Brightec

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company.

Our company is an online firm. We have a sister company who helped us to mature as a startup [that] is the largest seller of used books in the U.K. and Europe online.

We have been selling to the public for about five years. We’re a relatively young company. The majority of the stock that we receive and sell is from charity shops. We pay them by weight for the books and sell them online. We also buy directly from the public. People can go on our website and scan a barcode or enter information for the book, CD, DVD, or game and they will receive an offer for that item. We then either collect the items from them, or they take them to a free drop-off box nearby.

What is your role and responsibilities?

I am the technical project manager.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What was your goal for working with Brightec?

Brightec started working with us four or five months after we went live. We built the website using an open source, free enterprise-level software. The one thing we didn’t have any experience in was building mobile applications. 

SOLUTION

Please describe the scope of their work.

Mobile app development for iOS and Android, as well as ongoing updates to the apps was the scope of work. The technical complexity is quite high because not only does it have to use the camera to recognize barcodes, and then deliver a price, but it calls up to an API [application programming interface] that we built in conjunction with them. The consumers can scan literally millions of different products, and we need to be able to give them a price back instantly, so I think it was a relatively complex application that they built for us.

What was your process for selecting Brightec with which to work?

We had a requirement to build an iPhone app, so we found some companies locally, and some a further afield. We saw three main companies, one that was really a market leader in terms of app development in the U.K. We got quotes, we met with them, and went through a due diligence process to see who we thought we could work with. Brightec was one of those companies, and they were the cheapest of the three.    

Can you provide a ballpark dollar figure for the size of the work that they’ve done for you?

I cannot provide that information. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the results of the project?

The work is still ongoing. We completed our iPhone application in about two months, which was very quick. We gave them the task that we wanted this developed before Christmas of last year, and they managed to achieve that for iPhone. Since then they’ve created an iPad version of the iOS app. They’ve also created our Android app, and our tablet Android app.

Since the end of the development of the Android platform, they’ve been on a monthly retainer with us. We have a two-day-a-month contract where they work to make sure we’re compatible with the new phone products that come out. In terms of the ongoing relationship, it’s hard to say. We’re having a meeting fairly soon, to look at next steps, and how they can develop the app further.

Do you have any statistics or metrics to track improvement from the project?

We’re happy with the quality of the work they’ve done. The reviews of the app aren’t particularly great, but that’s a review of our service in terms of the prices we offer. Everybody who talks about the app says how easy to use it is, and I think it holds up well against our competitors in the market. My personal opinion is that it’s better than I predicted it would be.

Is there anything unique about them that really makes them stand out, compared to other companies?

Our developers were only experienced in desktop applications, so coming in from a position of no knowledge can be very difficult and quite worrying when you’re trying to develop a new product.

Their developers are good in terms of communication, very visible, very open with the work they do. They used a tool called Basecamp with our project, which is a project management tool, which allowed us to add jobs and they would mark off filters as they went through them. I think over and above anything else they’re a good group of people, very easy to get along with. Brightec’s team is not corporate in a corporate sense, but professional.

Looking back on the work so far, is there any area that you think they could improve upon or something that you might do differently?

Not really, to be honest. Nothing I can think of.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Head of Innovation of TTS

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We create software and resource solutions for Schools.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

• A student facing app to control an educational robot
• To support the development of the communication protocols between the robot and the app

SOLUTION

How did you find Brightec?

Online Search

Why did you select Brightec over others?

• High ratings
• Great culture fit
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Brightec were assigned to this project?

6-10 Employees

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

To create a mobile App to control our flagship robotic product. Support in the development process to assist with technical capabilities, navigating technical challenges that we would have been unable to overcome.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• A fully functional app that communicates with the complex functions of the device.

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

Very good at communicating delays or issues, flexible.

What was your primary form of communication with Brightec?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Steve's ability to solve problems and engage with key stakeholders. He is endlessly positive despite setbacks. We always feel we can approach him, nothing is too much trouble.

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

We are struggling to think of anything. They were perfect.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Venture Blue operates in the e-commerce sector, offering end to end solutions from product sourcing, order fulfilment, customer service and more. We own and operate our own e-commerce brands, and we also offer white-label solutions for our clients.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Brightec?

UX testing on website

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to understand how consumers were actually navigating our websites, ensuring we were offering them the quickest way of getting to the information that they wanted. And, a smooth, reliable checkout experience.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We chose to partner with Brightec on this project given there extensive experience and flawless reputation within the digital world.

Describe the project in detail.

Brightec carried out detailed UX testing on our website, interviewing five end-users who had not shopped with us before.

What was the team composition?

We had a PM who held our hand throughout the process. There was an initial deep dive session where Brightec ensured they fully understood our requirements. Nothing was too much trouble throughout the project, and there was never any doubt in their ability to deliver.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We were present on the day to observe the project, and it was followed up with a concise summary of the results.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Communication between their team and ours was effortless.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The project ran like a well-oiled machine, the Brightec team were all exceptionally engaging in what they were doing and cared about making sure we were getting everything we needed.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the Company Director of Fruitmedia Ltd, an innovative video production company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Brightec?

We wanted to take our show-reel content and develop an app for Apple TV.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to be able to show our work to clients using AppleTV.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We selected Brightec for their innovation approach to mobile app development.

Describe the project in detail.

The app allows customers to look through various genres of film production services that we produce. It features a detailed menu, but it’s actually simple to navigate.

What was the team composition?

We worked with a dedicated project manager and a team of developers from Brightec.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

You couldn’t ask for better service. They’re a great, knowledgeable team that's willing to go the extra mile. You feel confident that you’re dealing with the experts in this field. Nothing was too much of a challenge to overcome.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Our two teams worked really well together since we share a similar ethos and values system.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The fundamentals that the Founder has put in place seem to make people genuinely thrive. They’re a hardworking outfit, but there’s room for a less formal approach to business. The office is a stunning setup.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I honestly can’t think of anything. We’ve had a great experience.