They work on both the front end and the back end. They create native and hybrid mobile apps. They build an IoT device from scratch and handle the whole electronics from the stage of the PCB. Here, you will find out how a full-stack company works and what it can offer customers. What competencies should this company have to act as a technological partner?
In the IT industry, everyone is familiar with the position of a full-stack developer, who – according to the definition – skillfully tackles all the parts of the technology stack. However, there are few companies on the Polish market, which focus their activities on the idea of full-stack development in the broad sense. How do these types of enterprises work and what value-added benefits await their customers once they start working with them?
I have an idea for an IoT product
To better understand the idea of the full stack development, we will use a simple example. The customer comes to us with the initial idea of creating a sensor. Apparently, during the initial talks and analyses, it turns out that the sensor, to fulfill its purpose, has to be a part of the technological ecosystem, in which every element has to be integrated. The device, for its proper functioning, requires also the mobile app, the web application, and the CMS. In this example project, one contractor can deal with the software, firmware, and hardware components.
Sample IoT device by Netizens. Aura is a combination of sensors and weather stations.
All works are held under one roof and without the additional involvement of other parties in the project. The customer does not waste time searching for other subcontractors, which need access to code, technical specifications, or need to get familiar with the details of the whole enterprise from its beginning. Not to mention the difficulties, which may result from the cooperation between several companies. After all, each one of them has its own system of work and internal procedures. The price of such a complex project is also an important issue. The overall pricing of the entire implementation from one company would be definitely lower than the summed pricing of individual components from different enterprises.
Programmers and engineers
A full-stack development company can create a product in-house from start to finish and bring it to the production stage. Based on the customer’s requirements, we provide a ready-made solution and carry out all the work by ourselves. The whole process is usually preceded by technology consulting. From the engineering side, we put special emphasis on the projects related to the Internet of Things. As a result, we provide our clients with complex service in designing the IoT devices – starting from the idea, through the prototype and production to the finished solution, which can be put on the market. We select component suppliers, the entity responsible for PCB fabrication, installation, software, and assembly of the devices. We secure this stage of the project from the firmware and hardware side, and also from the side of the artificial intelligence or the communication between the finished product and, for example, a mobile app.
We offer comprehensive services in the implementation of IoT products.
How does this full-stack transfer into the set of software skills then? It is about great competencies in the front end and back end languages, and their frameworks. Obviously, the back end is not only programming but also the ability to configure and manage the production and development environment. That’s why, the full-stack set comprises administration of the server or configuration of such services like payment gateways, or transactional messages providers – email, sms, push, etc. It also includes the design and implementation of the database structure and the architecture of the environment. The familiarity with the network services or API. Another aspect – programming business logic on the server-side and making it available in a secure way – when writing code on the backend. Any work considering UX/UI – design, RWD, and mockups. Competencies relating to all layers of the development of a website, mobile apps, web apps, along with full support. Finally, the Quality Assurance department takes care of the complete testing.
With such a programming and engineering background, it is much easier to act as a technology partner. Companies of that type can carry out a project in-house from start to finish. They guarantee the business analysis, consulting, and selection of technology. It is easier for them to form internal teams or balance projects while optimizing customer’s time and budget. IT companies specializing, for example, only in mobile apps, very often forget about the compatibility of the complete solution. Additionally, narrow specialization does not necessarily translate into being the best at one thing, especially in the case of implementation of a project, which requires the knowledge of different IT areas anyway. Here, we jointly define the need at the beginning and then, we take an active part in creating further new features. The key is a diversified team in one place, where everyone is responsible for what they are most comfortable with. The finished solution or product is passed through many hands, which makes it easier to identify the bottleneck early on in the project.
Expert value
Working with a full-stack development company allows benefiting from the expertise of skilled professionals in various technologies without the necessity of establishing such a knowledge base in-house or searching for another subcontractor with a narrow scope of competencies. The list of the benefits of the direct client – technology company relation is long, but having worked with companies in many industries for over a dozen years, one of them seems to be crucial – expert value. Before a digital is implemented – it goes through a series of stages, from the creative idea to its implementation. It is a process fraught with decisions in the areas of analytics, design workshops, UX, specification, technology selection, and solutions regarding the IoT device prototype. Each of these entails consequences, values, or constraints.
Having a partner in this entire process provides not only peace of mind. Above all, it is about the security budget, which is guaranteed by the right decisions taken in the course of the project. It is about recommending to customers a flexible approach, which requires investment and understanding but can be an invaluable decision in creating developmental service. We develop a mutual understanding with the customer at the stage of the analysis workshop, which is a natural tool for creating the project’s specification and an excellent alternative to the list of difficult questions generated at the start. It is a very inspirational form of meeting, which enables you to better understand our services and allows us to offer our customers innovations every day.
Do you have an idea for an IoT product and look for a technology partner, which has all the competencies in one place and will comprehensively lead your project? Drop me a line on nb@netizens.pl and let’s talk about the optimal approach to your case.
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