IDEA TO IMPLEMENTATION INFOTECH

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of Ozonox. We invent items, sell the technology to other companies, or produce what we’ve developed. We’re based in Durban, South Africa.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with IDEA TO IMPLEMENTATION INFOTECH?

In 2014, I had an idea to create an app to deliver low-data lessons to students in South Africa because mobile data cost was extremely expensive.

SOLUTION

What is the scope of their involvement?

IDEA TO IMPLEMENTATION INFOTECH has developed an education app. We initially wrote a document and shared it on Google Docs to lay out the steps on what we needed and what the outcome should be. 

Afterward, we wanted to develop a prepaid electricity and water app. Together with some colleagues in China, we designed it. IDEA TO IMPLEMENTATION INFOTECH has developed it for iOS and Android devices using React. The app allows us to sell products that will help people save energy and water, and the meter will work on a radio signal.

We’ve worked on the project for three months and are ready to launch the first phase. The user personas come from an established database run by the local municipality. Additionally, they have a team specializing in UX/UI design using CSS. They’ve been instrumental in the layout, guiding us on how to navigate the app.

What is the team composition?

Besides our main point of contact, there are 2–3 additional team members.

How did you come to work with IDEA TO IMPLEMENTATION INFOTECH?

We didn’t have the budget to hire a big company. We started looking for university students or startups, and I managed to get hold of two people from India. We settled on IDEA TO IMPLEMENTATION INFOTECH’s founder, who was a startup then. He has his own company now and people working under him.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent close to $25,000 on the project.

What is the status of the engagement?

We officially started working together in December 2014, and the partnership is still ongoing. Our relationship has cemented over the years.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The education app never took off in South Africa because people didn’t want to pay for it. However, the app's success wasn’t within their control; it depended on us and the market conditions. We eventually suspended the marketing because convincing people to pay was too much of a struggle.

Nonetheless, it was an excellent application, stable and with no technical issues. We measured their success with their ability to deliver what we wanted, so it was 100% a success on their side.

How did IDEA TO IMPLEMENTATION INFOTECH perform from a project management standpoint?

The team has never increased their budget beyond what was agreed upon. They’re honorable and available 24/7. They also understand the importance of communication. We mainly contact them through WhatsApp, Google Docs, and Zoom.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They always deliver, which is why we have a long-lasting relationship.

Are there any areas they could improve?

In the beginning, we had communication problems because their first language was Gujarati. However, it’s all good now.

Any advice for potential customers?

Always work on Google Docs and write down what you want; it’s much easier for a coder to understand when they see something in writing. Also, be as clear as possible so the project doesn’t take longer than anticipated.