We Help Great Companies Build Great Platforms
e-point SA is a software house that specializes in complex international IT projects for e-commerce (B2B, B2C, B2B2C) and financial industries.
For over 20 years we have been establishing, developing and maintaining portals as well as platforms supporting sales. We also provide mobile solutions (Progressive Web Applications) and product information management (PIM).
What makes us unique?
- Original project management methodology, awarded among others: Polish Project Excellence Award (in 2007 and 2018).
- Building long-term relationships and partnerships with clients.
- A unique combination of technological, UX and consulting competences.
Focus
Recommended Providers
Portfolio
Amway, InterCars, Leifheit, ING, PZU, Adamed, Google and others.
A New Portal for PZU Clients
With 22 million clients, PZU Group is the largest insurer in Central and Eastern Europe.
It offers a wide range of products to the Polish market: life assurance, property and health insurance, investment and savings accounts, pension plans and retirement accounts, private health insurance, and a vast array of assistance services. Their new strategy focuses strongly on online customer service; their goals include capturing a 50% market share in the direct market by 2020. To pursue these goals, e-point designed a new self-service portal that better positions PZU to meet customers’ needs. Getting to know PZU clients
To deliver on the project, we created an interdisciplinary team of PZU and e-point members. On PZU’s side, this included people from the e-marketing department, product managers, and representatives from the R&D department.
A New Product Classification Method
To create a portal that performs strongly, we had to devise a new product structure. We wanted to make it easy for PZU customers to find products that met their individual needs.
PZU’s product pages also had a massive overhaul. Guided by the principles of plain language, the PZU team made the new website content as reader-friendly as possible, ridding it of lengthy compound sentences and complex terminology. The e-point team proposed a cleaner layout and new graphic forms to enhance communication.
Promoting self-service was also a major goal for the new portal. Each product has an understandable description of all possible forms of purchase. But insurance and finance are not just sales. Extended service is an important factor in customer satisfaction, especially when it becomes necessary to claim insurance.
The new PZU portal was developed with Active Content, e-point’s proprietary CMS, as its backbone.
How to create real innovation - project management at Aleo.pl
Aleo.com is unique in that the client – spółka ING Usługi dla Biznesu – was directly involved in the project, actually having set up camp at e-point’s office. This is not the usual practice in the market.
Such close cooperation resulted from ING’s great commitment and confidence in the e-point team. The Aleo.pl trading/auction platform was a unique initiative not only for the Group (ING and e-point) but for the market at large as well. At the same time, an analysis of the requirements clearly showed that the project would be very extensive and multi-faceted, and its implementation would require ongoing communication and collaboration of ideas between partners - the client and the contractor.
A dedicated team was established at ING to deal solely with Aleo.com, and an office for the Group’s representatives was set up at e-point’s premises.
Due to the uniqueness of the project, not one but a combination of several methodologies were selected for development. The combination of methodologies is key to IT projects, as it allows an optimum result to be obtained in terms of the client’s expectations of the time - scope - cost triangle.
Since the project was a priority for ING and that quality would determine the success of the final product, we opted for a combination of three methodologies: Waterfall, Iterative Waterfall, and Scrum. The last methodology represents the agile approach, where methodologies leverage variability and instability - features most disliked by project managers - as prime sources of strength and effectiveness.
Inter Cars B2B E-commerce Platform: Strategic Asset for European Expansion
e-point has developed a customized B2B e-commerce system based on SAP Hybris for Inter Cars, Eastern Europe’s largest distributor of car parts, which was specifically tailored to meet the demanding needs of the company’s sales department and its international business partners.
The scale of the project:
- 100 thousand automobile repair shops
- 1.7 million car part products
- 7 thousand product categories
- 16 European countries
- 170 billion individual prices
- Largest SAP Hybris Commerce Cloud project in Europe in 2017
The e-commerce system developed by e-point for Inter Cars leveraged the Cloud version of SAP Hybris Commerce. This allowed optimization of system efficiency and enhancement of key security parameters while maximizing cost-effectiveness. Worth noting was that this was the largest SAP Hybris Commerce Cloud project developed in Europe in 2017.
