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Insights
The Quantox story begins in a house next to the garage, a place that today can testify to the numerous business ideas and efforts. The founder of the company is Vuk Popović who is well known on the IT scene today, but if we go back to 1998, we will see a young man who, without experience and capital but with strong will and perseverance, enters the world of serious business. Vuk transfers his great interest in computers, specifically in sales and modern technologies, to his brother Milan with whom he starts a business. The story went on, it progressed, and the BPO sector was opened. Vuk decided to take another risk and with the support of his family, he opened the company Media in Limited. Great effort and work have led to the growth of the number of projects and the number of employees. Shortly after the whole business had its turning point when the decision to start providing programming services was made.Entering the world of software development made the list of satisfied clients and completed large projects even bigger. Quantox is a company that started its journey in Ćuprija. With both small and big steps, risks, and sacrifices, one name was created. One team functions perfectly, even though our people are in different locations. We are a community that is carefully created and built and that sets us apart from others. A community that, out of few young people who had a clear vision for the future, reached the number of 300 highly qualified professionals from various IT fields. All these steps have led to Quantox being an international company that is conquering not only new markets but also trust from developers who want to continue to grow with us. For 15 years this story has been developing, gaining its significance, symbols, and recognizability. The boy's dreams came true and Quantox continues to spread its spirit, brand and success.
written by MLADEN PAIĆ
Object Calisthenics are basically programming exercises, formalized as a set of 9 rules.
By trying to follow these rules as much as possible, you will naturally change how you write code. Of course, it doesn’t mean you have to strictly follow all these rules, all the time.
Here are the 9 rules for writing a better code:
- Only One Level Of Indentation Per Method
- Don’t Use The ELSE Keyword
- Wrap All Primitives And Strings
- First Class Collections
- One Dot Per Line
- Don’t Abbreviate
- Keep All Entities Small
- No Classes With More Than Two Instance Variables
- No Getters/Setters/Properties
#1: Only One Level of Indentation per Method
Having more than one indentation level is often considered bad for readability and maintainability, it's not easy to understand the code without executing step by step in your head, especially if there is a loop in another loop, or if there are multiple conditions nested.
By following this rule, code will be split into separate methods. The number of lines will not be reduced, but the readability will be improved significantly.
#2: Don't Use The ELSE Keyword
If else cases can get hard to read, and they don't really bring any value to the code.
An easy way to remove the else keyword is to implement an early return solution.
#3: Wrap All Primitives And Strings
To avoid Primitive Obsession, all the primitives should be encapsulated within objects. If the variable of your primitive type has a behavior, you MUST encapsulate it.
Objects like Money, or Hour for instance.
#4: First-Class Collections
The collection class should not contain any other member variables. If you have a collection of elements and you want to manipulate them, you should create a dedicated class.
Each collection gets wrapped in its own class, and all the behaviors for filtering applying rules are encapsulated inside of it.
#5: One Dot Per Line
Method calls should not be chained (this does not apply to Fluent Interfaces and Method Chaining Pattern, any other class should respect this rule). It's directly related to respecting the Law of Demeter. Objects should talk only to closest friends.
#6: Don't Abbreviate
If you keep writing the same name over and over again, that will probably lead to code duplication.
If the class/method name is too long, it probably means that it has more than one responsibility, violating SRP. Naming is a big thing and can improve your code a lot. Abbreviations can lead to confusion because not everybody will understand what abbreviation means, so the trade-off is not worth it.
#7: Keep All Entities Small
“No class over 50 lines and no package over 10 files.”
The idea behind this rule is that long files are harder to read, harder to understand, and harder to maintain.
This is obviously very hard to apply (not even applicable to some languages like PHP, but it can be adapted), but IMO classes/methods should be somewhat short and this rule should be applied to some concern, but respecting these exact numbers (50 lines, 10 lines) is not crucial. As long as your classes are not more than 100-200 lines (especially in languages like PHP), it's not that big of a deal.
#8: No Classes With More Than Two Instance Variables
This rule relies on RULE 3 (Wrap All Primitive and Strings), and its benefits are high cohesion, and better encapsulation.
The main idea is to distinguish two kinds of classes, those that maintain the state of a single instance variable, and those that coordinate two separate variables. Two is an arbitrary choice that forces you to decouple your classes a lot.
IMO this doesn't have to be exactly two instance variables but should be kept to a low number and it can be applied like in the following example:
#9: No Getters/Setters/Properties
As long as you don't use the result of the accessor to make the decision outside of the object it should be okay. Any decisions made upon the state of the object should be done inside of the object itself. That's why getters and setters are bad, they violate Open/Closed Principle directly.
In the end, some rules are very easy to follow and they will improve your coding a lot, other ones are not the easiest ones to pull off. It's up to you to decide when and which one you want to implement and practice them in your spare time.
One Rule For Better IT Solutions- Quantox!
Quantox programmers and developers are a team and as such they've adopted coding practices which makes the code understandable for every team member. By having a clean code we can all participate in creating a better, stronger and safer applications for our clients. Here, a good organisation is the key, and we start at how we write your code. Let's Talk!
Being an entrepreneur and starting a business story of your own, always carries a lot of courage but also a lot of risks. You work every day, try your best to prove yourself, and be recognizable on the market.
When you achieve a certain success and that success, at some point, leads you to some major and crucial changes. Anyone who has participated in a process of building a brand knows how long-lasting and well-thought-out it is. That is why any major change in it leads to serious decision weighing. Reason - you’re getting into rebranding. There are many questions. How to name the company? Is it better to give some symbolic, hidden meaning? Will the market understand our new message? Time will tell if you made the right decision.
The time showed us that, after many consultations and suggestions of the whole team, we did the right thing by choosing the path called Quantox Technology. Word Quantox as itself has no specific meaning. For us, on the other hand, it means a lot. It is a symbol of an idea created 15 years ago and which has been successfully implemented and continued to grow. A word that has weight today, that carries one brand and that is recognizable to the wider IT community.
For us, Quantox means responsibility. Responsibility for each accepted project, no matter how challenging. From the idea, through strategy to the presentation of the finished product and its future maintenance. Responsibility for meeting deadlines, respecting everyone’s time and obligations. Responsibility for the normal functioning of all our 10 offices, especially during a pandemic.
Quantox represents stability. We are thinking of 300 families. Kovid, various changes in the law, did not shake us. There was no withdrawal or radical moves. On the contrary. We kept the team, we kept the job. We also opened the jubilee 10th office. We came out as winners and that is the success of the company itself and all of us who are part of it.
Quantox is a synonym of progress for young people. We are proud of our professional development program. Great attention is paid to creating the whole process of practice, choosing the right mentor for each individual candidate, and also measuring the final results. The success of interns and their further employment is really on a high level. This program, among other things, helped us to enrich our team with extremely high-quality people.
Quantox is a domestic brand. It originated in Serbia. We live, grow and prosper in Serbia. Yes, we have stepped into new markets, but we are pleased to introduce all our international colleagues to Serbian customs. Our people selflessly and openly share their knowledge and experience.
That is why there are no boundaries for us. We are one team, we are a Serbian brand and wherever we do business, everyone knows where we come from.
There were many opportunities to talk about various different topics. He is just like that - a man-made of experience and stories. Once, we tried to summarize his biography in one sentence. We ended up with an ideal description that goes like this - Excavator, secret correspondent of the “Drevni Vanzemaljci” show, and seeker of the ghost sword of Alexander the Great.He is Igor, internally known as Gojko. He is a recruiter, exceptional interlocutor, and even better friend. Many of us have spoken to him, some of us even had the opportunity to meet him. He surely justified the title of this interview - The first voice of Quantox. He has been with us for five years, we surely congratulate him on this jubilee, and wish to continue to rock as before. Disclaimer: This interview was originally done as a video. The recruiter was interviewed. The interviewer was also a recruiter. Originally it was supposed to be a short conversation, but it lasted almost an hour. We naively thought it would be different :) These are recruiters, talking is their thing. We tried to do a transcript of the video. This is one 1/24 of the conversation :)
- We know that you are, almost, an archeologist. What brought you to the world of recruitment?
The recruiter has the strangest ways :) After finishing college and getting the job, I quickly realized that archeology is not something I could do for the rest of my life. Luckily, a friend of mine introduced me to the IT world where I realized that recruitment is the path I want to take for the future development of my career.
- Tell us something about the company.
This company is made of people ( I “accidentally” chose some of them :)) and people are an invaluable source and that is the reason why this company got to this level. The team is great, always ready to help each other, and I don’t have enough amazing words to describe them.
- Do you remember your first day at work?
Yes, it was quite interesting. The crew of 15 people welcomed me and it was such a relaxed atmosphere. I still remember the famous big whiteboard with caricatures of every new member done by our colleague Uroš.
- What are the adventures over the past five years that directly associate you with Quantox?
Pushups in the office, coffee breaks, and Vukota who has an interview with a candidate in the closet cos all conf rooms and offices are occupied.
- What characteristics do you think have helped you the most in your work?
Definitely flexibility.
- Why recruitment?
Recruitment is personally quite challenging for me. It’s great because it is not just about interviews and making contacts as most people think. It combines several areas - marketing, sales, and IT itself and requires constantly following the market.
- Do you have a number or rough assumption of how many people you have talked to in the last 5 years?
I don’t have a precise number but it is not small for sure. I and the numbers have always been at war, but I believe that figure is certainly five digits.
- You don’t have just one hobby, but tell us which one is your favorite?
Definitely music, I even set up a little studio for me. Also, playing with raspberry pie, in fact, one arcade game is in the final development stage.
- Now one really serious question - how many Slava do you visit during the year?
Hahahahah twenty I would say.
- What do we get by matching a Canadian bear and Tesla’s electric vehicle?
Fuzzy cover for steering wheel :)
- Your time during the weekend is reserved for what?
Family, good SF book, and air rifle restoration.
- Something that you did and you wouldn’t do it again.
Got drunk from tequila.
- Which is the weirdest food you have ever tasted?
Once, there was a big plate of seafood, a lot of it. I was extremely hungry and I think I even ate the decorations on the plate. Result - serious allergic reaction to something.
- What would you never give up?
Listening to music.
- What would you advise yourself 5 years ago?
Don’t change anything.
- If you are not a recruiter what would you be?
Frontend developer. I am always amazed how one piece of code that you write can make something.
Besides programming, there is an opportunity for developers to join internship programs as mentors. It is a special challenge, but also a pleasure when you successfully transfer the acquired knowledge to younger colleagues. A responsible but also demanding approach is necessary, so here is some good advice that you can apply during the program.
Get to know your mentee When you take on the role of mentor, one of the important tasks is to get to know the person you are mentoring. This will help you to understand the obstacles that the mentee encounters and thus finding an adequate solution will be easier. From my personal experience, during the internship program, really positive reactions occur when, as a mentor, you show interest in the mentee's hobbies and if your work plan is in the line with his interests, the results are even better. When a candidate works according to such a plan, he is additionally motivated, goes a step further, and will, very likely, dare to step out of the comfort zone.
Communication is the keyMentoring brings responsibility. You need to be there for candidates. Of course, we are not talking about the obligation to answer the questions immediately, especially when other projects are active, but you should not go to the other side and not answer for hours. It is necessary to harmonize communication with the mentee, to respond to all doubts in an adequate time, and encourage candidates to discuss and express their opinions and potential task solutions. Very often candidates are reluctant to ask questions because they feel they are stealing your time and don’t want to bother, they think those questions are too basic. In that case, you have to step up, encourage them and make it perfectly clear that you are there for them. This prevents the creation of any potential communication barriers. You have to be able to listen, let the candidate express his idea, and give your own if you have one. These steps show that you are interested in your interns, in their work and thus make a significant contribution to strengthening their self-confidence.
Plan and goals All these steps that I am talking about are some of the ways of motivation and encouragement. However, you have to keep in mind the main reason for mentoring - interns came to learn and progress, and therefore it is necessary to set work goals and a plan according to which those goals will be achieved. It is a good idea to start with smaller tasks, which can be quickly realized. In that way, the mentee has the impression that he is progressing and there will be fewer chances for them to be demotivated and give up. It is necessary to go gradually, in smaller steps, which will eventually lead to the realization of more serious goals and challenges. Don’t make plans that take 3 or 4 months to complete, because these are people who are often without any previous work experience and who can really drop down if big tasks are put in front of them. One of the suggestions could be to give a candidate a chance to break one larger task into smaller ones, for him to get used to such a working system. This can be followed by some of your personal examples where you got to the solution by dissolving a big goal into several smaller ones and working on them step by step. So, at the beginning of the internship program, stick to tasks that can be solved in a couple of hours, and later you can set bigger challenges.
Checkup It is recommended to take your time for monitoring the mentee’s work and progress. To be more specific - use spontaneous conversations with your candidate and find out how far he has gone and whether he needs any help. Also, an official meeting once a week where you will together check all tasks and problems from past days will benefit both sides. Keep a record of your conversations, notes on problems encountered and solutions agreed. These records will help you later to see if the mentee has followed your recommendations or he found other solutions.
Constructive feedbackWhen you are a mentor, your opinion of someone’s work has a lot of significance. That is why it must be honest, and provided promptly. This means that you have to react immediately if you notice any mistake. Giving feedback can sometimes be uncomfortable, but it is necessary if you want a candidate to progress. If your opinion has a negative connotation, make a plan on how you will say it as well as mandatory steps on how to resolve the problem and prevent further possible mistakes in the future. By doing so, you make it known that you are aware that a problem exists and that you want to work together to solve it. If you show some examples of solving mistakes and misjudgments, you have also contributed to the candidate not giving up. Of course, there is more than just negative feedback. Highlight, praise a good idea, solution, or significant effort to achieve the goal. What is by no means allowed - not providing an opinion and not giving any feedback to the candidate.
