Perpetuum Mobile

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

The Fraktura publishing house was founded in 2002 by Sibila and Seid Serdarević. From the beginning, we have set clear program foundations. Fraktura publishes quality fiction and journalism by Croatian and world, primarily European authors.

We also publish contemporary young authors, but also contemporary classics, as well as new translations or untranslated books by the greats of world literature. When working on books, we pay attention to every detail, from the choice of title and translator through the work on the text to the design and quality of the print, keeping pace with modern technologies.

The books we have published have won an enviable number of awards and we are one of the most awarded Croatian publishing houses. Every year we publish about sixty new titles, organize many promotions and talks with authors from the country and abroad, attend domestic and foreign book fairs, and our books can be found in all the better bookstores.

We have developed excellent partnerships with many important publishing houses and literary agents around the world, and so far we have sold the rights to the authors we represent in about twenty countries. Today there are twenty of us in Fraktura, but the number of our associates - writers, translators, designers, proofreaders, printers ... is much higher and all of them still make Fraktura today and always. My position is co-owner, editor-in-chief and IT project manager.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Upgrading and optimizing the website, support in website development and e-commerce solutions, setting up the portal through drupal. Stabilize the website, have the latest version and maximum support, and increase the number of users per month in terms of visits and achieve e-sales growth by 20% per year-

SOLUTION

How did you select Perpetuum Mobile and what were the deciding factors?

- Magento - Drupal 8

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

Refactoring of all modules after taking over the web shop from another company - Update magenta and all existing modules. Frontend redesign. - Linking orders, quantities, prices, delivery and order invoices with Pantheon ERP

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

• Shop o Ivan Rogar 
• Ivan Krsnik
• Goran Lončar
• Nikola Karimović
• Granit Krasniqi
• F-Magazin o Alan Edmond

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We are EXTREMELY satisfied with the final service, a quality solution for all segments of the project. The goals have been achieved and exceeded, both in terms of growth in purchases and especially the number of unique visitors.

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

Project manager Mr. Bakić understands the management of the project extremely well, he does things at the highest professional level in terms of communication, and without him the connection between the client and the developer is impossible.

Equally, everyone involved in the project was highly professionally oriented. Sometimes we would like some things to be resolved faster, but we understand that we cannot always be first on the list of priorities.

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

Excellent communication between management, project manager and programmer, the ability of the project manager to reduce communication noise and get the best out of both parties.

Are there any areas for improvement?

The ability to get things done faster, to leave a certain number of employees alone and follow up on previous projects, and to offer the client new solutions, for example, in the way that kekspay was introduced.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

The Croatian Writers' Society (Hrvatsko društvo pisaca - HDP) is one of the leading professional and artistic associations in Croatia. It takes care of the writers' rights and social position, promotes the best Croatian literature home as well as abroad and implements different programs such as magazine and book publishing, writer exchanges, literary events, etc. HDP also participates in creating Croatia’s cultural and book policy, advocates for copyright, participates in legislation drafting, etc. One of the most important programs of HDP is the web site for literature and literary criticism Kritika-hdp. Personally, together with my collaborators, I devised the concept of this website and I'm a editor-in-chief. I'm also a member of the Board of HDP.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

The company Perpetuum has created the entire HDP’s specialized website for literature and literary criticism Kritika-hdp, which is extensive in terms of implementation and has high fluctuation of content.

The project plan consisted of web design development (all elements, from the media logo onwards), design implementation and definition of functionality, programming of all elements, testing, web solution optimization and production. We have also hired Perpetuum for regular technical support and the provision of system upgrade, as well as improvement, support and maintenance.

A few years before the creation of the Kritika-hdp website, Perpetuum created the official website of the Croatian Writers' Society, which hosts all the information about the work of the society, membership, activities, regulations, etc. Both websites are updated with new content on a daily basis. We launched the Kritika-hdp portal with the aims of affirming critical discourse on literature and culture while contributing to better visibility of topics related to books, writing, reading and interpretation of literature, etc.

Our intention is to become an important reference point in the cultural media field, to promote important writers, authors and poetics, and new approaches to literature. In order to do that, it was very important for us to have a partner who will provide high quality technical services and up-to-date design solutions, following our editorial requirements. Perpetuum completely satisfied our demands.

SOLUTION

How did you select Perpetuum Mobile and what were the deciding factors?

Perpetuum was known among our colleagues as a very professional and reputable company that, in addition to working with clients in the field of business, banking and communications, is very happy to cooperate with organizations and individuals in the field of culture and, very importantly, knows the specifics of such clients.

Also, Perpetuum created the official website of the Croatian Writers' Society, which has existed for many years, so the logical choice was to hire them to create a new website. It was especially important for us that the company we work with understands our position as a cultural actor that has a limited budget and specific modes of operation.

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

Kritika-hdp is officially registered by the Electronic Media Agency, Croatia’s independent regulatory body, as a legally recognized non-profit media project. It publishes numerous texts and articles of various genres: literary criticism, journalist pieces, essays, interviews, excerpts from book manuscripts, multimedia articles (audio and video), photo gallery in which we present the best domestic designers and illustrators, etc. There is also an info-calendar with news, events and literary competitions, as well as a survey section through which we interact with readers. The site has a cohesive internal structure and carefully designed editorial equipment to enable content visibility, easy navigation and readability.

In order to provide this kind of media functionality, it was important to involve the company at all stages that can monitor our requirements and offer appropriate solutions. The project took place in several phases:

1. General editorial conception;
2. Design, technical development and implementation (Drupal 8 CMS);
3. Uploading content to test servers and testing;
4. Switching to the production server, monitoring functionality and removing possible obstacles;
5. Ongoing technical support and maintenance.

