Zitec

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

certSIGN is the main developer and provider of cryptographic solutions and trust services in Romania, with projects in the field of digital identity, trust services, legal archiving, and cyber security in over 20 countries.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

One of our core business focus is on digital identity. As cloud computing use is growing, we witness an identity shift - from the physical ID card to digital identity.

We were looking to develop a solution that encompasses all attributes that uniquely identifies a user, includes their identity in social media/networking, and allows for securely authentication to various online services, including government or banking. We also wanted to take it one step further, to identity decentralization, where the end-user is better protected against identity theft. This is why we teamed up with Zitec, to leverage their blockchain expertise and develop the first service in Romania that guarantees blockchain identity, certME.

SOLUTION

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

Zitec provided engineers to certSIGN to develop a distributed application that runs on an Ethereum-based private blockchain, enabling users to perform trusted digital onboarding on their mobile devices with supported online service providers.

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

It’s 100% online, with many services - from banking to utilities - that are accessible anytime and anywhere, directly from the user’s phone. The personal data of certME users is stored encrypted only on their mobile devices. The blockchain is used to record proofs of verification of the user's identity.

As a result, users are guaranteed that their data cannot be accessed without their consent, and the complete record of access to their data is transparent and anonymous on the blockchain. On the other hand, service providers are guaranteed that the data received from users is valid and that their identity has been verified with a substantial level of assurance.

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

• 1 Blockchain & Mobile Engineer
• 1 Android Engineer
• 2 iOS Engineers
• 2 Quality Assurance Engineers
• 1 Software Engineer

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

certME is the first solution in Romania that allows the management, verification, and guarantee of reliable digital identities, with clear benefits for users who no longer waste time traveling to the supplier’s headquarters and enjoy a digital experience in accessing a wide range of services 100% online.

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

We used various approaches in different stages of product development including scrum, kanban and hybrids thereof. We used MS Teams to communicate and coordinate and Jira to track development.

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

We had direct access to the whole team, which made it easier to communicate our ideas. Things can be lost in translation if you're only talking to a project manager.

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

While the most senior developers show imitative and independence, the less experienced developers sometimes need closer guidance.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am Co-Founder & CEO of the most relevant software marketplace in the region, which helps companies to choose the right software solution, based on their Digital DNA.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We were growing our presence on the local market and our digital strategy included SEO activities (to improve our ratings, grow website traffic and generate more leads) and performance marketing campaigns.

SOLUTION

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

Considering the previous experience of ZITEC team with IT companies and their needs, we found a good match with our main objectives.

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

We have already prepared a brief before signing the contract, so the next steps included brand positioning, setting up the OKRs. Zitec helped us with the keyword research, copywriting and feedback for part of work.

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

We worked with an integrated team (Project manager, SEO specialist, 2 performance marketers).

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We managed to improve our ranking on Google for several key words and we have also generated more qualified leads.

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

Zitec was great at managing our expectations and meeting our deadlines. Mostly, we shared insights and feedback through e-mails, but we also planned weekly calls.

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

Their capabilities to understand specific characteristics of every business, industry, processes.

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

An extra dose of creativity is always appreciated.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Startarium is the most complex digital platform for early-stage entrepreneurs in Romania, works on 4 pillars, meant to support the 4 entrepreneurial growth verticals – know-how, tools, a network of people and organizations entrepreneurs can get in contact with and active funding and development opportunities. My position is as a Community & Product Owner.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Our main scope was to improve the users' experience on the platform and, through that, to increase the time spent on the platform. We needed to relaunch a better version of our platform. Zitec was working with us throughout the whole development process. They are providing us constantly support for our technical challenges and the further development of the platform

SOLUTION

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

We already knew each other, and the Zitec founders already supported Startarium and our community, so when the time came for us to design a new digital platform, they were the first that came to mind to join forces with.

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

We have worked in sprints, first discussing our goals and objectives and building a road map together. Next, they provided mock-ups and wireframes and we had various feedback loops, followed by implementation.

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

We work with 1 project manager and 3 developers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The new version of the platform is performing better, and we see an increase in the time spent by the users.

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

They are super responsive, whenever there is a thing that we need to fix, they are managing to find a solution ASAP. We use different channels for communication: Slack, email, Jira & Video Calls.

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

They are determined and enthusiastic when it comes to working on a new project. They try to find an easy way to explain technical information to non-tech people, which is very helpful.

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

For the moment I don’t have any kind of recommendations.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the sales manager of the online pharmacy. Our company has also a regional pharmacies chain and a pharmaceutical warehouse.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We hired Zitec to help us create and implement a complete marketing strategy. We wanted to increase our brand awareness and to grow faster the online sales.