Mentor student Mentoring can be challenging, sometimes it can take you more time than you planned and require a lot of patience. However, it awards you significant progress. A good mentor never stops being a student. Don’t be surprised if, at the end of the internship program, it comes out that you are the one who learned a lot, maybe more than the candidate themselves. TOMISLAV NIKOLIĆ
For many years, we have been interested in the development potential of local communities that lack the opportunity for growth. We want to create those opportunities by providing support for the local Startup scene in Ćuprija. Today, fortunately, we can witness numerous examples of fantastic Startup stories that have been realised and set off on the path of further success. However, the reality is a little bit different. Many people have great business ideas but not enough investment to go a step further in development and ‘launch’ their product or service. Many questions arise here - how to start, what are the necessary steps?Quantox Technology has decided to help implement these steps. Providing all the necessary technical support, we want to give that much needed `push` for a maximum of 10 Startups registered in Ćuprija. With an investment of up to 50.000 euros, which will be reflected in technical support and consulting, we want to help business stories that arise far from large IT centers.All Startups registered on the territory of Ćuprija will have the opportunity to apply and Quantox will, as a technical partner, support the growth and development of the local community.All information, as well as application forms, you can get via mail startup@quantox.com Let’s start up together!
A situation like “You are missing one paper” is unknown to her. In her creative chaos, as she calls her desk, you can find every contract, invoice, greeting card, note or long-forgotten phone number. She is someone who laughs loudly and contagiously. Although she is mostly the oldest in the team, the spirit of the student did not leave her. That is why most of her colleagues would characterize her as - joyful. And for some unknown reason, she always has the strangest costume at masquerades.If the repairman is needed in the middle of the night, she has a man. If anything needs to be fixed urgently, she has a man. If you need to find a rare whiskey, a book, an animal :), she has a man.She is Dragana, known to us as Jana, and for 5 years we have had the privilege to spend every working day with her.Happy five years of work and to celebrate beautiful moments together for a long time.
- What would you advise yourself 5 years ago?
Nothing, just to take the best from every situation I’m in and to be patient. Time is the one that teaches you wisdom and gives you experience.
- Do you remember your first day at work?
I remember that I was very happy and fulfilled. We were in the old office, 15 of us. I had a beautiful welcome from the whole team. Everyone worked relaxed, with music, and then, I got the nickname Jana. I was not into it the first time, but later I got used to it.
- What people don’t know about you?
I don’t know why, but they don’t believe that I know how to cook. Everyone thinks that my husband does that in my house.
- What would you never give up?
Sea and chocolate.
- Which moment is most memorable to you?
Halloween, when we organised a celebration with cocktails and masks...and our New Year’s celebrations as well as Team Buildings and hanging outs till dawn… And of course you Nađa, as my roommate on all trips :)
- Do you hang out with colleagues out of work?
When we have time, we gather together and there is always some good food around. Now, with our kids, private gatherings became bigger.
- Which of your professional skills do you consider to be most valuable?
Persistence and communicativeness. I have a specific way of communicating with people that turned out to be very successful. To be honest, I really love my job and I think that communication is my strongest skill. There lies my success.
- How would your colleagues describe you?
I am someone who cheers people up and lifts the atmosphere in the office.
- How much paper went through your hands?
A lot. Tons, I think.
- What is the secret to keeping old binders?
We have to keep them for 5 years, that is the role…There is always documentation that is needed at some point, and I personally have a small archive in my desk that is not thrown away. Sometimes I’m the only one who can save the day.
- What are the verses of Jana that you like the most?
I don’t listen to that kind of music but I do like the song Hajde Jano konja da prodamo….Often Nebojša (my husband) says to me - Jana, please make some coffee.
- What kind of coffee do Neša and Đole like to drink? ( your postmen)
They eat candies, they are my super postmen who helped me a lot during the lockdown last year. Those two men are always willing to meet our needs.
- What is the difference between management and worker-ment? :)
It’s a great thing that when you know the difference and you don’t start to act arrogant once you move up to a higher position. That famous sentence came about when some young colleagues clumsily became interested in ‘who is who’, of course in a humorous way, while we played darts. Then I had to explain ‘who is who’, right? :) First ‘who’ is management, the second one is worker-ment :)
- Do you have some totally irrational fear of something?
Fear of loneliness.
- Weirdest food that you have tasted?
Chinese and I don’t like it.
- If you are not an administrative manager, what would you be?
Stewardess, that was my wish since primary school. And to study geography, that was my favourite subject. And then, I ended up studying law…
written by KIM NOVAK
Wouldn’t it be great if all of the code we work with was written in a way that it’s completely clear what it does? And that we could easily make changes without breaking it? Sounds good, but it’s not that easy to do so. To get to that level we need to change our mindset a bit.
React apps grow very fast. The project gets more and more components, the codebase grows, and just when you think you are done with a component and forget about it, there are change requirements for it. You analyse the code of that component, try to understand what the author had in mind, even if the author is you, and you stumble upon a condition that you have no idea why the author put it there. You start trying to understand why that condition is there and which use-case can trigger that path and that takes some time. Could all of that be escaped? Yes, at least partially. As a React developer, with or without experience we encounter these situations on a daily basis. What can we do to improve code quality and make our components reusable and maintainable?
Improve Naming
You can improve naming by analyzing how the libraries you use named and designed the API you are consuming. Sometimes we tend to use names that are too descriptive, and you (most likely) won’t see such cases in the libraries you use. When naming functions or variables I ask myself these questions:
- What would the most intuitive (instead of the most descriptive) name for this be?
- Is there a standard? If everyone names the variable ‘i’, if I name it ‘x’ it might be confusing
- Is it clear what it represents?
- How much information can I get out of the context that my variable is in? If it’s clear that the variable is related to the context it’s in, there is no need to repeat that information in the variable name. (User.id instead of User.userId)
- Keeping names simple and intuitive makes the code more readable. Easy to read code is easier to understand and thus easier to maintain.
Examples: - filterWhenTimeUpdates() → filter()
When a time update is an event that we will respond to by calling the filter function. In code it could be something like this: - useEffect(filter, [time]); Which makes it clear that we will trigger the filter whenever the time is updated
- shouldFetchNewData → shouldFetch
You most likely won't have a case where you would fetch old data - hourOfDay → hour
We would automatically put an hour in the context of the day
allComments → comments - It is used with the same meaning in mind as just comments. Usually, when the arrays are filtered, we don't mutate the array.
useLayout({ useLayout({
columns, columns,
rows, → rows,
spacing spacing
}); }, [columns, spacing]);
We can borrow the idea from built-in React hooks and design our hooks in the same way. We can pass a list of dependencies to our custom hook as a separate parameter. This way, in one component we can have this hook triggered onMount only, while in the other component it can be triggered whenever column or rows data changes. Since we are passing the list of dependencies as a separate parameter the same way that built-in hooks do, it will be intuitive to React developers what our intention was.
Don’t Put (a lot of) Logic Inside of the JSX
The Component will be easier to maintain if the JSX part or the Presentational part of the component contains as little logic as possible. If we had the need to refactor or modify the component for some reason, we could do it a lot faster if most of the logic comes from non-JSX parts of the app.
Reuse Selector Pattern Idea
If you have worked with Redux you’ve probably heard of the Selector pattern. This pattern lowers the amount of effort we have to put in when the data structure changes. A selector is a simple function that receives some data and returns only a (selected) piece of that data.
Data structures tend to change in the early days of development. When that happens, if we are using the selector instead of accessing the data directly in our components, we only have to make a single change. That change would be inside of the selector. If we didn’t use the selector we would have to make changes at each place the data was directly accessed.
What if we were to do something similar everywhere in our components?
If we don’t depend on the data structure or the source where that data came from, every change that occurs will be easy to implement. The goal is having to make changes in a single place only.
How can we achieve this?
We could write selectors and/or use object and array destructing. Note that this takes up more memory, but the code becomes easier to maintain.
Comment Your Code
You probably read that comments are bad and that code should be self-documenting. My opinion is that code can’t say everything. I have been in so many situations where I had no idea WHY the programmer wrote some piece of code. Not to be confused with WHAT the code does because that we can read and understand. What we cannot know is which use-cases the developer had in mind when the code was written. Maybe we will break something if we modify that code. There could be some business rules that cannot be explained with code or at least the person who wrote the code didn’t manage to do so. If the author of the code had left comments on why that piece of code is there, it would have saved our time. The problem with comments is that they usually aren’t maintained. People modify the code and not the comment. So the comment ends up having false statements. Thus, maintaining comments would be another tip. A stale comment could be worse than no comment if it misleads you.
Extract
When the component has more than a couple of hundred lines of code it gets harder to read (I prefer to keep it under 300 lines of code). More often than it happens in smaller components, the order of defining things gets easily messed up. It’s easier to maintain logical units when the component is fairly small. From my experience the bigger the component gets, the messier the code will become.
How can you ensure that your components stay small? By extracting! You can extract utility functions, custom hooks, new components, constants, type declarations and/or mock data to separate files.
Organize
Establish rules when it comes to organizing code. Make sure each directory and each file are organized the same way. Strive for consistency. Organized and consistent code will boost your performance because you won’t have to scroll through the whole file to find something, you will know exactly where to look first.
We can always apply these tips inside our React components and make them easier to maintain and reuse.
Our Developers Know How To React!
Using React to it's fullest potential is not an easy task, but Quantox React developers are up to the task. Their goal is to improve the code quality and make the components reusable and maintainable, and create strong React apps and solutions for our clients. Do you want to build a React app? Let's Talk!
written by N. Stevanović
What is Grid?
Grid is a very useful CSS tool. It is a two-dimensional system for website layout organisation and it helps a lot to present and place elements on it. It can be compared to flexbox which is a one-dimensional system. The one-dimensional layout has elements in one row or column, and in a two-dimensional system elements have to be arranged in various columns or rows. Otherwise, both systems are better than the old ways of arranging layouts. The old way involved the use of float and in-line block options, within which the appearance of a website was often very uncertain. By using the Grid tool, you can solve layout problems and develop your website more efficiently.
When Do We Use It?
In most cases, Grid is combined with a flexbox tool. This combination can improve the whole layout organisation through the website development process.
Example
- In the picture below we have one container with container class and child elements (elements contained in a container) called item.
- We need to adjust the CSS by setting display: grid
- After container making, the next step would be to put sizes for columns and rows by using grid-template-columns and grid-template-rows options. Please note that here the sizes in pixels are given arbitrarily, while in a specific code you have to enter the exact pixel size for each row and column so that the layout turns out as you imagined.
- Setup of child elements by using grid-column and grid-row would look like this:
This completes the initial creation of the container with the grid elements and you get a nicely planned layout of the site. As with flexbox, the way grid elements are arranged is not crucial because CSS itself allows their reallocation. This is why creating a mobile layout application is much easier, because, through just a few lines of code in CSS, a grid layout made for a desktop can be adapted to a mobile one.
When Can it Be Difficult to Use Grid?
Problems can occur if older versions of browsers that don’t support Grid are used. Fortunately, there is a Can I use website so that can be easily checked. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced programmer, you should carefully study the documentation before using this tool to avoid making any room for possible errors.
Quantox- Using CSS Grid for Better Results!
Quantox has the best way of implementing complex design layouts with CSS Grid. Masters of all trades, we know what to use and when to use it for incredible web development results that will promote and boost your business. No web design is to complicated for Quantox. Let's Talk!
As the title itself says, Ivan is a man with many talents. Besides coding, his passion is also fishing. He is a former amateur actor but also a painter, so when inspiration knocks on the door, it often means that his family will soon enjoy one more beautiful canvas.For the past 5 years, he has been part of our team in Čačak. In his opinion, colleagues would probably characterize him as a strenuous man, but just so you know - when we asked our designer to do graphics for Ivan’s interview, her instant reaction was - Đorđević? The best team lead ever :)Thank you for your commitment. We congratulate you and can not wait to spend many more years working with you.
- Do you remember your first day at work?
Absolutely. It was much more relaxed compared to previous jobs.
- Who or what influenced you the most to become a programmer?
A friend from college who I tried to overcome, but without success :)
- What is that people mostly do not know about you?
I suppose a lot of things, especially because I am an introverted person.
- What would you never give up?
Coffee.
- Which of your professional qualities you consider to be most valuable?
Stubbornness always helps me to push till the end and not to give up even when it seems that I will not make it.
- How would your colleagues describe you?
Probably as a ‘strenuous’ or ‘hard’ man.
- How do you start your day at work?
Like most of us - with a cup of coffee.
- We know that you have a lot of talents. Tell us about the hidden ones :)
Acting and writing were things that I did a long time ago, and they are part of the past. Nowadays, when I’m not in the best mood, painting is sometimes a choice. When partying with friends is on the menu, me singing on the mike is definitely part of the night (even though I’m not a good singer at all, but others think that is not true :))
- The weekend is your time for?
Family, nature, fishing, a good movie.
- If you were not a programmer, you would be?
Probably doing some work related to cybersecurity or working in a department of high-tech crime :)
Initial recruitment steps in a fast-growing IT industry can be really challenging. The range of technologies and activities that developers use is really wide, and every day we have additional frameworks or language that show up and promise to put PHP out of use and charm developers, at least temporarily. Our job, as IT recruiters, is to recognize, approach and show interest in a certain profile of the candidate (often in a short time). It is important that we know what the company needs in the first place and that we base our search on that. What makes this process a lot easier is a large number of widely available tools. This time our focus will be on the LinkedIn Premium feature of Smart Search.
Why Premium profile?
Although it increases the initial cost of the recruitment process, it is really helpful to overcome many challenges that this process has. Advanced search and suggestions supported by artificial intelligence are very useful. There is a possibility for the direct contact of candidates without the need for connection and if a larger team uses paid services there is a possibility of organizing and tracking candidates in one place. This way, paid services to facilitate coordination and efficiency.
Advanced search advantages
As with regular search, we use Boolean syntax during the advanced search because it makes it easier to search and target specific profiles. Quotation marks, parentheses, NOT, AND, and OR operators still have significant application.
For example, we will start with the maximum qualifications for the position itself, and use the NOT operator for systematic filtering and finally finish with the minimum qualification. Eg: A,B,C - desired qualification D,E - must have the qualification and finally F - implicitly desired qualification.
Beside Boolean, what else can be used?
Filters are something that a regular LinkedIn account doesn’t allow, at least not to the extent that is available within a Recruiter account. Filters are very useful in narrowing the criteria because we can target specific experience, skills, companies, schools/institutions, years of experience….
Example
We received a request for a new React position. It is stated that knowledge of JavaScript, React, Redux and MaterialUI is mandatory. It is desirable that the candidate knows and understands the Java language (because the Backend project was written in Java), and we want to target candidates from the Serbian market. Since the position is directed towards the medior level, we don’t want to go too much wide in our search, but to determine the years of experience in the industry. In that case, our filters will look something like this:
Advantages of LinkedIn Premium
LinkedIn Premium enables:
- Better and more relevant search results
- Creating a database of candidates for certain positions
- InMail contacts
- No limits for the searched number of profiles
When not to use a Premium profile?
