Vardot

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Digital Marketing Officer (E-Commerce), Fintech Team Lead of UNHCR, The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), also known as the UN Refugee Agency, is a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights, and building a better future for refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people. ts Private Sector Partnership Services engage individuals and companies in donations and support for UNHCR's missions.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

• Develop a custom e-commerce engine tailored to UNHCR global and local fundraising needs
• Successfully migrate over 30,000 monthly donations from a legacy system to the new platform across 14 markets within a tight deadline, ensuring minimal disruption to ongoing operations.
• Ensure the e-commerce engine meets all the requirements for Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) to securely handle credit card data.
• Ensure the system's design is adaptable for the future integration of new payment methods
• Develop and integrate a Face-to-Face (F2F) component to link the Finhub with a F2F application, enabling the digitalization and automation of the collection of monthly donations.
• Seamlessly integrate the e-commerce engine with an existing Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system to streamline operations and enhance donor management.

SOLUTION

How did you find Vardot?

Referral

Why did you select Vardot over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Vardot were assigned to this project?

15

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

1. Custom E-commerce Engine Development 
   • Develop a custom e-commerce platform specifically designed for fundraising activities, ensuring the system is scalable, secure, and user-friendly. 
2. Legacy System Data Migration 
   • Migrate over 30,000 monthly donations from the legacy system to the new platform across 14 markets, ensuring data integrity and minimal disruption to ongoing operations. 
3. Payment Card Industry (PCI) Compliance 
   • Ensure the e-commerce engine complies with PCI standards for securely handling and processing credit card transactions. 
4. Integration with Multiple Payment Service Providers 
   • Integrate the platform with various payment gateways including Worldpay, Stripe, Paypal, and MobilePay to offer a wide range of payment methods to users: cards, direct debit, mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, AliPayHK, and Bancontact. 
5. Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
   • Integration Seamlessly integrate the e-commerce engine with existing Salesforce entities for global and local usage to streamline operations and improve donor management and engagement. 
6. Multi-Market Support 
   • Design and implement the engine to support multiple markets, including functionalities tailored to specific regional requirements such as tax receipt generation and customized billing schedules to collect different frequencies of recurring payments with custom retry options. 
7. Face-to-Face (F2F) Component Integration 
   • Develop and integrate a Face-to-Face component that links the fundraising hub with an F2F application, enabling digitalization and automation of monthly donation collection. 
8. New Payment Methods Integration Capability
   • Ensure the platform's architecture allows for easy integration of new payment methods in the future, keeping the system flexible and adaptive to new technologies and donor preferences. 
9. Market-Specific Functionalities 
   • Implement market-specific functionalities to address the unique requirements of different regions, including tax receipts, billing schedules, pledges, and other localized features.
10. Incorporation of the special e-commerce setup for PSP MENA to enable payment processing for the mobile app and external CMSs called "fast checkout". 
11. Project Management and Quality Assurance 
    • Employ rigorous project management and quality assurance practices to meet project milestones within the agreed timelines and budget. 
    • This includes regular status updates, stakeholder meetings, and phases of testing to ensure the product meets or exceeds the project requirements.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

1. Successful integration with major payment gateways (Worldpay, Stripe, Paypal, MobilePay) confirmed by the ability to process transactions through these providers without issues. 
2. Successful migration of over 30,000 monthly donations from the legacy system to the new platform across 14 markets, with minimal disruption to donation processing and no loss of donor data. 
3. Enhanced reporting and analytics capabilities, enabling more effective tracking of fundraising campaigns, donor behaviour, and financial performance. 
4. Uninterrupted high-quality data flows form external sources to Finhub and from Finhub to CRM. 
5. Successful addition of new payment methods post-launch without significant downtime or issues, demonstrating the platform's scalability and flexibility. 
6. An increase in overall fundraising amounts and the number of donations processed through the platform, indicating the e-commerce engine's effectiveness in facilitating fundraising efforts.

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

Vardot team effectively employed a project management framework to meet the complex needs and tight deadlines of the project. This included agile methodologies for swift adaptation to changes, a dedicated project manager for coordination and alignment, well-aligned and suited communication channels opened, regular updates for transparency, and proactive risk management.

Their success in timely delivering a challenging project, such as migrating over 30,000 monthly donations across 14 markets, highlights their efficiency in time and resource management. 