SOLUTION

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

We were already working with Zitec on another project and we were very satisfied with the collaboration. They recommended us their marketing department. We had a meeting and decided to work with them because they understood our needs and the challenges we were facing and we knew that Zitec is a reliable company.

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

They made a complete marketing stategy based on our needs and goals. The plan included: brand awareness and performance campaigns (Google Ads, Facebook and Instagram Ads, Bing Ads, Youtube Ads, Programmatic and Direct Buying on local websites, Outdoor, Radio), social media strategy, email marketing. They also created content and visual elements (including videos) for our online and offline campaigns.

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

We worked mostly with 2 persons: Creative Director and Digital Marketing Strategist

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

After 1 year of collaboration we had a 48% increase in website traffic, more that 50% new users and 40% growth in sales

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We work very good together, we have a good communication. They are always very responsive to our needs and open to new ideas, they are creatives and most important hard working.

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

Their creativity, the willing to learn and explore new things

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

Not for now

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a Development Manager and Board Member within the company, also in charge of various core internal IT projects and initiatives. Honest General Trading practices wholesale trade to trading companies. The company is a supplier of various DIY items: tools and hand or power tools for construction, gardening and landscaping

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Zitec was tasked with rewriting the Android mobile application, which is mainly used for placing orders. The app has approximately 150 internal users, sales agents and managers, who use the application in their daily job.

SOLUTION

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

We select 3 potential collaborators after a web search. We chose this vendor based on their past projects, and cost estimate.

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

The Android application was developed using CROSSWALK. Due to the incompatibility with API 31, we wanted to migrate the application to android.webkit. Zitec proposed that we rewrite the application altogether, following a modular architecture, in order to simplify future app updates.

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

• 1 Android mobile engineer
• 1 QA engineer
• 1 Project Manager

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Can not comment at this time.

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

The project was organized using agile methodology and principles. The one-week short iterations were very effective, with weekly brief statuses and on-demand discussions with the technical team.

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

I was impressed with their communication skills.

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

I don't find at this point things that can be improved with a considerable impact on collaboration.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Cars2View was developed to meet the market and client's needs for comprehensive data that would drive business goals further, faster, more efficiently, generating demand and establishing thought leadership for the next generation of automotive sales technology. I am the IT Director of the company in charge with all developments deliveries.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Zitec?

For managed services, Dev-ops and cloud counseling.

SOLUTION

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

We have first analyzed the cloud service providers (AWS and Azure). After we have decided to go with Azure we have received a recommendation to use Zitec services to implement the cloud solutions.

Describe the project in detail and walk through their service package.

Cars2View is a new online data driven solution developed for the automotive industry to help dealers make informed business decisions based on market input. By scanning and tracking market prices, Cars2View eliminates the guess work and delivers fact based results. Cars2view is used to track trends and pricing in automotive industry. Cars2View is an AI driven platform that generates real time results

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

CTO was the main contact person, then the head of Dev-ops and other resources like Security, collegues from dev-ops team and of course the project managers and account managers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The solution we developed is using the full potential of the cloud services we decided to implement together with Zitec. For example, we had implemented a specific process of ETL which is using Azure functions together with Azure queues that ingest a huge amount of data in a very short time with a fraction of the cost. Also, the solution requires very little maintenance, so is cost effective from dev-ops as well.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow is very effective, we have dedicated persons for each topic we need to address. Of course, the CTO was involved in all major decisions about the architecture and design of various components.

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

Was very impressive the one stop shop kind of IT service provider. All our requirements and needs for our cloud infrastructure were delivered on time by Zitec.

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

Proactivity in terms of upgrading to the next generation of services, when they appear.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Tazz is one of the largest quick-commerce platforms in Romania. It focuses mainly on food and groceries delivery. I am Chief Product Officer, managing the Product & Technology Department which has about 70 employees.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We hired Zitec for the development of the Tazz mobile applications (iOS and Android native languages).

SOLUTION

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

Based on the portfolio presented and also by recommendations from the market, from previous companies which have worked with Zitec before.

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

The Zitec team was responsible for Project Management, Development (mixed team) and Quality Assurance. During the duration of the project, they worked closely with our product team. The technologies used for Swift for iOS and Kotlin for Android. The Zitec team had the main responsibility for developing the mobile application, while integrating it with the Rest API back-end which was developed in-house. The main features of the app are the common e-commerce features (marketplace, online commerce, push notifications).

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

1 Project Manager 4 Mobile App Developers 1 Quality Assurance

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The app was developed in 6 months. In a short time it has become the No.1 app in Romania in the Food and Drink category. Since it was launched, it was constantly appreciated reaching now ratings of over 4.4 out of 35k reviews (Android) and 4.8 out of 29k (iOS). The Zitec team has reached all development objectives agreed in the project kick-off.

