Digital Fractal Technologies Inc

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the President of an outdoors guides and explorers marketplace

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We run a marketplace for outdoor guides and explorers. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Digital Fractal Technologies Inc to accomplish?

• Design the web application
• Develop the web application

SOLUTION

How did you find Digital Fractal Technologies Inc?

Referral

Why did you select Digital Fractal Technologies Inc over others?

• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget

How many teammates from Digital Fractal Technologies Inc were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

We commissioned an outdoor operator marketplace project in early 2024. The online marketplace would bring operators of wilderness trips and outdoor travelers together. The outdoor adventure market has been consistently growing. Covid had a serious impact on people's choices around fitness and generally living a healthy lifestyle. So, we wanted a product that would bring these operators and travelers together. 

Key Deliverables for the product included:

1. Design and development of the traveler feature set.
2. Design and development of the operator feature set.
3. Design and development of the administrative panel for customer service agents.

Traveler features included:

1. Homepage landing pages
2. Browse and purchase trips (Billing modules)
3. Manage purchased trips: cancelations, rescheduling trips
4. Message operators through chat / messaging modules

Operator features include:

1. Creating operator accounts
2. Adding, scheduling trips
3. Managing scheduled trips: cancelations, reschedules
4. Message travelers through chat / messaging modules

Administrative features include

1. Managing travelers and operator accounts
2. Address customer service issues
3. Issue refunds / price adjustments

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They completed the design as per spec and completed the development as per spec. 

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

They were on top of deliverables and communicated well using tools like Jira. They provided weekly status reports and communicated any expected delays in advance. We communicated via Slack and Jira for the most part and to some degree emails.  

What was your primary form of communication with Digital Fractal Technologies Inc?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting

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

Digital Fractal kept us in the loop by giving us accounts and access to things like design files and having us offer feedback regularly and continuously. This was very different from all the previous businesses I'd worked with 

Are there any areas for improvement or something Digital Fractal Technologies Inc could have done differently?

I would recommend that Digital Fractal employ better tools for user acceptance testing. A lot of that was done manually, I think we can use software tools to streamline the UAT process.  

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO and founder of Vision Media. We’re a front-end and video developer.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Digital Fractal Technologies Inc?

Over the past 3-4 years, the COVID-19 pandemic set us back, leaving us short-staffed. As part of rebuilding our company, we needed a service provider with technical expertise in front-end and back-end development across several projects.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

With Digital Fractal Technologies Inc, we created various apps and learning tools for iPads and iPhones. In some cases, we developed our own apps, and some were reasonably successful. However, as they started to age, we needed to update them.

The way we worked with Digital Fractal Technologies Inc was straightforward: we’d either approach them to develop an app, or they’d bring a request to us. Together, we plotted out the project and, once we agreed on the app blueprint, we worked it up through the system to get a cost estimate. Development began only after securing an agreement with the end client. As these projects were collaborations, Digital Fractal Technologies Inc not only developed the apps from scratch but also contributed to the design process.

Some of the projects we worked on were quite large. One of the biggest was in Nunavut, Canada. The government asked us to create a proposal, which we prepared after visiting the area. Digital Fractal Technologies Inc played a key role in structuring the project.

The app was developed for a communications organization serving the Inuit in Nunavut. It aimed to help them understand the details of a newly signed land claim agreement, including where they could fish, how they could fish, and who they could partner with. The project was complex and designed specifically for iPads. Digital Fractal Technologies Inc ensured the app made the agreement's features easily accessible through quizzes, animations, timelines, and other interactive tools.

Additionally, we had to create a robust backend for the project to allow people in the Arctic to update the app's information. Most of this work was handled by Souhail, the CEO of Digital Fractal Technologies Inc. We also conducted a fairly elaborate testing phase on both ends. While the app was initially designed for schools, we’re worked on adapting it for the broader Inuit population, guiding them on how to use it effectively.

What is the team composition?

Souhail had a team of about four key developers, and I had 3–4 people on my side.

How did you come to work with Digital Fractal Technologies Inc?