Inter Cars set for itself the objective of developing the most intuitive and user-friendly catalog of car parts on the market. This was an enormous challenge due to the number of products in their database, the automotive market data model used and the need to personalize prices on a large scale.
This objective stemmed from a basic understanding of repair shop employees’ key need: to quickly and precisely identify a part in a question and then determine the delivery term and price level. By supplying a solution that dramatically improved this process, Inter Cars sought to improve the satisfaction and efficiency of each repair shop system user and thus ensure itself long term competitive advantage over the competition.
E-commerce platform for 31 countries
New platform needed
The company decided to build a completely new online system that could handle significantly more Users, offer new functionalities, and allow for flexible functionality changes to keep pace with the ever changing business environment. An important aim of the new project was to deliver a new, clear and attractive information layer to facilitate placing orders and attract people to Amway. The new system was to be built with Java Enterprise on an IBM WebSphere platform.
The biggest project in the history of e-point SA Design Challenge
- E-Commerce system with Corporate Portal
- Prices generated according to User Profile
- Country-specific delivery and payment methods
- Payment processing in multiple currencies
- 30 languages, up to 3 languages per country
Technological Challenge
- 3,000,000 lines of code
- 550 application screens
- Integration with 6 external systems
- 400 database tables
- 1000 transactions per second
- 700 parameters monitored
- 14 software platforms
- 100+ servers and network devices
- 99.95% system availability
Organizational Challenge
- 89 project phases
- 722 change requests processed
- 92 IT and business specialists engaged in project design and execution
- 1097 installations of the System in both test and production environments
- 43 on-site meetings abroad
Leifheit’s Successful Pilot Demonstrates Untapped B2C Sales Potential
For decades, Leifheit – a home products manufacturer based in Germany – sold its products through distributors. Recently, they made the decision to sell directly to consumers via their branded online store. While this proved to be a profitable decision, there were some technical roadblocks that needed to be overcome.
What was key to this e-commerce pilot’s success? Several things.
Key 1: Communication
In every project, communication is vital. Everyone involved should be able to see how the work is progressing. Because this project had several dispersed international teams, we had to think carefully about how to keep everyone connected. To facilitate such distributed communication, we decided to use Google Hangouts and Jira’s project-tracking tools instead of email. Regular video conferences between us and Leifheit also enhanced our information exchange and allowed both sides to clarify any questions or uncertainties. Having a Project Coordinator in Leifheit Polska also provided us with a lot of great support.
Key 2: Cleanup
Our initial workload involved a thorough analysis of the existing code and a reduction in Leifheit’s technological debt. In a two-month timeframe, we eliminated code errors and got the platform working correctly. We also removed ERP-to-e-commerce communication problems, e.g. issues with payment and product return procedures.
Key 3: Project Support
We made the project support process as transparent as possible. This meant regular status meetings, followed by lists of the actions and decisions necessary for us to meet the scheduled deadlines. Such openness and clarity allowed us to build confidence and partnership in the project.
Key 4: Choosing the Right Platform
Leifheit’s online store was built on SAP Commerce, which provides stability and security and also supports international e-commerce. SAP Commerce allows the creation of local stores on a common platform and lets users manage product catalogues and product availability for particular markets. Plus, there is broad support for many currencies, tax rates, and languages.
Another great advantage of SAP Commerce is that it is not a scratch-built platform but a set of elements that can be assembled as desired. The time required for implementation is much less than that of a tailor-made platform. Further customization can be provided by various extensions, including those provided by e-point.
An additional factor was that Leifheit uses SAP ERP and SAP Marketing; an e-commerce solution in the same ecosystem was a natural choice. Plus, SAP has an excellent reputation for service and stability; it provides technical support to clients and is built on proven technologies like Java and Apache SOLR.
E-Commerce Success Requires UX Optimization
While a lot of this project was technical in nature – we cleaned up a lot of code and implemented various optimization techniques – true success required more than just coding. We also strove to improve the customer experience. Our design team and UX specialists put in some sterling work and helped craft a solution that increased both conversion and sales volume.
Overall, we think the results speak for themselves.