If it is available to you, there is no reason why not to use its filters and all other advantages. However, it is a totally independent question whether the scope and specificity of the position you aim to fill justify investing in Premium features.These are just examples of the possibilities offered by Boolean and Premium filters. We encourage you to experiment, add, subtract and modify search parameters. The result will be closer to what you need if you can define what you are looking for. Happy hunting! Igor S & Igor S
At the beginning of this year, we set out a new business venture. After expanding to the foreign market, we are opening another office, the jubilee tenth in a row.We have been advocates of IT decentralization for many years. By opening another office in Serbia, in Ćuprija, we prove that we adhere to our ideology and we continue the trend of developing the potential of young people in local communities.
Why Ćuprija? The reason is simple. Many years ago, an idea was born right there - an idea that would be realized a few years later and become Quantox Technology.With 15 years of experience and a team of over 300 employees, the developers from Ćuprija will have full support in their work and further progress.In the last few years, we have had cooperation with the Gymnasium in Ćuprija.
We reward the best students with scholarships, and we also contributed to the development of the IT department in that school.Students' interest in the new program is great, which is reflected in the growing number of those who attend the new course. That is why we decided to give knowledge as a gift to Ćurpija- we will organize an internship program so that all those who sailed into IT waters have the opportunity to upgrade, expand and learn everything they will need for independent work tomorrow. Our experts from all offices in Serbia will be in charge of implementing the practice in the best possible way.
We invite you to join us. Take the opportunity to improve your skills by working on huge and challenging projects.
As part of the Quantox team, you will also be able to take advantage of the benefits we have provided. Our offices are equipped with special care so that the work runs smoothly and we have many years of experience in mentoring.Do you want to do the job you love in your city, among friends and family? Information about open positions in our company you can find HERE!
We are waiting for you. Join us!
What Are Live Templates?
Live templates are predefined functionalities in almost all JetBrains IDE programs.
When Can We Use Live Templates?
They are recommended if you want to increase your productivity by placing the code line that you would probably use the most into the Live template. It will save your time in further coding. Most people that are working in IT are looking for ways to cut time spent in development so they could do other stuff. Like working on some personal projects, or, in my case, playing darts with my colleagues. This is one example of achieving that.
How Can We Implement Live Templates?
My advice is, whenever you come across a block of code that most likely will be used occasionally in a short period of time, take a few minutes to add it inside Live templates in order to save time by calling it with a small change.
- Dialogue with live templates can be found inside Preferences -> Editor -> Live Templates and it looks like this:
Even when you install PHPStorm, you can find some predefined templates which can be a good base for you to learn how to create a structure for new ones.
- You can also choose the way you want to call templates. It can be ‘Tab’, ‘Space’, or any other key combination.
- Let's go through an example of adding one template for Laravel Framework. One of the ideas is to use it as relations inside models. The first step is to click on `+` and choose `Live template`.
- Next, you need to fill out a new template.
-Abbreviations (text that you will type in order to call the template)
-Description (description popup)
-Template text (template body)
-Context (the context in which the template applies)
-Edit variables (dynamic part of the template)
-Expand (button to call the template)
- After adding the template, next thing is to continue with editing the dynamic part of the template by clicking on `Edit Variables`. Save all progress and go back to the Editor.
- Let's see what happens if you open Post model class and you add-relation with User class.
By typing template abbreviation that you`ve just created, you will get a popup with a suggestion.
- Use the `Tab` button to fill out the block code on places where the cursor is and places you have chosen to enter manually. Every next Tab press will lead you to the next place until they are all filled out.
The final look of block code would look like this.
When Using Live Templates is Not Recommended?
If you are a beginner and want to go through the complete learning process step by step, then it would be better not to use this functionality. Later, when you need to be faster, use Live templates and save your time.
4What's Behind the Efficiency of Quantox Developers?
Using Live Templates is just one way how Quantox developers can expedite the software development process. We know how to use IDE programs to increase our productivity, while keeping the code readable, reusable and secure. If you need an IT solutions fast, we have ways of cutting the development process time. Let's Talk!
When we asked how his colleagues would describe him, the answer was simple - Liverpool. Besides being a huge and passionate fan of this club, Sladjan has been part of our team for 5 years, and our Joker - at the masquerade. :) He is working in our office in Čačak as a Backend programmer and he has a lot of experience and achieved results. Hanging and working with Sladjan is a great pleasure, we congratulate him for 5 fantastic years and say a well-known quote - With us, you’ll never walk alone!
- What advice would you give to yourself 5 years ago?
Don’t be afraid and have more confidence in yourself.
- Do you remember your first day at work?
Yes, I was extremely nervous.
- Tell us something that people don’t know about you.
I’m afraid of public speaking.
- What would you never give up?
My family.
- Which moment was the most impressive for you?
First New Year’s celebration with the company and getting know people in the right way :)
- The weekend is your time for?
Rest. And some beer if the situation with covid allows.
- Something that you did and wouldn't do it again?
Trying absinth. That green fairy is definitely not for everyone. :)
- What is the weirdest food that you ever tasted?
Bear prosciutto
- What would you be if you weren't a programmer?
Definitely some other job that involves working on a computer.
Today, you will see a valuable member of our team in front of you - Miloš. He has been training karate for many years, he loves chess, music, movies and besides all that, he says that his favorite hobby is work. He also participated in our conference and you can see his lecture here.
- Is it necessary to have an artistic spirit to be a designer?„Yes, but practice and the will to work and study mean a lot more.”
- What else does it take to be good at your job?„First of all, you must regularly follow the trends and always keep up with them. Important factors are perseverance, motivation, and inspiration.”
- How did you learn?„My interest in design arose fifteen years ago while I was working in printing houses. First I learned graphic and then web design (along with HTML and CSS) which I still do today.”
- What’s the most interesting thing you’ve done so far?„I participated and won international competitions, and as the most interesting thing I would single out the fact that I designed a can for Heineken beer for domestic markets and won first place in the Carlsberg regional competition.”
- Would you like to learn a programming language?„Yes, PHP and Java. And I would also like to perfect the HTML and CSS I learned at the beginning of my career.”
- What attracted you to work at Quantox?„The fact that the company is serious and the team is great. Before I started working, I received recommendations from colleagues, first hand. I also liked that the company works with strong clients and that there is room for improvement.”
- What would be the best project for you?„My best projects are those where I have no restrictions, ie. I have complete freedom.”
- What are your impressions of the conference?„I would have preferred if the conference was live, but now the situation has dictated that it must be held online. That would be a bigger challenge for me.”
- Are you satisfied with your performance?„It's weird when you hear yourself teaching. It helped me see some things about myself, and to know which segment I need to progress. Certainly a very big and nice new experience.”
- Did you have stage fright?„Yes, for the first half-hour of the lecture and not for the last 10 minutes. 😁 I realized I knew what I was talking about and that there was no need to be nervous.”
How to connect artificial intelligence and shooting stars?
Well, you can find the answers to these questions from our Dušan Pavlović, Data Scientist in Quantox Technology, who will give a lecture PER DATA AD ASTRA on 23th of March at the Geekstone Meet-Up Event.
Dušan will demonstrate such a connection and talk about how computer vision, deep learning, and research on meteors - shooting stars - overlap.
One of the topics is how relatively easily you can apply your knowledge of neural networks to solve the problem of automatic detection of meteors in astronomic data made by radio detectors. This problem is one of the most complex ones in this field and our understanding of different problems in the Solar System depends on it.
As someone who studied astrophysics, being an author and the host of the science podcast "Radio Galaxy '' while engaged in the physics of meteors and meteorite astronomy for years, Dušan will show one of the examples of how to apply Data Science to scientific data!
The lecture will be held in Serbian and the entrance is free!
Thursday, March 23, 2023
6:00 - 8.00 PM
Science and Technology Park
Fruškogorska 1, Novi Sad
Save the date and welcome to the World of Data!
Register at the link
https://www.meetup.com/geekstone/events/292131441/?isFirstPublish=true
The traditional spring CS:GO tournament is upon us!
Serbian IT companies will gather from the 3rd to the 6th of April at the CS:GO Vol.4 charity tournament.
Motivated by the important topic and achieved results from the previous year,
we decided to stay with the same goal - in 2023 the IT community will be playing for Serbian maternity hospitals and better conditions for the youngest and their mothers!
Companies can register up to 3 teams and donate the financial funds to the common fund. As in previous years, the start for one million dinars is provided by Quantox.
After the closing of applications, by public voting and filling out an anonymous survey, we will together decide which maternity hospital we are helping this year!
We hope that the HIT CS:GO crew will expand this year with new companies and teams that will compete, have a great time and show that the greatest victory is humanity.
Register your team by the 31st of March.
Link for team registration and more information: https://hitturnir.com/
It's time to play even harder!
Meet us on 29 - 30 March
We are looking for an exchange of experience and ideas that improve the digital world and shape our future!
Gathering together Haufe experts and IT companies, partners, and clients, the Haufe X360 Summit takes place at the Kameha Grand Hotel in Bonn from the 29th to the 30th of March.
Lecturers from Haufe and Acumatica - the platform on which Haufe is based- will discuss planned system innovations and software improvements.
We are looking forward to hearing from great people, meeting other Haufe partners, and sharing experiences and ideas.
The Quantox Crew will be there!
- Dušan Milojević / Head of Managed Services
- Thomas Priemel / ERP Consultant
- Darko Šarenac / Partnership and Business Development Manager
You can meet our people and find out more about our services, advanced digital solutions, and models of cooperation. We are happy to have a chance to network with new potential clients and all new partners ahead!
Summit Agenda and more info can be found at the link
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Petar Slović, Chief Innovation Officer @ Quantox Technology, will give a lecture at a workshop organized by DaFED at the Rectorate of the University of Novi Sad on March 1, starting at 6 p.m.
At Peter's workshop "Simplifying Full Stack Serverless Development with tRPC in NextJS" visitors will have the opportunity to learn how to use the power of the T3 stack and tRPC to create scalable full-stack serverless applications.
DaFED is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating educational workshops and networking events for designers, developers, and all tech and innovation enthusiasts.
Discover the benefits of using tRPC in NextJS and learn how tRPC can facilitate the creation of secure and efficient serverless APIs without burdensome infrastructure management.
The workshop is free, and you can find more information, registration, and a link to the live stream at https://dafed.org/
Propel Your Business and Find Your New Team Of Developers @TES Affiliate Conference
Lisbon | February 22-25, 2023
Are your software projects delayed due to a lack of developers?
Are you finding it hard to hire and retain good developers?
Are you trying to reduce costs and increase the flexibility to scale your project?
Are you looking for a partner you can trust?
Quantox Technology is coming to Lisbon with 50 developers available right now!
Complete software development from scratch and all-round IT support services.
Pinpoints!
- 16+ years of experience
- 550+ experts in the diverse technology stack
- 13 offices & 7 countries
- 250+ successful projects
- Super-quick scaling
- ISO 9001 and 27001
Boost Your Business!
- Thorough understanding and approach
- Flexibility & adaptability to each client and change
- Managed team & scaling resources to your project
- Efficiency, excellence, and trust
See You @ TES Affiliate Conference!
3 days, 2000+ participants , 75+ speakers, 200+ exhibitors, 80+ countries
The Oitavos Hotel, Cascais/Lisbon, Portugal
Quantox Booth Location: MMT6
And Meet Our People!
Schedule a Meeting
Alek
If you are looking for a man who will answer your questions about potential partnership opportunities, look no further. Alek is our CDO with solid skills in leading teams and running projects developed over the years. Do you have projects that need reinforcement, and engineering support or do you need a partner for brand-new software solutions? Talk to Alek and find out more.
Schedule a Meeting
Dan
He is your guy if you have a major project planned or ongoing but don't know quite yet how to ensure your software development is running smoothly. As our COO, with more than 15 years of experience in the IT industry, Dan can understand you and optimize your software development process.
Schedule a Meeting
Welcome where ideas are made possible!
A new milestone in the IT world! Building the future with strong partnerships!
Quantox Technology and Sandberg Capital have signed a partnership for the further expanding growth of the company, bringing it to a higher level! A €20 million investment is aimed at making a significant leap for Quantox’s future sustainable development, talent acquisition, and strategic global expansion.
Sandberg Capital is a Slovak private equity company established in 2014 with an AUM exceeding €340 million. It focuses on investments in small and medium businesses in the Slovak Republic and the region of Central and Eastern Europe, including among investors institutional ones, such as the European Investment Fund.
This partnership is one of the top 5 investments in the region so far, signed with companies from Serbia.
With Sandberg’s support, Quantox Technology plans to make successful breakthroughs in new markets, building even stronger client relationships with greater freedom and creativity in creating new software solutions.
“By entering into a partnership, we want to broaden our expertise and further strengthen our position as a leading IT employer in the region. Also, this investment will enable us to have a greater presence in the European and US markets, which will mean a lot to our clients by increasing the range of services in delivering high-end digital solutions and providing comprehensive IT support”
Vuk Popović, founder of Quantox Technology
The company’s focus remains the same – discovering new perspectives and empowering the Q team. The partnership is an additional lift that will bring Quantox even closer to long-term growth, sustainability and stability.
“Given Sandberg’s multiple investments in the IT sector, we see an increasingly strong push for digitalization across the economy. At the same time, we perceive a severe shortage of IT professionals that may be preventing companies from growing and achieving their strategic goals. The investment in Quantox reflects our long-term strategy of partnering with ambitious entrepreneurs in sectors that directly or indirectly help with the digital transformation of the economy,”
Michal Rybovič, Partner at Sandberg Capital.
Matej Klenovsky, Investment manager at Sandberg Capital, believes that Quantox and Sandberg share a similar growth mindset and have the same ambitions and perspectives for future achievements.
“Quantox, in addition to employing a large number of IT professionals and having a great ability to attract clients from various industries, is truly committed to the development of the local IT community. We believe that this company is more than ready for the next step and we are eager to follow them along the way, giving support through our experience, knowledge, and capital.“
Matej Klenovsky, Investment manager at Sandberg Capital
Both partners will be focused on strengthening Quantox’s business – establishing a local presence, expanding the spectrum of services to respond to clients’ demands from all parts of the world, and improving internal processes and organizational structure.
