STEPMEDIA SOFTWARE

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am an Executive of GoF&B

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Software Company

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire STEPMEDIA SOFTWARE to accomplish?

• Building a robust and scalable platform: The system needed to handle the complexities of managing various aspects of restaurant operations, including order processing, inventory control, customer relationship management (CRM), and analytics, with the ability to scale as our business grew.
• Developing an intuitive and efficient POS system: The POS system needed to be user-friendly and optimized for mobile devices (tablets), enabling our staff to take orders, process payments, and manage tables seamlessly, even during peak hours.
• Integrating essential functionalities: We required seamless integration between the POS system and other key components, such as online ordering platforms, kitchen display systems, and inventory management tools, to ensure a smooth and efficient workflow.
• Prioritizing mobility and accessibility: The system needed to be accessible on mobile devices, allowing managers and staff to access critical information and manage operations remotely.
• Providing real-time data and reporting: We wanted to leverage data analytics to gain insights into sales trends, customer behavior, and inventory, enabling data-driven decision-making for optimizing our operations.

SOLUTION

How did you find STEPMEDIA SOFTWARE?

Online Search

Why did you select STEPMEDIA SOFTWARE over others?

• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from STEPMEDIA SOFTWARE were assigned to this project?

25

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

Unified POS System:

• Develop a POS system accessible across multiple devices (desktop, tablet, mobile).
• Integrate POS with inventory management, online ordering, and customer data.
• Ensure real-time synchronization of data across all outlets.

Online Ordering System:

• Develop a user-friendly website builder with customizable templates for restaurants to create their online ordering platforms.
• Integrate the online ordering system with POS and inventory management for real-time updates.
• Enable various ordering options (dine-in, takeaway, delivery) with order tracking and management.

Inventory Management System:

• Develop a robust inventory tracking system with real-time updates.
• Implement features for managing stock levels, forecasting demand, and automating reordering processes.
• Integrate with suppliers for streamlined purchasing and supply chain management.

Cost-Based Pricing Tool:

• Develop a tool that automates recipe costing and menu pricing based on ingredient costs and quantities.
• Ensure accurate cost calculations and consistent profit margins.

Multi-Branch Management:

• Develop features to centralize operations and synchronize data across multiple branches.
• Enable consistent pricing, inventory control, and reporting across all locations.
• Business Intelligence and Analytics Dashboard:
• Develop a comprehensive dashboard to provide insights into sales trends, customer behavior, staff performance, and overall profitability.
• Enable data-driven decision-making for optimizing operations and improving business strategies.

Integrations:

• Integrate with third-party services for payments, delivery, and communication.
• In essence, Stepmedia delivered a fully integrated, multi-faceted platform that addressed the core operational needs of a modern F&B business, from customer interaction to back-end management and analytics.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• Order Processing Time: We saw a 40% reduction in the time it takes to process an order, from order placement to delivery. This means faster service, happier customers, and potentially increased table turnover.
• Staff Time Allocation: By automating tasks like inventory updates and reporting, we freed up staff for an estimated 15% increase in time spent on customer interaction and higher-value tasks.
• Inventory Accuracy: The integrated system improved inventory tracking accuracy by 30%. This resulted in a 20% reduction in food waste, directly impacting our bottom line.
• Reduced Errors: Automated calculations and data handling led to a 10% decrease in errors related to orders, billing, and inventory, minimizing losses and improving customer trust.
• Positive Feedback: We saw a 15% increase in positive customer feedback (online reviews, surveys) specifically mentioning improved speed of service and order accuracy.
• Repeat Business: While attribution is complex, we observed a 5% rise in repeat customers within 6 months of the platform rollout, suggesting a better overall experience.
• Rapid Adoption: Over 90% of our staff were proficiently using the system within 4 weeks of rollout, indicating good usability and effective training.
• Feature Usage: Features like the cost-based pricing tool and analytics dashboard showed high usage rates (over 80% of managers used them weekly), demonstrating their value.
• Increased Sales: While many factors contribute, we saw an 8% increase in overall sales within the first year of using the platform, partially attributable to improved efficiency and customer experience.
• Multi-Branch Expansion: The platform enabled us to smoothly open 2 new branches within 6 months, a faster expansion rate than previously possible.

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

Stepmedia's project management approach was a key factor in the success of the GoF&B platform. From the initial planning stages to the final deployment, they demonstrated a deep understanding of our vision and a commitment to delivering a high-quality solution.

What impressed me most was their ability to seamlessly integrate Agile methodologies into the development process. This ensured that we were actively involved throughout the project, providing feedback and adapting to changing requirements with ease. Their project managers were highly skilled in facilitating communication and collaboration between our teams, ensuring everyone was aligned and working towards a common goal.

Stepmedia's technical expertise was also evident throughout the project. They not only delivered on the core functionalities we required but also provided valuable insights and suggestions that enhanced the platform's capabilities. Their proactive approach to problem-solving helped us avoid potential roadblocks and ensured a smooth development process.

