InStandart

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

 I am the CEO of an e-commerce development company 

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We are Magento and Shopware development agency

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire InStandart to accomplish?

• Design custom Shopware themes that align with the client's brand identity and business needs.
• Develop plugins to add specific functionalities to the Shopware platform.
• Conduct extensive QA testing to ensure compatibility and performance across different devices and browsers.

SOLUTION

How did you find InStandart?

• Online Search
• Clutch Site

Why did you select InStandart over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost

How many teammates from InStandart were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

InStandart provided comprehensive CAD services to design custom Shopware themes and plugins. Project included creating visually appealing and functional themes tailored to client specifications and developing plugins to enhance the e-commerce capabilities of Shopware platforms. Additionally, QA testing was conducted to ensure the new themes and plugins are fully compatible and perform optimally across various devices and browsers.

Key Deliverables:

• Project Planning and Initial Consultation (Detailed requirements gathering; Project plan outlining timelines, milestones, and deliverables)
• Custom Shopware Theme Design (Wireframes and mockups for initial design concepts; Design iterations)
• Plugin Development (Requirements specification for custom plugins; Initial prototypes and feedback sessions; Integration of plugins with the Shopware platform)
• Quality Assurance (QA) Testing (Functional testing; Compatibility testing across various devices and browsers; Performance testing; Usability testing)
• Documentation and Training (Detailed documentation for themes and plugins; User manuals; Training sessions for the team)
• Deployment and Post-Launch Support (Deployment of the new themes and plugins; Monitoring and immediate troubleshooting post-launch; Ongoing support for a defined period)

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• Project completion within planned timelines.
• All specified plugins functioning as per requirements.
• 100% cross-browser compatibility across targeted browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge).
• 100% functionality across devices (desktop, tablet, mobile).
• Improvement in e-commerce metrics such as sales, conversion rates, and average order value.
• Decrease in bounce rate on pages utilizing the new themes.

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

In this case, project management involved:

• Project Planning and Scheduling: creating a comprehensive project plan with defined timelines and milestones.
• Milestone Tracking: The project plan included specific milestones for key deliverables such as design mockups, plugin prototypes, QA testing phases, and deployment dates.
• Adherence to Deadlines: Deliverables were consistently delivered on or before the scheduled deadlines.
• Clear Communication: Regular status meetings, email updates, and messaging in Slack.

What was your primary form of communication with InStandart?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

These are several reasons why InStandard differs from other companies:

• End-to-End Solutions: InStandart offers a full spectrum of services, from initial consultation and design to development, QA testing, deployment, and post-launch support.
• Customization Capabilities: Their ability to create bespoke themes and plug-ins means that clients receive customized solutions that are specifically tailored to their business needs and branding guidelines, rather than generic, off-the-shelf products.
• Personalized Service: InStandart engaged closely with clients throughout the project, ensuring that feedback was integrated promptly and effectively.

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

Company might stay updated with the latest technologies and continuously invest in training and development to keep the team updated with the latest technologies and trends in e-commerce.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Marketing Lead of Netrocket

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

B2B Inbound Marketing Agency focusing on SEO and PPC

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire InStandart to accomplish?

• Identify and correct errors on the website
• Improve site functionality and performance
• Redesign specific elements to enhance UI/UX

SOLUTION

How did you find InStandart?

• Online Search
• Clutch Site

Why did you select InStandart over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from InStandart were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

The project aimed to address identified errors, improve site functionality, and redesign certain aspects to enhance user experience.

InStandart's specialists conducted a comprehensive analysis of the existing website to identify errors, shortcomings, and areas for improvement.

The company provided specialized professionals to augment the client's existing team. Specialists provided: 

• Software Developer: responsible for implementing technical changes and enhancements on the Wordpress platform.
• UI/UX Designer: tasked with redesigning elements of the website to improve user experience and interface aesthetics.
• Quality Assurance Engineer: conduct thorough testing to identify and rectify any errors or bugs on the site.

Augmented team worked closely with the in-house team to address identified errors and technical issues on the website.

Necessary changes and updates to improve site performance and functionality were implemented.

And UI/UX designer redesigned key elements to enhance user interaction, navigation, and overall aesthetics.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• Error Reduction: the reduction in the number of errors on the website after the project implementation.
• Site Performance Improvement: improvements in site speed and performance metrics such as page load time, server response time, and overall website responsiveness.
• Better UI/UX: improvements in bounce rate, time on page, and user engagement.
• Testing Results: decrease in the number of critical bugs and an increase in test coverage.

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

Since the company provided Team Augmentation services, the entire project management was on our side.

The team promptly answered all questions and completed the work stages on time.