“We are extremely grateful for the trust and support of our new partners – this is a kind of confirmation for everything we have done so far, as well as the opportunity to be even better and grow together. Following the shared vision for Quantox, we strive for global expansion and adoption of new knowledge, skills, and experiences while preserving the values and culture of the company itself”
Vuk Popović, founder of Quantox Technology
With 16 years of experience, Quantox is recognized as a reliable partner in the world of digital technologies. After three successful acquisitions in the last year, this is an important step and kind of “wind at our back” that will lead us closer to our vision – to grow in expertise, nurture people as the priority value and become one of the most trusted and efficient partners in the digital world.
Quantox was advised by Grubišič & Partners – Corporate Finance as financial advisor and Four Legal as legal advisor and Sandberg Capital was advised by ESFA as financial advisor, EY as financial & tax due diligence advisors, and BDK Advokati as their legal support.
A new digital era is at our doorstep. By supporting clients worldwide and developing IT potential in our region – we continue making ideas and vision possible!
Proud to announce that our team has received another reinforcement! We are introducing Marko Nikolić – the New Head of Finance at Quantox.
With many years of experience in various senior positions and expertise in the financial sector, Marko brings a unique set of skills. He is highly creative, innovative, and well-versed in the latest financial trends and strategies.
His passion for finance and enthusiasm for achieving results and high goals make him the perfect person for this position at Quantox. With his expertise in the financial sector, Marko will bring fresh ideas that will help the company develop and grow even more.
What are the expectations, and what is the biggest challenge in working in an international IT company like Quantox?
My primary expectation is to grow professionally together with the company. The biggest challenge of working in a large company like Quantox is coordinating activities with many colleagues from several countries.
In what way will your experience contribute to Quantox in further business?
My experience is complementary to colleagues from the finance sector. I expect that it will contribute to the realization of new initiatives, such as, for example, the implementation of the new budget.
The events of the last few years have led to sudden turbulence in the global market. We see them even today, and they are, to some extent, the cause of changes in how many IT companies work. In your opinion, which strategies of financial adaptation to such changes have given good results, and which could be applied in Quantox – bearing in mind the spread of the company over seven markets?
Quantox has a concrete and straightforward business model, and we should stick to it – “back to basics”!
This can be a competitive advantage in the current global financial trends and can be used in both cases – to expand in the markets where Quantox already operates and to win new ones.
How do digitization and accelerated development of technology affect the role and work of the financial sectors? Do methods and approaches change, and how?
In the Finance and Accounting sector, a sudden jump in the application of Business Intelligence tools for reporting to management and investors was noticeable in the previous years. As a result, CFO-s and their teams had to adapt and improve their reporting. Modern platforms and programs help them in these endeavors; technology is progressing and taking an important place, so constant adjustments are also needed in this sector.
Many factors influence decision-making, especially now. What are the biggest risks, and what are the biggest opportunities you currently see for Quantox’s business?
I believe that the current global situation on the market is simultaneously the biggest risk – it can lead to a decrease in demand for our services – but also the biggest opportunity to expand into new markets under more favorable conditions than before.
What is your main motivation and inspiration in business – what drives you again and again?
I like to innovate, propose and create new things, and constantly look for ways to improve and upgrade that creation.
New Head of Managed IT Services opening new paths and opportunities for Quantox
Quantox is dedicated toward providing organizations with a solution for system monitoring and management that will help dispose of the break-fix approach. As a managed IT services provider, we aim to simplify IT management for other companies efficiently and affordably.
Dušan Milojević has the expertise and experience to make Quantox a leading managed IT services vendor in Europe, implement new IT technologies and build worldwide-applicable solutions with his team.
From Microsoft to Quantox – can you describe your career journey and what does it mean for you to further develop your expertise at Quantox?
I started from the university and Microsoft Academy, and then went through the positions of Consultant, Developer and Analyst. Right now my official role means leading three different teams for the implementation of various products. The biggest challenge for me to get the company as a leading vendor for managed services as Quantox is for custom development.
What are the goals of the managed IT services department and what do those goals bring to the overall business process of Quantox Technology?
The goals of the managed IT services department are to accumulate as much expertise and projects from various vendors like Microsoft, Salesforce, even IBM, and Oracle. The people in our department and their work are very strongly connected, no matter which team they depend on.
In the future, Quantox will expand its business areas and build solutions that can be implemented worldwide. So, the power this department gives to the company is being able to cover all needs that come from one customer. Custom development and managed services have a great tendency to work well together and bring new opportunities to each other.
After the first month at Quantox, what are your impressions?
I’m thrilled to be a part of Quantox. At the moment, I’m still trying to get all procedures lined up and getting to know the on-boarding team members while working with other colleagues on our first potential projects.
Why would a company need managed IT services and what parts of its environment would Quantox’s managed IT services department look after?
Companies in some sectors, like Fintech and Telco, use more than fifty systems in their daily business. All of those need to be integrated into one place, and that’s where we come in – we can fully cover all these processes with our team. Having a corporation as a client is a great opportunity that can lead us to long-term partnerships.
The IT industry is fast-paced and constantly evolving and at the moment we have many new technologies present at the scene. In your opinion, can those new technologies be implemented in the processes and what benefits would that bring?
Of course, we need to follow all new approaches and technologies. From the last conference in Munich, I’ve realized that we can integrate PowerApp with Business Central as an app that can be the solution for warehouse management with fewer costs instead of building the app by itself from scratch. We also plan to get RPA (robot process automation) part of the integration team and start working with machine learning. Quantox’s managed service department is pretty good at keeping up with the latest technology trends.
What do you think is the most interesting part of your job, and what are some of the biggest challenges Quantox managed IT services department may be faced with?
The most interesting things about working in Managed Services will be the projects and the possibility of having a proven team working for one of the biggest customers in their branches globally. However, the biggest challenge will be to put Quantox on the managed services market for this part of Europe which is our goal for the next two years.
What is your main drive, motivation, and inspiration in business – what drives you over and over again?
What drives me forward is having new opportunities on a daily level – new employees, technologies, countries, projects, and approaches. I also firmly believe that people can improve their skills only if they step out of their comfort zone, which is what my team and I are doing right now.
QLab is Born!
Having ideas is great - getting know-how is a step to another level!
QLab Accelerator aim is to support fresh ideas, build strong teams and make innovative startups possible. And we are starting from our own house!
Quantox launched an internal call for Quantox people with the most promising start-up ideas with a goal to support it and transform it into marketable digital solutions.
From professional guidance and mentoring support, specialized business & start-up knowledge, through networking and funding opportunities - QLab is designed to give major support during the idea development from scratch.
By joining the contest and submitting their ideas, our people have a chance to get an opportunity for a 3 months educational program this summer, specially designed to turn their brainchild into a successful product, and get a chance for funding.
The most promising concepts and teams will be chosen for the program to gain essential business, expert, technical knowledge, and guidance from experienced mentors from all core fields, needed to kick off their start-up idea. Furthermore, the best idea on the final pitch will get a grant of 10.000 EUR to provide a smooth start and push for further development.
Lead by the mission to be a generator of internal knowledge, skills, and ideas to create value and make a leap in the digitalization era, and create an environment that encourages quality and innovative approaches to digital challenges, Quantox decided to start QLab Accelerator as an innovative tech nest for all those who aim to go further.
It is possible to turn ideas into reality with proper support and experienced people behind you. We believe in the ideas and knowledge that make a difference!
We truly believe in the potential of this program to discover remarkable solutions from our people and we are thrilled about the possibility to expand it beyond the internal hub in the future.
It’s not just about ideas.
It’s about MAKING IDEAS HAPPEN!
Dare to innovate, we are here to support you!
Client Overview
RoomRite is a B2B resale marketplace designed to help event planners, travel advisors, and hotels manage group hotel room blocks more efficiently. By allowing the buying and selling of excess contracted hotel rooms, RoomRite addresses the industry's $21 billion annual hotel room attrition penalties.
The Challenge: Mitigating Hotel Room Attrition
Event planners and hotels often face challenges in filling contracted room blocks, leading to substantial attrition penalties. Traditional methods of managing these room blocks can be time-consuming and inefficient, resulting in lost revenue and strained relationships between planners and hotels.
The Solution: RoomRite's Resale Marketplace
RoomRite offers a platform where event professionals can list their excess hotel rooms, and other qualified groups can purchase them at the contracted rate. Key features include:
- Real-Time Inventory Access: Buyers can view available rooms without the need for lengthy RFP processes.
- Cost Savings: Sellers can avoid attrition penalties, and buyers benefit from discounted rates.
- Secure Transactions: The platform ensures secure and transparent transactions between parties.
- Hotel Partnerships: Hotels can gain new business and avoid the financial strain of unsold room blocks.
Implementation: Seamless Integration and User Experience
RoomRite's platform is built using PHP Laravel and MySQL, hosted on AWS, ensuring scalability and reliability. The user interface is designed to be intuitive, resembling popular online travel agency sites, making it easy for users to navigate and complete transactions. The seamless integration and user-centric design have made RoomRite a trusted tool in the event and hospitality sectors. For more details, you can check out how RoomRite has innovated the booking process here.
Results: Positive Impact on the Industry
Since its inception, RoomRite has:
- Reduced Attrition Penalties: Event planners have significantly decreased their exposure to costly attrition fees.
- Increased Hotel Bookings: Hotels have seen an uptick in bookings through the resale of excess room blocks.
- Enhanced Industry Relationships: The platform has fostered stronger partnerships between event planners and hotels, promoting collaboration and mutual benefit.
RoomRite has been recognized for its ability to streamline the booking process and save valuable time and money for both event planners and hotels. As highlighted in their latest update, the platform’s predictive capabilities have had a profound effect on reducing operational costs.
Conclusion: A Game-Changer in Hotel Room Block Management
RoomRite has revolutionized the way the hospitality industry manages group hotel room blocks. By providing a platform for the resale of excess rooms, it offers a win-win solution for both event planners and hotels, mitigating financial risks and enhancing operational efficiency.
Key Takeaways
- Innovative Solution: RoomRite addresses a longstanding issue in the hospitality industry with a modern, digital approach.
- Mutual Benefits: The platform creates value for both sellers and buyers, promoting collaboration.
Scalable Technology: Built on robust technology, RoomRite is poised for growth and wider adoption in the industry.
Client Overview
The KLS Project is a comprehensive mobile application designed to enhance the fan experience for the Serbian Basketball League (KLS). Targeted at basketball enthusiasts, players, and teams, the app offers real-time updates, detailed statistics, and interactive features to keep users engaged with the league's activities.
The Challenge: Enhancing Fan Engagement in a Traditional Sport
Despite the rich history and passionate following of Serbian basketball, fan engagement was limited to traditional media and in-person attendance. There was a need for a digital platform that could provide:
- Real-Time Updates: Instant access to scores, schedules, and news.
- Comprehensive Statistics: Detailed player and team statistics.
- Interactive Features: Engaging content such as videos, news, and live match tracking.
The existing digital presence was fragmented, lacking a unified platform to serve the diverse needs of the basketball community.
The Solution: A Unified Mobile Application
Quantox Technology developed a native mobile application for both Android and iOS platforms, incorporating the following key features:
- User Authentication: Secure login and registration with password recovery options.
- Personalized Profiles: User profiles with the ability to edit personal information and change passwords.
- Comprehensive Information Hub: Sections for teams, players, standings, news, organization details, league partners, and statistics.
- Live Match Tracking: Real-time match results and live score updates.
- Interactive Calendar: A calendar displaying upcoming matches and events.
- Video Gallery: Access to match highlights and other video content.
The app was designed with a user-friendly interface, ensuring easy navigation and accessibility for all users.
Implementation: Seamless Mobile and Web Experience
The KLS platform was built using a robust, modern tech stack:
- SwiftUI (iOS) and Kotlin (Android) for the official mobile apps, ensuring smooth, native performance.
- Node.js powers the backend, handling real-time game updates and secure data management.
- React is used for the league's web dashboard, providing a responsive and intuitive experience for administrators.
This combination ensures that both fans and officials benefit from fast, reliable, and scalable technology as the league grows.
Results: Increased Engagement and User Satisfaction
Since its launch, the KLS app has achieved:
- High User Retention: Consistent daily active users engaging with the app's features.
- Positive Feedback: Users praising the app's design, usability, and comprehensive content.
- Expanded Reach: Increased visibility of the Serbian Basketball League, attracting a broader audience.
The app has become an essential tool for fans and participants, fostering a stronger connection with the sport.
Conclusion: A Digital Transformation for Serbian Basketball
The KLS Project has successfully bridged the gap between traditional basketball culture and modern digital engagement. By providing a centralized platform for information and interaction, the app has enhanced the fan experience and contributed to the growth of the sport in Serbia.
Key Takeaways
- Unified Platform: Consolidating various aspects of the league into a single app.
- User-Centric Design: Focusing on the needs and preferences of the target audience.
- Agile Development: Adapting to feedback and evolving requirements throughout the project.
- Continuous Improvement: Regular updates and enhancements based on user input.
The KLS Project exemplifies how technology can revitalize traditional sports and create lasting connections with fans.
When a colleague is promoted, it’s not just a personal milestone—it’s a moment of shared pride and a testament to the value of growth, persistence, and teamwork. This month, we are proud to congratulate Nebojša on his promotion to Computer Operators Manager at Quantox!
To celebrate this achievement, we spoke with Nebojša about his journey, challenges, goals, and personal reflections.
Congratulations! How did you feel when you found out about the promotion?
Thank you!
It was a great feeling, honestly. I’ve had a strong desire to move into this role for quite some time, and receiving this recognition from the company meant a lot to me. It felt like a natural next step in my career.
How would you describe your new role and responsibilities?
The role is both exciting and dynamic. My primary responsibilities now include overseeing several teams and task streams, ensuring smooth communication between our internal teams and clients. I act as a bridge—making sure that expectations are aligned and that both sides are supported in delivering the best possible outcomes.
What would you say is the biggest challenge and the most exciting aspect of this position?
The biggest challenge is living up to the role through consistent performance, leadership, and trust. I want to prove that the decision to promote me was the right one.
