Mobile Application in the Healthcare Industry

The possibilities are nearly limiteless. Healthcare and mobile applicationssemed destined for a long and health marriage. Besides putting healthcare professionals and patience in better and more complete contact, allowing through patient support through SMS, there are hundreds of applications either in use, or on the cusp of development.

Here are just a few uses for mobile applications in the healthcare industry:

1) Prescription Refills
2) Appointment Scheduling, reminders, notices the doctors are running late, etc.
3) Logging of food intake, or blood glucose, or other health info that could go directly to a doctor or office
4) Transferring of medical data
5) Support for patients, i.e. hearing loss or dementia patients
6) Food dietary information
7) Self diagnosis software
 8) Fitness logs & health diaries
9) Collection of data from implanted devices
10) Access to patient records
11) Billing records, and payment
12) Sending pictures to physicians (i.e. to monitor how a wound is healing)
13) Remote diagnosis

Mobile applications can help streamline how a medical office works, or help a patient monitor their own health. As technology and innovation are able to produce new applications, more and more people can be helped. Think about the possibilities… A doctor in California being able to work with their patient traveling in Europe, a medical office being able to inform you if the doctor’s appointments are running an hour late!

Digital Sabreis proud to be on the cutting edge of this type of programming–helping the health care field be more efficient, patient focused, and profitable.

Digital Sabre: Providing Development Donation to nKind Rewards

nKind Rewards
Digital Sabre is helping nKind Rewards, recent winner of the Five Venture competition at UNCC, put together a System Requirement Specifications (SRS) document to act as the foundation for the development of their new software application. Digital Sabre will apply CMMi certified methodologies to ensure the final product is delivered on time, within budget, and to the client’s specifications. Digital Sabre is providing 40 hours of donation-based work to aid nKind Rewards in their development efforts.

Going Saas one Step at a Time

The One-Step-at-a-Time Approach to SaaS

Despite the hype of the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) deployment model, software companies are somewhat apprehensive and for good reason; the problems encountered by early adopters are an indication that the technology has not quite reached its full potential.

There is another approach to implementing SaaS, however, and that is taking it one step at a time. While this may not be a ‘plug and play’ formula that can be applied to each and every company, it does reflect a logical, managed journey towards SaaS, albeit cautious. Suggested here is a step-by-step approach to implementing SaaS configurations.

Step 1: Do a feasibility study

A feasibility study is the first thing you should do and it’s probably one of the most neglected yet critical areas. Before you go ahead and start developing the next salesforce.com, do an analysis from an objective perspective. Ask questions such as: Why should the company consider moving in to a SaaS model as opposed to sticking with the traditional delivery method. Does SaaS deliver make sense for the business? You should also conduct a benefit analysis and research the degree of flexibility needed, plus potential risks that may arise and any licensing-related issues that may affect both delivery models.

Step 2: Set goals and objectives for the SaaS application

You have determined that developing a SaaS application makes sense. Now set goals and objectives to measure the effectiveness of the application. Pen what you want to achieve through a SaaS delivery model. Also at this time, make a tentative marketing and sales plan. This can be reviewed and altered at a later date, if needed.

Step 3: Consider the costs and the cash flows

The business model for SaaS is different than that of traditional software models. One of the most important dissimilarities is the nature of cash flow. Large, upfront licensing expenses are replaced by pay-as-you-go subscription costs. A SaaS operator should also pay special attention to the potential fixed cost that will be incurred such as continuous support to the application.

Step 4: Develop a Strong SLA

We cannot over emphasize the importance of a strong Service Level Agreement (SLA) in this industry. An SLA acts as a safety net for any software company as well as SaaS provider. And when the software is provided as a service, an SLA becomes even more vital. A rock solid SLA serves a duel purpose for the SaaS provider: (1) it will add to your credibility as a reliable vendor, defining the services and support that will be provided and (2) an SLA will clearly outline the limitation of your obligation towards clients (or should we say tenants?).

Step 5: Build the Team

Software as a Service – see the word “service” in there? Make the service memorable and you have a winner. Delivering a superior SaaS experience depends, to a great extent, on the level of service the company offers. The application needs to be backed by a strong team of support personnel and a customer support center. Make sure you can sustain your software with superior service levels by putting together a team who can handle the challenge. And don’t forget to bring your current team up to speed on what’s required to succeed as a SaaS company and procure their buy-in.

Step 6: Plan the Project

Before you start developing your SaaS application, there is one more step to consider – and it’s an important one. Draw up a project plan and set clear milestones. Remember, these are not the same as what may apply to a traditional software project. Proper planning will ensure your project succeeds with minimal delays and problems along the way.

