In one of our recent projects at Sagitta, we were tasked with developing a React Native application focused on providing a seamless product search experience powered by machine learning. The core feature of the app was its ability to allow users to search for products using photos, leveraging advanced image recognition algorithms to deliver accurate results.

To ensure the feature performed as expected and to monitor user behavior, we initially tracked events through Google Cloud Platform (GCP). In our initial setup, we were performing queries directly over GCP logs to track the necessary events. However, to provide a more comprehensive and user-friendly analytics experience, we realized that creating a custom dashboard and querying logs using BigQuery would be required. This approach, while effective, demanded significant time and financial investment from the client due to the complexity of setting up and managing custom queries and dashboards. We needed a solution that simplified analytics without increasing the technical burden.

Finding the Fit

Recognizing the need for a more efficient analytics solution, we explored various tools that could meet our requirements. We looked into popular options like Firebase Analytics and Mixpanel, which offered robust features but came with challenges such as a steep learning curve or more extensive setup requirements. These options didn't quite fit the bill for our use case, which demanded simplicity and ease of use, especially for the client's benefit.

That’s when we came across Vexo a lightweight analytics tool. Vexo offered an easy integration process, a simple dashboard, and custom event creation—all of which aligned well with our project’s needs. The simplicity of the tool allowed the client to monitor key metrics without requiring technical expertise.

The Development Phase

Integrating Vexo.co into the React Native application was a smooth and efficient process. The installation was straightforward, requiring only minimal changes to our existing codebase. Within a short time, Vexo was up and running, tracking the specific events that helped us and the client understand how users interacted with the app.

One of the key advantages of Vexo was its support for custom events and the ability to create custom dashboards. These features allowed us to tailor the analytics specifically to the functionalities that mattered most to the client. For instance, we could set up custom dashboards that provided the client with real-time, actionable insights into the app's performance. This included the ability to track the number of events (along with associated data) for specific functionalities, filtered by user or store.

This level of customization was invaluable, as it enabled us to deliver exactly the metrics the client was looking for. Whether it was understanding how users interacted with the machine learning-powered photo search feature or analyzing specific user or store interactions, Vexo's custom dashboards provided a clear and detailed view that aligned perfectly with the client's needs.

Final Thoughts

Vexo turned out to be a fitting solution for our analytics needs. Its ease of integration and customization provided us with the flexibility to deliver the metrics that mattered most to the client, without adding complexity to the process. The tool facilitated a smoother analytics setup and gave the client the necessary insights to make data-driven decisions.