Foresight Mobile

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Commercial Director of Stray Ferret

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Online news platform for the Harrogate area.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Foresight Mobile to accomplish?

• To develop an app that mirrored the website in terms of stories and advertising.

SOLUTION

How did you find Foresight Mobile?

Referral

Why did you select Foresight Mobile over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Foresight Mobile were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Foresight Mobile worked with the encumbant website developers to launch a new website and app with improved functionality for the reader as well as the introduction of a paywall to certain content on the site.

Foresight mobile's expertise was used to develop an app which mirrored the Stray Ferret website in terms of layout and advertising placements in order to monetise the app fully as well as integrate with a subscription platform so subscribers can access the content on the app or the web or be blocked if not a paid subscriber.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Foresight Mobile delivered an app on time and within budget with the functionality as set out in the brief.

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

Foresight Mobile are excellent communicators.

A clear scope of works with a timeline aligned to budget is produced at the start of the project.

Foresight Mobile are good at ensuring you as the client has the full picture including areas that may present as a problem and how they intend to address that.

Foresight Mobile are responsive, explain how to resolve issues clearly and great to work with.

What was your primary form of communication with Foresight Mobile?

Email or Messaging App

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

Foresight Mobile's experience was apparent in the initial meeting we had with them.

They enjoy getting stuck in and have a refreshing approach to helping the client through the process. 

You feel that they are on your side and working with you rather than against you.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Foresight Mobile could have done differently?

None.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the People Business Partner of a healthcare company 

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Not for profit health care provider

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Foresight Mobile to accomplish?

• Robust and Scalable Integration
• Data Synchronization between iTrent and RotaMaster

SOLUTION

How did you find Foresight Mobile?

Referral

Why did you select Foresight Mobile over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Other

How many teammates from Foresight Mobile were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

The project entailed the integration of two HR systems, iTrent and RotaMaster, using Azure Logic Apps. The ultimate goal was to achieve data synchronisation between the two systems, eliminating manual data entry and ensuring real-time updates.

The project was structured into three phases: 

• Consultation
• Development
• Handover

The Consultation Phase focused on gathering in-depth requirements, conducting a system analysis, and defining the project scope. Key deliverables included an Integration Architecture Document detailing the system design and delivering an "Integration Process & Data Flow Specification" encompassing all possible use cases.

The Development Phase centred on designing and building the integration logic. This involved refining the Data Mapping Document and configuring API connections between the systems. Rigorous testing in a staging environment, including unit, system integration, and load testing, was performed to ensure robustness and reliability.

Finally, the Handover Phase encompassed deploying the integration to production, conducting comprehensive training and documentation, and performing integration testing with the client. A post-implementation review and continuous improvement plan rounded out the project, ensuring ongoing success and client satisfaction.

The ultimate deliverable was a fully functional Azure Logic App that efficiently ingested data from RotaMaster, processed it, and pushed relevant updates to iTrent, maintaining data synchronisation between the two systems.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The project yielded several measurable outcomes that underscored its success:

• Elimination of Manual Data Entry: The automated synchronisation between iTrent and RotaMaster significantly reduced, if not completely eliminated, the need for manual data entry. This led to substantial time savings for our HR team and minimised the risk of human errors.
• Improved Data Accuracy: By automating the data flow, the project ensured greater accuracy and consistency in HR data across both systems. This improved the reliability of reports and decision-making processes within the organisation.
• Real-Time Data Synchronisation: The Azure Logic App's ability to ingest data from RotaMaster at regular intervals ensured that iTrent was updated with the latest information in near real-time. This facilitated better workforce management and resource allocation.
• Positive User Experience: Their comprehensive training and documentation ensured we could effectively utilize the new integration, leading to increased user satisfaction and adoption.

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

...

What was your primary form of communication with Foresight Mobile?

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

Are there any areas for improvement or something Foresight Mobile could have done differently?

N/A

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Managing Director of Snareobics Ltd

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

A snare drum practise app

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Foresight Mobile to accomplish?

• To develop a world leading snare drum app

SOLUTION

How did you find Foresight Mobile?

Online Search

Why did you select Foresight Mobile over others?

• High ratings
• They were very nice and patient people

How many teammates from Foresight Mobile were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

We approached Foresight Mobile in May 2023. We had created a beta version of a snare drum workout app but we wanted a more reliable company. We gave the source code to Foresight, they untangled and rebuilt the app and we officially launched in February 2024. 

The app functions like a home workout app, but for drum exercises. So there are a series of exercises which create a workout for users to play along to. Luckily the Gareth (CTO) had a background in music as well as his extensive programming expertise. This allowed us to rebuild the app much faster and the product operated at a much higher level than it ever did before!

