ISHIR takes pride in our flexible approach to client engagement. We offer a full spectrum of services, from initial design concepts to complete construction and implementation. We’re also happy to jump in and revitalize struggling projects. A recent example is our partnership with ProsRent. This startup competition winner needed help transforming their seed funding into a minimum viable product (MVP) to launch quickly. ISHIR designed and built the initial version of their platform, laying the groundwork for a future offering that will grow in scale and complexity over time. We were happy to be a part of their journey from the very beginning.
- Construction
- Innovation Accelerator
The Project
The Background
ProsRent, a startup aiming to revolutionize construction equipment rental, took home both the “Best Financial Opportunity” and “Best Pitch” awards at CodeLaunch 2016. This event specifically targets tech startups in the Midwest, connecting them with potential partners and investors.
The core issue ProsRent tackles is the difficulty construction professionals face in sourcing the heavy equipment they need, exactly when and where they need it. Traditionally, project managers and contractors rely on rental companies with limited inventory visibility. This often leads to wasted time and money. If a preferred supplier doesn’t have the required equipment, scrambling to find it elsewhere usually means higher prices and potentially higher delivery costs due to longer distances.
ProsRent offers a solution that benefits both sides of the market. Construction companies gain access to a wider range of equipment through a single platform, eliminating the need to search multiple vendors. Additionally, ProsRent aims to provide more transparent pricing based on real-time demand and availability. For equipment suppliers, ProsRent expands their customer base by connecting them with a network of pre-vetted renters. They can also leverage ProsRent’s platform to implement dynamic pricing strategies based on market conditions. In essence, ProsRent acts as a bridge, streamlining the equipment rental process for both construction professionals and equipment suppliers.
The Challenge
ProsRent identified a significant inefficiency in the construction industry: the difficulty of sourcing and renting heavy equipment. Their innovative solution, a digital marketplace connecting contractors with equipment suppliers, has the potential to revolutionize the market.
Project Goals
Developing a minimum viable product (MVP)
Speed to Market: Be the first mover and establish a dominant market share before competitors emerge.
Building a robust and user-friendly platform
User Adoption: Deliver a robust and user-friendly platform that fosters user loyalty and repeat business from construction professionals and equipment suppliers.
Key Features
- Built-in features streamline inventory management for suppliers.
- Role-based permissions ensure secure access for different platform users.
The Process
Development
ISHIR's strategy focused on building a comprehensive rental platform that catered to both equipment suppliers and construction renters.
Supplier Portal
Simplified Equipment Management: A user-friendly portal allows suppliers to easily list, price, and track their available equipment for rent. Dynamic Pricing Models: Suppliers can set, modify, or program dynamic pricing schedules based on market conditions, optimizing revenue opportunities.
Responsive Web App for Renters
Seamless Equipment Search: Renters can leverage powerful search tools to find exactly the equipment they need, with filters for location, type, specifications (drivetrain, undercarriage, capacity, horsepower), and more. Transparent Pricing: Renters benefit from complete transparency in pricing, enabling informed decision-making. Streamlined Rental Process: Standardized account management removes the need for individual accounts with every vendor and simplifies upfront payments.
Value Delivered
ProsRent’s innovative concept for revolutionizing construction equipment rental faced a hurdle – it lacked the technological foundation to become a reality. ISHIR stepped in to bridge this gap, providing the expertise and experience necessary to transform the idea into a functional product. This included building a web portal, back-end architecture, mobile app, and integrating payment processing systems – essentially creating the entire digital ecosystem that would power ProsRent’s business. In short, ISHIR didn’t just deliver value, they delivered ProsRent’s entire mission.