital services such as iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, Deezer, Google Play, YouTube, and settlement of sales of delivered content with our clients. Implementation of technology was necessary due to the constant increase of content in the catalog we distribute.

What was the scope of their involvement?

We have been working with Core Logic for a few years now and they fully cover our technical needs. The team consisting of a few people is working simultaneously on our projects. What differs Core Logic from other offshore companies is the fact that they try their best to understand our business needs so that they know exactly what are our expectations are from developed applications. This makes it easy with cooperation between our companies.

The technology that we are using is Java/JavaEE with Redhat platforms, as it is easier to integrate that with all other our systems and partners. Besides websites, they are creating mobile applications as well. Additionally, we use Core Logic’s competence in IT infrastructure design for developed applications.

During the whole cooperation time with Core Logic, they were very flexible and engaged in all the projects they have been developing. Whenever we need extra support in an emergency, they do not fail us.

How did you come to work with Core Logic?

Core Logic was recommended by our close business partner as a really solid technological solutions provider that is aware of the digital distribution environment. At the beginning of our cooperation, we carried out two trial projects related to production and distribution of sales codes for sound recordings.

How much have you invested with Core Logic?

The annual development cost is around $100,000 to $200,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

Core Logic has been our technology partner since 2014 and we have worked with them on multiple projects. Most of them are continuously evolving, so there are timelines defined for specific stages. For all those stages, the timelines are kept, so we are very satisfied with the delivery times for all developed projects.

Could you share any evidence that would demonstrate the productivity, quality of work, or the impact of the engagement?

The first big project ended up as a full success. I can point out the following success indicators: reduction of the human role in a process of conversion of files, distribution, and settlement of content sales in digital services. The further indicators are the reliability of the process and infallibility of provided applications.

What did you find most impressive about Core Logic?

Core Logic has a team that is really professional, highly technical and focused on solving customer problems. The quality of the applications they deliver is really high. Core Logic is always upfront when they come across any problem.

When we have consulted any of our project specification and requirements, they critically evaluate each and every component. They wanted to ensure that we knew what we were asking for from the business perspective. This is one of the characteristics of Core Logic which we appreciate.

Are there any areas Core Logic could improve?

Looking at our projects and their cooperation, there is not much we could say about any points that would need to be improved. As in any other bigger projects, small issues can show up, but in general, we are satisfied with the cooperation. We are well informed about the progress of each project, which is one of the important points for us.