We hired them because we needed their technical expertise.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent roughly $500,000 CAD.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from May 2019 to January 2022.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The feedback we received from users was positive—they seemed really pleased with the app. However, the project had a shaky start due to the challenging conditions we were dealing with. The northern region of Canada has undergone significant upheavals, including the federal government relocating many communities to more populous areas where schools are now located. The app wasn’t designed for a large audience but to help those involved better understand the land claim agreement. I particularly appreciate how it ties into the country’s Constitution. 

It was especially challenging not being able to communicate with potential users through Zoom or phone, as phones allow you to hear intonations and moods that are hard to capture through other forms of communication. Despite this, we proceeded with the project.

Digital Fractal Technologies Inc fixed the bugs quickly. We had a couple of brilliant developers. If they had a problem with something, we’d explain it to them or get it fixed for them. The team ensured everything was functioning as intended and the project succeeded in meeting expectations. I’m not sure what its status is right now. I think it might be down because we’re having problems getting people up in the north to enter and update the data that is needed to keep it functioning. To be honest, I haven’t looked at it for several months, so I’m not sure where it’s at.

The type of projects we’ve been able to complete and how reliable Digital Fractal Technologies Inc show that they really outperformed.

How did Digital Fractal Technologies Inc perform from a project management standpoint?

I handed everything over to Souhail and his team. He was able to set it up. I forget what he used to manage the project, but it was elaborate. We had to set deadlines and payment dates. They handled most of that stuff, but I handled all the payments.

We were on budget until we ran into a major change that they wanted. Then, we had to go back and renegotiate the project. Jira was used for the project. We had two levels of communication. I dealt with Soheil and his team, and when we started the project, we were working on the same building. Then, we had to switch to regular phone calls, emails, and Zoom meetings. We also used Jira for project management.
Are there any employees from the service provider's team that you would like to give a shout-out to in this review?
I want to give a shout-out to Soheil. He was amazing and really smart. I trust him, we have a tight friendship, and we work together really well. I’ve always enjoyed working with him.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Shouhail was level-headed and unemotional. He’s able to calm things down when we get into difficult situations. He’s very knowledgeable about his business. He’s always trying new things, and he’s a good guy. He’s also very honest, which is nice.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They could improve on dealing more directly with people. Once you create an app, people have the idea that they don’t have to worry about it anymore. If you’re a technician at any point in the chain, you have to manage the app from your end and feed in new content. 

We had the same problem with another project. They wouldn’t put any money into promoting the app. I’d never go into a project again where we can’t talk weekly or even more often on the phone or Zoom. There’s no need not to do that because the projects are complicated. Looking back, I’d focus on clearer communication and be more specific about backend requirements. When the project is complete, it’s crucial to have one or two people managing the app on their end to update content regularly.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

If potential customers can indicate what your budget is, that would be good. They need to have a realistic budget, and that’s hard to get in the business right now. People have great ideas and want to know how much it will cost. They have to get the programmers to look at it, and they have to have all of that interaction upfront until we get a defined budget. This is a struggle that all of us face right now. It’s hard to get people to take a risk on anything that they haven’t diluted with their fears of the app not working.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the President of AOHVA (Alberta Off Highway Vehicle Assn)

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We are the Provincial Organization representing OHV's in Alberta, and Trail Manager Parter for Alberta Goverment to maintain and steward the trails.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Digital Fractal Technologies Inc to accomplish?

• Create Maintenance App for Clubs
• Create App Reporting Template for Maintenance
• Create App Base for Online Public Map

SOLUTION

How did you find Digital Fractal Technologies Inc?

• Online Search
• Referral

Why did you select Digital Fractal Technologies Inc over others?

• Close to my geographic location
• Good value for cost

How many teammates from Digital Fractal Technologies Inc were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Develop, build, test and deliver a Mobile App & Customer Managmement Portal for all our clubs to be able to identify, manage and report field maintenance and inventory activties.  Key Deliverables were - Functional/User Friendly Apple & Andoid App, Framework for adding addtional layers in future, Dashboards for various levels, Reporting ability for annual reports, Data Hosting services

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Set milestones, set phases, testing feedback, 

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

They delivered all items within expected timeframes and are extremely responsive to any changes, additions or issues. Support has been second to none.

