Merixstudio

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CTO of GoMetro, a specialized transport, logistics, and analytics company. We build various software products used worldwide for different transportation and logistics reasons. Public and town planners use our data to plan bus routes or new highways.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Merixstudio?

In 2022, we designed a new vehicle tracking system. There are many vehicle tracking systems in the market, and companies face a challenge when they use many vehicles with different trackers because they can’t get a single view of their whole fleet. 

We built a project to allow companies to have a single view of all their vehicles even when they have different trackers in them. For this, all the tracking companies in South Africa will share their data, and the vehicles’ owners will give permission. This way, if a company rents vehicles from another, they’ll be able to see all vehicles at once. 

The project had two major components: the telemetry side and a portal. We needed a very strong user and admin portal. While we kept the telemetry layer ourselves, we went to the market to look for a company to outsource the portal building.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Merixstudio has built our user and admin portal. We had already designed the portal's UI/UX and functionality, and our UI/UX team worked with Merixstudio's design team to make changes and improvements to the design. From there, Merixstudio has handled the coding for the portal's front- and backend using Python and the Django framework. 

They've delivered the first phase, which is the MVP; it's now in production. Additionally, we have an ongoing maintenance contract with Merixstudio. 

What is the team composition?

We've worked with around 6–8 teammates from Merixstudio, including a commercial manager and a project manager. 

How did you come to work with Merixstudio?

I found them online while looking for companies specializing in Python and Django. We also focused on the size of the candidates' previous projects. We found three companies and ultimately chose Merixstudio. 

How much have you invested with them?

We've spent more than $25,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in July 2022, and they delivered the MVP in October 2022. Our engagement with Merixstudio is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Merixstudios' technology delivery is excellent. The goal was to have the MVP by the end of October 2022, and Merixstudio has delivered on time — this has been the biggest success. Both of us have been very responsive to each other, and they've never kept us waiting for answers. As a result, they've enabled our sales team to start demonstrating the solution to customers when we had planned. 

How did Merixstudio perform from a project management standpoint?

They've delivered on time. However, the project has cost more than initially planned, though the budget increase isn't too significant. 

Their communication and responsiveness are excellent. We primarily use Slack, though we also use email when necessary. Additionally, we have weekly and ad-hoc meetings through Google Meet. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Merixstudio is very proactive in helping us improve the product's design. For example, they didn't just take our design and implement it; if they saw something we'd left out or any issues, they raised those areas of opportunities with us. Overall, the team cares about the design. 

Early in the project, we had a concern about their UI work. I raised the issue with them, and Merixstudio listened and immediately took positive steps to address the problem and fix it completely. I've worked with companies that give excuses when we've raised concerns. Meanwhile, Merixstudio doesn't find excuses; they find solutions. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

Although the ultimate delivery is very good, the project has gone over budget. While I understand that estimating the budget for software development is challenging, Merixstudio could improve their budgeting skills. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Our project has worked so well because both sides are very responsive. For an engagement to be successful, you can't expect Merixstudio to be responsive and not reciprocate. We're both quick to answer questions when they come up, which means neither of us wastes time.