Orases

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We’re a small business that focuses on safety and regulatory compliance, with a specific focus on the forest products industry. I’m the Vice President and COO.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Orases?

We wanted to add value for our customers and asked Orases to help us create something simple and easy to accomplish this. We wanted to create a mobile app, with a web platform, that would allow our customers—generally small mom and pop shops—to record safety-related issues that could easily be sent to our web dashboard. This would improve safety and organization while streamlining the process for compliance issues.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

This is our first effort with development and Orases really took the lead with us. This probably was not the most technically difficult project they’ve ever had; however, we’re bringing specific industry information that they probably don’t have a lot of experience with, and yet they’ve made successful efforts to learn about the field. We began by sharing our thoughts and goals, and they listened to what we wanted and gave feedback to help steer the direction of development. Then we moved on to the discovery phase, where they shared wireframes and collaborated with us thoroughly.

Orases developed the iOS, Android, and web platforms with an emphasis on UX for our specific clients. They created a dashboard component, that I can access on a desktop, where all the mobile application information flows to. The application itself helps customers do daily vehicle inspections and provides a method for drivers to make notes, provide photos, and list any defects, all of which are then funneled to the dashboard. All in all, this helps all of us identify possible safety issues and what might need attention.

What is the team composition?

We have a main point of contact and, when we share a weekly call with them, usually also speak with a developer. There are about three to five other developers working in the background.

How did you come to work with Orases?

I actually first found them from Clutch. I read their reviews and did my own investigating into their work and then spoke directly with the owner, Nick Damoulakis. That conversation pretty much sold me to work with them.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent over $100,000 in total thus far.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began development in October, 2017, and are still working together.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Although we’re still in the middle of the development process, we’ve been pleased with the way things have gone. We have slowly made our customers aware of what is coming and have gotten some positive feedback.

How did Orases perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re superb at sticking to deadlines and to budget. We use Basecamp and email to communicate, and the communication is fantastic and dynamic. They have their own process and stick to that while keeping us updated about their calendars, timelines, and budgets. They are also adept at providing pertinent information. They have been very engaged and very involved while communicating with us throughout the process.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Nick has put together a great team, many of whom we’ve enjoyed talking with. They’re focused and driven, but not to the point of being pushy or forcing a situation. They genuinely want us to be happy with the end product and want to deliver our vision.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I would tell someone to do your homework beforehand. Bring as much information to the table as you can concerning how you visualize the end product. Make sure that information is appropriate and helpful for fully discovering what you want to do and what direction they need to take.