Specno

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the founder and managing director of Simpl. Simpl is a managed services company that makes use of software to track tickets, manage client communication, and provide a dashboard for collected data.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Specno?

Specno was tasked with doing an analysis of the current system and business and coming up with a proposal of how to make the system more user friendly. They then needed to turn this proposal into a prototype and conduct usability tests. The team also needed to understand our business model and workflow in order to come up with a system that worked for us.

What were your goals for this project?

To create something really sleek, modern, and user friendly. The look of the system is supposed to act as a selling point for why clients should use our system. Have a system that makes our lives easier.

SOLUTION

How did you select Specno?

Í was in need of a technology partner that offered the full range of services from UX through to development and had heard of Specno through someone in my network.

Describe the project in detail.

Specno needed to take the existing interface and understand the user flows and how the users go about achieving each of the tasks within the system. The main goal of the system is to give our clients full access to their IT resources, support and reports.

What was the team composition?

It was myself as the product owner working directly with the founders and Specno’s user experience designers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The new system is definitely a lot cleaner and sleeker, and I can see that the team and our clients are eager to move to this new system. The design follows the brief in terms of being user friendly and easy to navigate. Presenting the designs make it easier to sell the service offering.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

There was good collaboration between the teams and they made a great effort to ensure that we could function remotely as effectively as if we were in person.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The way they were able to extract all the needed information and take not just the interface but how they incorporate our business model and brand into the solution.

Are there any areas for improvement?

They are quite structured in their meeting times and tend to set it a few days ahead of schedule which can be difficult to stick to, but it wasn’t an issue.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the founder of Galigro and personally wrote the algorithms and backend of Galigro, I have a background in Finance, Software and Agriculture.

Galigro is a powerful data analytics engine that provides farmers, agronomists and fertilizer manufacturers with easy to use tools and calculators. Simply upload your sample analysis and within seconds you will be presented with interpreted results.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

This was my second project with the company, we tasked them with coming up with a progressive web app to follow agronomists and farmers to use blending calculators and other tools. We gave them a budget and trusted them to give us the best system they could within that budget.

SOLUTION

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

We had used them on a project before and they blew us away, so it was a no brainer to use them again.

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

Galigro is a web-driven data analytics engine which provides farmers, agronomists and fertilizer manufacturers with easy to use tools and calculators. We had already developed the backend functionality and turned it into an API, the team simply had to build a frontend to interact with the API, which is their strong suit so we trusted them to come up with a solution.

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

We interacted with their business analyst to understand what was required, he then took that info to the developers and designers to come up with a solution. From there we had some interaction with the team to make sure we were happy with what they were building.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We received a fully scalable web app, easy to use. The app was extremely low in data. It was easy to teach to farmers and agronomists. We have started getting invaluable data from its use.

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

They met our time and performance targets and we were kept up to date at all times by means of Slack.

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

They could quickly grasp our requirements and come up with a solution that was perfect. The autonomy was exactly what we needed.

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

The project was a short project and we were very happy with the results. I can’t comment on improvements.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Donkidrive is a Peer to Peer parcel delivery and e-haling service with the aim to reduce carbon emissions and provide logistics opportunities to small communities. I am the founder of Donkidrive and responsible for the rollout of the business.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Specno?

Donkidrive is a progressive web app released in the Western Cape, South Africa. The app has been bootstrapped and had never gone through a prototyping and design phase in order to properly develop something that was truly user friendly.

Our number one problem was that our users were telling us the system was too complicated to understand or use, and since we had no traction we couldn’t raise funding for mass-market adoption. We needed Specno to create a design that was intuitive.

What were your goals for this project?

We needed Specno to understand the business case of Donkidrive, and be able to translate it into a system that was user friendly and intuitive. The designers needed to take into account our development budget and what had already been developed and come up with a design that would not take too much time to implement.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

The team managed to wireframe and prototype the system within just a months work, while quickly grasping the concepts and coming up with beautiful designs that were easy enough to implement. We are currently in the implementation phase.

Describe the project in detail.

The team was to reduce the number of pain points in the current app/software and enhance the user experience to attract and retain users.

• They started with wireframes that focused on realizing the eventual goal of our users whilst simplifying the process for achieving this.
• Then they introduced a user-interface that re-inforced these principles and created an attractive aesthetic for the software.
• They developed a design language for the brand and consistently implemented it through all contact points in the software.
• They ended by creating a prototype that allowed us to interact with the new designs and together we fine-tuned the interface and user-flows.

What was the team composition?

Our CTO, Michael I., dealt directly with their creative director who personally ran the design audit and work on the UX/UI.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We conducted user tests to see how the new designs shaped up to the old look and feel and found that the new designs were a lot more intuitive.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We began working with the team during the first week of the national lockdown of our country. Everything was fully remote. The team was completely set up to handle all the work, telling us what they needed from us before and after each call. We would choose to continue remote work over needed to come in.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They quoted me a relatively low amount of time required compared to other agencies, but I was highly impressed by what they were able to deliver in that time. They came in better than I expect for a price lower than I expected.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I was satisfied with their work, no room for improvement.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Jumping Fox Software was established in 2016. Our software helps collection teams to follow the prescribed pre-legal steps and identifies the best next step in the collection process to increase the collection success rate. Daleen & Hendre Vorster are the owners of the business and directors of Jonker Vorster Attorneys. In September 2019, the business owners decided to expand the product line.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Specno?

