HeadChannel Consulting

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a Postdoctoral Researcher at the a healthcare centre. My role in the QuickFit project was to technically lead different aspects of the work and resolve any technical issues.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

The project involved software development. As a result, we collaborated with HeadChannel to develop software for 3d reconstruction, data collection and storage.

SOLUTION

How did you select HeadChannel and what were the deciding factors?

HeadChannel was among our top choices when the proposal was written, and they met all the criteria for this project. Their track records were remarkable as they had worked on multiple challenging projects, which showed their capability to handle this specific project.

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

We needed the following to be done in the software

1. Produce Check socket for lower limb amputees using 3D reconstruction.
2. Calibrate the sensors within the QuickFit system
3. Defining the QTSS sensors' location on the model and transferring the coordinate system to the physical socket.
4. Collect data from the sensors in the QuickFit system
5. Feed the processed data into the socket design module of the QuickFit software package to adjust and optimised socket
6. Repeat the test several times

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

We worked with four people throughout the project including a project manager, a business analyst and two software engineers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

All the requirements were fulfilled during the project and delivered on time. This helped us to improve the system over time and optimise the performance of the software at the end of the project.

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

The communication was excellent through emails and other platforms (e.g., skype and zoom). We never experienced any delays in response. They delivered all the requirements and met deadlines. They accommodated changes made during the project, which showed how dedicated and professional they were.

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

Communication was seamless and smooth throughout the project. The synergy between our team and HeadChannel was great, which lead to the delivery of a successful project.

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

We were very impressed with the whole team, and their performance was exceeded our expectation.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a partner at a management consulting company based in the UK. We provide management consulting and innovation services to a variety of clients and governments as well as some private sectors mainly around the construction and asset-heavy industries. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with HeadChannel?

We hired HeadChannel for a government project that we worked on with one of our clients. There was a construction process that handled the assets, and it was challenging to manage. We initially designed a solution or concept for how we could solve the problem.

We needed help to develop a platform based on that concept. It lets users track a portfolio of projects or a program, including milestones, program modules, interlinking workstreams, and dependencies. It enables users to understand the link or requirements from one asset to another and ensures the conformity and consistency of requirements throughout the program's delivery. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

HeadChannel helped us develop the entire project assurance platform. We engaged with them in designing the architecture, development of modules, and the platform itself. They also provided us guidance on business analysis.

This SaaS platform is based on ASP.NET Zero. It uses Swagger for API management. The main components are Docker image for the deployment, various iterations of Python for AI models running in the background, and Angular on the frontend. 

What is the team composition?

There were 3–5 people that I worked with. On the commercial side, we worked with Andy (Director) and Beata (Strategic Director). We also worked with Radoslow (Managing Director), Adam (IT Project Manager), Michal (Programmer), and a project manager. 

They also provided us with a very competent business analyst that has helped us distill our requirements and technical components within the overarching framework. 

How did you come to work with HeadChannel?

For us, it’s really important that they were UK-based. HeadChannel was also very receptive and flexible, which were among the key reasons we worked with them. 

We have other partners, but they’re more transactional — we give them a requirement, and they either deliver or don’t. HeadChannel really looks to solve the problems. That’s why we work with them. 

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested about £40,000 (approximately $54,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We started the project in August 2020 and finished in November 2020. This has been a quick build, but we’ve worked with each other on an ongoing basis for about a year.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

At this point, we don’t have any metrics yet since we’ve just completed the project, but we’re looking to ship quite soon. 

The quality of their application has been really great. We’ve already demoed it to clients, and they seem quite impressed with the usability of the application. It’s been quite smooth in terms of how the UI was designed. We have clients on a waiting list to test the solution. 

How did HeadChannel perform from a project management standpoint?

It was a partnership approach. We used JIRA to do local work and had a dedicated project manager and business analysts who facilitated the entire process for us. They also managed the JIRA backlogs.

All we did was feed the project requirements and clarify things. HeadChannel did all the heavy lifting on the analysis and management sides of things. 

Depending on the demand and requirements, we had weekly or biweekly requirement reviews for clarification. At the beginning of the project, we had much more biweekly reviews. In the end, when the requirements were clearer, we had much fewer reviews. Our team also had live access to the development environment to see any updates being pushed in real-time. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

The most impressive aspect was the developers' caliber and the fact that we didn’t have to specify things too much. We could give them a high-level vision, and they could turn that into a well-thought-out application. I’m also impressed by their ability to understand what was asked. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

There’s nothing I could think of. We’ve been pretty happy with their service. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Think about the application that you want. HeadChannel can take it on from any part of the cycle. Whether it’s a rough idea or a detailed one, they can take it and turn it into a good application. However, if you work with them, you should have some clarity and documentation in terms of what you want. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the Chief Innovation Officer of By Appointment. We’re a SaaS company that aims to assist retail companies in restarting their businesses in the wake of COVID-19.  

