Emergent Software

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the senior finance manager at a manufacturing company. We work in the industrial molding and tooling space, primarily for medical and defense businesses.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Emergent Software?

We used multiple ERP systems across our sister companies, so we wanted a platform that could consolidate everything into one reporting platform.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Emergent Software has used Power BI for the platform. Behind the scenes, they use an on-premise SQL server database. The platform is a KPI screen that’s company-facing; that’s the key product.

What is the team composition?

We have one project manager and a single software developer.

How did you come to work with Emergent Software?

We found them through an internal referral; someone in our department had worked with them. We went out and talked with several service providers, but we chose Emergent Software. One of their selling points was that their developer and project manager could continue working with us for the life of the project.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent around $20,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began our partnership in June 2022, and our relationship is ongoing. We’ll work with them for the foreseeable future.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They’ve been an excellent partner.

How did Emergent Software perform from a project management standpoint?

The engagement has been flawless. They have a link to schedule meetings with the developer; we can see his schedule and work when it’s convenient for us. Overall, the communication has been excellent. We use Zoom for all of our calls.

What did you find most impressive about them?

First, they listen and understand what we want to do. Out of all the service providers we vetted for this project, they were the ones that made an extra effort and didn’t put us in a box. Everything they’ve provided has been customized to fit our needs, so everything’s exactly where we want to be.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, there isn’t anything on the downside.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

As with any project, define what you want to accomplish and discuss the scope with all the partners. Overall, ensure everyone has a clear understanding of what you’re trying to achieve. For example, we had an internal team in place to make the project go as smoothly as possible.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a marketing manager at People Driven Technology, Inc. We provide IT solutions and consulting services.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Emergent Software?

We hired Emergent Software to build our website.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The Emergent Software team developed our website. After consulting with us on the platform we wanted to build it in, they set up to work on the design mockup and the implementation of Umbraco, which is where we host the website. Their team did all the necessary coding so that I can manage the content of the website easily. They also took care of the backend and UX/ UI design.

We’re going to work on a second phase next summer to implement more programs to the website.

What is the team composition?

We work with Broderick (Software Engineer), Chris (Senior Software Engineer), Jameson (Senior Project Manager), Jamie (CEO), and Kyle (Senior UX Designer). 

How did you come to work with Emergent Software?

I knew Jamie because I had worked with him in the past. I reached out to him, and we decided to work together.

How much have you invested with them?

The contract was for about $20,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

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

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I’d give them a 10 out of 10. They took my vision and brought it to life, always helping me understand what was feasible and what wasn’t. I’m very excited about phase two of the project because we’ll further develop the website. The team has been fantastic — I have zero regrets. I don’t think I could’ve pulled this off without them.

How did Emergent Software perform from a project management standpoint?

They use different programs that make communication easy, thorough, and timely. They’re quick to respond should I reach out with any questions or thoughts, sometimes providing more information than necessary.

Everyone on their team has been excellent at keeping me in the loop and helping me understand what we can accomplish, which makes me confident about collaborating with them.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Working with them has been fun, and I can see that they enjoy working with me, too.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Not that I can think of.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

If you’re looking to have a sophisticated website, you must work with them, no questions asked — it will save you time, money, and headaches.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a co-owner of a garden service called Botanical Blitz. We take care of the exterior floral design for window boxes and pots. We switch them out seasonally and maintain them.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Emergent Software?

We handled all client requests manually and only one person could make changes at a time. On top of that, our client managers didn’t have access to the plant inventory. Combined, these limitations created a lot of communication issues. We asked Emergent Software to build a cloud-based tracking system that could help us access information.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

I gave them the Excel spreadsheet I was using to track orders. Then I walked them through our business and what we needed. They were able to take my ideas and create an app that would help us track inventory and client requests for each season.

What is the team composition?

We worked with a designer, a project manager, and a developer.

How did you come to work with Emergent Software?

One of our employees had a connection with them. Originally, we reached out to them about our website, but once I realized that they could build an app that would help address these other problems, that became our priority.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent between $40,000–$50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

They started working on the project in December 2019. Although the app launched this fall, they continue to make adjustments.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I was amazed by how quickly they were able to make my business run more efficiently. Even though they aren’t in my industry, they grasped what I needed immediately. They’re very bright and knowledgeable. They clearly thought through our business needs.

How did Emergent Software perform from a project management standpoint?

They communicated well and met all of our deadlines. They’re very quick to respond and easy to reach.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re flexible and are open to suggestions. Whenever we threw them an idea, they thought through how everything would fit together.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of anything that could have gone better.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

As long as you keep up your communication with them, it will all go well.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the director of communications at the American Institute of Architects Minnesota.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Emergent Software?

We reached out to Emergent Software to develop a new website and to train us on the new CMS. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Emergent Software developed the backend of a website from scratch on Umbraco, using designs from a third-party. They selected the CMS and provided training to our staff on how to use it. They incorporated features, including about 50 case studies that are searchable by various criteria, and ensured our graphic elements were clear and uploaded properly. 

What is the team composition? 

We worked closely with a team of about five during development and training phases.

How did you come to work with Emergent Software?

Our design agency recommended them based on their experience working with them. 

How much have you invested with them?

We've invested between $10,000–$50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

The project took place between September–December 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They delivered a website that's visually perfect and works flawlessly. It's received a lot of positive feedback from users thus far, who appreciate its functionality and seamless user experience.  

Compared to other developers I've worked with, their process is a lot more seamless. They were also great about training our staff on how to use the new CMS and were prompt to fix any bugs or make modifications to the site as needed. 

How did Emergent Software perform from a project management standpoint?

They were very responsive, stuck to timelines, and were very communicative and collaborative throughout the project. We had some in-person meetings, which we found to be productive and efficient. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

They were able to develop technical solutions from the non-technical information we provided. They intuitively understood our needs and effectively translated them into a great end product. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. Their process was solid throughout the engagement. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Get them involved early, because their input around the design and functionality of the site will provide a lot of value.