What was your primary form of communication with InStandart?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

• InStandart excel in providing highly skilled professionals to augment client teams, offering a range of specialists tailored to specific project needs. 
• They distinguish themselves by prioritizing clear communication, client collaboration, and long-term strategic alignment. 
• InStandart prioritizes quality assurance and testing as a core value, ensuring that all deliverables meet the highest standards of performance, security, and reliability.

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

InStandart might improve, investing in employee development, staying abreast of industry trends, and actively seeking feedback from clients to refine their practices. This commitment to growth and adaptation ensures that they remain at the forefront of their field.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the CEO of Software company Softblues, focused on SaaS and E-commerce solutions

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

At first, we had an idea in mind. Our initial goal was to create new custom software that would synchronize, analyze and automate main processes in various marketplaces. We also wanted this software to significantly decrease the number of manual operations so that majority of the processes would be conducted automatically.

The more our company thought about it, the more we agreed on this concept of effective up-to-date software that would be not just a viable solution for a time being, but an entirely new system for our company. We imagined this system to later become a driving force in increasing the effectiveness of processes in our business.

SOLUTION

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

I started looking through possible options and searching for suitable software development providers, in order to embark on the project development the way we wanted. Along the way of the search, we came across InStandart, which had the vision and experience that aligned with our expectations for the development of such custom software.

We decided to select the Dedicated Team business model at this company to proceed with development. As this model is centered around the company structuring the team to fit our expectations, InStandart focused on structuring our future team, which turned out to have the best people you could find for the project. They are hard-working and detail-oriented and do a fantastic job with their assigned tasks.

We explained the idea to the team, and they helped us gather all the requirements that described how this customer software was supposed to look and function. Communication with the company was one of the key factors as well, as communication has a large impact on the project development and the speed of this development.

Every time we talked with InStandart about this project, we were able to discuss everything in detail and the outcomes of this communication were really positive. It helped us understand a lot of new things about project development and move forward with the project.

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

We wanted to develop custom software that would automate processes for Amazon, Walmart, eBay, and other marketplaces. Overall, from our point of view, it looked like a project of a significant scope that would take some time and would not be easy to complete by the final due date.

However, as soon as InStandart’s team started working, our worries dissolved in an instant, due to how effective and timely all their processes and updates were. Among the technologies and frameworks that were used to develop this project,

the most prominent ones were

• Python,
• RabbitMQ
• Django

Within the first two weeks, they already managed to have UI and admin page ready, and afterward, further work went on. Within the second part of the project development, InStandart put their effort into this amazing meticulous work on the back end and ensured that all the processes worked flawlessly without any errors. During this time.

The team members paid attention to every detail and gave us wonderful ideas on how to make our software better. Eventually, in a few months, the product was up and running.

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

Five people worked on our project: a project manager, a data scientist, and three developers. Every member of InStandart’s team dedicated their time and effort to this project and made it even better every single day of the development process.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We were absolutely delighted with the results. The project that we initially considered to be an entire conundrum of development turned out to be fantastic cutting-edge software that took the processes of our business to the next level. Everything became much more effective and our revenue increased too. The team completed the project right in time and within our budget.

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

When I first contacted Instandart to start this project, it was absolutely wonderful to see not only the experience and knowledge the company had but also the enthusiasm and interest that team showed in their work. The team kept working on the project in sprints, planning to deliver updates right on time.

The other amazing thing about the project was the constant communication that the team ensured, in order to make updates as quick as possible and also to make sure that we were on the same page with every change and any new addition to the workflow.

We communicated mostly via emails and Skype, and other channels, such as Asana or Slack. In spite of how difficult it might be to develop an application or a system from scratch, they did an amazing job with building our first app and with integrating all the necessary marketplaces. The pros of the process were how the team managed to solve possible issues quickly and they also responded as soon as possible to any inquiries.

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

Their professionalism, speed of working, constant communication, and impressive problem-solving skills. You can always be sure they will do their absolute best at finding a solution to any complicated issue or part of the development.

The development process never falters, advancing further steadily and quickly, thanks to the team’s dedication and involvement. Besides, one of the wonderful things that I have noticed about the company is how InStandart offers creative solutions and new options of features and processes.

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

I was completely satisfied with everything. It is not easy to develop custom software but this company excelled in doing so. This finished project paved the way for our business to succeed with effective automation of processes.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of EZ Cloud.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with InStandart?

We needed help in software development.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

First, I interacted with InStandart’s CEO, and they later connected me with different project managers. 

InStandart is providing us with custom software development, and they’re also maintaining our SaaS product. They use Python, PHP, and AWS. Recently, they developed a listing system database that ensures the user is listed on most platforms. 

What is the team composition?

I work with around 30 resources, including project managers, team leaders, and developers.

How did you come to work with InStandart?

I found them through LinkedIn. We started with small projects, and I really liked their work. 

How much have you invested with them?