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with HeadChannel?

I was looking for a partner to create our mobile application in adherence to our requirements. The app would be for businesses looking to manage their in-store capacity as well as their consumers.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

HeadChannel created an app that enables stores to list themselves in the app. They can enter their opening hours, capacity, and other information. Shoppers can search for local stores and book appointments with them.

They have a comprehensive view of the stores’ policies, and whether they’re available for virtually-queueable appointments. They utilized .NET Core and Angular in a SQL database.

They analyzed the requirements and built the architecture before launching into front- and backend development. They then went into testing.

What is the team composition?

The team size and structure varies depending on the requirements. We worked with between 5–10 people, including a project manager.

How did you come to work with HeadChannel?

I’ve been working with HeadChannel for over a decade. I knew them intimately and also knew that they had the capabilities to pull off this project.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve probably spent around $100,000 for this project.

What is the status of this engagement?

We introduced the project in April, started coding in May, and released the first iteration of the app in July of 2020.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They’ve delivered 100% of the requirements on time and within budget. We’ve been extremely satisfied with their work. Their testing has yielded phenomenal results — if we’re not completely there by the time we launch, they’ve ensured a complete fulfillment of requirements by the time we release the product.

How did HeadChannel perform from a project management standpoint?

They were exceptional on this front. They gave us timelines, budgets, and resource requirements. We held weekly management meetings to mitigate risks, accept requirement changes, and reorder sprints.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They have successful communication throughout the entire development lifecycle. This ensures a pleasurable engagement that results in a high-quality delivery.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I don’t think so. They could possibly charge me less money — I’d love that!

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Engage them in the ideation stage. Otherwise, you can arrive at an idea that’s unnecessarily complex or unfeasible. You might end up spending more of your time on something that doesn’t work.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the director of an e-card business. Each card is a bespoke video delivered via WhatsApp.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with HeadChannel?

We were looking for a solution to enable e-card delivery via WhatsApp.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They came up with a solution for initiating a conversation on WhatsApp once a client creates a card. They don’t have an open API. The first solution they presented was to have a button to start a conversation, on the finished order screen. We weren’t keen on that one. They came back with the idea to send an email once the e-card had been ordered, where the client opts in to receive a message from us on WhatsApp in order to receive the e-card. 

They also helped find a solution for us to receive reports from our clients if they encountered problems. They came up with a system that allows those messages to reach us, and we can respond to make it right, in a cost-effective way.

The language they worked in was Node. The apps used were Twilala and Front. 

What is the team composition?

Our initial communication was with Andy (Director). Michael (Senior Software Developer) was the first project manager. We got a new project manager midway through the project. I was also in communication with our developer. 

How did you come to work with HeadChannel?

I did a Google search, and they were the first company on the list. I had a series of calls and meetings with Andy and decided to work with them.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent about €6,000 (approximately $7,400 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together on the project from February – May 2020. It just wrapped up at the end of May.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The new delivery system has increased our capacity by over 1,000%. The old system had a 30% failure rate, the new one has a 1% failure rate. 

It’s too early to report any revenue at this point.

How did HeadChannel perform from a project management standpoint?

The second project manager did great. He spoke excellent English, was quite responsive, and went the extra mile to ensure our happiness and delivery of the best solutions. We communicated via email primarily.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They were determined to deliver and please us as their client. The most important thing to me was their willingness to do whatever it took to get the solution. 

For example, in the middle of the project, they had achieved much of the scope, but there were a few areas that had worsened in the performance of the system. They didn’t add to the cost or refuse to do them since they weren’t listed specifically in the scope. Rather, they worked hard to fix those issues. They worked in the spirit of the project rather than the letter of the law.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, not really. The first project manager was not very communicative and just didn’t fit well with us. They took necessary action by switching project managers, and they fixed the problem.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Try to fully lay the scope out in the beginning. If you have any concerns, contact Andy and he will sort it out.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Beaconbrands is an advertising and marketing agency. We work for global FMCG brands as well as having a specialist healthcare division. I am a company director and have worked for the agency for over 10 years.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire HeadChannel?

We have worked with HeadChannel to create an asset management site for a large company. We have also worked with them to build a bespoke web app to help visualise the classification of psychoactive medications.

What were your goals for this project?

The assets site was to make it easier for local market teams to access and share centrally created creative assets. The web app was to help students and healthcare professionals understand the mode of action behind certain medicines and influence their studies or prescribing decisions.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We collected three estimates and had a meeting with each vendor. HeadChannel came back with the most serious and considered response. They asked relevant questions and made some suggestions for improvement.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

They provided the CMS system, helped decide the site architecture/wireframes, hosting, troubleshooting for the asset site. They built, tested, refined, host and help maintain the medicines library. We provided the design input and handled the client.

