We are Cactus S.L.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Emuca International designs, manufactures, and commercializes a wide range of products for the furniture, carpentry, hardware, and DIY [do it yourself] sectors. I’m the IT Manager for the company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with We Are Cactus?

We wanted to create a web page that would allow our commercial network to view information about their orders, clients, prices, and to create autonomy among the commercial network and their work. We were looking to do this through an application or a responsive and modern web page.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We divided the project into two parts. We agreed that the base would be Python and that at Emuca, we would elaborate the API [application programming interface] using Python which interacted with our systems. That API in Python was used on the web. The web server was a Nginx and it was developed using Django’s API framework for the clients’ pages. I know about the backend part because I was more involved in that aspect of the project. I’m not as familiar with the frontend technologies that they used.

How did you come to work with We Are Cactus?

Internally, we had Python knowledge, but we lacked knowledge of everything that can be developed on the web for end users, such as the frontend and modern web technologies. Since we had that knowledge gap, we were interested in developing using Python with We are Cactus. We were basically looking for a local developer who knew Django or Python.

How much have you invested with We Are Cactus?

Less than 10,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We finished the first phase and we are now starting the second phase tests.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Could you share any evidence that would demonstrate the productivity, quality of work, or the impact of the engagement?

The developed web tool replaces a similar one. We had a 2003-2004 .Net tool that had problems. It only worked with Internet Explorer and wasn’t responsive for mobile or iPads. We changed in order to have a modern web page that could be used through any browser. This was the main driver and the main advantage for users. The app has had good user adoption.

How did We Are Cactus perform from a project management standpoint?

Our company was in charge of the project management work for this development.

Are there any areas We Are Cactus could improve?

Their workloads and their dedication could have been improved. They had other commitments and it was difficult for them to deal with the amount of work and timing. I’m happy with the results, but compliance with project timelines for me is important.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I currently work for a software development firm. I am the project manager and I worked with We Are Cactus in another software development firm as well.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with We Are Cactus?

We were a software development firm focused on consulting, and they helped us with the technical aspects, developing the backend of the project. We've worked in 2 big platforms, lasting half a year and a year and a half. Both platforms were focused in gamification for e-learning and internal training purposes within the company. The second one allowed the staff to share their ideas with each other and see how they could improve the company.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We developed the project with Django and Python, and the frontend with AngularJS. They integrated with us as if they were part of our team. I'm very satisfied with the work we did together. There had lots of communication between the internal project management and frontend teams and them, who were in charge of the backend. They didn't give us any trouble with the communication tools we used or last minute meetings. They've had good availability and if there were any issues with the platform, they were always a step ahead to solve it.

How did you come to work with We Are Cactus?

We had references from a colleague, a friend of my previous boss. Valencia is not a big city and we were able to ask for good references. Since then, we've maintained the professional relationship.

How much have you invested with We Are Cactus?

Less than $10,000. These projects are long but for a reasonable price.

What is the status of this engagement?

We've completed the first phase. We developed MVP's [minimum viable products] for both products. They are taking charge of the following iterations. They grow with the tool. If the tool is useful, they agree to keep working on the tool. If there are any modifications, they're available.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

How did We Are Cactus perform from a project management standpoint?

They have integrated as if they were part of the team. We've used agile methodologies remotely and there have not been any issues. They have traveled for our meetings and have worked using Slack, for example. They are very tech savvy in terms of project management and updating the tools. I knew at all times which tasks had been completed and which ones hadn't been completed because they always kept me updated. We were able to give good feedback to our clients.

What did you find most impressive about We Are Cactus?

If they can think of a better idea, they're willing to offer help and suggest how to improve the tool being developed. What I would highlight the most is their transparency for any good or bad thing related to the project. If there is a complicated topic to discuss, they're honest. Total honesty is one of the main values that I appreciate the most coming from a software provider today in Valencia.

Are there any areas We Are Cactus could improve?