Vardot's custom solution demonstrated a keen responsiveness to organizational needs, integrating with multiple payment providers while ensuring PCI compliance and market-specific functionalities. This was achieved through a deep understanding of our requirements, flexibility in adapting to new challenges, and effective communication to incorporate feedback and changes. 

In summary, Vardot's project management was marked by excellent communication, crisis management, and adaptability, fostering a cohesive team atmosphere. Their ability to manage such a significant project efficiently underlines their structured, client-centred project management capabilities. We had a feeling we were one team playing together and aiming for the project's success.

What was your primary form of communication with Vardot?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

The company's emphasis on creating a partnership atmosphere with our team as a client, characterized by great communication, adaptability, and a shared team spirit, is notably distinctive. This approach not only ensures that projects are aligned closely with our needs but also fosters a collaborative environment where challenges are met with innovative solutions. 

Additionally, their responsiveness to our specific needs, demonstrated through the development of a custom solution that catered to unique requirements while ensuring compliance and functionality across different markets, underscores their commitment to providing tailored services. 

Thir blend of technical proficiency, strategic flexibility, and client-focused engagement sets Vardot apart in the field of project management and software development. The combination of professionalism, commitment, and outstanding technical skills indeed sets Vardot apart from other companies.

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

Vardot excelled in their project delivery, showing exceptional professionalism and technical expertise. The only area for potential improvement in future projects is a further emphasis on comprehensive quality assurance post-deployment. Enhancing these efforts to rigorously check if other system elements are affected after deployment could ensure even higher project success. Yet this is a shared responsibility with our team (client) and we are fully committed to that.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I lead communications for my company

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Vardot?

We were launching a new brand and needed web presence that reflected who we are and what we were offering

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We chose Vardot based on their experience working with other similar agencies

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

It was a collaborative journey with regular communication through each phase of the project - from conceptualisation to launch.

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

A designer and a project manager

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The website launched with success

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Our communication with the Vardot team is great and efficient.

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

Communications with their client

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

Clearer status updates would have been useful

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Communications Manager at Dur Hospitality, a leading Saudi hospitality company in KSA. Dur Owns & operates 32 properties, hotels, and residential compounds, with 15 projects in the pipeline.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Vardot?

We have been working with Vardot for the last 5 years, Vardot hosts, develops, and designs our corporate and subbrands websites.

SOLUTION

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

We usually tender for such contracts, Vardot was chosen post a technical & financial evaluation where they offered the best rates and had more qualifications among peers.

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

We had 4 different projects with them:

• Design and development of Durs website
• Design and Development of Dur Communities Website
• Maintenance & support for Makarems Website
• Maintenance & support for Darraqs Website

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

We dealt with 3 a designer, the project manager, and the account manager.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The webs came out beautifully.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Basecamp helped a lot in listing all tasks required, yet changing the project manager 3 times caused delay and duplication of work .

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

They were experienced and boasted extensive knowledge of the industry.

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

Their customer support and promptness to act were always a debate. Customer servicing lacks some agility & flexibility.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am an Information Management Officer

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Our website has been created in 2015 and lacked robustness and attractivness for users. We need to upgarde the website and fix the issues in the old version.

SOLUTION

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

We had a kick-off meetings and set up the requirment that followed a workplan development. Vardot team developed/designed the basic design for the website that was reviewed by the team and accepted. The end result was tested and additional changes were incorporated.

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

A project manager was in contact with us throughour the process with a full team behind.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

After the launch of the site, we have started uploading the new resources, the team is familiar with the website and able to navigate at ease at the backend adding additional resources.

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

We had used basecamp for communication with adhoc meetings on zoom.

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

The team was always responsive and patient with our requests, listening carefully to the requirments and engaged to provide best fit solutions.

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

None

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the project manager of the network. The EM poison centers network is a regional network of poison centers in Afghanistan, Bahrain, Djibouti, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen. It aims at facilitating communication and promoting collaboration that advance the care of our poisoned patients, and establish meaningful research endeavors between all the members.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Design and develop the network (front side and back side) from A-Z

SOLUTION

How did you select Vardot and what were the deciding factors?

We searched on web developers within our area. Vardot is one one the most specialized and active company at a global level.

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

It is a long process and weekly basis meetings. if you need some details please contact me hsafi@who.int

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

A round 10 designers and developers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

we are a new network, unfortunately there is no measurables yet.