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

The development was done by using Agile methodologies, initially Kanban and later Scrum. The communication with the team was done in Slack and the backlog and issue-management was done in Jira.

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

I was really impressed with the sens e of ownership and responsibility of the Zitec team. They were real team players who worked very well together with our own developers.

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

I cannot think at the moment of any areas of improvement.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am Project Manager and founder of the project Faces of Autism.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Faces of Autism is a non profit project showing portraits of autistic persons taken by an autistic photographer of 16 years old. We hired Zitec in order to build our brand, then create and implement the presentation website of our project. We rely on sponsorship so the main purpose of the website is to impress and attract sponsors. At the same time, we wanted to raise awareness and tell the story of the kids and young people with autism. We wished for something powerful, very usable, and memorable.

SOLUTION

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

We knew about Zitec for a long time and we received a lot of referrals for them. The decision came from the way they proposed us a complex forget, not only a website but also visual id.

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

Branding, UX/UI Design, WordPress implementation of the Faces of Autism presentation website.

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

Brand Designer, UX/UI Designer, WordPress Engineer, Project Manager

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

All our stakeholders and supporters were impressed not only by the quality of the photos and realism of the stories but also by the clean design and usability of our website.

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

We had many meetings, used a Slack channel and Asana tasks.

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

They did not only delivered a solution but also supported us in learning how to manage this type of project and comunicate with other companies and stakeholders.

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

They have been proactive and always presented us many choices.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the manager and a shareholder of Decorino, and we’re an e-commerce company that provides home decor products. We’re focused on rugs, carpes, and lighting materials. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Zitec?

We needed help in software development. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Zitec implemented improvements on our Magento 2 website’s order flow, payment process, and stock management. Our goal was to improve our customers’ shopping experience. They took over from another vendor who previously developed our website. 

In addition, Zitek integrated a new ERP system to our website. They transferred all the data from our Magento 2 website to the system and connected our site to the third-party apps we were using. They recommended the module that we used for this project. 

They continue to provide us with ad hoc support for our technical challenges. 

What is the team composition?

I work with one project manager and 2–3 developers. 

How did you come to work with Zitec?

We looked around for software development companies. We shortlisted 3–4 companies, and after meeting with all of them, Zitek stood out in terms of experience in Magento 2 and e-commerce. In addition, we also received positive feedback about them, so we hired them.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent €10,000 (approximately $11,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in May 2021, and it’s ongoing. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Zitec has helped us automate our processes, increasing our sales and reducing our operational costs. 

How did Zitec perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re prompt and responsive — I’m satisfied with Zitek’s project management. We communicate through emails, phone calls, and Jira.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The competence of Zitek’s team is impressive.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They can increase their developers to improve their overall services.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Define the project in precise terms. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Token Payment Services SRL is a Bucharest-based Romanian subsidiary of Koç Group, the largest conglomerate in Turkey, which accounts for ~8% of Turkey’s GDP, and is a Fortune 500 entity with almost 27 billion USD global turnover. Token produces revolutionary, innovative products, value-added retail and payment services to retailers and creates a safe open platform for Fintech ecosystem. Token creates the devices and infrastructures to deliver intelligent payment and retail platforms, which shape future products and services while creating new revenue streams. I am CTO of Token Payment Services SRL.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We are developing merchant friendly payment service provider product with Zitec. This is going to be authorized by NBR for PI and EMI licenses. Token PSP product is an end to end platform for the merchants including onboarding, core payment transactions, integration with multiple banks' virtual POS, payment routing algorithms for best commission rate, merchant and admin dashboards, and all with high security, fraud management and QoS.

SOLUTION

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

We have a series of criteria, the followings are the major ones: competency both in development and project management, upto date product software architecture (cloud, microservices, etc.)experience on similar projects before, agility for adapting requirements, optimum timeline and approach to the project with enthusiasm.

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

We develop end to end product with Zitec, including onboarding of the merchant, core payment, settlement, merchant and admin dashboards, security, fraud monitoring, PCI-DSS certification. The technology stack is based on cloud services and microservices.

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

Full fledge team from PM to developers to SQA and security team, around 15 people.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We are still in the process of development and Zitec team are inline with Token timeline. We had the first demo of core payment transaction very well.

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

PM is based on scrum, so we follow regular scrum rutines with Zitec. We as a customer and partner join grooming sessions and we have monthly acceptance sessions where our CEO joins and discuss about progress, support points, team and budget. Zitec has customized and very effective project management.

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

Their competency, agility, and enthusiasm to complete the project are impressive.

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

They are very open to design communication channels and project management in a customised way, according to your needs and expectations.