What was the scope of their involvement?
We approached Sparkbit to develop a full-scale telematics system. We asked them to set up and connect our backend with third-party suppliers of maps, weather systems, and other components that play a role in a driver’s rating. It’s important to track a driver’s adherence to speed limits during normal conditions, through bad weather, and at night. The system gathers road traffic data along with other information and includes both in the rating.
In addition to the backend, Sparkbit also developed an Android and iOS app that tracks driver behavior. It leverages devices’ gyroscopes, accelerometers, and compasses in order to determine if the phone is in the car or not. It can tell the difference between walking, riding a bike, being on a bus, or driving a car. The app turns itself on based on the smartphone’s sensors rather than depending on the user to do so. It can detect sudden breaking and general behavior on the road in comparison to other drivers.
My company has experience with technology implementations, but this type of system is not part of our core business. Sparkbit took over the whole development process and project management, app and web design, development of the desktop version, and AWS implementation. We only provided sponsorship and general guidance.
What is the team composition?
We’ve worked with up to seven people from their team for mobile, Windows desktop development, and backend integrations. Three of those members worked with us on a full-time basis throughout the project. I was in contact with Sparkbit’s CEO and project manager on a daily basis.
How did you come to work with Sparkbit?
We’re both located in Warsaw, Poland and they happened to have some experience with the crucial aspects of telematics solutions. They knew a lot about needed backend system and the algorithms we required within it. Sparkbit had worked on similar projects for large insurance companies around the world. They’d also worked on a patent execution platform for the E.U. We knew they would be able to conduct the whole project based on all of these factors.
Other local software houses were not able deliver on required quality and time. We considered companies from other countries, but they were too expensive and far away. This was a specialized project with a short timeline, so management would be too difficult for us. We needed to work with a local partner in order to check that the project was going well.
How much have you invested with them?
The overall cost of their work so far has been around 1 million Polish zloty ($300,000 USD).
What is the status of this engagement?
We started working with them in February 2017. The development took nine months to complete and we launched in November 2017. Customers of the platform were given access in December. Having a good experience we’ve recently launched a separate project with Sparkbit.
The app that Sparkbit developed was met with a great reaction, including a significant number of users. The product was successful and the project is in its next phase. Throughout the partnership, the attentive team has completed their work while ensuring as much accuracy as possible.