Pocketworks

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the co-founder and director of Toucan, a UK-based giving company with a mobile app that makes it easier to give money to charity. Most of our employees are UK-based, but we have one employee in Canada, one in Portugal, and I live in Sweden.

What challenge were you trying to address with Pocketworks?

We hired Pocketworks to be the prime developers of the Toucan app.

What was the scope of their involvement?

Pocketworks  had a major role to play in our company — they developed our cross-platform mobile app, soup to nuts. My team provided information on our target audience and launch plans. While we didn't have any in-house developers, our in-house product lead, COO, and graphic designer worked on this project with Pocketworks. Pocketworks provided great design guidance — they really helped with our UX design. Their team developed a portfolio to showcase charities and added a payment functionality.

In the UK alone, there are easily 20,000 charities. So, at the moment, the app is focused on the UK market, although we are going to internationalize it. On the app, users can enter what they're interested in, and we'll generate a shortlist of charities for them to look at. The discovery functionality allows them to find out about charities. The discovery function development is quite critical — we've needed a curated list that encapsulated 3–4 of the users' criteria. 

Users can pay through any credit card provider, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other third-party payment tools. From there, the payments can be split evenly across multiple charities. Users can also share and measure their impact by seeing how much they've donated to charities. For example, users can set up donation goals, and the app will track how much of the donation goal has been reached to date.

The app also allows users to bookmark their favorite charities and then compile them into a list on their portfolio — that development process has been the hardest and required a lot of UX guidance from Pocketworks.  

What is the team composition?

We regularly contact five teammates from Pocketworks, but also have contact with 1–2 other teammates. We primarily interface with Anna (UX Designer), who served as project manager. We've also worked with Rory (iOS Developer), Matteo (Full Stack Web Developer), and a QA teammate. Tobin (Managing Director) was also involved in our project. 

How did you come to work with Pocketworks?

We conducted a Google search for development agencies and interviewed several that we found. We liked Pocketworks because Tobin was a mature developer leading a young, international team, and we liked that he brought a level of maturity and experience to the project. 

How much have you invested in them?

We’ve spent £200,000 (approximately $262,000 USD) on the app development. 

What is the status of this engagement?

The project began in July 2021, and it's ongoing. 

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

Pocketworks has been crucial to us getting to an MVP version of the platform and then evolving it into a functioning mobile app. The app launched in February 2022, and now we're working through a discovery phase for two products linked to the first one. Although the app hasn't been live for long, we've had several thousand downloads. We've enjoyed working with Pocketworks and will continue for the next two projects. 

How did Pocketworks perform from a project management standpoint?

Pocketworks is very open and clear about their challenges. We have very clear communication with their team through Slack — we're never left wondering what they said, and they are very responsive to our requests. Our internal product lead and COO have regular calls with Pocketworks — we have weekly demo calls to see the project progress. I've appreciated them being prepared to do a large weekly meeting so that we could all have a chance to get some input and ask questions. Even though he is the CEO, Tobin is quite involved and joins all of our regular Wednesday demo calls. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Leading up to our February 2022 app launch, we planned to be featured on UK national television. We needed to meet our deadlines, and Pocketworks ensured we did. They put in the time required to deliver what we needed — they pulled long days and weekends and were very flexible. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

We've had a great experience with Pocketworks. We initially worked with another agency for a few months, but they let us down. It was difficult to change agencies because a lot of work had already been done, but Pocketworks was happy to revamp another agency's work. 

Despite the difficulties, Pocketworks has been great. They haven't oversold their services to us and always let us know their development steps. I've appreciated their honest communication from the very beginning. Many other developers tend to be overly optimistic and overpromise, which can cause issues, but Pocketworks hasn't been like that. Their team has a very good grasp on their capabilities and timelines — they've been good at communicating expenses. 

Once, when we were about to launch, they needed more time to complete the project but were very open with me. They told me it would require additional funds and requested my permission to continue — I've appreciated their honesty, and we've never had financial surprises. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I'd advise customers to share a lot of information about their projects with Pocketworks — the more customers share, the better Pocketworks can understand and help them. Pocketworks' team is very mature and happy to be heavily involved in the project. They're very open to suggestions, even if they challenge initial decisions. Customers shouldn't be afraid to challenge Pocketworks. 

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm a business analyst at WasteCare, a national waste management company specialising in hazardous and difficult waste. We complete around 17,000 collections every month from 9 service centres, recycling and recovering around 200,000 tonnes of waste every year.

For what projects/services did your company hire Pocketworks?

We hired Pocketworks to extend our core business application out into the field. Allowing us better serve our customers by providing real time updates, estimated collection times and increasing our collection capacity. This also allowed us to drastically reduce the amount of paperwork we produce from multiple sheets per collection to effectively zero.

Our software is based on a web-stack and whilst we develop our software in-house we don't have experience in developing mobile applications.

What were your goals for this project?

Primarily to better improve the service that we can offer customers, but also to make life easier for our collection drivers, reduce our paperwork, increase efficiency and ultimately increase our collection capacity.

