SmartUp Software

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Chief Technology Officer at an entertainment company.

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We are an entertainment company that provides live events in which artists compete.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire SmartUp Software to accomplish?

• Implement new features in our mobile app and website.
• Simplify our deployment/app submission process.

SOLUTION

How did you find SmartUp Software?

Online Search

Why did you select SmartUp Software over others?

• High ratings
• Good value for cost

What was the size of SmartUp Software’s team?

2-5 Employees

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

We have a mobile app and website that we use to distributed videos of our events to users. The app and website are developed using Flutter. We added a new feature to our app that allows users to vote for a winner each round. The deliverables were implementing this new feature in the app and website. We also simplified our deployment process using Code Magic.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• Deployment process simplified. Before the dev team migrating our apps to code magic, it would take us 15 to 20 minutes to prepare our apps for submission. Now we can do it in seconds with the click of a button.
• Fully implemented voting feature on our website and mobile app.

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

Project management is great. They have good communication skills and always deliver in a timely matter. If they are uncertain about anything, they make sure to ask clarifying questions. Overall, it has been a great experience working with them, and we will continue to do so.

What was your primary form of communication with SmartUp Software?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

They get things done quickly. If I report any issues, or have a new task for them to work on, it is either completed or has significant progress within hours.

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

Nothing comes to mind.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO and founder of ECGO, a recycling solutions company that creates tech-based solutions for universities and corporate offices to improve their recycling and waste management programs.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with SmartUp Software?

We needed help with developing a mobile app.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

SmartUp Software has helped us develop a Flutter mobile app for iOS and Android. We already had a basic version of this app built on React Native when they joined, but we decided to switch platforms, so they basically redeveloped the app we already had. Currently, they’re in charge of improving it ongoingly.

Students use this app to take pictures of what they want to recycle. Then, our material detection feature processes the image and identifies which materials in the image are recyclable and which aren’t. If the item is recyclable, we grant them points they can later change for discounts for coffee, entertainment, and more.

What is the team composition?

We’ve worked with Mavi (Co-Founder & CTO) and Joaquin (Flutter Developer). Both of them have worked together on developing the app.

How did you come to work with SmartUp Software?

I was referred to them by another founder whom SmartUp Software helped develop their app. Then, I talked with Mavi and told her what we were looking for and the timeline we had set to launch the app. SmartUp Software came back to us with a proposal detailing how long it would take them to develop the app and how much it would cost. Ultimately, I hired them because their approach was very personal.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent $25,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in June 2022, and the partnership is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Since launching the app three weeks ago, we’ve reached 300 users and recycled around 323 materials. So far, everything looks to be going very well.

How did SmartUp Software perform from a project management standpoint?

SmartUp Software is very good at communicating and staying on top of tasks. Mavi and Joaquin are very responsive, and they always ensure to get things done in a timely manner without compromising the level of quality we require, which is impressive. Although we’ve had a few bugs, none of them have been important. Still, SmartUp Software has been really responsive in promptly fixing those bugs.

I worked with other developers in the past and experienced communication challenges. However, my experience with SmartUp Software has been different because they’re very good at ensuring both sides are on the same page regarding expectations and overall objectives. We use Jira to manage the project and Zoom and Google Meet to communicate.

What did you find most impressive about them?

SmartUp Software’s strength is their dependability. There has never been an issue they haven’t quickly fixed, which shows a great ability to resolve any bugs that come up. Finding an extremely dependable developer like them is really hard, which is why I’m very happy with SmartUp Software.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I can’t think of anything they could improve on.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Outline the scope of work and be honest and realistic about your timeline expectations.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Senior VP of Software at ASD.ai

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We wanted to develop a mobile app to function as the primary user interface for data entry into our tracking system. The system users are meant to be caregivers of autistic children. We wanted to have a single codebase to be deployed for iOS and Android devices. We needed the first alpha and beta out into production with a fairly quick turnaround -- 3 months probably?

SOLUTION

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

We found them through an online contractor. We were looking for any experience with the Flutter technology and building mobile interfaces.