While there's always room for improvement, I believe Stepmedia exceeded our expectations in terms of project management, communication, and technical execution. They delivered the project on time and within budget, and the resulting GoF&B platform has significantly transformed our operations and enhanced our customer experience.

If I were to offer one suggestion for improvement, it would be to further strengthen their initial discovery phase by conducting a more in-depth analysis of the competitive landscape and emerging trends in the F&B industry. This could provide even greater value and ensure the platform remains at the forefront of innovation.

What was your primary form of communication with STEPMEDIA SOFTWARE?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Working with Stepmedia on the GoF&B project was a refreshing experience. What truly impressed me was their ability to go beyond simply executing our specifications. They took the time to understand our business, our challenges, and our vision for the future of restaurant management. This deep understanding translated into a solution that not only met our needs but also exceeded our expectations in many ways.

Their technical proficiency was evident in the robust and scalable platform they delivered. They seamlessly integrated various technologies, including mobile development, cloud infrastructure, and data analytics, to create a comprehensive solution that addressed all aspects of our operations.

What sets Stepmedia apart is their proactive problem-solving approach. They didn't just react to issues; they anticipated them. This proactive mindset saved us valuable time and resources, ensuring a smooth and efficient development process.

Furthermore, their commitment to client satisfaction was unwavering. They were always available to answer our questions, address our concerns, and incorporate our feedback. This collaborative approach fostered a strong sense of partnership and trust throughout the project.

While their performance was exemplary, one area where I see potential for further improvement is in proactively sharing industry trends and best practices. While they delivered on our specific requirements, proactively offering insights into emerging technologies and innovative solutions in the F&B sector could add even more value to their services.

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

Nothing.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the CTO of a supply chain, logistics, and transport company 

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We're a B2B wholesale platfrom that connects Vietnamese suppliers with international buyers. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire STEPMEDIA SOFTWARE to accomplish?

• Bridge the global trade gap: Overcome language, currency, and regional barriers to connect Vietnamese suppliers with global buyers.
• Enhance visibility and transparency: Provide buyers with insights into manufacturing processes and product quality to build trust.
• Manage diverse product offerings: Organize and showcase Vietnam's wide range of export products effectively.
• Streamline cross-border transactions: Simplify international trade regulations, customs, and payment processes.

SOLUTION

How did you find STEPMEDIA SOFTWARE?

Online Search

Why did you select STEPMEDIA SOFTWARE over others?

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

How many teammates from STEPMEDIA SOFTWARE were assigned to this project?

20

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

Phase 1: Platform Development

• Requirements Gathering: Stepmedia worked closely us to understand the specific needs and challenges of connecting Vietnamese manufacturers with international buyers. This included detailed discussions about target users, desired functionalities, and business objectives.
• Platform Design: Based on the gathered requirements, Stepmedia designed the platform architecture, user interface (UI), and user experience (UX). This involved creating wireframes, mockups, and prototypes to ensure the platform was intuitive and user-friendly for both buyers and sellers.
• Development and Implementation: Stepmedia developed the platform using ASP.NET Core and MSSQL, incorporating features such as multi-language and multi-currency support, product catalog management, request for quotation (RFQ) system, integrated chat, factory and product showcase features (images, videos, "True View"), secure payment gateway integration, and administrative tools. They also implemented integrations with Google Ads and Google Analytics.
• Testing and Quality Assurance: Rigorous testing was conducted throughout the development process to ensure the platform's stability, security, and performance. This included functional testing, usability testing, and performance testing.
• Deployment: Stepmedia deployed the platform to a secure hosting environment and ensured its smooth launch.

Phase 2: Ongoing Maintenance and Support

• Technical Support: Stepmedia provides ongoing technical support tous addressing any bugs, issues, or performance bottlenecks.
• Platform Maintenance: Regular maintenance is performed to ensure the platform's security, stability, and optimal performance. This includes software updates, security patches, and database maintenance.
• Feature Enhancements and Development: Stepmedia continues to collaborate with us o develop and implement new features and functionalities based on evolving business needs and user feedback. This includes integrating new technologies like OpenAI and OpenSearch.

Key Deliverables:

• Fully Functional Platform: A robust and scalable e-commerce platform connecting Vietnamese manufacturers with international buyers.
• Multi-lingual and Multi-currency Support: Enabling global reach and facilitating international transactions.
• Product Catalog Management System: A comprehensive system for organizing and showcasing diverse product offerings.
• RFQ and Communication Tools: Features to streamline communication and negotiation between buyers and sellers.
• Factory and Product Showcase: Tools to build trust and transparency by showcasing manufacturing processes and product quality.
• Secure Payment Gateway Integration: Facilitating secure and reliable international transactions.
• Administrative Tools: Providing ua with the tools to manage the platform effectively.
• Ongoing Maintenance and Support: Ensuring the platform's continued performance and reliability.
• Feature Enhancements and Development: Continuously evolving the platform to meet changing business needs.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The measurable outcomes from the project demonstrate significant progress and success, including:

