TAGsoft - IoT

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of an agro-tech startup.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with TAGsoft?

We decided to implement a digital system to regulate the microclimates in our farms. We operate in a rather uncommon industry, so the challenge was finding the right developer.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We had an initial meeting to discuss our requirements, and TAGsoft developed a prototype from there. They wrote control software for various devices in our farms, along with a cloud-based monitoring system. They were responsible for the interface, backend, and database of the system.

What is the team composition?

TAGsoft assigned three hardware experts, one frontend developer, two backend developers, two QA engineers, and one project manager.

How did you come to work with TAGsoft?

I’m living in Israel now, but I’m originally from Ukraine, and TAGsoft was recommended to me by a friend there. They had good expertise and had worked on similar projects.

How much have you invested with them?

The project cost was around $300,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked with TAGsoft between January 2019–March 2020. We plan to add new connections to the app over the next years, including for water supplies.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We had one issue during development, but it was due to a defective device, not TAGsoft’s work. The software was successfully launched in three of our five farms, and it’s working very well.

How did TAGsoft perform from a project management standpoint?

TAGsoft gave us regular status updates, and we had a clear idea of what they were doing. We talked to them on a daily basis, and they answered all the questions we had. We communicated through Slack and Telegram.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They took a professional approach, they were very patient, and they brought a lot of ideas on what we could do. They leveraged their experience to give us real answers while working on this large project.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I have no suggestions.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

I recommend having a conversation with them.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I represented my customer and organized the entire development process. I am an independent consultant and expert in the field of outsourcing and integrated product development. This was not the first project of this customer and was only part of a larger system. Feedback on the work done is extremely positive.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire TAGsoft - IoT?

The task was not easy - it was necessary to organize a centralized remote control of solar blinds in the hotel of my customer. Each of the rooms is a separate house. All systems are connected to a common centralized programmable control system. The existing system was a ready-made solution that did not allow the connection of this type of device and a non-standard solution was required.

What were your goals for this project?

The shutter device is specific and not only in an open and closed state, but also provides intermediate positions for dosing light into the rooms. Also, individual shutters should be able to individually control the hotel guest. Existing systems did not allow this to be implemented and it was necessary to make a non-standard solution.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

This is not the first time I have worked with TAGSoft as part of IoT projects. We have previously developed solutions for smart homes and solar systems. I met their CEO several years ago at a conference, and after talking, I realized that he was an expert in this field.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

TAGSoft team analyzed the existing system and using its capabilities, created a prototype of the remote controller, as well as improved management software. Further, the controller was tested and small-scale production was carried out (about 100 units). Another contractor, who acted according to TAGSoft instructions, was involved in the on-site setup.

What was the team composition?

The team consisted of 2 developers and a technical lead. testers were periodically involved. the process was delayed due to delays in the release of the physical controller, but the guys did their work quickly and efficiently.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The hotel is located in a valley and the sunlight changes the room temperature too much. The introduction of such a solution directly affects the satisfaction of guests, the rating of the institution and, as a result, has a positive economic result.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

I myself managed the team, but for convenience they provided me with an additional project manager. The team worked very responsibly and was always in touch. An additional manager made our review even faster and more transparent.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their rich experience in development impressed me. The decisions they received were balanced and optimized. I have never once doubted their competence. Moreover, the guys found bugs in the existing system and fixed them at the same time.

Are there any areas for improvement?

The process of physically starting up and installing the system could be faster - if the guys themselves arrived and set up the whole system. But since the customer decided to attract a third-party contractor (it was faster) - this can not be a complaint to the guys. They did everything possible so that the installation went smoothly.