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

The mobile application needed to call a handful of web services and offer an intuitive interface for the user. The mobile interface needed to meet design specs produced by a UI/UX and graphic design consultant. The mobile app had to receive push notifications, sort/filter data, and render graphs based on data.

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

Up to 4 developers at a single time. They were also flexible enough to allow us to scale back their team as needed.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Inside of four months - two months ahead of the initial timeline - we were feature complete in our initial release and critical bugs were zero.

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

Working with them means working with an intelligent and efficient team of software engineers. Their communication is very transparent and they know the right questions to ask. Their communication style is constructive and productive. Our software is better because of the way they approach their work.

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

The most impressive about this company is their ability to solve problems with creative and sustainable solutions. Mavi's ability to guide her team through complex solutions seems to be a game-changer for them. We love the fact that we don't have to put technical constraints on them. Their knowledge of technology and enabling tools is vast. However, they do not just use a tool or technology because it's "the latest, newest thing." Instead, they always seem to use the solution that fits best.

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

The only area where we ran into some difficulty was with arranging payment for their services. Maybe an improved account management platform to deal with client services would help.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of Gaba Corporation, an educational company for young adults hoping to discover what they want to do when they grow up.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with SmartUp Software?

In April last year, we were featured in a television show, and our product needed several improvements before we went on air. We’d hired a developer who was not performing well, so we looked for a company to replace them.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

SmartUp Software provides software development services for us. They took over improvements to our mobile app to fix the technical issues we were experiencing. The app is for iOS and Android, and the team used Flutter for the project.

They initially worked with us to determine the easiest way to get the product improvement up to date before the show aired. SmartUp Software broke down the app’s vision into smaller components. The team did a lot of research on making our technology scalable. They also brought in technology suggestions and third-party tools that could be implemented, especially from a data analytics standpoint.

The bulk of SmartUp Software’s work has been on the scheduling functionality of the app, where students can schedule meetings with their counselor. That feature wasn’t up to par, and the team revamped the entire thing. 

Additionally, they refined the app’s algorithm, which involved machine learning, and they also refined our UI design. Currently, they’re working on improving our payment processes with tools that they brought to the table.

What is the team composition?

We work with two people from SmartUp Software.

How did you come to work with SmartUp Software?

They came to us through a word-of-mouth referral from another developer we’d worked with. It was hard to find a Flutter developer on short notice, so the fact that they had that expertise was critical to choosing them.

How much have you invested with them?

So far, we’ve spent around $50,000–$70,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in March 2021, and the engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

SmartUp Software was able to fix our app’s issues in advance of the show airing. As a result, we converted 30% of the traffic from that outlet on its own. Our Net Promoter Score (NPS) has also improved, going from five to 10 points. 

The team elevated the technology of our app’s scheduling functionality; we hear from users all the time that’s it’s a very easy experience for them. Whenever we’ve had minor issues, they’ve been very responsive. The team has helped us with customer service challenges, getting into the kiosk to help users navigate different experiences. SmartUp Software is invested in the app beyond just developing the software.

Additionally, they were able to deliver on time in a very time-crunched project. When we hired them, we felt like we were asking for the impossible; they had four weeks to deliver, and they turned it around. SmartUp Software’s work enabled us to put the app on the App Store and Google Play Store at the same time. Plus, they have an awesome attitude and the ability to execute under pressure.

How did SmartUp Software perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re very organized. We use ClickUp as our project management tool, where the team provides us with a timeline and a list of deliverables. We use Discord, email, and the messaging system in ClickUp to communicate. 

SmartUp Software is right on time with deliveries or sometimes even earlier than we anticipate. Additionally, they’re super fast, which has helped us make progress.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I’m impressed by the way SmartUp Software takes ownership of the project. Moreover, they took us from idea to product in a fraction of the time it would have taken other developers. They’re also very communicative, which isn’t the case with many other providers.

When you have to find people to ask them questions, it takes time off the project, and we don’t have this issue with SmartUp Software because everyone on the team is informed. Collaboration with them is next level — it feels like we hired an extension of our team. 

