Napoleon IT

Please describe your company and your position there.

My name is Ildar Churakaev, I am the director of the Xpage Digital Agency. We have been working since 2003 and help businesses earn money. Our web services and solutions are about how to get new customers and make them happier than old ones. About cost transparency and process savings. About automation. About employee returns and quality management.

For what projects/services did your company hire Napoleon IT?

Our company hired Napoleon IT to implement a project called “Incoming control and accounting of employees' working hours”.

What were your goals for this project?

We set Napoleon IT a number of tasks: Entrance control of employees. Accounting of employees 'working hours. Recognition of employees' faces at the entrance and in the zones of the workspace.

How did you select this vendor?

We have long known Napoleon IT and the digital products it provides to its customers. We also met many times at various, both local and Russian events, so the choice was obvious.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

Napoleon IT is developing for us a system of incoming control and accounting of employees' working hours with the possibility of recognizing people at the entrance and controlling the time spent in different areas with subsequent analytics for employees. Now the project is at the stage of working minimum viable product (MVP), the model is already connected to cameras in the office and transmits the video stream through google clouds using an additionally created application. A bot was also created to analyze video stream and create reports on employees.

What was the team composition?

1 project manager, 1 Scrum master, 2 data scientists, 2 backend developers, 1 C ++ developer and 1 QA engineer work on the project from Napoleon IT.

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

Now the product has been successfully implemented and works, work is underway to optimize and automate all internal processes.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

We work in Jira, the work is very productive. Meetings take place once a week.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Very young, but very professional team. Everything is done easy and fun. They listen to the client and are ready to change the product on demand.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Most likely no

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the deputy general director for research at UralNIIstrom, the largest research institute in the development and testing of building materials. My responsibilities include research, development, and implementing innovative technologies into business processes.

For what projects/services did your company dire this vendor?

Together with Napoleon IT, we developed an ERP system for the automation and control of laboratory tests of building materials.

What were your goals for this project?

UralNIIstrom must comply with more than 400 protocol every day, which can be difficult. So, the goal of the project was to automate the process of compiling, verifying, and issuing customers research results.

How did you select this vendor?

We found them through the media.

Describe the project in detail.

The developed software for our laboratory is intended for automation of laboratory activities in order to improve work quality and reduce testing costs. The ERP system consisted of the following modules:

• ERP SAMPLE REGISTRATION: allowed us to create a unified information database of results tests guaranteeing full traceability of measurements. All information about the sample is available at any time, to each user, according to his access rights. Built-in mechanisms for archiving and protecting information will provide the required level of safety and security of the entire laboratory history the activities
• TEST PROGRAM: The test program can be formed as based on a pre-installed template, and in accordance with the necessary requirements. Patterns test programs are created in accordance with our requirements The user has the ability to independently create test program templates containing all necessary test methods for a particular type of sample. Methods can also be assigned. tests in accordance with the selected regulatory document or independently choose test methods from the complete list of methods available in the system.
• ELECTRONIC MAGAZINES: The process of managing the laboratory activities of our company based on the use of electronic sample logs and result logs tests that are developed in accordance with the requirements of the customer and fully correspond to paper magazines. Laboratory staff easier go to work with a system that repeats the usual algorithm of laboratory activity.
• PRINTING REPORTS: The software implements the “single window principle”, which allows you to enter once data to the system and then automatically receive all the necessary reports, charts, passports qualities, magazines, and other output documents.
• TEST QUALITY CONTROL: Implementation of the process of automatic control the reliability of the studies performed, allows us to evaluate the acceptability of the received measurement results in accordance with the norms and rules of the state system ensuring the uniformity of measurements, the requirements of GOST R ISO 5725-2002.
• STATISTICAL REPORTS: A flexible system for setting up reports in developed software allowed with Easily create statistical reports to analyze laboratory activities and monitoring product quality.
• MOBILE CLIENT: Using a tablet computer and barcode technology identification during sampling will allow to form an act at the place of sampling and automatically transfer data on registration of samples in the system

What was the team composition?

Napoleon IT designated a project manager, front- and backend developers, and testers for the project.

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

The implemented software that:

• Reduces paper workflow in the laboratory through the introduction of electronic journals registration and result logs
• Improves the quality of test results through the automatic calculation of results testing and monitoring compliance with product standards 
• Reduces the time for calculating test results using the built-in calculation algorithms that fully comply with the normative documentation on methods
• Automatically generates output documentation based on test results
• Implements electronic accounting and monitoring of the state of measuring instruments and test equipment 
• Carries out the automatic collection of test results from quality control devices

How effective is your workflow between your team and theirs?

The project team used Jira and Confluence. Initially, we worked on a fixed cost model, but then Napoleon IT suggested we switch to a dedicated team model with an hourly payment for hours worked. Communication became more efficient and we saw the result at every stage work.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

We appreciated their round-the-clock project support and quick responses to problems.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Sometimes the timelines were not accurately estimated.

Please describe your company and your position there.

Our company operates in 67 regions of Russia, including Moscow and the Moscow region.

For what projects/services did your company hire this vendor?

