The Ask
In the course of building our business, we have developed a lot of technology. We are thinking if it is worth exploring turning our platform into a SAAS product. Can you help us evaluate what we need to do to get there?
The Observation
Startups that rely on technology to improve operations but have most of the activities done offline find themselves investing significantly in software development. As the startup grows so does the software product. If not well monitored and planned, it is easy to have a wide array of software products that are duplicated and not easy to manage.
The Process
MADE planned and facilitated a two-day product strategy and vision session involving representatives from different teams within Soko. Over the two days, using design facilitation techniques, MADE worked with the participants to:
- Review the existing Soko product
- Identify gaps within the existing Soko product
- Explore what the Soko SAAS product would look like
- Identify what it would take to develop the SOKO SAAS product
MADE provided an experienced product manager and a notetaker to facilitate the session. Post workshop, the product manager spent a day working with the software development at Soko to develop the product road map.
The Outcomes
From our engagement with Soko, they were able to:
- Develop a pitch for the Soko Board regarding the option to turn the Soko software platform into a SAAS product and get a decision on whether to proceed or not
- Evaluate and document deficiencies within the Soko platform and identify strategies to plug the gaps
- Evaluate gaps within the technical team and create a plan to plug the gaps
- Develop a one-year roadmap for the Soko platform, pitch it to the rest of the company, and get buy-in to proceed.