As for the exciting part—it’s having access to new dimensions of team organization, project planning, and strategy that I didn’t engage with before. It’s a whole new level of involvement and impact.
Let’s talk about your journey. How did your career at Quantox begin?
It all started 13 years ago. Back then, Quantox was a small group—just couple of us working in a small office. I had no prior experience in corporate work. It was my first real job. As the company evolved and grew, so did I. Each new project, client, and challenge shaped me, and I grew alongside the organization.
How did your past experience prepare you for this leadership role?
I’ve spent a long time in the industry and an even longer time in the company. That experience has allowed me to develop a deep understanding of the business, especially in the adult content domain. I’ve learned how to prioritize what matters, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and stay focused on results. These are key traits that I believe helped pave the way for this role.
What role do Computer Operators play in the broader company ecosystem?
A very important one. After the developers and designers finish building a client’s platform, our team ensures long-term functionality and quality through maintenance, support, and ongoing operations. We close the loop on the product life cycle—ensuring continuity and client satisfaction.
What’s your vision for developing the team going forward?
Our team is already well-trained in traditional tools and methods. My goal moving forward is to incorporate AI tools into daily operations and ensure every team member becomes proficient. AI greatly improves speed, quality, and efficiency—and I want us to stay ahead of the curve.
How do you motivate your team and foster a good working atmosphere?
I believe the best motivation is clarity and balance. Everyone knows their daily goals and the expectations are realistic and tailored to their skill sets. There’s no excessive pressure, just a supportive environment where everyone has space to perform and improve. I have a few ideas in mind to strengthen team spirit even more—we’ll discuss them soon.
Outside of work—how do you recharge? Any hobbies?
Absolutely. My son, Vasilije, is currently my main source of both energy and exhaustion—depending on the time of day. 😊
Aside from that, I’ve been into sports my entire life. Mornings at the gym, pickup basketball games, and recently—cycling. Long rides in nature have become my new favorite way to clear my mind.
And finally, what would you tell your younger self—and those just starting out?
To my younger self:
“Forget the nightlife :) —start learning programming!”
To those at the beginning of their journey:
“Start learning programming—and add AI on top of it.”
Nebojša’s journey is a reflection of what’s possible when loyalty, adaptability, and leadership come together. We congratulate him once again and look forward to the impact he’ll make in this new role!
We’re proud to announce that Quantox Technology GmbH has joined forces with 13 other European partners in the EU-funded STREP project, an ambitious initiative set to reshape the future of Europe’s textile industry.
Officially launched at the kick-off meeting held on April 29–30, 2025, at Aalborg University in Denmark, the STREP project (Smart Technologies for the REcovery and Processing of textile waste) brings together a powerful consortium of research institutions, innovative tech companies, and sustainability-focused organizations across Europe.
About the STREP Project
STREP is a 36-month project coordinated by Aalborg University and funded by the European Union. Its mission: to make Europe’s textile sector smart, circular, and sustainable.
The vision of STREP is to create a fully closed-loop system in which 100% of yarn is produced from post-consumer textile waste. The project leverages cutting-edge AI-driven sorting, automation, and next-gen recycling technologies to make circularity not only possible, but scalable and efficient across the continent.
With 14 expert organizations from across the EU on board, STREP is set to build a smarter, greener future for the textile industry.
Quantox’s Role in the STREP Project
As part of the Quantox Technology Group (founded in 2006, with HQ in Serbia), Quantox GmbH represents the company’s presence in the DACH region, supporting EU-wide digital innovation.
Backed by a €20M investment from Sandberg Capital in 2022, Quantox has over 300+ tech professionals across 13 offices in 7 countries and brings deep expertise in software development, DevOps, UI/UX design, and IT consulting to the project.
Our contributions to the STREP project span across several key work packages:
🔍 Traceability System for Textile Waste
- Our Role: Major contributor in data modeling, interoperability, and digital product passport development.
🚀 Evaluation and Demonstration in Pilots
- Our Role: Acting as systems integrator and pilot data collaboraton, ensuring seamless data flow and system functionality in real-world pilot setups.
🌍 Dissemination, Exploitation and Clustering
- Our Role: Contributing to communication, results exploitation, and ecosystem building to maximize project impact across the industry.
🧩 Project Coordination and Management
- Our Role: Supporting as a contributor, ensuring alignment with project goals and smooth collaboration across partners.
Driving Sustainability Through Technology
Our involvement in STREP reinforces our long-standing commitment to sustainability, innovation, and cross-border collaboration. By combining our tech expertise with the goals of the circular economy, we’re helping to create a textile industry that’s not only smarter—but more responsible.
We’re excited to be part of this transformative journey and look forward to sharing more updates as the project evolves.
Let’s build a circular future—together.
The Unifi University App embarked on a transformative journey, evolving from its initial launch in 2021 to a complete redesign and rebuild in 2023. Spearheaded by Quantox, this project aimed to create a scalable and dynamic group chat feature for Unifi, a social network built specifically for students across Great Britain.
The Challenge: Overcoming Limitations of the Monolithic Architecture
The original version of the Unifi app faced significant challenges due to its monolithic architecture, built using Laravel, a PHP framework. As the need for a group chat feature arose, it became clear that the existing monolithic structure couldn’t efficiently support this new functionality.
- Scalability Issues: Integrating the group chat into the monolithic architecture created performance bottlenecks.
- Resource Utilization Concerns: The monolithic setup was inefficient in handling long-term executions, especially as the number of users grew.
In response, a strategic decision was made to transition to a microservices architecture—a move that would provide the scalability, flexibility, and performance needed to build a next-generation chat system.
The Strategic Shift: Embracing Microservices
From Laravel to Node.js
In 2022, Quantox took bold steps by initiating a complete redesign and rebuild of the app’s core structure. The team transitioned from PHP (Laravel) to Node.js, leveraging modern technologies to build a system capable of handling increased loads and real-time communication demands.
- New Tech Stack: Nest.js, MongoDB, socket.io, and RabbitMQ were chosen to enable a robust, horizontally scalable system.
- Scalability at the Core: The switch to Node.js and microservices architecture was pivotal in creating a high-performance, scalable chat solution for Unifi.
This decision significantly improved the app’s ability to handle millions of students, ensuring future scalability and a smooth user experience.
Innovative Group Chat Functionality: Tailored for Students
One of the standout features of the redesigned Unifi app is its intelligent group chat system, which optimizes the student experience by offering personalized interactions:
- Automated Group Assignment: Students are automatically assigned to relevant group chats based on factors like university, enrollment year, course, and interests.
- Fostering Connections: This approach promotes meaningful connections and knowledge exchange between students, allowing for a richer social networking experience.
By designing a system that connects students based on shared attributes, the app goes beyond simple social interaction—creating a platform for academic and personal growth.
Technological Innovations and Challenges
The development of Unifi’s new chat system was no easy feat. It involved overcoming several technical hurdles and ensuring a seamless transition to a more dynamic platform:
- Dynamic Group Formation: Matching students by interests and academic background required advanced algorithms to ensure relevance and privacy.
- User Experience: Balancing scalability with a simple, intuitive interface was key to ensuring the app was both powerful and user-friendly.
- Backend Infrastructure: The backend needed to handle dynamic, real-time communication while maintaining high availability and performance.
Technological Stack
The updated app leverages a powerful and modern tech stack:
- Frontend: SwiftUI, Kotlin for native apps on iOS and Android.
- Backend: Node.js, Nest.js, MongoDB, Redis, RabbitMQ, Socket.io, and Firebase Cloud Messaging.
- Infrastructure: Kubernetes, AWS, and S3 to ensure stability, scalability, and fast content delivery.
This selection of tools and technologies ensured that the system could handle thousands of concurrent users without compromising performance or user experience.
Addressing Technological Uncertainties: Collaboration and Innovation
The transition from PHP to Node.js wasn’t without its challenges. The development team, comprising designers, engineers, project managers, and QA specialists, worked tirelessly to:
- Resolve Scaling Issues: Ensuring the system could scale to meet the needs of different student groups, from small universities to large institutions.
- Optimize User Matching: Creating algorithms to group students based on dynamic factors such as courses and interests, while ensuring privacy in private chats.
- Maintain a User-Centric Design: Keeping the interface intuitive, even as the backend evolved into a complex microservices system.
From May 2022 to August 2023, the team worked in close collaboration, refining designs, developing native apps, ensuring high-quality standards, and implementing the backend infrastructure. The result? A feature-rich and robust group chat system that sets a new standard for social networking platforms within the educational sector.
Unify : A Testament to Innovation and Teamwork
The Unifi University App project exemplifies the power of strategic decision-making, continuous innovation, and effective teamwork. By embracing Node.js and microservices architecture, Unifi was able to create a scalable, efficient chat system that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of students across Great Britain.
This project is a perfect example of how the right technology choices, coupled with collaboration and perseverance, can lead to breakthrough innovations that empower communities and enhance user experiences.
Transforming Retail with a Self-Service Digital Solution
At Quantox Technology, we don’t just build software—we solve problems. For the leader of sports retail in the region, Sport Vision, one of our recent projects, "Sneaker Point," showcases how we helped revolutionize their retail experience by addressing operational inefficiencies and creating a streamlined, self-service ordering process.
The result? A digital solution that saves time for both customers and store staff while delivering an enhanced shopping experience.
The Challenge: A Time-Consuming Ordering Process
Before partnering with Quantox, the client faced significant operational challenges in their stores:
- Overburdened Staff: Store employees spent excessive time checking inventory for customers, verifying available sizes, colors, and models in storage, and retrieving items manually.
- Inefficient Customer Experience: Customers often had to wait while staff members checked stock and brought the requested items to the shop floor.
- Limited Resources: A lack of human resources added further strain on the ordering process, reducing efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Our mission was to solve these pain points by creating a self-service solution that streamlined the entire process, improved user experience, and reduced the workload for store employees.
The Solution: Sneaker Point – A Self-Service Retail System
We developed Sneaker Point, a comprehensive digital product that empowers customers to take control of their shopping journey while enabling store staff to focus on more value-added tasks.
Key Features:
- Customer Self-Service:
- Customers can scan a product to view all available variations (sizes, colors, models).
- They select the desired option, and the system sends the order directly to the store’s storage.
- Automated Delivery:
- Items are retrieved from storage and delivered to the shop floor via automated escalators.
- The entire process is visible on screens throughout the store, so customers stay informed.
- Efficient BackOffice Management:
- Store administrators can monitor and manage orders, inventory, and customer interactions using an intuitive backend system.
This solution significantly reduced the time required to fulfill customer requests while delivering a seamless, transparent shopping experience.
Our Approach: A Fully Integrated Solution
At Quantox, we take pride in delivering all-round IT and software development support. For the Sneaker Point project, we provided a complete package, handling everything under one roof:
- Custom Digital Product Development:
- Designed and developed a scalable solution tailored to the client’s needs.
- Built using a robust tech stack, including Node.js for the backend, React.js for the frontend, and native Kotlin for Android apps.
- Third-Party Integration:
- Seamlessly integrated with the client’s ERP system for real-time inventory updates.
- Included payment system compatibility and potential for future extensions.
- Infrastructure and Deployment:
- Developed a reliable architecture using Redis for caching and PostgreSQL for database management.
- Ensured smooth deployment and operational scalability.
Our ability to deliver a cohesive solution—from design to deployment and integration—sets us apart as a partner in digital transformation.
Results: A Game-Changing Retail Solution
The Order Point system has transformed the way the client operates their stores. Key outcomes include:
- Enhanced Customer Experience:
- Customers now enjoy a self-service shopping process that is faster, more intuitive, and completely transparent.
- Reduced Staff Workload:
- Shop assistants spend less time managing inventory and more time focusing on customer engagement.
- Operational Efficiency:
- The automated system ensures a seamless flow from order placement to delivery, reducing wait times and eliminating inefficiencies.
Why Work With Us?
At Quantox, we specialize in transforming business challenges into innovative digital solutions. When you work with us, you gain access to:
- End-to-End Development: We provide all-around IT support, from initial product discovery to deployment and beyond.
- Custom Integration Expertise: Whether it’s ERP systems, payment gateways, or other third-party platforms, we handle all integrations seamlessly.
- Retail Industry Know-How: Our deep understanding of retail challenges allows us to deliver tailored solutions that drive measurable results.
Let us show you how we can create intelligent IT solutions that enhance your brand, streamline your operations, and elevate your customer experience.
Let’s Build the Future Together
Do you have an idea that could transform your business? Reach out to us today, and let’s create something extraordinary.
In today's digital age, where innovation is rampant and creativity knows no bounds, safeguarding intellectual property (IP) is paramount. With the rise of digital piracy and the ease of unauthorized duplication, protecting one's creative works has become an increasingly daunting challenge. However, with the emergence of groundbreaking platforms like Verifismart, developed by the Quantox team, individuals and businesses can now rest assured that their intellectual assets are fortified with robust cryptographic protection.
Revolutionizing IP Protection
Verifismart is a testament to the innovation and technological prowess, offering a transformative solution to the age-old problem of IP theft. Leveraging the power of blockchain technology, Verifismart empowers users to validate the authenticity and ownership of their creative works with unparalleled precision and security.
Cryptographic techniques for high-level security
At the heart of Verifismart lies the expertise of the Quantox team, whose proficiency in cutting-edge technologies has paved the way for its success. Through meticulous research and development, our team harnessed the capabilities of Solidity, NodeJS, Laravel, and React to craft a platform that sets new standards in IP protection.
By incorporating advanced cryptographic techniques such as hashing, encryption, and data signing and verification, Verifismart ensures the highest level of security for users' intellectual assets. This sophisticated approach safeguards against unauthorized access and instills confidence in users, knowing that their creative works are shielded from infringement.
A Test of Resilience
The journey towards creating Verifismart had its challenges. Designing a system that effectively cryptographically protects intellectual property demanded ingenuity and perseverance.
Through collaborative efforts, we devised a robust framework that integrates blockchain technology with user-friendly interfaces. The result? A platform that not only meets the client's needs but also anticipates the challenges of tomorrow.
Compromise between Security and IP?
No more.
With Verifismart, users no longer need to compromise on the security of their intellectual property. The platform offers a holistic solution that combines enhanced security measures with intuitive functionalities, providing users with the peace of mind they deserve.