I'm very satisfied with their work. Some other clients may not like the idea of their team meeting daily for a whole hour without paying attention to their phones or emails. I appreciate that they get organized this way but some other clients may want them to be available at all times. I'm 100% satisfied with the work we've done together.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

My company is called Navilo Mobile LS. We’re specialized in the development of native iOS and Android applications and sometimes backend for these mobile apps. I’m the Chief Executive Officer and Administrative Director.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with We are Cactus?

We’ve been working with Cactus for a while in our business. They integrate very well with the services that we offer. They are specialized in backend, but also frontend and design. One of our longest projects was a type of call center and ticketing system for users at an insurance company.

They did the backend part using Django and Python, the frontend of browsers with AngularJS, and integrated the chat and video chat system that the platform required in that same Python backend. We have also worked with them in a series of smaller projects using WordPress, but we usually hire them when we need backend specialists.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

What’s good about them is that they have a very flexible profile when it comes to the needs of the project. They also assigned more coders to the project. This flexibility was phenomenal because the client’s initial estimates were off and we needed support. Thus, when we had the highest amount of work, we had 2 backend developers, one frontend developer, and a part-designer. Three and a half developers in total.

How did you come to work with We are Cactus?

I was working in a co-working type of space when I met them. They had just founded their own agency. I knew they worked very well because they were 2 developers and a designer that had worked for another company, and they wanted to dedicate to full-time, backend development work. Since we develop apps and we didn’t want to allocate resources to backend, we started working with them. We have practically grown together, but they have also grown bigger, working with very large companies in Valencia, Spain. We chose them because they used Django and Python, which are very popular and very scalable.

For this big and scalable project that we had in mind, this was great. They are very professional and they are very objective and problem-solving oriented. We have always been able to develop projects in collaboration with them. Whenever we had a technical problem, we knew we could consult with them. I have tried working with other companies that develop backend and it hasn’t resulted was well as with We are Cactus.

How much have you invested with We are Cactus?

The largest project was around $25,000, but we have done smaller projects of $1,500, like our first web page. Other projects range between $10,000 and $25,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

Some of them have been completed and delivered to the client. Others, like the current call center project, are still ongoing. They have continued funding it. It’s a German startup and they have been wanting to update the service. Depending on the month, $2,000-$5,000 go to We are Cactus.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Could you share any evidence that would demonstrate the productivity, quality of work, or the impact of the engagement?

Overall, we have had to adjust time estimates. Since it is a young company, we’ve had to correct times. We work with Agile methodologies, and based on this, we build the estimates for the clients with the entire team. Now they are more successful and working with sprints.

The experience has been positive with Django’s speed. Clients are very happy. We have had various types of clients: difficult and easier ones. No project has failed because of We are Cactus. The collaboration is very good. We haven’t had any bad experiences in projects with them. They have a defined vision and corporate image. Perhaps they have a fresher image. A conservative client had to do more iterations to adjust.

How did We are Cactus perform from a project management standpoint?

When we’ve done project management, we have taken care of it ourselves. When we integrate them in our team as additional support, they work very well. We are Agile and we haven’t had any type of problems. They have adapted to our tools, communications systems, and integrated with our team in a good way.

What did you find most impressive about We are Cactus?

Their ability to react. They have a very flexible team that reacts to problems very well. They have known how to alter their work and employees in order to provide the extra support we need. They have always given us support when it’s necessary. We feel supported and they feel as part of our project and the team. They are very motivated. The price range is very competitive at the end. It’s compensating since they are a team that delivers.

Are there any areas We are Cactus could improve?

Two problems were: the small estimate fails that caused certain tensions with the client during the first stage of the project, but we were able to fix them. Communications have been very honest and we told them that time estimates were somewhat off and that we had to deliver to the client on the right date. Also, the design aspect I mentioned earlier. If we have conservative clients, we opt for other designers, but only for the design part.