Armia Systems

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the founder and CEO of Vusion Technologies LLC based in Chicago, IL. We are a software startup currently focused on mobile consumer apps. Our first product, PlayMe, is in beta for iOS. I wear many hats and do a little bit of everything for the company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Armia?

My background is in business and marketing, with no coding/technical experience. I had put together a wireframe for the app, but I needed outside help to develop it as well as enhance the user flow, design, etc. I didn’t have much money to get started, so I was looking for a partner who believed in the idea and would work mostly on an equity basis.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Armia is my co-founder and handles all technical aspects of the project. Aji, their CEO, acts as my CTO. We started by choosing all the features/functions necessary for an MVP and tweaked the design and user flow. They provided me with a project manager and technical team to then develop the MVP as well as QA testers (these employees are based in India). They also provide me with space in their Chicago office to work directly with them.

How did you come to work with Armia?

I found them through cofounderslab.com. I was originally looking for individuals who would join on an equity basis, but then I realized showing my wireframe to complete strangers with the technical know-how to build it was a bit risky. They could either create it on their own or turn out to be a poor cofounder. Since I am a first-time entrepreneur, I figured going with a professional firm would be best.

My only issue was cost, as building a mobile app from scratch can be in the tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Then I stumbled upon Armia, who ran their own incubator called CodeVentures. With CodeVentures, they would build the MVP for a little cash and equity, if they liked the idea enough. So, I pitched my app, they got behind it, and we made the partnership official. They had the experience and skills necessary and happened to be local. It was a no-brainer for me to partner with them.

How much have you invested with Armia?

So far, I have invested $2500. I will pay them another $2500 once the app is on the app store. Any future development costs after launch is uncertain, as we don’t know how many developers will be needed.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started development in October 2016. It is still ongoing, and I expect the partnership to be perpetual until there is an exit or the company goes under (I’m hoping for the former).

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We are doing our first beta test right now, so there’s not much to go off, as of now. It’s not where it needs to be yet, but that is to be expected at this stage, especially with a new concept.

How did Armia perform in terms of project management?

Overall, they have done pretty well. The project manager they assigned to me is very capable and easy to communicate with (he’s in the India office).

What did you find most impressive about Armia?

Their ability to manage 100+ offshore employees while delivering quality projects to clients all over the country is quite impressive. They really know what they’re doing from a technical standpoint and are very personable and hands-on with their projects. They are also very flexible with payment and really do care about the software they are creating and the people they are creating it for.

Are there any areas where Armia could improve?

Certain things can get lost in translation when communicating certain ideas or features. While the guys in Chicago may fully understand, it can be difficult at times to clearly communicate what you want to the offshore team. It’s not quite the same as having your developers working next to you every day, where there can be a free flow of ideas and a full understanding of what needs to be done. There’s nothing Armia can really do about this, since they can provide such affordable development by having their developers offshore. The tradeoff is ultimately worth it, at least to get an affordable MVP to market.

What tips or recommendations could you share that might increase the likelihood of success with Armia?

Communicate your ideas and project effectively, and be as specific as possible. Having some sort of design or user flow going into it will be very beneficial.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Co-Founder of a software company 

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We are a booking CRM for service providers.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Armia Systems to accomplish?

• Develop Figma
• Develop MVP
• Develop Live Project with Ongoing Management

SOLUTION

How did you find Armia Systems?

Online Search

Why did you select Armia Systems over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget

How many teammates from Armia Systems were assigned to this project?

6-10 Employees

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

The we delievered a requirement list as well as a skeleton figma. Armia built out the figma, developed a roadmap and gave us the plan for the project. Once we agreed, they developed an MVP, went through QA, and then deployed the full project assitance in on-going support.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They delivered the project to its specifications. They were collaborative in many aspects, and welcomed our feedback and quick iterations as well progressed through scope with some additions.

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

They delievered our project on time. It endured the estimated range that way provided to us, but our scope expanded and they made responsive adjustments as well as rapid bug fixes.

What was your primary form of communication with Armia Systems?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

I would say the most impressive component of this project was their project management. They were managing many team members, across many domains of expertise, through several phases of the project. Their single point of contact was able to share our communication at a rapid pace, and the project managers on the meetings keep them moving forward with all items achieved.

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

We were very happy with the delieverable required. The only reccomendation we would have is a stronger focus on grammar and spelling across the software deliverable. We completely understand the language differences that were occuring, we just didn't expect to be finding errors from mvp through deployment. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am an Executive of CRUSH the Pain- Meditation Crush

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Our Wellness App provides guided mindful meditations, gratitude practice, and paced breathing practices to facilitate healing. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Armia Systems to accomplish?

• Develop App

SOLUTION

How did you find Armia Systems?

Referral

Why did you select Armia Systems over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me

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

Armia helped with app design from the beginning development through the launch.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Successful launch of app. 

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

Our project manager was amazing.  Updates were completed in a timely manner and communication was very timely.