We always support large-scale events in cities, and many residents want to get photos from these events. By default, photos are posted 2–3 days after, which means that visitors have to not only wait but also look for their photos from thousands of others.

Tele2 wanted to break free of those rules. To do that, we needed a tool that would allow the user to immediately get their photos without searching and waiting.

We provided instant upload of photos to the server via a camera with a Wi-Fi module and a modem with a Tele2 SIM card. For a quick search, Napoleon IT developed a service for recognizing the user's face and searching for his photos in the database.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goals were to:

• increase the reach of users on social networks
• support the “Other Rules” approach
• create a new customer experience
• and emphasize the company's orientation on the integration of the latest technologies

How did you select this vendor?

A tender was announced to develop this solution. Napoleon IT won because they could provide a complete solution—a machine learning model and develop a web interface, at the best cost.

Describe the project in detail.

This is an interface with a computer vision module into which a guest uploads a photo, and the system selects the photos from the specific event that the guest participated in.

What was the team composition?

The Napoleon IT team included: a project manager, three data scientists, a backend developer, a frontend developer, a DevOps engineer, and a QA engineer.

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

The newly developed service is now enjoyed by over a thousand users. 

How effective is your workflow between your team and theirs? Did you use any specific project management tools?

The Napoleon IT team works according to the Agile methodology, and the work was very productive. They indicated that collaboration with the client is more important than agreeing on the terms of the contract. Instead of insisting on following the original plan, they were also willing to change when needed. They used the Trello service to set tasks and track progress. 

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their approach to product development really blew me away. Their extensive engagement with the customer as well as their interest in the success of the project were very impressive. From the very beginning, roles and responsibilities were defined on both sides, which allowed us to develop a truly useful and convenient service.

Are there any areas for improvement?

At the moment, no!

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the lead marketing and advertising specialist for OOO “Shininvest.” We sell imported and domestic tires and rims. Services include tire fitting, assistance, storage, and repair.

For what projects/services did your company hire this vendor?

Our team aimed to increase product sales, including car service offerings. We wanted Napoleon IT to develop and promote a mobile application for our auto service and shop.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to target the 25–35-year-old demographic via the app.

How did you select this vendor?

We were familiar with Napoleon IT’s past work and position in the market.

Describe the project in detail.

Napoleon IT developed the app for iOS and Android. The solution enables customers to purchase products, sign up for services in a personalized account, and communicate with our team. The team made our loyalty program available in the app as well.

What was the team composition?

The team includes a project manager, iOS developers, Android developers, a QA specialist and backend developers.

Describe the impact this project has had on your business.

We continue to experience growth. Users have placed 1,280 orders through the app, which equates to 13% of sales.

How effective is your workflow between your team and theirs?

We work quickly together. The project manager is detail- and process-oriented.

What did you find the most impressive about this company?

The team’s workflows and results stand out.

Are there any areas for improvement?

They could provide non-standard design solutions.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the executive secretary of Foma, a monthly Orthodox cultural and educational magazine.

For what projects/services did your company hire this vendor?

We engaged Napoleon IT to build a mobile application for our print magazine.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted the app to be an inexpensive and accessible alternative to our print subscription.

How did you select this vendor?

Napoleon IT's cost estimate was optimal.

Describe the project in detail.

They developed the app for iOS and Android, with different interactive versions for tablets and smartphones. They now provide technical support. We also use the app to publish books and articles, which Napoleon IT supports.

What was the team composition?

Our designers work with their managers and technical resources.

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

The solution is reliable and stable, even with the team experiencing turnover. Readership via the app has increased fourfold. Napoleon IT provides quality technical support; they respond quickly to readers’ bug reports.

The team is flexible and has offered several solution formats. Updates to the operating system have eliminated errors.

How effective is your workflow between your team and theirs? 

The team is responsive and addresses all issues promptly. We communicate via Jira, email, and messaging. The arrangement is convenient for our team.

What did you find the most impressive about this company?

Napoleon is a worthy partner for the project. We chose this company several years ago in a crowded field, and we are not disappointed with them.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, I can’t think of anything.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the digital director of MoscowTimes LLC, a publishing house. I do product management for media projects.

For what projects/services did your company hire Napoleon IT?

We engaged Napoleon IT to develop multiple iOS applications.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to increase profit with digital and print distribution channels.

How did you select this vendor?

We reviewed several competitors and platforms.

Describe the project in detail.

The team built a mobile app for each of our magazines. Users can purchase the latest issue after the magazines’ editors upload the content.

What was the team composition?

We work with their management team.

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

Each month, we sell more than 100 issues and subscriptions. Sales continue to grow due to the team’s timely support and assistance. Each app has a convenient UI design.

How effective is your workflow between your team and theirs?

They resolve all messages promptly via online messages.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Napoleon IT provides fast and effective support. They are continuously improving the product.

Are there any areas for improvement?

We would be happy if Napoleon IT offered more opportunities to monetize print media.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m a product manager for a Russian media holding company that comprises a television channel, a news agency, a newspaper, and a magazine.

For what projects/services did your company hire this Napoleon IT?

We engaged Napoleon IT to develop a mobile application on their internal platform. We wanted to deliver our print magazine content electronically in a convenient format for digital readers.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to get a new distribution channel while expanding the magazine’s audience and maintaining its loyal readership.