Like to know more about how to manage a SaaS application development project? Give Digital Sabre a call today at 704-944-5525 for a free consultation. We’re here to help.

Would you like to read this article on our website? Click the links below:

Part 1: http://www.digitalsabre.net/approach-to-saas

Part 2: http://www.digitalsabre.net/become-a-successful-and-reliable-saas-provider

Digital Sabre: New Clients

Digital Sabre would like to welcome the following new clients:

Affinity Solutions

Digital Sabre was recently contacted by Affinity Solutions to develop a mobile application for three platforms (Iphone, Android and BlackBerry). The goal of the project is to advance the company’s current loyalty programs by facilitating communication and improving accessibility. Affinity Solutions is a leading provider of loyalty programs for top financial institutions, insurance companies, and publishers across the United States. With partnerships that include over 200 banks and multiple card processors, Affinity Solutions creates dynamic, customized, turnkey programs involving marketing services, information technology, and data analytics to improve customer loyalty. For more information, visit them on the Web at www.affinitysolutions.com.

Croftgate USA

An international manufacturer of high performance eco-friendly car care products, Croftgate USA initially approached Digital Sabre for a Web site redesign. Digital Sabre was able to increase the functionality on this Joomla site and improve SEO and marketing efforts, while adding ecommerce functionality that provided easy manageability. The project, recently completed, resulted in a robust, user-friendly experience that advances the brand. Take a look: www.croftgateusa.com

Rue Cler Boutique

Named after a local road in Paris, Rue Cler is an ecommerce boutique offering unique and distinctive toddler clothing for boys and girls. Magento, an open source platform for highly functional, inexpensive ecommerce, was used to architect the foundation. In only one month, Digital Sabre was able to develop, produce, and deliver a high-quality sales vehicle for less than $5K!!! Check it out at: www.RueClerBoutique.com

Digital Sabre Client Testimonial

“I was very impressed by the sophistication and level of detail Digital Sabre provided in their Business Analysis document. The document incorporated all the elements of the application in a wire frame format with business flowcharts, effectively showing me that they understood our system in exceptional detail. Digital Sabre took the time to really get to know my business and was able to capture the requirements perfectly, presenting the comprehensive business solution that my business demanded. The amount of time and care that went into preparing this document was evident and resulted in a professional, thorough analysis that I will use to obtain financial backing for a prototype.”

President, nKind Rewards
Napoleon Wallace
Winner - 2010 Five Ventures

Digital Sabre CEO Chet Amalean Featured in Market Research Optimized

Chetan Amalean, CEO of Digital Sabre was recently interviewed by Market Reseach Optimized, an online publication of Consumer Insights Research, Inc., a full-service market research firm.

The topic was E-commerce in the B2B amd B2C arenas. Mr. Amalean discussed the fact that E-commerce is driven by quality and demand and that B2Bs are drawn to the efficiencies and the processes that E-commerce transactions can provide.

Everything from POs, shipping notices, billing and payments can be done effectively and with a significant cost savings online. Business today needs whatever competitive advantages it can get, and working with E-commerce solutions allows any company to enjoy a leaner process.

Read more about the article in Market Research optimized!

Part 2 will be coming soon!

Reasons You Should Consider a Mobile App for Your Business

Do you own an iPhone? (or a Droid?) How about your customers, prospects, and employees? Many people now own the next generation of cell phones that do so much more than just make calls! Smart-phones have become a must-have technology for everyone from school children for CEOs.

While each different smartphone has its advantages and disadvantages, the abundance of available apps that can benefit a business is great. With the growing use of smartphones, the ease of use and the diverse functionality–it may be time for you to consider a mobile application for your business. Here are a few questions you should ask yourself: 

Why is it beneficial to have your own mobile application?

Mobile applications can give employees the ability to access information easily from anywhere there is an internet connection. Increase employee productivity by given them access nearly everywhere and anytime.

What applications do you wish were available to  help build your business?

Mobile applications can be used in your business, or to help your business. Besides increasing access to software and information for your staff, mobile applications can be used to promote your business, make it easier for your customers to reach you, order product, or give their feedback. If there isn’t an ideal application already available, you could have a custom application built just for you!

Could you use mobile applications to increase your revenue?

You could sell access to your app and create a revenue-generator. Do you have a great idea? Would your clients pay a nominal fee to have an additional functional application? Use your application to build a following and make money for your business.

Are you interested in learning more about mobile applications? Give Digital Sabre a call at  877-630-7371.