The new product had to be up and running in January 2020 and had to run parallel with the existing development roadmap. The in-house development team was working at full capacity and the company had no alternative but to outsource the project.

What were your goals for this project?

The project had to be finalized within 3 months, with all necessary marketing material to launch the product.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Specno software and design agency, with their team of experts, managed to build the system within the scheduled time frame and within the agreed project budget. Their design team also provided the business with high-quality marketing material.

Describe the project in detail.

The system had to be able to manage school fee exemption applications online. The system also had to include functionalities such as a dashboard, reports, add a user, permission levels, back end workflow, document uploads, print, percentage calculations, and an admin portal to create new sign-ups. Applicants have their own portal where they can apply and view application statuses.

What was the team composition?

Our business owners, support team, and some of the current Jumping Fox Software clients worked with the Specno team to finalize the project on time. The communication and support from the Specno team added some extra value to ensure that work was completed effectively and efficiently. The founder of the business acted as their project manager and system analyst and their creative director handled all the design work.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

More than 30 clients signed up to use the system and to date, 3000+ applications have been lodged through the system. Specno has been very helpful and provided continuous support from day one. All support tickets logged were resolved within 24 hours. Their team is currently analyzing the system to add new features and improve user experience.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow between the teams was very good. Their development team took the lead with the development of the back - and frontend as well as the system architecture. One the frontend the systems were developed in parallel and our team was very involved with the system analysis and design phase. Specno's project manager was in constant communication with our team and they were able to remain agile.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The system is built on the requirements of the South African Schools Act and in order to understand the workflow and calculations you have to understand the act and the appropriate legislation. The team skilled them on all legal requirements and understands the exemption process in full. That was impressive. The fact the system was developed in such a short time and with such high standards is also something to be proud of. Development was speedy, they grasped concepts quickly.

Are there any areas for improvement?

The Specno team places quite a high importance on usability and well-designed interfaces and insists on getting it right, if your company just cares about the functionality of a site you may feel like time spent on designs is a waste.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the founder of Wardworx, a health tech startup in South Africa. Wardworx is a task management, team collaboration tool for healthcare practitioners in South Africa.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Specno?

Design and development of a progressive web based app. User Interface and User Experience design. User testing.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to create an intuitive, purpose built platform using concepts from our existing paper back product and incorporating input from doctors from across South Africa. We are launching December 2020.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We were referred to Specno by a software developer in our network. We approached two other (larger, more established) development companies in the Cape Town area and the choice was a 'no-brainer'. Specno out performed the two competitors despite being relatively new in the industry. Their young, new, fresh approach was their biggest advantage in our eyes.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

Specno invests alot into initial introductory/brainstorm meetings, they won't settle untill they understand your vision as well as you do. Wire frames and userflows were discussed with us on a daily basis, allowing us to be actively involved in the process. Specno assisted us in interactive usertesting to test all designs before development began.

What was the team composition?

We interacted daily with Specno's head engineer (systems analyst & fullstack developer), as well as their technical lead (technical operations managers & business development) and their creative director (user experience and Interface designer).

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?

Our user flow tests have been well received, the doctors can't wait for our beta launch. We already have 100 volunteers willing to take part in our beta launch.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

This is where Specno shines, we feel actively involved in the process. Their communication is frequent, insightful and professional. They make themselves available for regular feedback sessions and are open to and encourage suggestions and input.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The way they took our project on with the same passion we have was impressive, the way they applied themselves as if it were their own.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Honestly, no.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the President of Georgia Developmental Services

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Georgia Developmental Services provides Applied Behavior Analysis for children with Autism.  

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Specno to accomplish?

• Develop a tool that facilitates high quality ABA plans of care from assessment to discharge using AI

SOLUTION

How did you find Specno?

Referral

Why did you select Specno over others?

• Great culture fit
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Specno were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Create a tool that would audit a plan of care for the BCBA to improve the goals then connect those goals to activities so that the technicians always knew what to do in real time.

Key deliverables:

User friendly simple UI

High quality AI generation 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Specno has created a solid platform that is scalable and includes all components requested and more. 

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

Always responsive, excellent communication, open to feedback, well organized. 

What was your primary form of communication with Specno?

Virtual Meeting

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

Open and responsive even when tasks were challenging . Always in problem solving mode and the team found a way to create the outcome we were looking for.

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

No

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of a networking application.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenges were you trying to address with Specno?

We needed help with mobile app development.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Specno fully developed our mobile application for Android and iOS users. Regarding the process, I joined this project when my partners had already started with 3–4 meetings.

What was the team composition? 

We worked with around five members of Specno’s team, including Tristan (Product Owner).

How did you come to work with Specno?

