Context
MANAO is a software publisher, mainly focused on ERP software for European and Malagasy clients. I spent four years there, first as a full-stack developer and then as a project manager.
The problem
Publishing off-the-shelf software costs money and does not pay off until it reaches a certain threshold of client acquisition. The company decided to take on bespoke projects for several European clients to fill the budget gaps, so that we had capital to hold onto until the ERP software became profitable.
My work
Led the Commercial product line (invoicing, payments, customer area, purchasing and CRM) as project manager. I worked with cross-functional teams, intervened across different departments of the company and did client-facing support at times, as we operated in a startup spirit. I did requirements gathering, database schema design, foundation work on new projects, backup management and deployment, and technical support for the development teams.
I also mentored junior developers and interns at the company.
Consulting engineer on bespoke projects: I worked closely with clients based in France on projects spanning different industries, from a vineyard and a food catering company to contract insurance management for sailors.
The results
- More than 150 companies run on Manao's ERP solutions, including banks, investment firms and travel agencies.
- The external consulting work brought substantial revenue to the company, keeping it afloat to this day
The Commercial product line is still published by Manao. All pictures shown are the property of MANAO and are used for illustration only.