How did you select Pocketworks?

We were initially considering adapting an existing off-the-shelf solution provided by our vehicle tracking provider. However, it quickly became apparent that we would need to make too many compromises to make it fit our workflow. I had previously engaged Pocketworks years before when looking to make an application for our customers based on our newly launched customer portal.

Having met with Tobin and Lee, I was so taken with their enthusiasm, pragmatism and dedication to UX that whilst the original project didn't work out, I was keen to engage them a few years later with this much larger project.

Ultimately we needed a bespoke solution that fit our existing process rather than fit our process to an off the shelf solution. Pocketworks allowed us to do this, sharing many our our ideals and values.

Describe the project in detail.

We have a complex web based ERP/CRM developed in house. This has been in development for decades, migrating and changing with requirements and technological advances. We wanted to remove the 30,000+ pieces of paper we generate every month that meet the requirements of hazardous waste legislation, moving to a completely paperless, mobile driven solution.

This would allow us to allocate work to drivers in the field, be more proactive with our customers, deliver accurate ETAs and improve satisfaction. All our drivers entered their collection quantities and weights onto our system at the end of their shifts.

Over time we have refined their interface to reduce input errors and improve data quality, the interface ended up with a complex set of rules and validation checks that we would need to port to a mobile solution to maintain our data integrity.

We would also need a way for drivers to be able to see work allocated to them, capture customers signatures and for our chemists to properly check and validate data entered using their own interface. This meant that a job must go through various workflow steps on different tablets with different users entering data whilst also having the functionality to work without a mobile signal.

Pocketworks were responsible for all the mobile side of the project, we would build all the web services they required whilst specifying the business logic. The solution had to work on Android Tablets as a native application. Pocketworks also did performed initial analysis, spending days in our business and going out with collection drivers to understand the process.

What was the team composition?

Initially around 5 from Pocketworks, comprising of:

• Product owner/manager
• Designer/UX analyst
• 2 Developers
• A Tester

This changed at times throughout the project in line with requirements.

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

The roll out to 150 drivers was pretty much seamless, took less than half the expected time and the users were all complimentary, asking "why didn't we do this years ago!". Customers have been incredibly complimentary and really appreciate the new process that allows anyone in their organisation to receive updates and paperwork instantly.

Even though the process of entering data is not really any quicker for users, training is easier, users tend to pick up the process on a tablet much more quickly than on paper. They're also much happier entering data throughout the day on customer sites than spending 20 minutes in front of a computer every day at the end of their shift.

We're still running as an MVP with many features left to implement, but the standard of product delivered has been exceptional. Code is well written, clear and the application is incredibly stable.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We had issues initially coming to terms with the agile development process. Whilst we tend to do this internally, it took some adapting to to make this work with an external provider. The model works well, but at times it can be hard to understand how things will come in on budget when working a week at a time.

However the team work hard to ensure that everything is delivered as requested and offer reassurance, providing progress reports including the proportion of money spent vs proportion of solution delivered.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their work ethic and dedication to their customers. They're passionate about delivering great software and all the people understand how to work together to deliver the best possible outcome.

It was impressive how quickly Anna got under the skin of our business and could so accurately map our processed and potential improvements from only a few days initial consultancy. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Our sales and onboarding process could be better. We could have done with a more accurate estimate as to how long the work would take to deliver. I did raise this with them and it is impressive how well they take feedback, changing their processes to better provide for their customers to prevent further issues.

Please describe your company and your position there.

Asuuta as an innovative startup that brings evidence based therapeutics and advanced AI technology for the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and training in gait, movement and balance. As CEO/CSO of Asuuta Ltd, my role is to develop and scale Asuuta's technology and deliver it to market.

For what projects/services did your company hire Pocketworks?

Asuuta has developed technology for our StepSense Home (SSH) app as a consumer and clinician friendly telehealth application of our clinic-based solution. Pocketworks was selected, following a rigourous search, to conduct a detailed and targeted analysis of the user base for SSH, and to design engaging and effective user experiences that are harmonise across our product range.

What were your goals for this project?

We need a high quality deliverable to meet specifications and requirements for the StepSense Home app as a solution for assessment and treatment of Long Covid symotoms and other conditions under clinical supervision in the patient's own home.

How did you select Pocketworks?

We evaluated several companies, based on reviews, reputation and word of mouth, across a range of criteria including quality, cost and timely delviery. Pocketworks came on top on all fronts

Describe the project in detail.

Asuuta has developed technology for our StepSense Home (SSH) app as a consumer and clinician friendly telehealth application of our clinic-based solution. Pocketworks are conducting a detailed and targeted analysis of the user base for SSH, and designing engaging and effective user experiences that are harmonised across our product range.

What was the team composition?

Pocketworks have senior technical designers working on our project, overseen at exective level, and are engaging with our team reguarly and efferctively.

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

User evaluations and analyses are demonstrating high quality outcomes in Pocketworks design. And we are confident that this will be the shape of more things to come!