What was the team composition?

Andy Green + account manager (various over the years) + developers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Both project have helped to establish a lasting connection with the clients. Both projects are still in use many years after being commissioned.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

The project management was fine. We have had a dedicated account person to look after the project. We are notified ahead of time if there is going to be any server maintenance which would effect us. No complaints.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They're serious. They take the time to consider the project goals and then answer. They're not simply into the latest trend or fad.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No. They were the right people for these projects.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of an impact investment boutique advisory firm based in London.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with HeadChannel?

We were looking to build an ICT platform for one of our programs that is a tech-enabled education to employment lending platform.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The first phase involved scoping out the IT systems and infrastructure needs to devise a development platform. After that, we would move to the software development of the client application onboarding and data management system. Most of the work would be done using Microsoft-enabled technology. We had the beginnings of a manual system, but we were looking for HeadChannel to build it from scratch.

What is the team composition?

In total, we worked with five people. Two of the founders, a project manager, and two developers were involved.

How did you come to work with HeadChannel?

We came across HeadChannel while searching for IT development firms in the area. We chose them because of their strong client reviews.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent £20,000 (approximately $26,000 USD) on this project.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked with HeadChannel from April–June 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our team decided to not move into the second phase that included the actual development of the platform. At this point, we’re using the output and deliverables from the first phase of work internally. We, as a company, decided that we needed to go more agile and develop some of the solution that they mapped out in a more modular fashion. We’re using HeadChannel’s work on an ongoing basis internally for development.

How did HeadChannel perform from a project management standpoint?

From a project management standpoint, they were good. They could’ve improved on having a more diligent follow-up. From time to time, the project may have been a bit to handle, but overall, it was well done.

What did you find most impressive about them?

During our proposal process, their team stood out. They seemed to have a good grasp of our needs and what we were looking for. We got a good feel for their organization, which is why we selected them. From an organizational point of view, HeadChannel understands their clients and their needs very well.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I think for a smaller company, like ourselves, we were looking for a more agile approach. If we would’ve entered a more modular type of thinking sooner, we could’ve worked with HeadChannel longer.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I would recommend HeadChannel. Their solid team stands out for their excellent understanding of businesses and their needs.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the operations director at Four04 Packaging. We are a manufacturing business in the flexible packaging industry.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with HeadChannel?

We were in desperate need of an update to our order processing system and more importantly a stock management system, which we did not have at all.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They completed a brand-new system for us.

The first and second stage of the project is complete and we are now on the third stage. We have an on-going SLA with HeadChannel, which covers bugs and changes and general maintenance. This also hosts the web-based system for us.

What is the team composition?

It varies, but up to around six people at any one time.

How did you come to work with HeadChannel?

We initially began the project with another company, but we very quickly concluded that they were not up to the job. It transpired that the business was a one-man band—a project manager with very little experience who contracted external programmers. It was this company, which introduced us to HeadChannel.

How much have you invested in them?

We have spent around $450,000 with them to date.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working with them around August 2016, and the relationship is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The system HeadChannel have created for us has enabled us to keep control of our rapidly expanding business. At the time we started the project, we were turning over around £10 million-pound, now we are over £20 million and the system has without a doubt, enabled us to manage this growth.

How did HeadChannel perform from a project management standpoint?

In the early days, I struggled to work with our assigned contact, which resulted in inefficiencies and gross underestimation in terms of the cost and timescale of the project. However, this was more or less solely attributable to one member of staff who no longer works for HeadChannel. Once we had someone else on the project, all has gone very well indeed.

For further explanation, the person originally assigned to us met with me to ascertain the scope of the project. Once he had heard so much, he insisted on starting the development before understanding the full scope of the project. I suggested that he needed to understand all of our needs, to avoid the possibility of developing a system to suit one aspect, which might then not be appropriate for another.  He insisted his ‘staged fact-finding and development’ approach was best and I allowed him to take control.  Unfortunately, I was right and as previously stated, time was wasted and costs escalated.  However, a meeting with HeadChannel regarding the situation was constructive and a mutually satisfactory way forward was easily reached.

The project manager ensured we have what we need, in terms of updates on both the project and the budget, she took on board my request to keep the dialogue and written correspondence concise and is always very quick to respond to requests and questions. She has also looked into other business solutions for us such as key fob access, barcoded warehouse management systems and introduced us to a very useful online tool (Jira Service Desk) to manage the many tasks we ask of them.

What did you find most impressive about them?

There is no comparison to the provider we had before. HeadChannel’s experience and knowledge is unmatched to any IT company I have previously dealt with.  I am very happy with the service they provide.

I had previously worked for a large PLC who had their own/in-house IT department. I can honestly say that working with HeadChannel has been better.  I have found them l to be very reactive but also proactive, they are accommodating, intelligent and polite.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I would advise then to tell clients from the outset that the team are not UK based, whilst assuring this would not in any way be detrimental to the project.