With Verifismart, we have contributed to redefining the landscape of IP protection. We pushed the boundaries to safeguard the creative works with Verifismart and ensure a future where IP remains secure for generations to come.
In the fast-paced digital era, businesses constantly seek innovative solutions to enhance operations and provide a loyalty-rich customer experience. For golf cart sellers, the challenges lie not only in showcasing their products but also in creating a seamless buying process.
Bringing the right tools to the table
Our client, a forward-thinking entrepreneur in the golf cart industry, approached us with a unique challenge. While the frontend of their website was well-established, they needed a robust backend system to facilitate the promotion and sale of golf carts. The primary goal was to empower the owner with the tools necessary to effectively showcase and sell their inventory.
Two-step approach for full functionality
To meet the client's objectives, the Quantox team had a two-step approach. First, we focused on enabling the owner to effortlessly add golf carts to the platform, providing all the essential details that potential customers would find valuable. Second, we dedicated our efforts to creating a smooth and user-friendly buying functionality, ensuring a seamless experience for sellers and buyers.
Perfect, user-friendly buying flow
The central challenge in this project revolved around crafting a perfect and user-friendly buying flow. Streamlining the purchasing process is crucial to keeping customers engaged and satisfied. A golf cart can be a significant investment, and the buying experience is needed to reflect the high standards associated with such purchases.
Loyalty-Rich Customer Experience
Creating a loyalty-rich customer experience was at the forefront of our strategy. The website allowed the owner to promote golf carts effectively and facilitated smooth communication between sellers and buyers. This direct interaction fostered trust and encouraged repeat business, laying the foundation for a loyal customer base.
After implementing cutting-edge solutions, the result was a fully functional website. The owner can now effortlessly add golf carts for sale. The buying flow is intuitive, setting a new standard in the golf cart sales industry.
Embracing digital solutions and prioritizing a loyalty-rich customer experience can propel businesses into a new era of success. As the industry evolves, staying ahead with innovative solutions will be the key to sustained growth and customer satisfaction.
Golf Cart Sellers - A Redefined Platform for Loyalty-Rich Customer Experience
In the realm of technology, innovation often arises from a fusion of diverse fields. One such intriguing intersection occurred in the development of Hypknowledge, a revolutionary website designed to enhance our understanding of sleep habits and provide personalized advice for better sleep. Behind this visionary project lies a tale of meticulous problem-solving, the acquisition of newfound expertise, and the adept use of cutting-edge technologies.
Understanding the Sleep Science
At the core of this project was the need to comprehend the intricate details of sleep science. Sleep tracking involves a myriad of terminologies, formulas, and crucial calculations. Quantox team delved deep into the nuances of sleep science to ensure that every mathematical aspect related to sleep extension was accurate.
Implementation of HIPAA Standards
Creating the solution for our client was not merely about programming; it was about gaining a profound understanding of the health industry and its standards. One crucial aspect that came to the forefront was adhering to HIPAA standards. The team recognized the significance of safeguarding user data, especially when dealing with sensitive health information. Through this project, we not only learned the terminology and phrases associated with sleep science but also acquired a comprehensive understanding of the ethical and legal considerations in the health tech domain.
Bridging the Gap Between Data and Advice
The culmination of our efforts resulted in the creation of Hypknowledge. This unique platform empowers users to document their sleeping habits and receive tailored advice to improve their sleep quality. Leveraging Laravel and VueJS, the team seamlessly integrated technology into the fabric of sleep science, offering users a user-friendly and efficient interface to track and analyze their sleep patterns.
Security as a Priority
In the healthcare industry, data privacy is paramount. We took a proactive approach to ensure the security of user information. We incorporated HIPAA standards into the development process and created an app that not only delivers valuable insights into sleep patterns but also guarantees the confidentiality and privacy of users' data. This commitment to security reflects the team's dedication to providing a trustworthy platform for users to share their sleeping habits without compromising their privacy.
Hypknowledge is a project that reflects interdisciplinary collaboration, problem-solving, and a commitment to security and user privacy. The project unlocked the mysteries of sleep science and demonstrated how technology, when wielded with expertise and care, can positively impact customer`s well-being.
Hypknowledge - Trustworthy platform for Sleep Analysis
JDM Supply's innovative project redefines the realm of buying and selling automobiles. Unlike traditional buy/sell solutions, JDM Supply required a cutting-edge bidding algorithm that would not only enable users to bid for vehicles but also ensure complete anonymity throughout the entire process.
Innovating Secure Bidding
In close collaboration with the visionary team at JDM Supply, we set out to revolutionize the automotive trading landscape. The result is a groundbreaking bidding algorithm that introduces a new dimension of security and anonymity to the bidding process. Our objective was clear - to empower users to bid with confidence, knowing their identities would remain completely confidential.
Auction Algorithms in Action
To meet JDM Supply's unique requirements, we harnessed the power of auction algorithms, reshaping the way vehicles are bought and sold. The heart of this project lies in our ability to ensure secure, real-time, and fully anonymous bidding. Leveraging our expertise in Laravel, JavaScript, and WebSockets, we seamlessly integrated these technologies to create a solution that allows users to place bids without any concerns about privacy or security.
Elevating Anonymity and Real-time Bidding
Our team's proficiency in implementing auction algorithms is evident in the seamless experience provided by the platform. Every bid placed remains fully anonymous, shielding users from unwanted attention while allowing them to actively participate in auctions. Furthermore, we ensured that all bids are instantly displayed in real-time, enhancing the excitement of the bidding process.
At Quantox Technology, we take immense pride in our ability to not only meet but exceed the unique challenges presented by projects like JDM Supply - just one of many testaments to our commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology to provide solutions that transform industries.
JDM Supply - Bidding Transformed with Innovative Algorithms.
At Quantox Technology, we are thrilled to unveil one of our projects – CoreTerminal, a game-changing solution meticulously crafted to empower traders across multiple exchanges, revolutionizing how they approach the dynamic world of cryptocurrency trading.
Empowering Traders, Elevating Strategies
In close collaboration with our esteemed client, we embarked on a mission to reshape the landscape of cryptocurrency trading. Our vision gave birth to CoreTerminal, a comprehensive cryptocurrency trading solution designed to streamline trading activities and equip traders with unparalleled features and insights.
Crafting the Ultimate Trading Solution
With our client's goals in mind, we integrated an impressive array of advanced crypto trading tools within CoreTerminal. These include dynamic profit targets, Fibonacci levels, bracket orders, and average-in orders – all seamlessly woven together to provide traders with a winning edge in navigating complex and volatile markets.
A Symphony of Connectivity
Understanding the paramount importance of seamless connections in trading, we integrated API connectivity across multiple exchanges within CoreTerminal. This integration, backed by robust API keys storing system, ensures traders experience uninterrupted connectivity, enhancing their trading experience and providing an extra layer of security.
Navigating the Crypto Cosmos with CoreTerminal
CoreTerminal isn't just another trading tool – it's a transformative asset that simplifies the intricacies of cryptocurrency trading while empowering traders with insights and tools needed for success. Our client-centric approach to software development ensures that CoreTerminal offers a streamlined interface that makes advanced trading tools easily accessible, regardless of expertise.
Whether an experienced trader seeking to refine their strategies or a newcomer eager to explore the world of cryptocurrency trading, CoreTerminal caters to each one's unique needs. Every aspect of CoreTerminal reflects our dedication to innovation, making it an indispensable tool in their trading journey.
CoreTerminal - Empowering Your Trading Experience Today.
In today's rapidly evolving global landscape, businesses are constantly seeking innovative approaches to maximize efficiency, reduce costs, and stay ahead of the competition. One such strategy that has gained considerable traction is outsourcing.
By entrusting specific tasks or operations to external vendors or specialized service providers like Quantox Technology, organizations can focus on their core competencies while benefiting from cost savings, access to skilled talent, and enhanced flexibility. However, as the business environment continues to evolve, so does the outsourcing landscape.
In this article, we will explore the future of the outsourcing business model, examining emerging trends, shifting paradigms, and potential use cases.
The Statistics Behind Outsourcing Business Model
To begin, it is crucial to highlight some key insights from various research conducted throughout the past few years that shed light on the outsourcing landscape and its potential trajectory. While each source provides a unique perspective, they collectively indicate several common trends and themes.
According to a survey conducted by Deloitte, 70% of companies reported that they currently outsource or plan to outsource a portion of their operations. This demonstrates the enduring appeal and relevance of outsourcing as a strategic business approach.
Moreover, the research emphasizes the importance of global talent in outsourcing strategies. It highlights how organizations can leverage outsourcing to access a diverse range of skills and perspectives, resulting in enhanced innovation and problem-solving capabilities. This aligns with the notion that outsourcing enables companies to tap into a vast global talent pool, facilitating access to specialized expertise that may be scarce or costly to acquire internally.
Additionally, the Statista research provides insights into the future of IT outsourcing and the impact of emerging trends such as Robotic Process Automation (RPA), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning (ML). These technologies have the potential to revolutionize traditional outsourcing models by automating repetitive tasks, improving efficiency, and enhancing the quality of service delivery.
Evolving Strategies: Navigating the Future of Outsourcing
Looking ahead, the future of the outsourcing business model holds immense potential. As businesses strive to stay competitive and adapt to changing market dynamics, outsourcing will play a vital role in their strategies. Here are some key trends and developments that are shaping the future of outsourcing:
Specialized Skill Sets:
The demand for specialized skills will continue to grow, and organizations will increasingly rely on outsourcing to access these skills. Whether it's technologies like blockchain, cybersecurity, or data analytics, outsourcing provides a cost-effective way to leverage niche expertise.
As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, specialized skills are becoming increasingly important for businesses to stay competitive. According to a study by Statista, the demand for professionals with expertise in emerging technologies is on the rise.
For example, the growing significance of cybersecurity and data analytics is driving the demand for professionals in these fields. As the volume and complexity of cyber threats increase, organizations need to ensure their data and systems are secure. Outsourcing cybersecurity services to specialized providers with expertise in threat intelligence, incident response, and network security can help businesses mitigate risks effectively.
This is where Quantox Technology excels as a leading outsourcing partner. With a proven track record in blockchain development, cybersecurity solutions, and data analytics services, Quantox offers the ideal skill set to tackle the challenges of the future and give organizations access to a highly talented team proficient in threat intelligence, incident response, network security, statistical modeling, predictive analytics, and machine learning.
Data Security and Compliance:
With increasing concerns over data security and privacy, organizations will place greater emphasis on selecting outsourcing partners with robust security measures and compliance frameworks. Service providers will need to demonstrate their ability to handle sensitive data and adhere to relevant regulations.
Data security and compliance are critical considerations when outsourcing. Organizations must ensure that their outsourcing partners have comprehensive security measures in place to protect sensitive information. This includes implementing strong access controls, encryption, and secure data transmission protocols.
In addition to security measures, compliance with industry regulations and standards is essential. For instance, in healthcare, outsourcing providers need to adhere to regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to ensure the privacy and security of patient data. Organizations should thoroughly assess the outsourcing partner's compliance track record and certifications to ensure they meet the requirements.
According to a report by PwC, 88% of companies surveyed were concerned about third-party data privacy and cybersecurity risks. To address these concerns, organizations are implementing stringent due diligence processes when selecting outsourcing partners. This includes conducting comprehensive risk assessments, performing security audits, and establishing contractual agreements that define data security and compliance requirements.
Automation and Artificial Intelligence:
As mentioned earlier, the adoption of automation technologies such as RPA, AI, and ML will reshape the outsourcing landscape. These technologies will streamline processes, improve accuracy, and enable service providers to deliver enhanced client value.
Integrating automation technologies in outsourcing operations is transforming how tasks are performed. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is being widely adopted to automate repetitive, rule-based tasks, reducing errors and increasing efficiency. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global RPA market is expected to reach $10.7 billion by 2027, driven by the need for cost optimization and process efficiency.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are also reshaping the outsourcing landscape by enabling intelligent automation and data-driven decision-making. AI-powered chatbots are increasingly used in customer service outsourcing to provide quick and accurate responses to customer queries. ML algorithms analyze large volumes of data and generate insights, improving forecasting, fraud detection, and personalized recommendations.
The benefits of automation technologies in outsourcing are significant. They lead to reduced manual effort, faster processing times, improved accuracy, and cost savings. Service providers that embrace automation can offer enhanced value to their clients by delivering services with greater speed, efficiency, and quality.
Enhanced Collaboration:
Effective communication and collaboration are crucial aspects of outsourcing partnerships, especially when working with remote teams or globally distributed service providers. At Quantox Technology, we recognize the significance of seamless collaboration, and our advanced communication tools and platforms facilitate efficient project management and knowledge sharing.
Cloud-based collaboration tools, such as project management software, document-sharing platforms, and video conferencing solutions, enable real-time communication and collaboration across different time zones and geographical locations. These tools enhance transparency, enable seamless coordination, and promote a shared understanding between the client and the outsourcing provider.
In a survey conducted by Deloitte, 60% of companies stated that effective collaboration and communication are the most critical factors in successful outsourcing relationships. As your trusted outsourcing partner, Quantox Technology is committed to bridging the gap between internal teams and external service providers, fostering strong working relationships, and ensuring the achievement of shared goals.
Sustainable and Ethical Outsourcing:
As businesses increasingly focus on corporate social responsibility, sustainability, and ethical practices, they will seek outsourcing partners who align with their values. This includes considerations such as fair labor practices, environmental consciousness, and social impact.
According to a survey by Nielsen, 66% of consumers are willing to pay more for products and services from companies that demonstrate a commitment to positive social and environmental impact.
Environmental consciousness is also a growing concern. Businesses are increasingly seeking outsourcing partners that embrace sustainable practices, such as reducing carbon footprint, implementing eco-friendly initiatives, and promoting recycling and waste reduction.
To ensure sustainable and ethical outsourcing, organizations should conduct thorough due diligence on potential service providers, assessing their corporate social responsibility policies, certifications, and track records.
Customer Experience Focus:
Customer experience has become a key differentiator for businesses across industries. Organizations are recognizing that outsourcing can be leveraged to enhance customer service, improve response times, and deliver personalized experiences.
Outsourcing partners can provide dedicated customer support teams trained to deliver exceptional service and efficiently handle customer queries. This includes support through various channels such as phone, email, chat, and social media, ensuring seamless omnichannel communication.