What was your primary form of communication with Digital Fractal Technologies Inc?

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

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

Knowledge and experience, understanding of objective and outcome, exemplary service with excellent leadership.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Digital Fractal Technologies Inc could have done differently?

Nothing to add, very satusfied with service and products delivered

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Broker of K2 Realty Corporation

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Our company is a Real Estate Firm!

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Digital Fractal Technologies Inc to accomplish?

• Enhance our online presence
• Replace our current web dev provider.

SOLUTION

How did you find Digital Fractal Technologies Inc?

Referral

Why did you select Digital Fractal Technologies Inc over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Digital Fractal Technologies Inc were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Digital fractal has been workin with us on an ongoing basis to produce a premium web application to display exclusivly new properties.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Every week we have a web meeting to debug and test while in Beta. 

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

Digital fractal has a great structure for keeping track of changes on an ongoing basis. That sa,me system is very effective at requesting and tracking needed feature changes.

What was your primary form of communication with Digital Fractal Technologies Inc?

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

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

They finish projects, under-promise, and over-deliver.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Digital Fractal Technologies Inc could have done differently?

None.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Owner of ListedNew

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Our company works with the real estate industry.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Digital Fractal Technologies Inc to accomplish?

• Website Design
• Payment Technologies

SOLUTION

How did you find Digital Fractal Technologies Inc?

Referral

Why did you select Digital Fractal Technologies Inc over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Digital Fractal Technologies Inc were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Creation of a website aimed at promoting the sale of newly built homes and condos. This website allows property searches with mapped results, a user interface for homebuilders and developers that functions like an online classifieds service, and a complete communication system for buyers to contact homebuilders and developers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The search capabilities of the site are amazing and very successful. The ability for homebuilders and developers to create their own ads complete with a tool to upload multiple property photos was very successful. Overall this system works well for buyers and sellers alike.

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

Deadlines were met consistantly and when not met, it was often understandable due to changes to the required specifications for the project.

What was your primary form of communication with Digital Fractal Technologies Inc?

Virtual Meeting

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

Bottom line... They care a lot about what they do! Issues happen and unexpected things are pretty much inevitable. Digital Fractal is so good because they actually care about what they do, and they care deeply about producing a quality product. They are true to their word and very fair to deal with.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Digital Fractal Technologies Inc could have done differently?

All projects have issues and ours was no different. I'd love to have less issues, but when you are creating something custom, that is probably not a realistic situation. Instead of stating where Digitial Fractal could have done things differently, I will instead focus my comments on how dedicated they are to completing a quality product even when things are challenging.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Vice President of Sterling Homes

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Digital transformation consulting, digital tools, Key note speaker. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Digital Fractal Technologies Inc to accomplish?

• Building Digital tools and solutions
• Digital Evaluations
• Apps

SOLUTION

How did you find Digital Fractal Technologies Inc?

Referral

Why did you select Digital Fractal Technologies Inc over others?

• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Digital Fractal Technologies Inc were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Digital Fractal built out an entire self-showing show home system and app. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Numerous tests and meetings to get deliverables right. 

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

They were completely professional with awesome interactions, always available to discuss 

What was your primary form of communication with Digital Fractal Technologies Inc?

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

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

Really took the time to understand needs, Souhail is a master communicator 

Are there any areas for improvement or something Digital Fractal Technologies Inc could have done differently
They're one of the best companies I've worked with.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the CEO of (a/an) Logistics & Supply Chain

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Local delivery service and software for SMBs.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Digital Fractal Technologies Inc to accomplish?

• Build our backend and mobile apps for our core delivery engine.

SOLUTION

How did you find Digital Fractal Technologies Inc?

Online Search

Why did you select Digital Fractal Technologies Inc over others?

• Close to my geographic location
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

What was the size of Digital Fractal Technologies Inc’s team?

2-5 Employees

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

Helped us develop a logistical software solution.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• Many objectives that were met.

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

Yes, and they did their best to respond to our needs.

What was your primary form of communication with Digital Fractal Technologies Inc?

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

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

Accomadate our needs at a reasonable price.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Digital Fractal Technologies Inc could have done differently?

Perhaps we could have avoided PHP.