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

https://www.empoisoncentres.org/about-us

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

They showed passion, commitment, and creativity for the project. They're also very professional.

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

they managed to solve obstacles/ issues that we faced during the development phase and after the launch in a very short time and a critical manner.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CEO of The Information and Communications Technology Association of Jordan (int@j) Founded in 2000, int@j is a membership based ICT and IT Enabled Services (ITES) industry advocacy, support and networking association. int@j serves as the collective voice of the industry, advocating on behalf of its stakeholders and seeks to maximize the contribution of the ICT sector towards the national economy. int@j aim to provide the ICT sector in Jordan with the tools required to ensure continued growth and expansion.

Providing the highest value to ICT Sector, int@j works in the following areas:

• Business Enabling Environment: “Working with policy decision makers and various stakeholder to improve and reform the ICT ecosystem”
• Digital Economy & ICT Demand: “Leveraging the culture of digital economy as an engine of growth in Jordan”
• Human Capital: “Improving the skills of professionals working in the ICT sector and bridging the gap between ICT graduates and the labor market”
• Export Development: “Increasing Jordan’s ICT products and services penetration in regional and international markets” •
• Access to Finance: “Advocating and working with financial institutions to develop financial products tailored to ICT companies”
• Entrepreneurship & Start-ups: “Enabling entrepreneurship and innovation as well as empowering the startup and SMEs to grow their contribution to the economy”

int@j has been organizing and hosting the ICT Forum since 2002 always under the patronage of His Majesty Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Vardot?

To develop the Portal for StartupsJO Council which is one of the inititives of int@j (www.startupsjo.com)

What were your goals for this project?

To promote the Jordanian entrepreneureship and startups eccosystem through having all stakeholders in one portal

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

RFP

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

The Portal serves as below:

For Start-Ups and Founders:

• · Indexing and highlighting the Jordanian Startups and Companies
• · Indexing and highlighting the Jordanian Founders

For the Ecosystem:

• · Indexing and highlighting the Jordanian Investors
• · Indexing all VCs, Incubators, Accelerators, Co-Working Spaces and Supporting Programs
• · Indexing all Investments and Acquisitions in the Ecosystem
• · Indexing all Events, Hackathons and the all Activities in the Ecosystem

For Jordan:

• · A Gateway for all Foreigners Startups and Founders to start or expand their Businesses in Jordan
• · (Can be powered by Jordan Investment Commission (JIC))
• · A Gateway to discover Jordan (Can be powered by Visit Jordan)

Expected Benefits of the Portal:

1) To Startups:

• · Listing startups and their team
• · Access to basic information of Startups, Organizations and Investors
• · Access to Start your business in Jordan services
• · Access to full information and contacts of Startups, Organizations and Investors
• · Access to our partners from across the world services (Media, Mentorship, Discounts, Co-Working Spaces, Incubators, Events and more)
• · Access to extra services like legal, taxes and business advisers

2) Investors:

• · Creating their profiles (Individuals or VCs)
• · Access to basic information of Startups, Organizations and Investors
• · Access to Invest in Jordan services
• · Access to full information and contacts of Startups, Organizations and Investors
• · Advisory on how they can invest in Jordan

3) Support Organizations:

• · Creating their profiles
• · Access to full information and contacts of Startups, Organizations and Investors
• · Advisory on how they can invest in or serve startups from Jordan

What was the team composition?

The team was comprised of a project manager and other deveklpers, we do not know how many worked on it from VArdot side

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The Portal was great and the experience we had with Vardot team was amazing

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

Very effective

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They listen and act fast.

Are there any areas for improvement?

THere are always areas fro imporovement, but VArdot delivered what we expected and beyound

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a team lead for a software engineering team for King Khalid University

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Vardot?

To develop and implement meetings management system

What were your goals for this project?

To manage meeting on the web and document after meetings actions

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Based on previous projects

Describe the project in detail.

EMS is web-based meetings management system, where anyone in the organization can create a meeting and invite members to join, add the meeting agenda, details, location and voting if needed.

What was the team composition?

We have project manager and technical lead to help with the project

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Paperless meetings since the project started, more than 200 meetings were held using the platform.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Vardot created a very good workflow between our teams.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Proficiently

Are there any areas for improvement?

None