My partners were already working with Specno when I joined this project.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent 400,000–500,000 South African Rands (approximately $21,300–$27,000 USD) with them.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together on this project from March 2023–February 2024.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We haven't launched the app yet because it's still in beta testing. Still, Specno's work was very good, satisfying us with the results and meeting our expectations.

How did Specno perform from a project management standpoint?

Like any project, we had a few snags, but I still gave Specno a five-star rating for delivering the work on time and budget. Regarding communication, the team was responsive via emails and phone calls.

Are there any employees from the service provider's team that you would like to give a shout-out to in this review? 

Tristan went above and beyond to help us.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Everyone on Specno's team was very professional and approachable.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They could put a bit more emphasis on some of the terminologies and timings for their customers who don't have any tech background.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

It's important to understand the project's timelines.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Head of Product of Open Access Energy

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We enable energy wheeling through our end-to-end cloud solution.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Specno to accomplish?

• Scope out and technically document the architecture of our 2 tech products in order to prepare for cloud scalability.

SOLUTION

How did you find Specno?

Contacts

Why did you select Specno over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me

How many teammates from Specno were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Specno was responsible for technical documentation of our two products, with the objective of preparing the documentation to be ready for third-party development teams to be able to pick up the project and support development efforts.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

1. A technical document for both our products explaining the architecture and setup. 
2. The ability to onboard themselves to the project with the technical documentation.

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

They have been great. Their team is excellent at project management, keeping communication lines open, and delivering within the expected timelines. Their technical team shows great knowledge of their craft. They are always proactive and professional.

What was your primary form of communication with Specno?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

They care about their clients. They have a well-rounded team that is very professional and they are methodical in their approach. A great team to work with.

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

Not at this stage of our relationship.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Founder of Babble.

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Private individual

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Specno to accomplish?

• Develop high quality app
• Video calling function via a queueing system
• Monetize the call duration

SOLUTION

How did you find Specno?

Online Search
Why did you select Specno over others?

High ratings

How many teammates from Specno were assigned to this project?

6-10 Employees

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

Design an app that allows Influencers to charge Followers for video calls with them.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Frequent updates on the progress of the project and overview of work done per sprint.

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

Yes, they did deliver on time and contributed greatly with brilliant ideas that added value to the app.

What was your primary form of communication with Specno?

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

The professionalism, enthusiasm, and passion shown by the team are impressive.

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

None that I can think of.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Project Manager of Intelligent Quoting

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Intelligent Quoting - Digital quoting tool for the HCV Industry

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Specno to accomplish?

• We hired Specno to understand our business goals and conceptualize and design a system that achieves our goals as well as ultimately develop the system comprising of a mobile app as well as a desktop portal.

SOLUTION

How did you find Specno?

Online Search

Why did you select Specno over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Specno were assigned to this project?

6-10 Employees

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

• Requirements gathering, research, analysis, and conceptualization Phase: Exploration, analysis, and ideation to conceptualize our new system, depicted via user flows and activity diagrams and written explanations within a formal report. Specno went the extra mile in gathering information from us and other sources to ensure the user journeys were accurately depicted. 
• Wireframe Phase: Designing the page structure, layout, user flows, and functionality of the system without color, graphics, and styles. This was completed within Figma. There are numerous feedback and review sessions during this phase. The systems analyst really took the time to understand the process which we wish to facilitate with the system and ensured that it would be able to effectively do so. 
• Design Phase: Specno provided a style test that mocks various different styles, colors, and other design elements so that we could choose the style that best suits their taste and goals. Each mockup within the style test is very aesthetically pleasing. It is actually quite difficult to choose an option. Once a style is chosen the rest of the system screens are designed and the designs are either packaged as a downloadable deliverable from Figma, or prepared for development by Specno. In this case, the designs will be organized within Figma to prepare for the development of the system. 
• Technical Assessment & Development Roadmap Phase: The Technical Assessment is an estimate of the amount of time and resources that will be required to develop the proposed system. For the IQ system we committed to a design for development contract and thus the technical assessment happened in parallel to the design phase. The development roadmap was accurately established to account for the MVP features within the agreed upon time frame. The advice received and formulated approach has greatly reduced the estimated time to market for the system. 
• Development: Using the designs as blueprint for the development project, two and later four developers collaborated to deliver the first phase of the project using an agile delivery strategy. These developers accurately delivered features according to the project priorities as directed by the product owner.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Specno has consistently surprised me with their insight and eagerness to gain an in-depth understanding of the business goal. They were able to provide guidance on every aspect of the business, well outside of the contracted work. The value and insights gained and connections formed from this project surpassed our expectations. IQ as it has been developed to date consists of 3 different desktop portals with 7 different user types as well as a mobile app.

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

The product owner and project manager were easy to communicate with and provided frequent updates on the status of the project. We communicated using Jira, Slack, Whatsapp, phone calls, email and site visits. Each deliverable was communicated well and completed within reasonable time.

What was your primary form of communication with Specno?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Specno truly understood the product goal and the business need that the system aimed to meet, this enabled Specno to conceptualize, ideate, design and develop not only an aesthetic system with a good user experience but also deliver a fully functional and scalable product. Specno paid attention to all the feedback I provided and added a lot more value than anticipated.

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

N/A