Evolved thinking.
How we helped Outsorc embrace the big ideas and implement new technologies to reinvent their business.
In bluebox, we found a partner that was flexible, could quickly understand the marketplace that we are in, appreciate the challenge and really go for it.
Daniel Emery
Chairman, Outsorc
Introducing Monitrr.
Monitrr is an international auditing application. Primarily focused on the automotive industry, it is utilised by several prestige car brands including Bentley, Mercedes Benz & Jaguar Land Rover.
The software has enabled the team to reinvent their business model and also break into other verticals including insurance and commercial operators such as LV= and AGCO.
Breaking the frame.
Oursorc relied on 3rd party software for several years to track and record compliancy. The management team became increasingly frustrated with failings in the software and the limitations it placed on strategic planning.
The previous provider did not share their vision of modernisation. Having evaluated the marketplace for off-the-shelf options, it was soon clear that few options existed. Conversations around commissioning an in-house solution seemed out-of-reach but the idea continued to itch which led Outsorc Director and Chair Daniel Emery to our door.
Progressive reflection.
The idea of embarking on such a strategically left-field strategy was high stakes but exciting.
Having already dipped a toe in a smaller development project with us we were commissioned to work with Daniel and the team.
Our initial remit; to help shape the vision of the application, explore viability, risk and the opportunities a custom development could bring.
We provided an environment for key stakeholders to work together to brainstorm, problem solve and stress-test the viability of going it alone. We also lead the technical discussions to make recommendations around functionality and opportunities. As well as leading the planning of Azure based infrastructure and cognitive services implementation.
Buoyed by the initial findings and the apparent viability of the project, the team at Outsorc elected to move forward.
Real-world insight.
However viable an application may seem on paper, we never presume that all user requirements and real-world scenarios will be catered for by a new application.
As part of the larger development project, we elected to go out into the field and speak to real-world users of the incumbent application to understand the challenges, successes and wishes of users for a new system.
The feedback was incredibly important, and we learnt a huge amount about what a new system needed to cater for in a busy workshop environment.
Accessibility
Insight various aspects including hardware, internet access, OS specifications made us mindful of how we needed to legislate for real-world infrastructures.
Simplicity
A dynamic workshop environment can be fast paced and noisy. Ensuring an application caters for the environment it will be used in and provides a clear User Experience was high priority.
Upgrades
Users’ feedback advised that there were large oversights with the incumbent software. We reported the feedback and worked with the team at Outsorc to resolve the most common challenges users advised.
The feedback was developed into 'User stories' and broken down into development 'features'.
Our development and project management team then entered a concentrated period of development, collaborating with key stakeholders throughout.
Microsoft technologies used by Outsorc.
The application utilises several Microsoft technologies and we continue to research and develop enhancements utilising the Microsoft stack.
Cloud Based Infrastructure
We utilise the Microsoft Azure cloud computing platform to create, deploy, and manage our customers' infrastructure in a more efficient and cost-effective way.
On Demand Data
Azure SQL can easily scale up or down on demand enabling us to efficiently manage customers' workload and application performance.
Automated Failover
Built in disaster recovery features automatically replicate data to secondary geographical regions in the event of an outage to help maintain application availability.
Proactive Security
We implement automated cloud-native security solutions to detect and respond to potential threats to our customers' applications.
AI Technology
By utilising Azure AI technologies we can provide our customers with advanced capabilities for machine learning, cognitive services, and natural language processing to enhance automation and decision-making processes.
Data Protection
Our customers' critical data and workloads are protected through continual cloud based monitoring, backup and restoration.
Hello World.
The initial launch was UK based and for a single manufacturer, Bentley. The phased launch allowed for the stress-testing and honing of the application in real-time.
Since the original launch in 2020, the application has grown exponentially, and is now recognised as a best-in-sector global platform.
Monitrr has allowed Outsorc to successfully pivot and reinvent process and service delivery. Opportunities afforded by the application have enabled growth and improved recognition in the marketplace.
Currently available in 14 languages, the application is utilised world-wide and offers an array of functionality both universally and for specific clients.
Client Success.
We've worked with numerous partners, delivering scalable application development, technical insight and recommendations. We're confident we have previous experience that will add value to any challenge we're presented with.
Thinking outside with Daniel Emery.
Chairman, Outsorc Ltd.
What surprised you?
I had some knowledge about the complexities involved in tweaking an existing off-the-shelf system but I hadn't appreciated the complexity involved in developing a wholly new piece of software. The nuances… how asking to change one small element requires careful planning so not to adversely create a problem elsewhere in the system.
What was fun?
Up to now I’ve been involved in strategy and consulting - you’ve got a problem and we will deliver the strategy to solve. Doing that we never see the outcome but this is different. It is more enjoyable as we have created something physically that you can see. Demo-ing the product - that’s a real fun part… showing off something that we’ve created with bluebox just from ideas.
What's next?
I hadn’t expected it to be this quick but the next pivot is to extend the software to move into different verticals. With some adjustments, we can turn what we’ve built to monitor Bodyshop’s into a broader compliance eco-system. We have a window of opportunity to steal a march on our competitors so I want to push it as quickly as I can.
It’s been impressive how bluebox has been able to think through things, deconstruct our processes and put together software that was up and running with very little drama. The skills that people have in the business are excellent.
Daniel Emery
Chairman, Outsorc
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