SkyX
ProductSavvy developed a software system to optimize a tech startup's data capture processes. The team built the platform from scratch and implemented necessary coding and design solutions.
THE REVIEWER
Head of Product, Drone Tech Startup
THE PROJECT
Software Dev & Design for Drone Tech Startup
Custom Software Development UI/UX Design
THE REVIEW
"Their skill set and productivity had leveraged offshore labor to a higher notch."
Project summary:
ProductSavvy developed a software system to optimize a tech startup's data capture processes. The team built the platform from scratch and implemented necessary coding and design solutions.
Feedback summary:
Exemplifying stellar technical expertise, ProductSavvy delivered a reliable system that elevated the client's operations. Users lauded the system's expedited image processing, one of the client's main metrics. The team remained timeline- and feedback-oriented throughout the process.
BACKGROUND
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I'm the head of product at a drone technology startup. We use drones to monitor oil and gas pipelines and identify potential issues in those systems.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What challenge were you trying to address with ProductSavvy?
I hired them to train me to do my job better. I had some significant shortcomings and wanted to be a stronger team leader.
SOLUTION
What challenge were you trying to address with ProductSavvy?
We needed their team's software development efforts.
What is the team composition?
I've worked with about 10 resources from their team, including David (CTO), two frontend developers, two backend developers, a DevOps resource, a UX designer, and another resource in charge of QA and test automation.
How did you come to work with ProductSavvy?
I led a vetting process to choose the right development partner for us. I spoke with other agencies, but it was ProductSavvy's team that had the price point, expertise, and leadership skills I needed.
How much have you invested with them?
We spent about $70,000 a month.
What is the status of this engagement?
The project ran from February–August 2021. We're planning to hire their team again to take on a different project involving a machine vision system.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
ProductSavvy was a versatile team that respected our timelines and feedback, which allowed them to deliver impressive results in quick turnaround times. Our old system had a slower image processing method, while the system they built could process images five times faster. Our customers also pointed out how useful our new data capture system was — the positive user and customer feedback we secured was our main success metric for their team's work. Overall, we were happy to have worked with a team that granted our goal of rewarding our customers with an improved UX and a more transparent system.
How did ProductSavvy perform from a project management standpoint?
We communicated via Slack and relied on Jira for project management. ProductSavvy seamlessly coordinated with our in-house team, and they were always open to adapting to our processes and addressing change requests — we had a healthy working relationship.
What did you find most impressive about them?
What stood out the most about their team was their high level of expertise. I was hesitant to hire an offshore team because of some stories I heard from other people, but ProductSavvy took away my apprehensions by delivering top-notch work. Their skill set and productivity had leveraged offshore labor to a higher notch.
Are there any areas they could improve?
They were an offshore and overseas agency, so communication was a potential drawback. As we progressed, we saw their commitment to meeting our schedule by working overtime, and I had to make early calls to meet theirs — both our teams exerted effort to make everything work. Another area of focus would be their QA efforts. I had higher expectations for their QA leads because I wanted everything to work seamlessly, so I wanted their leads to be more thorough by seeing the broader picture for every solution built.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
They have an agile process, so make an effort to understand how that works and how it can benefit your business.