255% Sales Growth In 3 Months
At this point in the project, we concentrated on quick wins: accelerated optimization actions that produce great results over a short time. These are found by identifying problems or difficulties in the purchasing process.
Reviews
the project
Custom Software Dev for Energy Company
"They proved to us that they were the company that knew how to deal with our problems."
the reviewer
the review
The client submitted this review online.
Please describe your company and your position there.
innogy Stoen Operator (iSO) started operations in 2007 as a result of a mandatory separation of sales and energy distribution. After the split, the company is an electric energy distributor for inhabitants of the capital city of Poland.
For what projects/services did your company hire e-point, and what were your goals?
To design, launch and develop an electronic connection portal for our clients. The portal was meant to optimise the work of the Customer Service and provide our customers with responsive solutions customized to the contemporary market standards.
In most industries the process of customer service is time-intensive and highly demanding, both for the staff and company customers. Each party is interested in the fastest possible way of handling matters. To address these expectations, innogy Stoen Operator decided to launch a fully mobile connection portal.
How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?
We found them through our former employee and we considered them along our other vendors. They have great references and time for implementation was very short so we've tried and we're very pleased with the cooperation.
Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.
The key purpose of the project was to promptly launch an online service to optimise the work of the Customer Service, implement a digital solution customised to the contemporary market standards, create an entirely responsive design applicable to all devices as well as add the option of submitting applications online. After the first stage of the portal launch, we gradually added the option of completing subsequent applications. Apart from launching a connection portal, e-point’s team also streamlined the existing system of customer service. It allows the logged-in customers to access the list of opened and historical cases as well as to handle correspondence with the Customer Service.
How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?
UX team - Art Director, Graphics Designers, Senior Digital Strategists, Backend and Frontend Developers, Testers, Project Managers.
Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?
Over the period of 4 months, e-point built a dedicated, fully digital product which addressed the needs of our customers. In the next development we added more applications and functions. As a result 90% of applications were moved online, both these for individual customers and business. The portal was also complemented with more functions which can visibly reduce the time of handling cases and facilitate the process.
Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.
“We worked using the agile approach, with division into sprints. The Agile Model carries many benefits, both from the technical point of view and the project management perspective. Short iterations ensure continuous control through frequent project redirections to the implementation-ready state”. Thanks to this approach and e-point PM Team we achieved the desired effect in the shortest possible time.
What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?
Experience, engagement, and professionalism. Early on, e-point held a workshop for us in order to probe our needs and specifics of the energy industry. They proved to us that they were the company that knew how to deal with our problems.
Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?
We are currently working with e-point on creating a portal for our suppliers. The launch will take place soon.
the project
E-Commerce Dev for Household Goods Supplier
"e-point is a consulting company that aims to achieve the success of its clients."
the reviewer
the review
The client submitted this review online.
Please describe your company and your position there.
Leifheit has been a leading provider of cleaning, ironing, drying, and kitchen goods for 62 years. They employ about 1,100 people and serve 80 countries worldwide. I am responsible for e-commerce and marketing activities.
For what projects/services did your company hire e-point, and what were your goals?
For decades, Leifheit – a home products manufacturer based in Germany – sold its products through distributors. Recently, we made the decision to sell directly to consumers via our branded online store.
The project involved more than just coming up with a new website design; it impacted several operational, technical, and e-commerce areas.
How did you select e-point and what were the deciding factors?
Leifheit decided to transfer the project of their online store to e-point because of our organization’s experience in SAP Commerce technology and in running large, international e-commerce projects.
Leifheit personnel commented that e-point worked very hard to understand the company’s needs and offer the most relevant solutions. Among the key factors in Leifheit’s decision to work with e-point was e-point’s reputation as a partner and technology provider as well as the high standards maintained throughout the project.
Establishing a strong relationship as a trusted partner allowed the Leifheit team to proceed with a sense of security.
Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.
This project was initially contracted to another supplier, but the scale and level of difficulty overwhelmed him. Leifheit decided to transfer the project to a more reliable partner and choose e-point.
The process was divided into stages. In the first step e-point reduced technological debt. We saw a quick win effect, and decided to contract further works for eliminating all debt, implement various optimization techniques and finally built our online store on SAP Commerce, which provides stability, security and also supports international e-commerce.
