Directpl

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the former Salesforce platform manager of a consumer goods company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Directpl?

We needed to build an app that interfaced with our SAP business intelligence tools, used Salesforce software, and worked through an iPad app.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Directpl made the application through Apex classes and custom objects, handled the project management, and the QA of the Salesforce component to the app. This project was for a large haircare company. The goal was that users could log into the iPad and get a view of customers from the data that was synced with Salesforce, and then Salesforce would sync that same data with SAP. That way, we were able to see what products consumers were buying. Our salespeople could now take their iPads into their customer’s meetings and be able to see what they were buying to demonstrate capabilities.

What is the team composition?

We communicated mainly with Daniel (COO), but he had 2–3 people working with him at the time.

How did you come to work with Directpl?

They came through my management based in Poland. They used Directpl in the past, so they contacted them to do this Salesforce implementation.

How much have you invested with them?

We were investing $42,000 per month, so that wound up being close to $3,500,000 at the end.

What is the status of this engagement?

The engagement lasted from July 2012–June 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our salespeople liked the app, and it gave them a better way to sell because they could actually see data when they were going to meet with their customers. They really liked it because they didn’t have to be logged into the network to use the solution. They could enter everything in the iPad, and then that would link up with Salesforce. The app also didn’t have any major bug problems, just the minimal average.

How did Directpl perform from a project management standpoint?

They delivered everything on time and according to the budget. There was good communication also — we had weekly meetings with stakeholders and technical teams. They were all over it, and I give them high marks. We also had a tracking system to be aware of requirements and issues. It was a good tool and always up to date.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their knowledge ownership was most impressive. They were great at knowing what Salesforce, the iPad, and the interface could do. When it came to deciding on a solution for a use case, it wasn’t all just coding; they were good at suggesting solutions that would be easy to administer in the future.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t think there’s something they can improve on — if I were to give a score, they’d be a 9/10. 

Any advice for potential customers?

Follow the process. Directpl is always on top of everything and handles it all from their end with project management. Just keep in touch with your Directpl representative, and everything will go smoothly.