Admiring Engineering that Moves You

We have always admired engineering projects that accomplish unique feats, and which have overcome unique challenges in equally unique ways. Some of these projects are especially impressive when you take into consideration the effect that they have had on the surrounding communities, not just the benefit they have created for themselves.

One of these is the Krasnoyarsk Dam near the city of Divnogorsk. Built to fulfill the power needs of the region and local industries, the dam also blocked an important transport route for shipping. Since the dam was built in a rather rugged area, it was impossible to build a system of locks to allow ships to circumvent the dam.

Instead, the engineers designed a unique ship lift system that can place a fully loaded ship or barge (up to 1500 tons) onto a special carriage, which then drives up and over the ridge next to the dam. In all, it climbs over 400 feet, before rotating 180 degrees and backing down into the reservoir.

This system reopened the supply route and enabled shipping to resume in the area, and has brought greater growth and economic prosperity to the region. Although boat lift systems are not entirely unique, the magnitude and ambition of this project makes it completely unlike anything else in the world today.

It was an engineering solution that created a winning situation for the companies involved, as well as the entire community.

Software Engineering that Moves Your Business

Ok, so we definitely do not build giant ship movers. We develop software, which is much more difficult to make into a landmark, and much more difficult to appreciate the scope and ingenuity involved.

However, with software we can accomplish the same types of things: We build software that takes a business from one place, and helps it overcome the challenges and obstacles that are preventing it from getting where they want to go.

Our Approach to Custom Software Development

Our approach is different, as illustrated by one of our guiding principles: We develop great software with both science and art.

In other words, we take a very methodical approach to creating impactful software. The actual process is a bit more complicated, but it can be summarized in three elements:

1. Understand the business purpose of the software

This means that we try to understand how this software will benefit your business. We look beyond just the simple things, and really try to break down what you hope this will accomplish. On a base level, we understand that it comes down to money – either saving money through efficiency, or creating money through revenue generating tasks.

But we also look even deeper. We try to learn how this will impact you, your employees, your customers and your business community. Are you hoping this software will make you a leader in your field? Are you hoping this software will create greater loyalty among your customers?

These aspects are elements that are very difficult to list on a requirements sheet, but that are vital to the success of the software. This step helps inform steps 2 and 3.

2. Develop a winning solution

This is the "under-the-hood" stuff, or the code and programming that goes into making your software effective. For us, this means creating the best and most effective solution – something that will really help accomplish the business goals, and not just check off requirements.

For example, if we are developing an e-commerce application, then we know that customer loyalty and security are vital. It may or may not be listed as a requirement, but we are aware that the security of the system must be triple-checked. The same principle applies to software systems that are designed to increase efficiency – if the software will become very quickly outdated, or had major compatibility issues that will require costly upgrades, then we will work very closely with you to engineer a system that can provide the best benefit over the longest period of time.

These are of course very simplistic examples, but the principle is we create systems that solve unique challenges. We try to get to the core of each issue, and develop a solution that addresses each element.

3. Create a look that matches the clients and customers "personality"

Even though this is listed third, we actually focus on the "look and feel" of the software from the very beginning. While it is extremely important that the software function properly, it is also important that it be easy to use. Simply dressing it up once all the coding is finished produces inferior results.

Instead, after we complete step 1, the creative team starts working on how the software will function from a user’s point of view. This creates software that is easy to use, engaging, and that looks right. This step is usually an iterative process that lets the client provide lots of feedback and work with the creative team to create the right interface and experience.

Many of our clients approach us because we have earned the reputation for accepting and completing very challenging assignments. Of course, we do the "easy stuff" too. But we really enjoy engineering any solution that can create a "win" for our clients.

If you are considering a software project, we invite you to visit our website and learn more our software services, or speak with our business development team to find out if we are the right company for you.

*Amadeus Consulting has no relationship, Krasnoyarsk GES, The Yenisei River Shipping Company, or any other company involved in this project. Rather, we admire and respect their ingenuity and ability to create unique solutions to challenging engineering problems.