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have been live for 6 weeks now and we have 66 active, paying subscribers and still growing. We have had glowing reviews from the app from the best percussionists in the UK. Here they are: 

• “I’m recommending Snareobics to all of my students! A fantastic new resource to help build your technique and stamina.” Henry Baldwin - Principal Percussion, Royal Opera House 
• “This app delivers a compelling and comprehensive course in developing the hands. With a versatile and constantly updating content, it is the perfect companion for the percussionist looking to expand their potential.” Colin Currie - Multi Award-winning percussionist 
• "This is a brilliant app - a practice buddy in your pocket to help keep those drum chops in shape." Andy Barclay - Principal Percussion, London Philharmonic Orchestra

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

The transparency and communication was just what we needed. They have made our lives so much easier. We don't ever have to worry what work they're doing when as they log all of their hours and have a sophisticated system to keeping us in the loop! The deadlines are met on time, and if they're won't be they let us know in advance. This way of operating allows us to focus on running our business!

What was your primary form of communication with Foresight Mobile?

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

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

I don't come from a coding background so their extensive knowledge in this field astounds me. Not only are they great at what they do, but they're lovely people who always take the time to listen and advise. I've been up to Manchester three times to meet Gareth, Kevin and Jack and they're all very kind and I always enjoy seeing them! It's such a luxury in the modern world to be able to meet people in person.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Foresight Mobile could have done differently?

We only have experience with two software houses now so we're still new to this field. But they have made our lives so much easier than the last one!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Product Manager of a telecommunications company 

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We are a telecoms saas business that allows engineers and back office staff to report onsite problems they face when building fibre networks.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Foresight Mobile to accomplish?

• Reproduce a beta/PoC mobile application into Flutter.

SOLUTION

How did you find Foresight Mobile?

Online Search

Why did you select Foresight Mobile over others?

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

How many teammates from Foresight Mobile were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Recreate our beta/PoC mobile app using up to date technologies:

• Carry out user research to understand the product and industry.
• Design the app (UI/UX), redefining the old system to give it a fresh look whilst keeping it intuitive for users.
• Develop the app in iterations, allowing for testing and refining along the way.
• Test the app thoroughly and make final changes.
• Manage the release of the app to relevant stores.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• Increase in revenue from customer sign ups (to the new app)
• Timely delivery
• Approval from our customers and clients

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

Foresight Mobile were organised with a clear plan, milestones and deadlines. Foresight Mobile was flexible and adaptive to changes along the way as the project shaped itself - costs were clear from the outset.

What was your primary form of communication with Foresight Mobile?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Foresight were really able to delve into the product to gain a key understanding of the industry it sits in and its uses. They were also able to use their expertise to enhance our original idea and plan.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Foresight Mobile could have done differently?

None of note. During the project a developer left the business, as in any business - but Foresight were able to manage the handover swiftly meaning we always had dedicated resource.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

We are a creative studio specialising in Film, Animation, Design & Digital Development, working with corporate and heritage clients.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Foresight Mobile, and what were your goals?

We engaged Foresight Mobile to create an app for our client Welsh Water Elan Valley Trust. The brief was to create an app to help visitors exploring the area. It needed to be visually engaging and accessible to visitors using either Apple or Android devices. In addition the content needed to be bilingual and future proofed.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

We looked at a number of app providers, but Foresight stood out as they were able to provide a cross-platform app

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

Foresight delivered a cross-platform app featuring an interactive map with hotspots. We also included extra content such as an audio trail, puzzle and soundscape. To ensure the app was future-proofed, Foresight built in a CMS to allow the client to update the content as required.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

We worked with Foresight's team of developers, led by account manager Kevin, who became our main point of contact and made sure that everything ran smoothly.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

Our client was delighted with the solution, which has recently launched to the public.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

Foresight were great to work with and extremely flexible in adapting to an evolving brief.

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

Foresight became an extension of our own team, working well with our designers, being very easy to work with, allowing us to give our client the best possible service.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

It is always a risk working with a third party, as your own company's reputation is at stake. However, I'm very happy to say that our experience with Foresight Mobile was excellent, and we look forward to collaborating with them again in the future.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a software product manager at SeeChange Technologies, an AI startup developing solutions for large domestic retailers like Walmart and Sainsbury’s.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Foresight Mobile?

We needed their team's development expertise.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Foresight Mobile fully developed our mobile and web applications, which we use to display metrics and information collated through our internal systems. We kicked off our engagement with a discovery phase, wherein we related our requirements to Gareth (CTO). We specifically wanted Foresight Mobile's resources to work with our in-house team to maximize our efforts, so the engagement centered more on staff augmentation.