What was your primary form of communication with Armia Systems?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

The responsiveness to my questions and concerns was above and beyond. I would get a response within 24 hours and often sooner

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

The billing system and communication with billing could be improved

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Director of Bubmart Online Stores LLP

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Our brand new mobile app is packed with innovative features, supports a very user friendly interface and collaborates with popular consumer brands in various sectors to bring exciting exclusive lifestyle offers and deals to our users.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Armia Systems to accomplish?

• Project manage, develop and deliver requirements for our mobile app (Ibogo)in a professional and time responsive manner

SOLUTION

How did you find Armia Systems?

Online Search

Why did you select Armia Systems over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost

How many teammates from Armia Systems were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

• Define the global graphic design 
• Identify key features of the project 
• Developing the database structure and business layer 
• Developing partner dashboard. 
• Developing the administration panel toolset 
• Create a working platform that fulfills the business plan 

Success Criteria: 

• The mobile application has been implemented for the target audience to register and engage with the application. 
• Clean and Crisp Mobile app layout and structure. 
• Users can subscribe to the membership to make use of all the extended features of the application. 
• The administrator console is implemented to streamline the activities of the application. 
• The users have the option to choose from the different categories including restaurants, hotels, gyms, spas to fulfill their lifestyle goals. 
• Partner dashboards to allow participating partners to create and manage their account and transactions. 
• The users have the option to subscribe to the various subscription plans from the subscription area of the application. Mobile APP+ Website + Dashboards

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Immaculate and polished mobile app layout, structure, and interface. The user feedback and response has been great and inclusive. The soft launch phase boasts a thriving user base of over 1200 active individuals. The development and testing processes were executed with commendable timeliness. Notably, both the Ibogo dashboard and partner dashboards exhibit flawless functionality, underscoring the excellence in project management. 

The app's diverse categories, including restaurants, hotels, gyms, and spas, operate seamlessly, further attesting to the prowess of the project management efforts. Immaculate understanding of the requirements which proved to immensely help in the execution of our working App.

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

The project management exhibited by Mr.Harish and team has been truly exceptional. They consistently delivered all project milestones and items on time, demonstrating a high level of commitment and efficiency. Whenever our needs or requirements evolved, the team's response was nothing short of outstanding. They promptly adapted to changes, ensuring that our demands were met with agility and effectiveness. 

This proactive and attentive approach to addressing our needs greatly contributed to the overall success and smooth progression of the project. Truly extraordinary!!.

What was your primary form of communication with Armia Systems?

Email or Messaging App

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

One of the most striking and distinctive aspects of this company lies in its remarkable approach to project management. The company stands out for its exceptional ability to not only handle projects with precision and timeliness but also for its openness to suggestions and willingness to adapt to evolving requirements. The company consistently demonstrates a keen understanding of the importance of timely executions, ensuring that every phase of the project is delivered promptly and efficiently. 

Furthermore, what truly sets this company apart is its invaluable contribution during deliberations on optimal strategies. Their insights consistently prove to be an incredible asset, particularly when exploring the most advantageous options. This combination of robust project management practices, flexibility in accommodating changing needs, and the ability to provide expert guidance truly defines the company's exceptional qualities.

Communication by the project manager has been very transparent and had a problem solving feel to the engagement with him.

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

While Armia Systems has undeniably exhibited strong capabilities and commendable performance throughout our collaboration, there is always room for refinement in any endeavor. Their adaptability to evolving requirements has been noteworthy, though on a strict timeline, however exploring avenues to anticipate potential changes even earlier could potentially enhance the overall project experience. 

It's important to note that these suggestions are minor in light of the consistently positive and effective approach that Armia Systems has maintained. Their commitment to improvement and their receptive attitude to feedback further exemplify their dedication to delivering top-tier service.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the owner of a small hosting service and purchased the software from Armia-Systems.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Installation and script adjustments on PHP7

SOLUTION

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

I have known Armia-Systems for a long time and I know that they are very good. I bought software from them a few years ago and it has always performed excellently

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

Several main and sub-pages of the software had to be rewritten so that it could run on PHP7. Everything was done excellently and without long waiting times. Errors that occurred were dealt with quickly.

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

One person was my direct contact and executive person.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The software is now running great. I'm glad I chose Armia-Systems again.

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

Communication was via email

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

The response time and execution time.

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

None

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

CEO of a app development company

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Armia Systems?

Partnered to develop our V1 product

What were your goals for this project?

Develop a V1 product that delivers on the desired specs of the idea

SOLUTION

How did you select Armia Systems?

Partnered through their CodeVentures program

Describe the project in detail.

We needed a partner to help bring our grocery shopping app to life. Arima took the time to walk us through the process, understand what we wanted, and delivered an awesome product .

What was the team composition?

Our two person team partnered with their team of designers, programmers and project leads. They were able to flex the hours of coverage to pull in resources from across them company - all of this within the scope of our engagement.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The app launched on both IOS and Android in the summer - strong initial results and ratings.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We had weekly meetings to discuss progress. They largely stayed on target and on budget. We worked through some communication issues at the beginning of the project - and I felt they went above and beyond to stick to their commitments.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They had a breadth of resources available for our small company. The final product was very representative of what we sent out to build.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Some small communication issues at the outset of the project - had to reiterate the need for some important functionality. Once we were fully aligned they were able to deliver.