How did you select this vendor?

My predecessor hired Napoleon IT. When I assumed my current role, I conducted an audit and market research. This analysis showed that Napoleon IT was still the best partner for us regarding price and quality.

Describe the project in detail.

The digital magazine is an interactive version of the hard copy for tablets and smartphones. Napoleon IT developed and launched the mobile app on their digital publishing platform. We supplied them with layout materials and provided feedback. The team now provides hosting, technical support, and updates.

What was the team composition?

The team includes two managers, two designers, three developers, and a technical support specialist. We interact with the managers most often, usually about organizational issues.

How effective is your workflow between your team and theirs? Did you use any specific project management tools?

We used JIRA at first, but later switched to email to simplify communication.

What did you find the most impressive about this company?

The team is flexible, and willing to adapt to customer processes and requests.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, I can’t think of anything.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I work for Prem Media Publishing, which is a digital and print publishing company. We run two of our own magazine titles and also work with other establishments on a contract basis to publish their marketing or content media.

For what projects/services did your company hire Napoleon IT?

We needed to create a fully-functional digital publishing platform that would let us fully control our work along every step of our digital publication process. It also had to integrate with our existing publisher tools.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted a platform that could take us seamlessly from concept to publication without exiting our internal tools and processes, or relying on outsourcing. It was important to be able to move our ideas and content between departments without any glitches.

How did you select this vendor?

We came across them on social media and struck up a relationship. Within a few meetings, we knew that they understood our needs and decided to hire them.

Describe the project in detail.

We wanted to be able to seamlessly move projects all the way from the title or issue concept to publication. In order to do this, our platform had to be able to support templates for building mock pages. We also needed sufficient flexibility to convey multiple kinds of storylines and come up with varied design concepts. One of the most important things Napoleon IT did for us was to add an InDesign plugin to the platform so we could accomplish this. They also built a custom testing tool that lets us go through the final proof to inspect pages and content—it even works on phones and tablets so that we can fully evaluate how the end product will look for our users. Lastly, they also built a custom publishing tool that will connect our final product to all of our relevant app stores. It’s fully automated and requires very little technical knowledge on our end.

What was the team composition?

Our in-house team worked with of their two developers.

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

Using the new platform, we successfully launched two of our own titles, as well as four or five contract-published ones. Managing the prices and content on the various app stores is much easier now and we’re in full control of the process, which was what we wanted.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Their team is always on hand whenever we needed something. We keep in touch via email and instant message; they’re very welcoming and professional regarding all of our concerns. They understand our needs well, which has made everything easy.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their technical expertise is exceptional. Aside from that, I appreciate their open communication and willingness to understand what we’re looking for.

Are there any areas for improvement?

There’s always areas of improvement and Napoleon IT constantly reach out to me with ways to improve our platform. They’re quite diligent about improving themselves.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the marketing director at the fastest growing retail network in Russia. At the moment, we have more than 6,500 stores in 57 regions, and we open new ones every day.

For what projects/services did your company hire Napoleon IT?

We needed a high-tech solution for solving problems related to the auditing process that our field staff performs at outlets.

What were your goals for this project?

We were aiming to reduce the time required for field workers to complete tasks, as well as to speed up the process of verifying the results of their work. Furthermore, we wanted to have a convenient tool for handling task management and accounting.

How did you select this vendor?

Napoleon IT had previously built a mobile app for us, which included a product catalog as well as several additional tools for communicating with our customers. The project was successful, and since they had the necessary skills for this job, we decided to hire them again.

Describe the project in detail.

After we discussed the scope of the project, we created a development and implementation plan with short cycles. They adhere to this schedule, which gives us time to test the product and correct issues if necessary. We continue to collaborate with them as needed.

What was the team composition?

We work with two project managers from Napoleon IT. Their larger team consists of 13 data scientists, seven analysts, and 13 developers. Our staff is constantly in touch with their tech support team.

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

We've now implemented the system, which allows users to quickly and efficiently assign, execute, and control business tasks related to controlling goods.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

In general, their communication and workflow are very efficient. Together, we managed to achieve our goals within the set timeframe.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their young and ambitious team is always ready to develop and implement our wildest ideas. Furthermore, they’re immersed in our business and will offer their own ideas.

Are there any areas for improvement?

They lack some of the more formalized processes.

Please describe your company and your position there.

Russian Jewellery Retail Company CIO

For what projects/services did your company hire Napoleon IT?

Development of new functionality in mobile application

What were your goals for this project?

New functions as personal account, orders and other upgrade

How did you select this vendor?

We announced the necessity of the outsource development. Key values were: quality of code, speed and price.

Describe the project in detail.

At the moment of selection we've have already functional design of new functionality. So we gave it to Napoleon and we had 3 or 4 meetings for discussing details. After that the project has begun.

What was the team composition?

2 backend developers, 1 front, 1 PM

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

We've finished the project according to the target schedule. New functionality performed to increase registration statistics in 5x.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Our workflow was stable.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

compliance of the result with expectations

Are there any areas for improvement?

More communication with customer