Gareth then provided us with a team composition and timeline estimates based on our development needs. Their assigned resources utilized Flutter and a PostgreSQL database to build our apps and referred to our data repositories and UX preferences as they designed the platforms. They also did API integration and set up our analytics dashboard to complete our custom BI tool.

What is the team composition?

We worked with Gareth and two senior developers.

How did you come to work with Foresight Mobile?

We found Foresight Mobile online and got convinced that they had the expertise we needed when we saw their experience in using Flutter technology. They also turned out to have the most flexible skill set among their competitors.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent £100,000 (approximately $144,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

The project ran from July 2020–June 2021.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I don't have quantitative metrics to share, but as the project manager, I could confirm that Foresight Mobile effectively and promptly met our needs. They provided straightforward solutions, on-point implementation, and fair estimates, which helped us gauge our expectations accordingly. We received positive user feedback about the apps' usability and responsiveness, which we attributed to their team's strong expertise. 

How did Foresight Mobile perform from a project management standpoint?

We communicated via Zoom and phone calls. Foresight Mobile had top-notch project management skills — they didn't impose any restrictions, and that flexible approach met our staff augmentation needs. Additionally, they were feedback-oriented throughout our engagement.   

What did you find most impressive about them?

They were a candid, reliable, and collaborative partner. We were also impressed with their high-level expertise in Flutter.

Are there any areas they could improve?

We didn't encounter any areas that needed improvement. Foresight Mobile delivered quality results that impressed us.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

Be clear in identifying your design and functionality requirements — Foresight Mobile will take it from there and meet your goals.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the software development manager at Ditto Sustainability. We’re a sustainability consultancy with a software platform that helps organizations manage their sustainability commitments.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Foresight Mobile?

We have our own RIA (rich internet application) web application that we built ourselves. We needed a cut-down mobile app version of that. We didn’t have the specialisms within the company to build the mobile app, so we contacted Foresight.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Foresight Mobile developed our mobile app using Google Flutter. They did some design work as well.

The mobile app features a subset of our full web app’s features. Foresight implemented four main features in the mobile app, whereas the web app has about two dozen features. Over time, we’re hoping to increase the mobile app’s features with the help of Foresight.

What is the team composition?

Our main contact is the founder Gareth (Director). We’ve also worked with a senior developer who does a lot of the work for us. Then, there’s a junior developer who has pitched in recently.

How did you come to work with Foresight Mobile?

We requested quotes from six companies. I believe I found Foresight through a Google search, and the way that they went about the quote process was the most engaging. They were very keen to understand the application and get a depth of knowledge of what we were trying to do. 

They also established a personable connection; of all the people I spoke to, it was clear it would be easy to work with Foresight on a day-to-day basis because they were pleasant to talk to. I could tell they were inquisitive and smart people. 

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent between $30,000–$36,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our work together began in September 2020, and the app launched at the end of that November. The first version of the app is in the Apple Store and on Google Play. Now, we’re looking to increment the versions and add to the app. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’re a small team of 12, and each of them has provided their feedback to me on Foresight Mobile’s work. That feedback has formed my opinion on the success or failure of the work done. 

How did Foresight Mobile perform from a project management standpoint?

Overall, it’s been good. It took both sides a bit of time to find the right way of working; they’re also a small team. If I’m not available, there can be backlogs, but that’s on our side rather than theirs. They’ve been flexible. 

One key thing is that the founder Gareth is always available. We also set up a shared Slack channel, so that our developers could speak directly to their developers. Having the Slack channel is key because it means that there have rarely been occasions when any stoppages caused significant delays to delivery.

Slack was our main channel for communication. We also had calls over Microsoft Teams at least once a week.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Foresight’s flexibility sets them apart. They were able to mold their approach to this project.

Their personability, approachability, and determination to make this work were also notable. It was clear that this wasn’t just a transactional process to them; rather, they were keen to make it work and ensure we were happy with it. Every issue that was raised was dealt with, with high priority. There was a high level of care with the work that they did.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There was a phase when work came back to us without undergoing first-level testing, which meant that I was operating as a QA. That wasn’t ideal. We had to arrange the best way forward between us, but they did iron it out toward the end. That’s one of the drawbacks of being a small company, and it’s an issue for us as well. 

Any advice for potential customers?

Establish a Slack channel for ease of communication. Also, book regular meetings; they have an online booking tool, which makes it very easy to connect with Gareth.

Otherwise, all of the guidance will come from Foresight. They’re very good at taking companies who are new to this area of development and guiding them through, such as by advising best practices and the best technologies to use. I’d advise potential clients to trust Foresight to guide them through the process.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Frederick Drapkin, Founder & CEO of Tenner. We're building novel and exciting in-game mobile experiences for fans watching live sports. Having proven the concept with sports, we plan to launch Tenner games for a host of other live content, such as The Oscars, Election Night, Love Island etc.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Foresight Mobile?

