When you provide software-based services you meet a lot of IT people. Half will try to bamboozle you with technology and jargon - unless you use the latest SOA virtualised cloud based gizmo widget you're really not in the game. The other half will tell you technology is irrelevant and functionality is the key – once you understand your industry, your market, your customer, you can really deliver what they need over any technical platform.
I'll admit, for years I was in the latter camp. However, I increasingly appreciate that the technology really does matter too, now more than ever. For example, I want to be able to access my data anywhere; the office, home, in meetings, on the train... I want my data to be secure, I hate faffing around with back-ups - I want someone to do that for me. If I lose my computer, or it breaks, I don't want to lose all my data - I want to pick another one up and find everything is still there, just as I left it.
I've also been bitten by the tablet bug - my iPad goes everywhere with me. I like that I can just take the cover off and it's on, ready to go. Two minutes to start up or 2 seconds - there's no contest. I can get to my data using that too - securely.
All the above depends on technology and technical strategy and direction. If you're in the market for software, practice management or otherwise, consider these points. Ask shortlisted providers about their product development strategy as part of the procurement process. After all, while you selected a practice management system which meets your current business requirements, you need to be confident that it will continue to be fit for purpose as your business develops. If a company is not enthusiastic about looking for ways to improve its products and services so it can continue to support your business, you might want to think again.
I certainly would not want Healthcode to coast along with the products which made our reputation, when we can invest time in enhancements that can make a real difference to our clients. That’s why we invested over 15,000 man hours in software development during 2012 and we’ve have already increased this by 20% in 2013.
Already this year, we have launched our Intelligent Validation service which automatically checks the policy-holder information on a practice’s submitted invoice against that on the insurer’s database to eliminate bill delays (read more). More recently, we announced the development of our ePractice App which should make a real difference to practitioners on the move. Neither project would have come to fruition without the technical expertise of our development team and our enthusiasm for innovation.