Case Study Information
Short Description
Pell Software partnered with Smartphones PLUS to perform a comprehensive technical audit and code review of their existing software infrastructure. This engagement focused on validating development workflows, ensuring adherence to industry best practices, and identifying strategic opportunities for refactoring to support their rapidly scaling electronics trade-in platform.
The Challenge
Smartphones PLUS had undertaken the job of creating a custom platform that would ensure their team was working efficiently. They started this process with an overseas team that was over budget and over a year overdue on the delivery date. The system was not stable and not complete, causing them to lose faith in their team.
The Solution
Pell Software executed a deep-dive Technical Discovery and Research phase to align the client’s software development with their business objectives. We initiated the project with a series of collaborative consultation meetings to map out desired workflows and verify that the current system architecture mirrored these operational needs. Our senior architects conducted a rigorous code analysis and review, auditing the repository for security vulnerabilities, performance bottlenecks, and adherence to modern best practices.
Rather than just tell the team what was wrong, our Project Manager worked closely with both teams to ensure realistic deadlines were set as well as documentation to support the deadlines given. Weekly meetings were held to ensure that the development team was held accountable and working on the correct items to get the project over the finish line.
The Outcome
With Pell at their side, Smartphones PLUS felt empowered to cut ties with their existing team and move on to a team better suited for the job. The tools we provided allowed them to complete their project and stop the bleeding with leaking budgets and timelines.
Date
July, 2020 – December, 2020
We started work on Phase 1 of the application in July 2020 and finished in December, 2020. However, our team has been constantly improving and maintaining it ever since including the addition of new features and adjustments of existing features.
Major Features
- Comprehensive Code Audit: A detailed analysis of the existing codebase to ensure security, scalability, and adherence to industry best practices.
- Workflow Validation: In-depth consultation to align technical system behavior with real-world business processes and user journeys.
- Refactoring Roadmap: Documentation of potential opportunities for code improvement and architectural optimization to reduce technical debt.
- Technical Discovery Resources: Delivery of project-specific documentation, diagrams, and proof-of-concepts to serve as a guide for future internal development.
- Strategic Feature Planning: Provision of detailed requirements and estimates for upcoming enhancements, enabling data-driven prioritization of the development backlog.
- Architectural Mentorship: Expert consultation sessions to bridge the gap between business goals and technical execution.
Technologies Used & Keywords
- Programming Language(s): .NET, C#, SQL, Javascript
- Framework(s): ASP.NET MVC, .NET Core, Express.js
- Infrastructure: Microsoft Azure, Azure SQL, Azure App Service, Azure Function Apps, Azure WebJobs, AWS Beanstalk
- Third-party Systems: QuickBooks Online, Sage 100, HubSpot, Salesforce, Authorize.NET
Client
Client Industry
Electronics Re-commerce & Sustainability
Client Description
Smartphones PLUS is a family-owned, Inc. 5000-recognized leader in the electronics trade-in and reuse industry. Based in Iowa, they provide a secure, nationwide platform for individuals and businesses to buy, sell, and repair mobile devices, tablets, and laptops. Their mission is to power the circular economy by extending the life of technology and diverting millions of devices from landfills through certified refurbishment and responsible recycling.
Client Review
The Pell Software team has been awesome…
The Pell Software team has been awesome to work with. They asked good questions, understood what we were trying to do, and gave us clear direction when we needed it. Their guidance saved us a lot of time and helped us make better decisions with our project. Definitely recommend them if you need a team that stays organized and really cares about helping you move your business forward.