Current and Potential Uses for RFID (Radio Frequency Identification)

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) has many uses, and is growing in popularity as a way to track products, transfer payments and are even used in keycards to unlock doors in office buildings across the world! Digital Sabre currently works with businesses seeking to harness the power of RFID. Here are a few current and potential uses of RFID:

Asset Tracking
Asset tracking is one of the most common uses of RFID. RFID tags are put into, or onto, a company’s assets or products to help track them if they are lost or stolen. Currently, just about every type of RFID system is used for asset management, and this effective type of use saves time locating items as well as money in not having to replace lost assets.

Manufacturing 
The RFID technology has been used in manufacturing plants for more than 10 years increase productivity. Part tracking is managed by the use of RFID and can help to reduce defects, create efficiencies, increase through-put and manage the consistant quality production of different versions of the same product. Manufacturers can benefit greatly from what RFID has to offer.

Supply Chain Management
RFID technology is used in closed loop supply chains or to automate parts of the supply chain. Companies are now turning to RFID to track shipments among supply chain partners. Have you ever looked at the label on a package you receive and notice the chip? That is RFID and how you are able to track your package online!

Retail
Popular retailers including Best Buy, Metro, Target, Tesco and Wal-Mart are in the forefront of RFID usage. These technology pioneers are currently focused on improving supply chain efficiency and making sure product is on the shelf when customers want to buy it. Look for RFID tags on everything from clothing to your groceries in the coming year as more retailer take this option. 

Payment Systems
RFID is an emerging technology in the supply chain world, but is also used as a convenient payment method. RFID today is used to pay for road tolls without stopping, or in key-fobs to pay for gasoline. In some countries fast-food restaurants are testing the same active RFID tags to pay for meals at drive-through windows. We expect to see this type of mass-market use to continue to grow in popularity.

Security and Access Control
RFID has been used for years as an electronic key to control who has access to office buildings or areas within office buildings. This is quick and convenient and because there is no contact between the card and reader, there is less wear and tear, and therefore less maintenance. It is possible that RFID will replace traditional keys in homes and vehicles.

As RFID technology evolves and becomes less expensive and more robust, more companies will develop new applications to solve common and unique business challenges. If you think that RFID could help your business–or have an area of manufacturing, security, payment, supply chain or asset tracking that could be made better or more efficient, please contact Digital Sabre and we will assist you in determining the best technology solution.

Quality Assurance – How & Why

Once a software product undergoes different stages of development, a big task is to employ quality assurance strategies to ensure that the software properly works in the client’s environment. The quality assurance (QA) of a software product is an ongoing and organic process, which should start in the very beginning of the development process.  QA should be ongoing thru the life of the product.  If software is not properly put through a QA process, it can be disastrous!  Not from bugs or kinks, but because the product does not work within the client’s needed parameters. If the end software product is not developed according to the needs and requirements of company, the client might have to face big time losses.

This makes QA incredibly important. The QA team have several important tasks to meet during any project:

    * They must ensure flexibility of the product, is it capable of getting adapted in atmospheres of different companies installing it.

    * They must ensure the customization characteristics of product, again, is it capable of being customized according to needs of different companies.

    * They must ensure that the end product is going to meet all the standards, processes and procedures already prevailing in different types of companies.

Once QA has been completely done, your software should be ready to conquer any task you toss at it.   The QA process may seem exhaustive and long, but really – after all the money and time you are spending on custom software – you shouldn’t have it any other way.  This is the best way to ensure your new software will work smoothly, and prove to be the valuable asset you wanted it to be. 

Custom Software: The Steps In Development

The process of developing custom software can be a daunting task.  Let us be the first to tell you that it is a process that requires a lot of give-and-take.  Remember, this is special software that is being developed for YOU – based on your needs and your wants.  The designers that you have hired, and are paying substantial money to, will need to really understand the situation.  To fully develop this software, you need to have some serious planning time and consultation with your designers.  For those wishing to outsource or undertake a custom software project, the typical steps involved include:

1.  Initial Meeting – Here is where the requirements are discussed in detail.

   2. Proposal –  Your designer will  do a very detailed proposal,  based on all the issues in your first meeting.

   3. Detailed Design – Working with the designers,  you will really dig down and discuss all the details.

   4. Development - work starts on the proposed system.

   5. Delivery of System - at the end of development, a “functionally complete” system is delivered, which requires end-user testing.

   6. System Completed – All the testing is done, bugs and kinks are worked out, and the system is ready for deployment.

So it is only 6 steps! – not as many as you probably dreaded.  Every project is of course different, so there could be fewer or more steps in your process.  But, by making sure this process is met during your software development – you will ensure the perfect success story.