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

Two Perpetuum’s developers and one designer participated in the project. Three editors participated on behalf of Kritika-hdp. Of course, the complete Kritika-hdp’s editorial board (six people), as well as all responsible persons in HDP (association presidency and board of directors) were introduced to all phases of the project.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We are extremely satisfied with the realized work. Perpetuum has done an important and irreplaceable technical and operational job on the Kritika-hdp’s launch and maintenance project. Together with the editorial board, they built this project from the scratch and created the new and relevant website for literature that records constant growth (measured in number of visitors, collaborators, media references, etc.). All of the website’s elements work without problems and there are no errors on the page.

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

Perpetuum's employees were happy to meet our requirements and willing to offer us adequate solutions so we could present our editorial concept and media content in the best possible way. They responded to all of our questions and requests very quickly and offered efficient and creative solutions. The project was carried out according to the highest professional and communication standards.

It is especially important to point out that the critical phase of the Kritika-hdp’s launch coincided with the complete closure due to Covid-19 and the strong Zagreb earthquake that caused many infrastructural problems. However, these difficult circumstances did not affect the quality of communication and collaboration in any way (Email, Teams). At all times, we knew exactly at what stage of the project development we were, what steps were following and when they would be carried out.

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

In cooperation with the Perpetuum we were impressed with their operability, speed and efficiency in solving problems, as well as the ability to adapt to the specific requirements of clients in the field of culture. Their big advantage is also a highly educated, flexible, communicative, and young team of experts with whom pleasant communication is easily established. The entire ‘habitus’ of the company (way of working and identity) fully corresponds to the business dynamics and requirements set by a project such as our literary website.

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

In the cooperation with Perpetuum so far we haven't encountered any problems that the experts at company did not know how to solve, so from our perspective the company functions perfectly at all operational levels and according to the required professional standards.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

In Amphinicy we are specialized in custom software development and consulting for the satellite industry. Company has two locations in Zagreb, Croatia and Luxembourg. I am the CTO in Croatia.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We already had web CMS, however as the company grew, we needed more functionality than our existing CMS could provide. Therefore we searched for qualified vendor that could implement our requirements for the new system. In the end we selected Perpetuum Mobile among 3 finalists.

SOLUTION

How did you select Perpetuum Mobile and what were the deciding factors?

We provided detailed specification of the requirements and asked for proposals from several vendors. Many of them were excluded based on the response, and we ended up with 3 companies in final round. After meetings with all finalists we have chosen Peropetuum Mobile as the best offer. This decision was a combination of the demonstrated experience, offered base CMS platform, the level of understanding what we need and the price.

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

Scope was to deliver multi-subdomain corporate website , with additional functionalities.

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

3 developers and 1 designer

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We managed to deliver the project on time, according to initially planned schedule. Delivered system works without any issues so far, as expected.

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

Project management was excellent. There were several occasions when we were not able to provide necessary feedback to Perpetuum Mobile, as people were too busy with ongoing projects, but they successfully managed to switch their developers to other tasks in order not to generate delay. Communication was always great, we used combination of email, slack and live meetings to deliver this project.

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

They were able to adapt to unplanned circumstances and steer the project to fit in the planned schedule.

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

Nothing comes to my mind at this moment.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Community Manager and Marketing Consultant at TIS Grupa. We have regionally been recognized as a reliable partner in the development of innovative business solutions in the financial, telecommunications, manufacturing, transportation and logistics industries, as well as in the public sector. With a strong vision, clear principles and quality work, we have expanded the boundaries of our business operations to markets in Europe and the world. The TIS Grupa team consists of more than 120 specialized experts united in four subsidiary companies with headquarters in Croatia, the United Kingdom and Slovenia.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We needed a developers to build new websites for us and our parent company.

SOLUTION

How did you select Perpetuum Mobile and what were the deciding factors?

We heard good things about Perpetuum Mobile, so we reached out to them. We liked their proposal and the fast turnaround times, so we chose them for our project.

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

We had kick-off meeting to discus our goals and objectives. The team delivered suggestions an wireframes for our site. After a few kick-off metting, perpetuum team designed and developed an Drupal website. They updated the content to reflect our company's services, solutions and integrated our website with TalentLyft site.

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

A project manager was our main point of contact troughout the process. There was also one designer and one developer.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We love updated design, now our solution and services are clearer.

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

We had daily or weekly stand-ups with their project manager who communicated with the rest of the team to whom he conveyed our wishes and requirements.

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

Their developers and designer have expert knowledge of Drupal and are able to handle projects. The team was very knowledgeable, professional, and always available to communicate.

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

No

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Automotive retail company. Computer information system manager

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Custom Web Shop Development / Magento Open Source. Stable and technically growing solution that can sustain large amount od products and web connectors.

SOLUTION

How did you select Perpetuum Mobile and what were the deciding factors?

Magento Open Source experts.

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

Custom Web Shop Development on Magento Open Source platform. Design Backend development integration with ERP Integration with partners distribution systems

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

1 architect 2 developers 1 designer

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The solution met our expectations.

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

Daily communications, extended collaboration meetings. Used Slack for quick chat.

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

Their quick understanding of our needs was impressive.

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

Employ more developers and architects

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

eCommerce Manager in FMCG Company

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Barcaffe.hr webshop

SOLUTION

How did you select Perpetuum Mobile and what were the deciding factors?

Price&Magento know how

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

Frontend design implementation Common eCommerce Platform Development Features according to functional specification IPG integration Recurring Payment Option Fiscalisation

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

One IT Architect Two Developers One Designer

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

No

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

The project management and communication worked really well through the online tools and the dedicated project manager made a great job keeping things together.

They were friendly, quick to respond, informative, and deliver what is asked for within a really tight deadline.

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

Flexibility

Are there any areas for improvement?

n/a