Moreover, service providers can leverage customer data and analytics to gain insights into customer preferences, behavior patterns, and pain points. This data-driven approach enables businesses to deliver personalized experiences, tailored recommendations, and proactive support.
According to a report by Salesforce, 84% of customers consider the experience provided by a company as important as its products and services. By outsourcing customer experience functions, organizations can leverage service providers' expertise and specialized skills to enhance customer satisfaction, loyalty, and advocacy.
Embracing the Shift: Unlocking the Potential of Outsourcing with Quantox Technology
It’s undeniable that the future of the outsourcing business model looks promising, driven by evolving technologies, increasing globalization, and changing market dynamics. The reports and surveys indicate a continued upward trajectory for outsourcing, with a focus on IT staff augmentation, access to global talent, emerging technologies, and optimized operational efficiency.
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By entrusting non-core activities to our expert team, your organization can focus on core competencies and strategic growth.
As the future unfolds, those who embrace the potential of outsourcing and adapt to emerging trends will be well-positioned to thrive in a highly competitive global marketplace.
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WHAT A GAME!
After 4 exciting days and a fair play fight - we have the champion of HIT CS:GO Vol.4!
Traditionally held in April, the HIT CS:GO tournament gathered the IT community again for the 4th time in a row.
The number of registered teams, companies and fund donations exceeded the previous years - over 40 teams from more than 35 companies competed in the famous Counter Strike: Global Offensive game!
In 2023, the tournament was dedicated to the youngest, with the goal to improve conditions in maternity hospitals and together we collected 2,291,900 RSD!
HIT 2023 WINNERS:
🥇 Quantox Technology
🥈 Vega IT
🥉 Levi9
We spoke to the winning Quantox team - Miloš Aksentijević, Marko Mitić, Luka Petrović, David Simonović, and Dušan Savanović - for the BTS of becoming a HIT CS:GO champion.
What are your impressions of the HIT Vol.4 tournament? How would you describe the atmosphere this year compared to previous years?
The whole team is united as much as coordinated!
Miloš Aksentijević / Ax.
The impressions are very positive, and the first place contributes a lot to that feeling. The idea is great and I would like it to expand so more teams and donations are coming from year to year.
Luka Petrović / hJk-.^
As in previous years - very positive impressions, a noble goal, and good banter.
Dušan Savanović / dukizen
The impressions are phenomenal! First of all, we love CS:GO, and especially the fact that this is the same team that has been playing and hanging out together for years. Also, the support from colleagues and the entire company truly surprised us and it was nice to see cheering in such a large number!
Who was the most challenging opponent during the competition?
The score shows!
Milos Aksentijević / Ax.
I couldn't decide on one team, so I'll say Levi9 and Vega IT.
Levi9 seemed to have people who are very good at shooting, maybe even better than Vega. However, Vega was a tactically more prepared team.
Marko Mitić / MiTke-_o
Levi9 and VegaIT definitely. We won Levi9 with a score 2:0, but both maps were very close, and VegaIT took one map from us. If I have to choose one opponent - it would be Levi9.
Dušan Savanović / dukizen
From my perspective, definitely Levi9. Although we met them in the semi-finals, it was clear that the game was played at a much higher level, and this was shown on the first map, Vertigo, where we played as many as three overtimes. The boys from Levi showed a really competitive spirit and we had a really good match.
We witnessed a very tense final of the tournament. Were there any decisive moments in the match and which tactics made the difference?
Maps & tactics - a winning combination!
Miloš Aksentijević / Ax.
Maybe there weren't so many decisive moments, but there were a lot of different tactics from our side. The idea was to occupy as much space as possible on the map, play more aggressively as CT, and make faster rotations.
Luka Petrović / hJk-.^
I wouldn't say that there were any decisive moments. On our map peak and on the third map we played superbly, and the tactic was not to give them space to play their game - to attack and occupy space.
David Simonović / Unik ACM
There was tension in the final - as in every game. The opposing team led in some moments, where various factors had an effect. Primarily, it was a drop in concentration, which had the greatest impact during the game, and further, there have been short breaks between the semi-final and final matches.
Did you expect to win?
Expectations are expectations - and the result is in the end!
Marko Mitić / MiTke-_o
Honestly, yes... we knew it wouldn't be easy, but we were sure that we could win the tournament.
Luka Petrović / hJk-.^
Yes, because when it was announced that HIT will be organized again this year, we started to prepare and gather 2-3 times a week and play.
Dušan Savanović / dukizen
I definitely didn't expect us to win and I can't say that my teammates would agree with me here. Not because of a lack of self-confidence, but because of the very fact that every year the tournament has attracted very good teams and players.
We believe that in addition to the tense fight, there were also plenty of laughs. Share some interesting anecdotes from the tournament :)
Enjoy the game!
Miloš Aksentijević / Ax.
There was a lot of laughter and cheering, which is probably the key to our success. At no point did I feel like we were losing and that we didn't have a solution, so this made us play a very calm game at the top level.
David Simonović / Unik ACM
The whole tournament passed in a relaxed rhythm without tension, and that is the purpose - to enjoy the game, and victory comes just as a bonus!
Dušan Savanović / dukizen
There was a lot of laughter, but I will point out one anecdote. Our teammate and colleague Mitke (Marko Mitić) is often overrun by planes when we play. It's not because he lives next to the airport - but because he plays the game on his laptop, which gets quite loud after a while.
So we persuaded him to put a “push to talk“ button to avoid those loud noises. During the finale, at one point, Mitke forgot to release that button, so we just heard Luka shout: MITKE AIRPLANE!
And we really had a good laugh!
Laughter is a cure. Good competition is healthy. Enjoy the game. Help the community.
We are proud that HIT lasts and unites.
See you next year!
Over the past few years, Data and Artificial Intelligence have become the most trending technology used across all industries. Yes, technology (singular) because Data and AI need to work in synergy to generate the best results.
By the time the term 'Data' was coined, there was already so much of it that IT professionals and computer scientists quickly realized that sorting out and parsing all the data and, at the same time, analyzing the same data would be impossible for humans. They knew that if anything could help, it would be AI algorithms that would be able to derive valuable real-time insights from that much data.
The merge of these two disciplines created a technological boom changing businesses left and right. But how exactly?
AI for Business
Unlike a decade ago, the internet is now filled with data providing important information about consumer habits, likes, dislikes, personal preferences, and activities. This type of data, when paired with AI technology, can help businesses:
- boost efficiency with various process automation solutions
- improve consistency and speed of service
- use customer insight and review to inform decision-makers
- discover new opportunities for new products and services
- it can detect fraud threats
- optimize supply chain operations
We could list the benefits of AI for business for days. However, many people would still need clarification, a concrete example, about how to get a taste of some of these benefits and how they can improve their business operations with AI.
Here at Quantox Technology, we believe in a practical approach and the power of learning. With more than 550 IT experts, our team has some of the best mentors in the industry, ready to convey the usage and possibilities of their products in the simplest way.
Quantox E-commerce AI Solution Use Case
The Quantox team was introduced to an e-commerce client that needed an AI solution to simplify one part of their working process. Our client had an online furniture store where they sold design furniture and artwork. So naturally, they've set up a webshop with thousands of furniture listings where you can filter your search based on your preferences. For example, you could filter furniture by type (beds, couches, sofas, tables), color, manufacturer, material, and many other specifications.
That meant every product needed a string of descriptive words in their specifications for their search filter to work. For example: If you wanted a black table, you would get a listing of any product that mentions the words "black" and "table." But if you wanted a "Sanne Protin black dining table," if labeled correctly, you would get only one result.
THE PROBLEM
However, the client's problem was not labeling products correctly, rather than the labeling process being money and time-consuming. At that time, their products were being labeled manually, meaning they needed to pay people to input labels individually.
OUR SOLUTION
To fix this problem, the Quantox Data & AI team proposed they create an automatic labeling system that will save them valuable resources. We created an AI system that takes an ad as an input and returns "labels" as an output, meaning product type, color, manufacturer, and material. In terms of business, the result was a significant decrease in the labeling cost and time to obtain the labels, which generally sped up the entire listing processing, had a considerable impact on their business, and positively affected their business efficiency.
Translating Human Problems to Data Problems
1. ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS
So, we were building this system. It's a simple task for a human but could be difficult for a computer. To successfully transfer this business problem into a data problem, we must ask the right questions.
What would a human do if they had the task of labeling the products?
The trick is to answer these questions in as much detail as possible. For example, some would say, "well, a human would read the description," but the correct answer is, "the human would look at the listing." That means our internal conversation would look something like this:
Through questions, we slowly realize that humans would look at the image and type in what they see. For example, they see a black table, so they would type that it's a table and it's black. They could also read the description to see who the manufacturer is and what material was used.
2. DRAWING THE RIGHT CONCLUSIONS
The answers to our questions told us our system needs to be able to emulate human behavior. Mainly it needs to be able to "see" the images and recognize objects on them, but also recognize text, read it, and understand the meaning of it too in order to extract the vital information needed for labeling.
Well, what can "identify" objects in AI? Computer vision certainly can.
And how can a computer read and understand text just like a human? With Natural Language Processing, of course.
3. THE DATA AND AI MODELS
As always, we needed data to apply to our AI algorithm, so we took around 20 thousand pre-existing labels to train our AI models. The diagram below shows how data trained our models and how it was deployed, monitored, and maintained.
On the left side, you'll notice a very important box saying, "hold out a fraction aside." This means we took a small fraction of data from the 20 thousand label batch (about 10-20%), which is the data we did not show to our model. The reason is simple - we wanted to test our model on that data after it's trained. This way, we can see how our model performs on data it hasn't seen before.
In the middle, you can see that we have two separate models. One that works with images and one that works with text. Each model is tasked to learn different things, and finally, that information is combined to output the desired information.
The task is simple: "Build a system that says: This listing is selling a lamp, and the color of the lamp is beige-brown-yellow-ish."
We'll learn how this simple task can quickly become a bit more complicated for a computer.
The listings are given as "image+text" pairs, and we're free to choose from a wide arsenal of AI techniques as long as the solution delivers the desired information that is correct for the majority of the time. In the following sections, we describe some methods we opted for.
Our dataset contains around 20 thousand examples similar to this one, containing images of various furniture types: couches, sofas, tables, wardrobes, etc. In addition, the data includes information about where the object is on the image and the product being sold. We used 15,000 examples to train our AI algorithms (training data), while the other 5,000 we used as test data.
Here's an example of what a typical listing looked like.
Disclaimer: The product shown in the photo is for illustration purposes only and does not represent the actual product of our clients. It is used solely to explain and demonstrate the capabilities of our AI models.
QUANTOX COMPUTER VISION MODEL
Our computer vision model was supposed to extract information from the image. We expected it to localize a lamp and tell us that it is, in fact, a lamp. To do so, our algorithm needed to perform two tasks: object localization and image classification.
A bounding box consists of 4 numbers representing the coordinates of the box itself:
X_upper_left, Y_upper_left, X_lower_right, Y_lower_right.
Our model, in essence, is a model that tries to predict these four coordinates in an image and assign the label "lamp" to this listing. It does it in such a way that the predicted coordinates should mostly overlap with coordinates provided by humans. At the same time, the product label ("lamp" in this case) should match the human annotations in most cases.
GOAL: Maximize the overlap and assign the correct label.
Now that we know what the model should do let's see how it does it.
WHAT ARE CONVOLUTIONAL NEURAL NETWORKS?
Each image was run through a convolutional neural network (CNN) tasked with learning the features of the image. Neural networks are made of neurons. Neurons group into layers. Layers hold numbers used to process our data (by multiplication and addition). Those numbers represent the knowledge of our network. Intelligence even, if you will.
The CNN model we created contains 53 convolutional layers. Each layer transforms the image by applying a convolution operation on the image. Convolution is actually a whole lot of additions and multiplication following the pixel grid of the image and some additional rules.
What that means is, at a high level, we plug an original image into the CNN, and it goes through each of these layers sequentially. The output of each layer is a slightly modified version of the original image. These modifications can highlight contours and shapes of interest in the original image or blur and make insignificant contours and shapes disappear.
We program the network to tweak the convolution operation and figure out what these shapes are on its own. Then, we let the network try multiple times until the results are satisfactory according to a predetermined criterion. This process of tweaking the layers (or, more technically, tweaking the parameters of the convolutions) is known as training the neural network.
When the image passes all 53 convolutional layers, we add another two layers, which we construct in such a way that we can read what the network thinks the bounding box is and what is the object residing in that bounding box. Finally, we read predictions from these final layers. They're tweaked similarly to convolutional layers during training. When this lamp was successfully detected, we cropped out the predicted bounding box, extracted the dominant colors, and gave it its first label - a "lamp."
QUANTOX NATURAL LANGUAGE MODEL
Now that we know how the computer vision part of the solution works, the question arises: "Why do we need text at all? Isn't computer vision all we need because we got the colors and the product?"
Well, not exactly. What if the lamp was labeled differently, for example, "torch"? In this example, it isn't, but there could be a lot of other instances where labels can be nothing more than misleading synonyms. We can't simply rely on one-word descriptions of the product coming from some people we don't even know who labeled these listings. They might have labeled it for a different purpose, who knows. That's why we're complementing the information we extracted from images with the data from text. We're shrinking the margin of error and trying to output results that align with the industry's terminology as much as we can.
Plus, the computer vision model can detect a lamp and might even detect some sort of cat on the bottom of the lamp. Of course, it's essentially wrong detection (because it's not a cat, but a llama), but the text helps us deal with these cases as well, and now we'll see how.
So, let's get technical. Now suppose that our computer vision model detected both a lamp and a cat.
Now we have two detections: a lamp and a cat. Certainly, a cat is not for sale, nor is it a real cat. It's a cat-shaped pedestal for the lamp, which is probably not even a cat but a llama. This is just to give you a sense of ways these models can be wrong. We need to filter the object detection algorithms' outputs by analyzing text. Remember that the listing description states:
"Created and designed by the famous 20th-century art deco designer Jean-Michelle Jarre, this nightlight can be a great addition to your living room or bedroom for only $99.99".
Our goal is to search for the words "lamp" and "cat" in this text and find a match. But we would fail if we want to match the exact string of words. There are no words "lamp" or "cat" in the description. But there is the word "nightlight." You'd agree that refers to the lamp. Of course, you would, but how do we build an AI system to figure that out?
