ePiccolo Engineering

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the founder of an acoustics firm.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with ePiccolo Engineering?

We wanted to set up a prototype for a unique type of system that combines hardware and software. As a result, we were looking for a vendor to provide us with the prototype.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

I ran a project about acoustics regarding certain types of directional loudspeakers, so ePiccolo Engineering helped us with research as well as software and hardware development so we could build a prototype. We jointly characterized the prototype that we wanted to produce, and our company provided them with an initial description of what we were searching for.

Together, we agreed upon certain characteristics, functions, and definitions for the project. Once we decided on the characteristics, they quoted the project and suggested a few payment milestones. After that, we iterated on basic design documents that described our prototype. Based on feedback, we narrowed down the prototype's functional requirements and characteristics. Eventually, we reached an agreement on the deliverable they need to submit at the end of the project.

What is the team composition?

I worked directly with the ePiccolo Engineering’s owner.

How did you come to work with ePiccolo Engineering?

I talked with a few vendors I knew, but their quotes were way too high for me. Then, a friend introduced me to the owner of ePiccolo Engineering. I decided to work with them because their cost was reasonable and something I could afford.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent $35,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our collaboration ran from April–November 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Through the functional demonstration they spearheaded, our prototype became successful. We were able to play different channels of music in different directions. Wherever we stood, we were able to hear the different songs or tunes that were being played. In the end, they enabled us to conduct a satisfactory investor’s demo.

Additionally, the owner of ePiccolo Engineering was very helpful throughout the partnership. He was instrumental in our project's success, and he was knowledgeable. 

How did ePiccolo Engineering perform from a project management standpoint?

Their project management was good, and we communicated via messaging, email, and phone. During our partnership, we only experienced a few time delays. However, we already expected that to happen because of our project’s type.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They were very agile, and they offered cost-effective solutions. They were capable of handling unique and diversified projects as long as deliverables were made clear. On top of that, they provided good value for money. More importantly, they could handle highly sophisticated requirements.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They could improve their scheduling skills. They were slightly too optimistic on their timelines, but they were quite good in everything that they did.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Have deliverables that are defined in a period of months or weeks and not deliverables that are only met within a year. Have relatively short-turned deliverables so that you'll have a chance to monitor their work routinely.