Focus Softnet

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the COO of a sweets manufacturing company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Focus Softnet?

We only had basic financial software, so we wanted to shift to a custom one. We wanted the ability to place orders on our system.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Focus Softnet has provided custom software development. They’ve worked on our ERP; there are four milestones, including customizing the software and training our people.

What is the team composition?

Initially, we had three people and one lead. We now know six teammates.

How did you come to work with Focus Softnet?

They were a referral.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent $25,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in August 2018, and our relationship is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

How did your relationship with the vendor evolve?

We initially agreed to pay 25% for each milestone. They’ve trained our people, but it’s been all generic. They’re trying to deliver the generic software even after we’ve told them the customized features we want.

How did Focus Softnet address the challenges that arose?

In general, there have been a lot of ups and downs in the past two years. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, one of them lost his mother.

Describe the impact this engagement has had on your business.

They haven’t delivered what we wanted, and we’ve already paid 50% of the cost. They’re forcing us to sign off; if we don’t, they won’t give us our product. However, without the customization, we can’t use the software at all. We plan to take legal measures.

How was project management handled?

They haven’t met deadlines. The person in charge used to refer us to some senior; he was eventually fired, but the new point of contact isn’t helpful either.

Is there anything that the vendor did well or that you would consider a strength?

They looked professional in the beginning; they seemed to have a good offer during our initial conversations.

What advice do you have for clients with similar needs to yours?

Be very specific about your requirements.