That's the goal here. And the tool is, again, a neural network. Specifically, the neural network performing the task of "word embedding," unlike the former network performing the task of "object detection."
The neural network's inputs are text sequences, and the final output is a numerical representation of the input word. Literally, a sequence of numbers. How many numbers? We can decide that, but the common practice is higher degrees of 2, such as 256 or 512.
So yes, sequences of numbers, like the lottery, but with one crucial property. When two words of similar contexts, such as "nightlight" and "lamp," are represented numerically, they have similar representation, again by some predefined criteria. However, when words of vastly different contexts are represented numerically, these representations are different, such as "lamp" and "truck," for example.
So we create a neural network consisting of layers, except they're not convolutional. They're different types of layers, each connected and the final layer from where we can read predictions. Like most NNs, this one also has to predict something, and by tweaking this network, it learns which words frequently co-occur, effectively meaning that the network learns which words are contextually similar. Its knowledge is represented in its layers, which we then extract from the network and use as our "numerical representation of the words themselves."
When this is trained, we get a numerical representation of all the words from the listing description and all the words from the object detection model, namely, "lamp" and "cat." Now we measure the similarity between the word "lamp" and all the words from the description individually and then repeat the process for the word "cat." The similarity score is a cosine (remember trigonometry?) between the numerical representations of two words for which we calculate the similarity. This cosine similarity ranges between 0 and 1, 0 meaning not similar, and 1 meaning identical.
Now relying on the fact that the listing descriptions are highly likely to mention the product itself or at least some products' synonyms, we can expect that whatever the product is ("lamp" or "cat"), it will have a high similarity score with whatever the product is in the description.
- In this case, the words "lamp" and "nightlight" have, say, the highest similarity between all the combinations, so we say - "THE PRODUCT IS THE LAMP."
- The word "cat" will have minimal similarity with the words in the description because the description never mentions animals, cats, dogs, pets, or anything within that context, and context is learned in the neural network, so "cat" will end up omitted. That's how we know - "THE PRODUCT IS NOT THE CAT."
Now let's see the results.
THE RESULTS
When all this is said and done, and the models are trained and validated, it's time to put them to the test and see how they behave on the data they weren't trained on. Remember that the test data contains the "text + image" and the "location + object" parts. We hide the "location + object" part, obtain the predictions from it, and then compare them with the actual location and object.
When predicting a product, we achieved 91% accuracy on the training set of around 5k examples. As for colors, the number is at about 70% on the same dataset, but it is a pessimistic estimate based on sampling and employing the naked eye to method to say "this is right" and "this is wrong." The reason for that is that people see colors differently. In the case of our lamp, one person can say "beige," but the other person might say "light yellow." Suppose you convert the color names into an RGB system. In that case, they can differ vastly, so if we calculate the Euclidean distance between "beige" and "light yellow" in the RGB coordinate system, we can wrongly conclude that the model made a wrong prediction. In fact, both the model and the person labeling are right. We believe the actual number is much higher than 70% since the errors mostly come from the edge cases where you can argue it's the same color.
THE DEPLOYMENT
Once we've run all data through our models and our models were trained and tested, we deployed the model in production. This means that we need to save the models in some sort of model storage, which could be on some location on our server, on our client's server, or on a cloud storage service of choice. In this case, it was the client's server.
Specifically, we used Flask to create a Python API and Docker for deployment. When the API is called, it triggers a forward pass through the neural networks, which returns some predictions. The application then processes those predictions as described above and returns a response. Finally, the client integrates with our model by calling our API from their application, which gets them the desired information.
They can then process the information however they see fit, e.g., display them in some sort of drop-down menu on their front end or have radio buttons to help their users filter their search when buying furniture. Here's a diagram describing the solution's architecture at the highest level.
And that's it. We described the process of training a computer vision model, a natural language processing model, we touched neural networks a bit, shining a light on what it means to train the neural network, what are "As" and "Is" in "AI," and how the information obtained from these networks is used in practices to improve the user experience when shopping for furniture online! A lot of math and engineering for such a seemingly simple task, right? However, the work pays off when implemented correctly, especially in the eCommerce industry, where there's a great deal of data and many different types of applications for AI solutions.
Data, AI, and Quantox - a Perfect Recipe for eCommerce Growth!
Transforming your eCommerce business paradigm in 2023 can make your business stand out from the competition by increasing revenue, conversion rates, and the overall popularity of your brand. Integrating AI technology in your eCommerce business gets that much easier with Quantox Technology team of experts that have been providing Data and AI services and eCommerce solutions for years and have a proven track record of success. Our team will take the time to understand your unique needs and develop a customized solution that fits those needs. So, are you ready to unleash the potential of AI for your eCommerce? Let's Talk!
It’s the final curtain call for 2022 and, as 2023 is slowly approaching, it’s already clear that Data & AI (Artificial Intelligence) technologies will play a major role for many businesses in the future. Companies around the globe have already switched their business model and, in some cases, mindset to the digital world and are now looking for ways to bridge the gaps they found in their digital experience. The best solution is now also the talk of the town- Data & AI technology.
With such a wide range of uses in business, from streamlining job processes and aggregating business data, AI is ready to take the two-dimensional technology and surround the consumers with a three-dimensional physical environment.
We probably already interact with AI on a daily basis without even realizing it. However, it is not the same AI most of us imagined, culturally influenced by decades of science-fiction books and movies. Instead, today’s AI can be something most people, especially younger generations, consider a norm, like ”Alexa”.
The idea of AI is not new, but it certainly took a long time to develop. AI technology came into existence in 1956, and it would take decades of developing the technology and systems to get what we have today. Now, Data & AI go hand-by-hand and are even applicable, soon to become invaluable, to any business if they want to ensure success and steady growth. With the potential to simplify the mundane work process and achieve breathtaking results, AI technologies are becoming necessary if you want to gain a competitive edge in any industry. What was once a theory is now a tangible business toll perpetuated by tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and IBM.
So, if you are a business owner looking for a way to transform your business, this article will help you learn about the benefits of Data & AI in business.
What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
In order to fully understand how AI technologies can help a business, it’s essential to know what they are. There are many definitions of ”Artificial Intelligence.” Still, the broad term is that ”AI is any computer software that engages in human-like activities like learning, planning and problem-solving”. A bit vague, huh? It’s like saying your colleague is a ”human”- it’s technically correct but doesn’t specify anything. We must go beyond the basic definition and scramble through the details to learn more about different types of AI and where artificial intelligence is used.
Machine Learning
One of the most used AI technologies in business must be machine learning. Machine learning uses algorithms that process large amounts of data in an extraordinary short amount of time. Plus, those algorithms have the ability to ”learn” over time. The more data the algorithm processes, the more its modeling improves.
For example, you own a factory with all sorts of different machinery, and you need each and every one of those to work like a clock. This is where AI comes in. A large amount of data about the functionality and production of your machinery goes into a central location where, thanks to AI technology, a human worker is presented with real-time information about the condition of your machinery.
Such quantities of data and patterns are impossible for a human to sift through, and that’s why AI technology plays an important part. Machine learning can process all the data more rapidly, recognize the patterns and anomalies, and finally notify the decision-makers if maintenance or a repair is needed.
Deep Learning
The development of an interconnected web of artificial intelligence ”nodes” is also known as deep learning. It is a specific type of machine learning relying on neural networks to engage in nonlinear reasoning. Sounds confusing, right? So let’s try to simplify it.
There’s been a lot of hype around self-driving cars, and understandably so. The idea that a vehicle could make the right decisions in traffic as a human would is revolutionary, but thanks to deep learning, today it’s a reality. Self-driving cars use deep learning algorithms to process data collected from their sensors. Information like the distance from other objects and their speed, predictions of where those objects will be in 10 seconds- all that data helps self-driving cars decide when to change lanes. Moreover, deep learning models can improve with every bit of data they process.
Data & AI in Business Today
While the idea of AI was still fresh and developing, many feared that AI could and would replace humans and their job positions. Still, rather than taking over the world, AI today serves as a supporting tool for all of us.
AI technology still has some difficulties completing common-sense tasks in the real world, but what it can do is process data- and fast! By analyzing data faster, AI can also present us with every possible solution for our problem and the consequences of each action. This can help businesses streamline the decision-making process.
For decades, data collection has been a central business practice but impossible for any individual and company to use efficiently. Why? There’s simply not enough time to interpret all data. However, with AI-enabled applications and other digital tools, businesses can collect real-time data from an established database and learn about their consumers’ problems and preferences. Once they know that, they can easily increase efficiency, personalize their product or service, make informed decisions, and reduce costs. All this will eventually lead to increased revenue.
Common Uses of AI in Business
While there’s more room for AI to grow, as it inevitably will, today, we use artificial intelligence technology in the following ways.
- Machine learning: is often used in systems with a large amount of data. AI helps contextualize that data so the company’s decision-makers can understand energy usage or maintenance demands.
- Customer Relationship Management: CRM systems are rapidly changing with AI technology into a self-updating and auto-correcting system that helps businesses stay on top of their relationship management.
- Internet and Data research: AI has become irreplaceable when it comes to providing internet users with customizable experiences. Now, businesses of all sizes and types can easily target their specific audience without relying on the users’ search box. Thanks to AI, the right information is finding its way to the user now.
- Digital Personal Assistant: businesses can leverage Data & AI in many different ways, not just by transforming their services and customer relations. Artificial intelligence can help reorganize a company’s operations and streamline the workflow. Everything from emails, calendars, and work processes can be done with the help of AI personal assistant bots. So, by leaving smaller tasks to AI, employees, managers, and decision-makers can dedicate themselves to developing strategies that will increase revenue and boost company success.
- Cyber-security: AI serves as a 24/7 ”extra set of eyes” that monitors data input patterns, finds anomalies and threats, recognizes cyber-attacks, and backtracks to their source. It can also prevent future threats.
How Can AI Improve Business Processes?
Do you want to start using artificial intelligence technology in your organization but still don’t know which processes you can and should automate with AI? The latest Data & AI reports show that many industries that implemented this technology are already experiencing major growth in revenue just by automating a portion of their business processes. Well, let’s learn more about the stronger points of AI technology to know how a business can use artificial intelligence to their advantage.
Five Things AI is Just Better At
AI technology is a long way from surpassing human intelligence and has its limits, but there are some things where AI technology is a better solution. Easy to adopt and implement in any business practice, AI is very good at interpreting visual, text, and speech formats.
Visual
Many industries use visual tracking in order to increase productivity and efficiency. This is only possible with AI and its vision-trained capabilities that range from storing and captioning documents to supporting IoT (Internet of Things) sensor arrays.
In short, you can train AI technology to process, identify and search images using computer vision and later use it for things like tracking clinical workflow, automating inspections for a manufacturing process, or even monitoring store conditions.
Speech
So we are back to Alexa or Siri as an ultimate proof of just how much users and consumers love to be engaged. Customer engagement, in this case, excelled thanks to the AI technology converting speech to text and vice versa. You can also use this AI benefit for company staff training.
Knowledge
By mapping information, providing recommendations, and supporting semantic search, AI can be used to improve user experience and offer your consumers information they’ll actually find helpful.
Search
The profile of your everyday user has changed, and newer generations of consumers will be hard to satisfy and engage. Accuracy and search engine speed are the key to success. Still, they can only be achieved by using AI to enhance your search functionality while enabling it to use images, videos, web pages, and more to give your consumers exactly what they need.
Language
We’ve come a long way from communicating to technology in 0’s and 1’s, and today we can even hold a real, full-sentence conversation with it. Thanks to Natural Language Processing (NLP), businesses can integrate bots to chat with consumers. This type of AI technology can translate languages and even recognize sentiment, letting you know whether your consumers are satisfied or not.
How to Manage Data & AI in Business?
With great data comes great responsibility- this is something every business owner should know. You can quickly improve products and services with AI by using the data and increasing its value, but only if you manage and secure your information and protect your business, employees, and customers.
If you own a business that uses AI technology, you should have a comprehensive data management strategy for:
- access
- authentication
- creation
- privacy
- processing
- security
- storage
Cyber-criminals target other businesses’ information by looking for emails, addresses, phone, and account numbers. It is a significant concern of every business, regardless of the size or industry. AI technology can tackle a great deal of tasks related to security of any organization by fine-combining through all patterns and finding any anomaly within milliseconds.
5 Steps to Take Before Implementing Data & AI in Business
Using AI technology for business may be the next best thing, but you should still take steps before transforming your business with AI-based tools.
Step #1 Ask Important Questions
Using the latest AI technology trends can be beneficial for a business only if the right trend is picked and implemented. With that being said, don’t dabble in trends that offer little to no benefits to your business or industry. Instead, ensure that the AI technology is the best tool you can use for your specific industry, business size, and model. Ask yourself if AI can be used to boost your business, but also how you or your users can misuse it.
Step #2 Stay Human-Oriented
Remember that humans created AI technology and, as such, it is prone to mistakes. Dispose of the idea that you’ll create a mistake-free environment by replacing a human employee with AI technology. Always keep this in mind as you review the results your AI provides.
Step #3 Stay Unbiased
Believe it or not, human bias can affect the AI algorithm in many ways, so carefully choose the data set you’ll use as you create a training model. Also, ensure that the creator hasn’t unintentionally programmed their own bias into your AI.
Step #4 Explain Your AI
Your users or stakeholders will want to know the logic behind your AI and how it reached a particular conclusion. Explaining your AI’s decision-making process will help you maintain trust between you and all other parties.
Step #5 Use Data & AI Responsibly
Since AI technology can be quite a powerful tool, it mustn’t fall into the wrong hands. Responsible AI refers to frameworks that ensure businesses act transparently and ethically with AI technology. So ensure you can follow all government regulations regarding using AI technology before you even create an AI business strategy.
The Future of Data & AI
While we can’t predict the future, it is clear that Data & AI technology will become an even more integrated part of the workforce. With the potential to replace many human jobs, this technology can also lead to the specialization of employee skills. Where AI will take over data analysis, people will be required to cultivate qualitative skills like creativity and problem-solving.
With further technology development, we’re bound to see new business applications, consumer uses, and new startups emerging. The Internet of Things and Data & AI make a powerful combination that can easily change the economy. With so many benefits of artificial intelligence, those companies that utilize this technology in the right way can make it to the top in no time, completely turning the tables for themselves and their competition.
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