Augmenting the Development Team at Aware3 & Nelnet
We took the standard “staff augmentation” model and innovated the absolute cr*p out of it.
The Challenge at Hand
Aware3/Nelnet was utilizing legacy software to operate its online appeals process for all its users. To properly scale the organization, this system needed an upgrade to meet modern-day development standards. With a tight deadline ahead, they didn't feel they had time to hire internally, so they sought external resources.
About Aware3/Nelnet
Before being acquired by FACTS, a Nelnet company, Aware3 helped members live out the mission of their church through service and technology.
The Objectives
Given Aware3/Nelnet's ambitious goals, it was clear that typical staff augmentation models wouldn’t suffice. They needed a choreographed team of software experts to meet the following objectives:
Get Up to Speed… Very, Very Fast
They avoided hiring for a reason—onboarding takes time.
Dissolve Barriers Between Teams
There was no “us vs. them”, just “us vs. the scrum board”.
Remain Rapidly Interchangeable
Agile development processes allow for the elegant exchange of resources.
The Results
In the words of our client, “we [now] have a robust relationship with Active Logic, rather than a purely transactional one.” Our engagement with Aware3/Nelnet may have concluded in the middle of 2023, but we’re able to look back on some incredible work that our teams came together to complete—as one.
+300%
Development Efficiency
40,000+
Hours of Development
20+
New Web Apps Developed
The Highlights
Unmatched Flexibility
Once again, in the words of Nelnet/Aware3, we are proud to be “more flexible than other companies” who offer software development services. Even when requests were unique or abstract, our development team stopped at nothing to ensure they were fulfilled.
Expert Advisor Consulting
Throughout our engagement, leadership from both Active Logic and Aware3/Nelnet stayed in constant communication via strategic planning sessions. These sessions provided the opportunity to understand progress and strategize around any potential hurdles in the future roadmap.
No Manager = Less Barriers
As we ramped up our engagement with Aware3/Nelnet, discussions were had about including a project manager for general oversight. To diminish the barriers between teams, a project manager was not included from Active Logic.
Instead, we quickly integrated into their current development team, processes, and routine to minimize friction. This proved to be a wise choice as our team efficiently asked questions and communicated concerns directly to the proper leadership.