• Increased Export Volume: A 35% increase in export volumes within the first year of launch, directly attributable to the platform's ability to connect Vietnamese manufacturers with international buyers. This is a key indicator of the platform's effectiveness in driving trade.
• Supplier Growth: Onboarding over 500 Vietnamese suppliers across various industries onto the platform. This demonstrates the platform's value proposition for manufacturers and its growing reach within the Vietnamese export market.
• Global Reach: Facilitating transactions in over 10 countries. This highlights the platform's success in breaking down international trade barriers and connecting Vietnamese businesses with a global audience.
• Buyer Confidence: Increased buyer confidence in sourcing from Vietnam, attributed to enhanced communication tools, visibility features, and transparency measures implemented by Stepmedia. While difficult to quantify directly, this is a crucial qualitative outcome that contributes to long-term platform success. Increased transactions and supplier engagement suggest this confidence is growing.
• Streamlined Supplier Operations: Improved supplier operations through better production transparency and analytics provided by the platform. This demonstrates the platform's value beyond just connecting buyers and sellers; it also empowers suppliers to optimize their businesses. Again, while direct quantification is difficult, increased supplier participation and positive feedback suggest this is a valuable outcome.
• Platform Growth: The continued growth of the platform in terms of users (800 active users), suppliers, and transaction volume demonstrates the project's ongoing success and its increasing importance in the Vietnamese export landscape. This organic growth is a powerful indicator of product-market fit and sustained value.

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

Stepmedia's project management throughout the development has been consistently professional and effective. While I can't disclose specific timelines due to confidentiality, I can speak to their overall approach and responsiveness.

• Communication: Stepmedia maintained open and consistent communication throughout the project. They established clear communication channels and provided regular updates on progress, milestones, and any potential roadblocks. They were proactive in their communication, ensuring we were always informed and aligned.
• Collaboration: They fostered a collaborative environment, actively seeking our input and feedback at every stage of the project. They were receptive to our ideas and suggestions, and they were able to effectively incorporate them into the platform's design and development.
• Responsiveness: Stepmedia was highly responsive to our needs and requests. They were quick to address any questions or concerns we had, and they were always willing to go the extra mile to ensure our satisfaction. Their ability to adapt to our changing requirements and priorities was particularly valuable.
• Problem-Solving: When challenges arose, as they inevitably do in any software development project, Stepmedia demonstrated strong problem-solving skills. They were able to identify the root causes of issues and develop effective solutions in a timely manner.
• Delivery: While I cannot disclose specific dates, I can say that Stepmedia consistently delivered on their commitments. They met agreed-upon milestones and deadlines, and they were transparent about any potential delays. Their project management approach ensured that the project stayed on track and within scope.

In summary, Stepmedia's project management was a key factor in the success of the project. Their strong communication, collaborative approach, responsiveness, and problem-solving skills ensured that the project was delivered effectively and met our needs. They were a true partner throughout the entire process.

What was your primary form of communication with STEPMEDIA SOFTWARE?

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

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

What impressed me most about Stepmedia was their holistic approach to understanding our business needs. They didn't just build a platform; they took the time to truly understand the complexities of the Vietnamese export market, the challenges faced by both manufacturers and buyers, and our specific vision for the platform. This deep understanding translated into a solution that was not only technically sound but also strategically aligned with our business goals.

Furthermore, their proactive and collaborative approach was truly unique. They weren't just order-takers; they were partners. They actively sought our input, offered valuable suggestions, and were always willing to go the extra mile to ensure the platform met our evolving needs. Their commitment to communication and transparency made the entire development process smooth and efficient.

Finally, their ability to combine technical expertise with a genuine understanding of the business domain was remarkable. They didn't just build features; they built solutions that addressed real-world challenges and delivered tangible results. This combination of technical prowess and business acumen is what sets Stepmedia apart and makes them such a valuable partner.

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

While our experience with Stepmedia has been overwhelmingly positive, as with any project, there's always room for potential improvement. It's important to note these are minor observations, not significant criticisms.

One area where things could have been slightly different, perhaps, is in the initial scoping phase. While they did a good job, perhaps even more detailed upfront analysis of potential future scaling needs and integration with other platforms might have been beneficial in the long run. This isn't to say they didn't consider it, but perhaps even more emphasis could have been placed there.

Another area, common in software development, is that while communication was excellent, perhaps even more frequent, shorter check-ins during the development sprints might have provided even greater visibility into the day-to-day progress. Again, this is a minor point as overall communication was very good.

It's important to emphasize that these are suggestions for refinement, not criticisms. Our overall experience with Stepmedia has been excellent, and these minor points don't detract from the significant value they've delivered. They were highly responsive to feedback throughout the process, so even if these areas could have been slightly different, I'm confident they would have adapted if we had raised them during the project.