I was a little annoyed initially by the fact that they did not made it clear that their programmers and business analysts were working out of Poland. When we took them on, we met them in the UK, and we assumed that they were located in London and they didn’t tell us otherwise. I let them know I thought it would have been proper and more appropriate to highlight the team’s geographically location.  My fear was that they would not be able to respond as quickly as a UK based team and would not be on hand if I needed a face-to-face meeting. However, I need not have been concerned; they have flown to us whenever needed, sometimes at the drop of a hat.  

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Clients know their business the best and they need to provide as much information as humanly possible before any work commences.

I would not hesitate to recommend HeadChannel to any other business.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a director at a software platform provider for a workforce management solution.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with HeadChannel?

We needed to outsource a development team.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We outsourced a development team to build our system. The platform is a B2B system for companies to manage their workforce in the Cloud. There have already been three previous versions–their team, along with maintaining the entire platform, designed Version 4 and now Version 5. We’ve used a SQL database and an ASP.NET 5 framework for development. Now, we’re moving to a Core database.

What is the team composition?

It varies on the month. With an assigned project manager, we’ve worked with between six to 20 members of their team.

How did you come to work with HeadChannel?

After putting the project out there, they were one of the team companies we selected. When we whittled it down to the final three, their team had the best all-around proposal.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent €5 million (approximately $6.3 million USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We started engaging with HeadChannel in April 2009, and the services are ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I have between five to 20 people working for me a month. We’re focused on what we’re delivering as a team rather than what the success ratio is. We can look at the number of bugs in a version that they developed and things like that. But as it’s our platform, it’s a slightly more symbiotic relationship. Everything has been well-received internally. They do deliver all that we ask.

How did HeadChannel perform from a project management standpoint?

Their project management style is good. It’s quite a complicated project, so there are some challenges.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We’ve been in a partnership with HeadChannel for ten years, and I don’t see that changing. They’re committed, taking ownership to have a successful delivery. Their team is great at project managing. With any business, there can be challenging bits, such as testing. HeadChannel is always willing and able to scale the team up and down. For example, we have a three-month up and down lead time for scaling the team, which they haven’t failed to deliver. It’s different than other engagements. It’s not only one project, like building a pencil. It’s like they’re maintaining my car and keeping it on the road.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There’s always room for improvement on both sides. But I think most people have to look at what they can learn. If there’s a willingness to learn, hopefully, the same mistake won’t happen twice.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Clients should make sure they’re clear in their requirements. As a project manager and platform owner, I think clarity helps stop any confusion.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the owner of The Method, a company that provides innovative immersive learning solutions to businesses.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with HeadChannel?

We’d developed an immersive patient experience program for a pharmaceutical client that was designed to enable people working in healthcare to get a better understanding of what it’s like to be a patient. People use the app, which assigns them a disease and interactive challenges that reflect the types of difficulties patients with that disease might have. The program was a success, but the app was not very flexible or easy to update. We wanted to be able to deliver multiple disease experiences through the app, so we began looking for a partner who could redesign the app for that purpose.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

HeadChannel took the original concept and created a single app that enables us to populate it with multiple disease types without having to remake it from scratch each time. They created a template for the disease types and also made the backend admin system simple enough for us to run without having to hire a technical person to manage it. The app is solely designed for smartphones and is available in the App Store and Google Play. HeadChannel is currently working on a new version.

What is the team composition?

We mainly interact with the senior project manager, who acts as the interface between us and the technical team.

How did you come to work with HeadChannel?

Someone in my company had worked with them before and recommended them. I met with four organizations, and HeadChannel seemed the most excited and willing to work on the project. Their price was in the middle, and they had the capabilities we needed, so I hired them.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent £160,000 (approximately $202,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We partnered in April 2018, and the work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They’ve done exactly what we needed, which is to create a simple to use template that can be adapted for multiple programs by non-technical personnel. They’ve given me the tool I needed to grow my business, and the app has received great feedback. It has about a 4.3 average with around 1,000 users.

How did HeadChannel perform from a project management standpoint?

They ensure they fully understand my needs before starting on anything, providing suggestions and feedback to make the product as good as possible. They have strong communication, and we mainly talk via Skype.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They took my vision and translated it into something that exceeded my expectation. They found new and exciting ways to improve it and clearly explained their plans in a way I could understand, even though I have no technical knowledge. Despite its complexity, they have managed to create something that anyone in my organization can update and use with minimal training, which was exactly what I needed.

Are there any areas they could improve?

We missed some deadlines, but they worked incredibly hard to always ensure our clients were unaffected.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

Allow them to take all the time they need in the beginning to do their business analysis–you will get the best results this way.