We pay them around $30,000 monthly.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in June 2014, and it’s ongoing. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our projects with InStandart have been very successful. Our end customers are happy with their work.

How did InStandart perform from a project management standpoint?

InStandart is very good at project management. They use Teamwork to manage everything and provide timelines and due dates. We communicate through Google chat.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The quality of InStadart’s work is impressive.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They can speed up their maintenance work.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the CEO of Site24

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We provide digital marketing servise for international business

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire InStandart to accomplish?

• Ensure the website is fully compatible across various devices, browsers, and operating systems.
• Validate the website’s performance under normal and peak load conditions.
• Identify and address any stress points that could lead to failures under extreme conditions.

SOLUTION

How did you find InStandart?

• Online Search
• Clutch Site

Why did you select InStandart over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Good value for cost

How many teammates from InStandart were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Scope of Work included initial consultation and test planning, requirement gathering, test plan development, test case creation, compatibility testing, load testing, performance testing, reliability testing, stress testing, automation testing, comprehensive testing, and final report.

Key Deliverables:

• Test case creation covering all aspects of testing.
• Execution of test cases across different browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge).
• Device compatibility testing (desktop, tablet, mobile).
• Operating system compatibility (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android).
• Simulation of user loads to determine website performance under normal conditions.
• Identification of bottlenecks
• Comprehensive testing to measure website speed, responsiveness, and stability.
• Performance metrics collection and analysis.
• Simulation of extreme load conditions to identify breaking points.
• Analysis of system recovery and data integrity post-stress conditions.
• Detailed documentation of all testing activities, results, and identified issues.
• Prioritized list of defects and recommendations for fixes.
• Final report summarizing overall website health and readiness for launch.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Measurable outcomes demonstrating InStandart's team success:

• Identify at least 90% of critical defects before deployment.
• 100% cross-browser compatibility: successful rendering and functionality across major browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge).
• 100% cross-device compatibility: performance consistency across different devices (desktop, tablet, mobile).
• 100% cross-OS compatibility: successful operation on various operating systems (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android).
• Load handling capacity: number of users the website can handle at least 1,000 concurrent users simultaneously without performance degradation.
• 99.9% of time the website remains operational during reliability testing.
• Less than 0.1% of errors encountered during reliability testing.
• 100% data integrity: ensuring no data loss or corruption under stress conditions.
• 100% of identified defects resolved before project completion.

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

InStandart conducted a detailed consultation to gather project requirements and establish clear expectations. A comprehensive project plan with defined timelines and milestones was developed. Each milestone had associated deadlines to ensure timely progress. InStandart demonstrated a strong commitment to meeting project deadlines. Deliverables such as initial test plans, test cases, and final test reports were consistently delivered on or before the scheduled deadlines.

The team provided regular status updates to keep stakeholders informed of progress. 

Regular meetings were held to review progress, discuss feedback, and plan upcoming tasks. These meetings allowed for immediate addressing of any concerns or changes in requirements.

What was your primary form of communication with InStandart?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Demonstrating a strong commitment to meeting project deadlines, InStandart consistently delivered key milestones, such as test plans, test cases, and final reports, on or before the scheduled deadlines. The team provided regular status updates, keeping us informed of progress and ensuring transparency throughout the project lifecycle. InStandart was highly responsive to our feedback, incorporating it promptly into subsequent project phases. 

From initial consultation and design to development, QA testing, deployment, and post-launch support, InStandart offered a full spectrum of services, ensuring seamless integration and high-quality deliverables. Extensive functional, compatibility, performance, and usability testing were conducted to ensure that every theme and plugin works flawlessly across all intended environments.

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

As the company grows, it may be beneficial to expand the team to include more developers and QA specialists. 

InStandart can invest in continuous professional development for employees through training programs, certifications, and workshops to keep the team’s skills up-to-date.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Director of RGS IT Development

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Bespoke software development.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire InStandart to accomplish?

• Increase software development capacity
• Improve testing
• Add UI/UX design capacity

SOLUTION

How did you find InStandart?

Other

Why did you select InStandart over others?

Great culture fit, Good value for cost

What was the size of InStandart’s team?

2-5 Employees

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

We are building a web application for a HR bureau using AGILE methodology and a phased delivery approach.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• Jira tasks completed

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

We are managing the project ourselves. We are using InStandart for outstaffing.

What was your primary form of communication with InStandart?

Virtual Meeting

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

High quality people at reasonable cost, and good account management.

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

No, we are very impressed with InStandart so far.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Founder - Consumer behaviour and retail analytics business

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire InStandart?

Data Science

SOLUTION

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

Referral

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

Daily interactions with the team, to understand the data and build ML models to answer behavioural and economic questions

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

2 - Data Scientists + 1 Project Manager

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Good outcome

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Effective.

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

They helped us solve our problems. 

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

None.