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Certace

Connecting top-tier data experts

Company

Berlin-based data science startup.

Certace makes data science accessible to organizations while enabling international talents to work independently.

Startup
realization: 
2016-2018
Germany

Studies have shown that less than 6% of Africa's farmland is irrigated, highlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions like solar-powered water pumps to enhance agricultural productivity and resilience. In many regions, farmers face significant challenges in managing their water resources efficiently to sustain their crops and livestock. Erratic rainfall patterns and prolonged droughts exacerbate these issues, making access to reliable water sources critical.

Solar-powered water pumps offer a sustainable solution, but determining daily water consumption needs and the technical requirements for these pumps is a complex task, often beyond the expertise of the average farmer. Traditional methods involve navigating intricate Excel spreadsheets, leading to frequent errors, delays, and the need for expert intervention. This inefficient process needs to improve farmers' ability to make timely and accurate decisions, affecting their productivity and livelihoods.

Ragnarson, specializing in climate tech and startups, partnered with Margraf Publishers and GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit) to develop a custom software application. This case study outlines how Ragnarson addressed these challenges by focusing on the client's software and business goals. The result was a user-friendly, impactful solution that empowers African farmers to optimise their water usage effectively, thus improving their productivity and livelihoods.

Product

Top 1% of data scientists.

Certace is a leading digital marketplace for data science projects. By connecting data experts with exciting business projects or permanent jobs, Certace helps organizations advance through descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive data insights.

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Challenge

Capitalizing professional network.

Certace sources, certifies, and connects freelance data experts with leading global businesses to help them build a competitive advantage through predictive data. Based on their business operations, Certace wanted to build a web platform that would serve as a digital marketplace for data science consultants. The first step was to build an MVP version and secure funding for the next development phases.

Solution

Digital marketplace.

Automated tests

We implemented extensive test suites that cover all features end-to-end on different browsers.

Acquisition & onboarding

We designed a user acquisition flow containing self-assessment, a dedicated exam with a peer interview system.

Mobile friendly

We delivered a streamlined, unified code base and optimized user interface for a good mobile experience.

Technical expertise

The internal team can focus on the business operations and save costs associated with recruiting a full-time web developer.

Tech Stack

A quick web MVP

Google APIs
Heroku
PostgreSQL
Redis
Ruby
Ruby on Rails
Sidekiq
Vue.js

Backend Development

We utilised Ruby on Rails for server-side development, ensuring simplicity with core functionalities focused on authentication and data persistence.

Frontend Development

It was built using React for a dynamic and responsive user interface.

Implemented Tanstack Query for advanced caching and offline support, ensuring the application could function without a stable internet connection.

Used React Router for straightforward routing and DaisyUI for system design, ensuring a user-friendly interface.

Development Process

Iteration and Feedback

The development process involved iterative cycles with continuous feedback from the client, ensuring the final product met the users' specific needs.

Simplified Formulas

Original complex Excel formulas were simplified and integrated into the application with the help of the client’s experts.

Efficiency and Accuracy

The new web application replaced complex Excel files, reducing errors and eliminating the need for expert intervention. Farmers can now easily determine their water requirements and the technical specifications for solar-powered water pumps.

Offline Functionality

The offline mode ensures that farmers in regions with poor internet connectivity can still use the application effectively.

User-Friendly Interface

The app’s design is simple, straightforward, and accessible, catering to users with limited technical expertise. Responsive design ensures usability across different devices, including mobile phones.

Downloadable Reports

Users can download detailed PDF reports of their input data and results, providing a valuable resource for record-keeping and decision-making.

Conclusion

Ragnarson successfully developed a web application for Margraf Publishers that addressed significant challenges faced by African farmers. Leveraging expertise in climate tech, startup development, and impactful software solutions, the team delivered a user-friendly, efficient, and accessible tool.

This project streamlined determining water and pump requirements, empowering farmers with reliable, easy-to-use technology. By providing a solution that simplifies complex calculations and reduces errors, the application significantly contributes to sustainable agriculture practices in Africa.

Through close collaboration and a focus on the client's software and business goals, the project ensured the success and growth of Margraf Publishers in the climate tech sector. This strategic partnership met immediate needs and laid the groundwork for future innovations in sustainable farming solutions.

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18 REVIEWS
4
months to deliver
Sibylle Luther, co-founder
Sibylle Luther, co-founder

I really appreciated the collaboration with Ragnarson.

They worked very efficiently, always met the deadlines and had good input on certain features for which we needed a second opinion. I can recommend Ragnarson for any startup who wants to scale fast.

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