We’re above and beyond satisfied. I hope they continue expanding the team because they have a wonderful work ethic and are very talented. They work really hard to deliver not just from a product standpoint but also from a company culture standpoint. It’s been a pleasure working with SmartUp Software.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, there’s nothing they need to improve. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Have in mind what your vision is. Although SmartUp Software does a wonderful job taking you from idea to product, having your wireframes done definitely helps from a time standpoint. 

I have no reservations at all recommending SmartUp Software; they're absolutely amazing. If you’re thinking about working with them, do it — it’ll be the best use of your funds and time.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the co-founder of a social media platform, and we’re based in Raleigh, North Carolina.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with SmartUp Software?

We hired someone to spearhead our mobile app development project.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

SmartUp Software built our Android and iOS app using Flutter, and they used Ruby on Rails and Google Firestore for backend development. The app had geolocation features and enabled users to add friends to their profiles. Users could also change the privacy settings of their posts and restrict access to other people. In addition, the app had a QR function where users could check-in via QR code. At the same time, a host could manage their attendees using the QR code and accept and decline at their own will.

What is the team composition?

We collaborated with their project manager, developer, and UI/UX designer.

How did you come to work with SmartUp Software?

We found them on a freelance website and ended up communicating with them off-platform.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent $18,000–$20,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We collaborated with August–November 2022.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The app they developed ended up serving as a prototype for us because it catapulted us into acquiring $250,000 in funding. Internally, we were incredibly satisfied with SmartUp Software’s work. We identified bugs during the testing period, but the team resolved them and published new updates. Overall, they exceeded our expectations.

How did SmartUp Software perform from a project management standpoint?

We had a great point of contact; it never took more than 30 minutes to hop on a call whenever requested. They had strong communication skills, and we didn’t experience any language barrier. We used Slack to communicate.

Given the rate of creating MVP these days, we were impressed that they came in well under budget, and they finished our milestones within deadlines.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their flexible and accommodating approach was impressive.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

If you’re looking to work closely with a project manager and have something built within your budget and timeline, SmartUp Software will be a great fit for your company.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Founder of a digital personal credits company.

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We provide 100% digital personal credits for individuals in Honduras.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire SmartUp Software to accomplish?

• Finalize MVP app development and integrations

SOLUTION

How did you find SmartUp Software?

Online Search

Why did you select SmartUp Software over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget

How many teammates from SmartUp Software were assigned to this project?

1 Employee

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

We brought the team an app that was 80% developed. They helped us with: 

1. reviewing best-practices for the app, as developed so far, and making code corrections where necessary
2. integrate the app with three external services
3. implement basic security measures
4. clean up errors prior to MVP release

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Having a functioning MVP version of our app to publish in Android Store.

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

We were thrilled with the level of transparency in the communication (real time updates and question resolution via a Whatsapp group combining both teams). Their transparency with regards to areas of expertise and those where they were not best places to help us was particularly appreciated. 

They were highly flexible in response to our varying needs for support on different weeks, always giving us visibility of when the work would be performed, and always ensuring to give us a "max time" in which the work would be completed, always delivering faster than expected. Finally, for every single week we were billed, the billed time was precise, giving us peace of great peace of mind.

What was your primary form of communication with SmartUp Software?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Their skill, and openness to quickly research things they were not familiar with. And above else, their transparency with regards to communication, billing, and product delivery.

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

For our needs at the time of hiring, none. The work was excellent.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the CTO of WARD 24/7

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Our company improves patient monitoring in hospitals.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire SmartUp Software to accomplish?

• Mobile app development
• Web app development

SOLUTION

How did you find SmartUp Software?

• Referral

Why did you select SmartUp Software over others?

• Referred to me

How many teammates from SmartUp Software were assigned to this project?

1 Employee

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

• Development of web and mobile app.
• Restructured and refactored both code bases.
• Addition of new functionality and interfaces.
• Implementation of automated tests.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our apps are running successfuly as part of a clinical research project in Denmark.

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

They communicate clearly about the status. They very quickly understand what to do and deliver as promised.

What was your primary form of communication with SmartUp Software?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Their understanding of the flutter framework is most impressive.

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

No