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow, close working relationships, regular updates and a free, agile exchange of ideas and results between the reams, give us high confidence that we have chosen an excellent company for this project.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

An easy, open approach to dicsussions, ideas and working together, and an agile, no hassle, approach to getting things done collaboratively and in a timely manner. And of course the exceptional quality of their work!

Are there any areas for improvement?

Honestly, there none that I can think of. They are an excellent company to work with.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I was the product development manager for CCL Label, a leading package company.

What challenge were you trying to address with Pocketworks?

We wanted to improve adherence in clinical trial drug-taking. We were trying to upgrade our process something digital and then use an app to talk to medical devices and screens.

What was the scope of their involvement?

I developed a screen and some technology, but I really needed a partner that would help me understand how to utilize this technology. Pocketworks was really good at getting through a detailed scope and identifying different ways of working to bring out the best of what we were trying to do. It was very detailed, and they came with lots of communication, lots of information, and some good ideas.

We started in Android because of the development time and we were trying something quite new. They worked agilely and had to be very flexible and work with me because we didn’t really know what the endgame was. At some point, we plan to switch over to iOS.

What is the team composition?

We worked with about 5–6 people with very clear roles on their team. There were some people that were in charge of communicating with me, another person worked on the frontend, and there were quite a few others who worked on specific things.

How did you come to work with Pocketworks?

I came across them by doing some typical research. I went on Google and looked for people who had worked for big companies and had worked under complex circumstances. Pocketworks has an interesting portfolio and fit the bill.

How much have you invested with them?

It was £90,000 (approximately $116,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in February 2018 and we wrapped up roughly a year later.

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

Every month, we would check their work and conduct beta testing. We assessed how the app worked and functioned, and overall it was very good.

How did Pocketworks perform from a project management standpoint?

They delivered weekly updates to show how the process had gone. One of their team members was often available, even at night. They were always there and were able to communicate back. They were very clear, concise, honest, and up front.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their ability to manage themselves really impressed me. Despite facing multiple challenges, they stuck with it and delivered something that was better than we expected. They thought outside of the box and were very agile. I was traveling a lot as well, and they were able to shift to suit my needs.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, they did a good job.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Its important that you engage with Pocketworks at the very beginning. Take their advice, too. They know what they’re doing, they understand the process, and how they can deliver that into your business. They were able to expand on a concept that was already clever and innovative.  

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the design and development manager at Scanprobe Techniques. We manufacture and develop pipe inspection systems.

What challenge were you trying to address with Pocketworks?

We are slowly moving to the software side of pipe inspection, and we asked them to develop a mobile app to map out and trace drainage via mobile devices.

What was the scope of their involvement?

They built the app using Google Maps, and overlay symbols and design techniques. They also interacted with our system box, to send files from our controlled box to mobile devices, to make it easier to share via WhatsApp and DropBox.

What is the team composition?

Lee (Production Manager, Pocketworks) is my main point of contact. I've also worked with Tobin (Founder, Pocketworks).

How did you come to work with Pocketworks?

We looked at a few developers, but Pocketworks seemed to have more of an understanding of what we were trying to achieve. Being a business, you have to click with the people you're trying to work with. They seemed to fit the bill in regards to technology, the way they approached us, and we get along with them personally, which helps. 
 

How much have you invested with them?

We've spent in the neighborhood of £180,000 (approximately $230,000 USD)

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working together in November 2017, and our engagement is ongoing.

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

Their work has improved our product and brought us into the 21st century. Having an application was new to our side of the business, but now it's the thing that everyone wants to use. Pocketworks helped thread technology that we would've otherwise ignored. They've got a good work ethic and they're very professional, which is why we're still using them They keep us informed with the latest technologies, are very helpful, and forward-thinking.

How did Pocketworks perform from a project management standpoint?

With the sprints, they send us an update every week, and it tells us how far through the project they've gone, and how much of the budget they've spent in percentages. We can also test the app as they work on it, and then tell them our preferences as we go along until we're all happy.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They add a personal touch, which is nice. They've come to one of our biggest shows and even helped us set up to show customers what we have to offer.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Hand on heart, they're one of the better companies we've worked with. They did underestimate the budget the first time around, which caused a bit of friction, but since then they've been making sure the budget is closer to what they'll actually spend. They'll also warn us if they think they're going to go over budget.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the director of a construction utility company.

What challenge were you trying to address with Pocketworks?

We needed help with mobile app development for our company.

What was the scope of their involvement?

They developed an iOS and Android app for us. The app measures the work we’ve done and then sends the data back to the office in order to create payments. 

What is the team composition?

We worked with around eight people from their team on this project.

How did you come to work with Pocketworks?

They understood what we were looking for.

How much have you invested in them?

We spent roughly £120,000 Pounds (Approximately $153,882 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working with them in March 2019, and the work is still ongoing.

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

The app has made work a lot easier and faster for our employees. We found that Pocketworks understood what we needed, and they worked with us very well.

How did Pocketworks perform from a project management standpoint?

They met the deadlines they were asked to meet. We were pleased with their communication.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They worked well with us, and we didn’t have any issues at all.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I wouldn’t say so.