Tenner wanted to develop a free to use, real-time sports prediction game. The first version of the app is a set of predictions users make about an upcoming sports match, but we will then move on to building a real-time version that users play simultaneous to watching live sport.

What were your goals for this project?

What was needed was a fast, simple and slick app that allowed users to predict specific outcomes within sporting events – such as the number of yellow cards issued in a match. As well as actually building mobile app we had designed, we needed advice on the user sign up process and journey, how to manage games and users on the back end, and other practical things like the App Store release process.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Highly relevant experience, and price. Gareth has decades of experience setting up and managing tech teams, but also has specific experience in social mobile games, which is a great fit for Tenner. After a few discussions, it seemed like something we both wanted to progress with, the price was very competitive and there was availability to start the project quickly.

Describe the project in detail.

The project started in August with basic wireframes to create an MVP. During the building process, we were in touch via Slack on a daily basis and bounced ideas and questions off each other. Within a few iterations, the wireframe for the MVP had grown to around 50 screens (many more than we started with)!

Foresight have helped with a number of questions I had such as multi language versions and release strategy, so as well as problem solving, there’s an element of consultancy as well. We launched the app simultaneously on both iOS and Android in January. The code was actually completed some months earlier, but we delayed release for strategic reasons.

We're currently building the second version of Tenner, which will allow users to make predictions in real time, alongside a live sporting event, so there are some interesting problems to overcome, such as a delay in reporting a goal due to the video referee’s decision.

What was the team composition?

Gareth and Jack were involved on the coding side of the project. Both have helped with consultancy and advice, as well as programming.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

We released on both iOS and Android, which is a major milestone for the company. On the back of this, we were able to close our second round of funding, which we certainly would not have been able to do without progression on the tech side.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

While we are building we talk pretty much every day on Slack, and have a catch up call once or twice a week to go over specific details. The workflow has been incredibly effective, and the team are highly responsive to requests and changes that we would like.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The team has delivered exactly what we asked for but is able to use their own skill and judgment to make improvements. This means the app has been built both quickly and to a very high quality.

Where stylistic input is required we have a conversation, but where technical improvements can be made, such a screen size optimisation or back end systems, Foresight have gone ahead and made those changes to great effect. It leaves me feeling confident they will deliver on exactly what I've asked for, but make the product better where possible!

Are there any areas for improvement?

Everything ran very smoothly! I hope Foresight continue to have availability to work on Tenner going forwards! 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

We provide clothing maintenance services, products and advice to customers globally. I am the Founder and CEO

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Foresight Mobile?

We had hired a small agency to complete our initial website for but this was currently way behind schedule for delivery. Foresight came on board to take the website over the finish line and ensure a quality delivery from the original agency. Subsequent to finishing the website we used Foresight to manage our offshore developers and to develop our bespoke order management system.

What were your goals for this project?

We initially needed an MVP website to validate our business ideas and experiment with updates to increase sales performance. The MVP website produced basic email orders however, which couldn’t scale with the business.

As a result Foresight designed and produced a bespoke order management platform based on the Vaadin platform, which accepted orders from various sources and organised the process right through to reporting.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We were impressed with the turnaround time getting the original agency into shape and felt that Foresight had a wealth of technical experience that we could make great use of going forward.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

Foresight Mobile both managed our offshore web developers and developed a bespoke order management system in-house. The order management system manages many aspects of the business including marketing automation, order management, fulfilment, reporting and customer relationships.

What was the team composition?

Gareth (CTO, Foresight Mobile) worked great as an extended member of our London-based team, heading up all the technical aspects of the business and leading his in-house developers. It’s been helpful to have the comfort of a permanent point of contact while also having the capability to scale-up the team during periods where we’ve needed more development time.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?

Given the complexity of the order management system we have in place it’s been impressive how little ongoing support we’ve required from the team at Foresight. They did a great job of understanding our requirements at various points in the project, which has resulted in a system that’s fit for purpose and a joy to use.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

Before development spikes we have had helpful planning sessions and collaborate on designs and features. During the development process we have had full access to Foresight’s GitHub account, which is really helpful for transparency and structured communication.

Their Kanban board was easy to get to grips with and I could see progress on a daily basis, as well as discuss features with the developers directly. We use Slack for general communication throughout the organisation and Foresight’s team have been helpful and responsive throughout.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Compared to the previous agency, Foresight were much easier to communicate with. We had a strong cultural alignment and bounced ideas off one another during our ideation phase. Their development process is very collaborative and transparent, so I always felt in control of direction and spend.

Are there any areas for improvement?

There’s nothing I can think of to highlight at the moment. Our relationship has been very good so far, and we hope to continue moving forward with them.