Then the e-point design team and UX specialists put in some sterling work and helped craft a solution that increased both conversion and sales volume. In the next steps we decided to implement e2m storefront a proprietary e-point solution that allows us to quickly adjust e-commerce to PWA standard.
Then we launched a new portal which provided users with expert knowledge and facilitated shopping. Portal is integrated with e-commerce and SAP Commerce.
The international nature of the project was also very important during implementation that is why we chose CMS ActiveContent - also a proprietary e-point solution.
After the success of their pilot e-commerce implementation, a PWA implementation and a web portal redesign, our company decided to launch online B2C sales in Germany and other countries.
Also, thanks to e-point mobile first approach for design and their expert consultancy Leifheit has obtained the ability to download a store like an app from Google (TWA) and Apple Stores (Cordova) at a very low cost and time with no separate development.
How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?
Depending on the project stage end needs, different roles were involved in - programmers, fronted developers, testers, architects, project managers and the others.
Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?
Providing intuitive purchasing process across devices quickly produced measurable effects:
- 178% more transactions
- 192% better conversion rate
- 370% more revenue
- 69% increase in average order value
The data has confirmed that we properly addressed its customers' needs. Shortly after the new online store was launched, the share of mobile users among all buyers rose to 33.75% (as compared to 22.53% previously).
What is more after e-commerce was launched in Germany, data showed that over 60% of all German market customers use mobile devices to visit the store.
Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timelines.
Workflow was very good. We communicated on JIRA, we had weekly meetings and dispelled all doubts on Teams. The management of the project and our expectations was at a high level. Finally implementations took place ahead of schedule.
What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?
e-point is more than a software house. This company has become for us a partner with extensive knowledge and experience. e-point is also a consulting company that aims to achieve the success of its clients.
They also have very strong competences in UX/UI. That’s why they gave us complex solutions.
Are there any areas for improvement?
For this moment we have no areas for improvement. After our long cooperation I am still sure that it was the best possible choice.
the project
Online Configurator for Publishing House
"Their output was designed with our clients in mind."
the reviewer
the review
The client submitted this review online.
Please describe your company and your position there.
C.H. Beck Publishing House has been operating on the Polish market since 1993. It brings out publications in the field of law, taxes, economics, academic and application literature as well as books in foreign languages. One of its flagship products is Legalis – an online Legal Information System comprising a continuously updated base of legal acts, judicial decisions with commentaries, legal systems, monographies and C.H. Beck journals.
For what projects/services did your company hire e-point?
To design an online configurator for accessing the online Legal Information System Legalis.
What were your goals for this project?
The project aimed at creating a consistent concept of service for independent configuration of the legal information system Legalis, to be used by small and medium law firms.
How did you select e-point?
We decided to use the services of a business partner we were familiar with. However, the area of our cooperation was completely new.
Describe the project in detail.
Due to a vast number of available modules and multiple configuration options, Legalis had been previously sold exclusively by our advisors. So it was quite a challenge to develop an online tool which could help small and medium law firms to independently learn about, configure and purchase the Legal Information System Legalis.
What was the team composition?
UX team - Art Director, Graphics Designers, Senior Digital Strategists, UX Manager.
Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
Their output was designed with our clients in mind. It offers easy self-service, is intuitive and features highly clear product sites as well as many additional options such as a possibility of saving the provisional order and completing it later. The need for an online configurator has been strongly proven by the pandemic. During this time of limited interaction between advisors and clients, it has become a vital channel for retaining the existing customers and winning new ones.
How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?
Actually, we co-created the project with e-point experts. At the core of it were our regular workshops during which we exchanged new knowledge and ran feedback sessions on the already achieved outcomes. We find this to be a highly efficient model of cooperation, with many benefits to the project.
What did you find most impressive about this company?
Their thorough knowledge and experience. During this implementation it became very obvious we were dealing with experts who understand how important a good product insight and grasp of detail are for the project.
Are there any areas for improvement?
Not at all.
The client was delighted with the portal, which addressed all of their needs. They were impressed with e-point's industry expertise, problem-solving skills, and keen understanding of the project. The team also led an effective workflow and was punctual and proactive all throughout.