Evidate for Tauron
System for technical networks inventory and passportization.Details
- Scope UI/UX design, development, QA
- Timeframes September 2018 – December 2019
- Innovation Elasticsearch, web manager, in-house map server
- Technologies Frontend: React, .ASP, Kotlin
Backend: ASP.NET Core, Akka.NET, Elasticsearch, Kibana, PostgreSQL, Docker, Identity Server - Business sector Technical networks
- iteo Team 1 designer
1 frontend/web developer
1 mobile developer
1 tech leader/software architect
2 QA specialists
1 PM
Timeline
The beginning of collaboration and work process
The end of works 2 release
Project’s highlights
We have created a system for inventory and passportization of technical networks which helps field employees and site administrators do their work more efficiently. We created the concept of a product, UX and UI design of it. The development part was done by a team of Android developers for the mobile app as well as backend and frontend developers for the administration panel.
Business needs & goals
A process of inventory and passportization can be highly challenging, time-consuming, and ineffective when field and administrative employees work using many different tools and various apps.
It usually requires a broad technical knowledge which makes the whole task much more difficult.
Our client wanted to maximally facilitate the process of collecting data, managing users’ accounts, and generating reports. The project was divided into two parts – a software and a hardware one:
The company needed a practical app for its field employees and an administrative panel for coordinators. Both were supposed to be simple, intuitive, useful, and time-saving.
Additionally, their method of work required applicable, properly secured devices that could be carried around safely by field employees and simplify fulfilling their everyday tasks.
Funtionalities
Application for field employees
A crucial advantage of the developed app is its intuitive interface.
We gave it a simple yet appealing look and eliminated all possible distractions or redundant features. Advanced search modules allow an employee to adjust the system according to specific needs and requirements which increases the comfort of use and makes the whole process more efficient. The map display technology is based on the most popular internet maps which has a positive impact on user experience, as well.
A running application adjusts a map according to an employee’s current geolocation. It effectively speeds up a process of searching for points A and facilitates an action of assigning points. After finding a point A and indicating a point B, you just simply confirm. There’s nothing more to be done.
After activating the app, an employee is able to download a particular set of data relevant for a specific and previously assigned area. This solution guarantees higher data security, improves an overall work process, and minimizes costs of a data transfer. A user can easily change or reload regions which eliminates technical problems while substituting or sharing an equipment among other employees.
Administration panel
The administrator panel’s principal role is to manage users’ accounts.
It applies to both field employees using the mobile app and regional coordinators. An administrator is able to view information about assignments, correct them if necessary, and control the overall quality of everyday work from the very beginning.
A table layout is as intuitive as the app itself. It allows seamless sorting, filtering, and searching for points and links between them. Presentation of data is consistent which makes the panel user-friendly, saves time, and eliminates all the inconveniences.
Another valid feature includes generating reports that summarize users’ activities and share insight about use of individual devices. An administrator can thus monitor and optimize hardware resources having access to various types of reports that help keep track of a project’s progress. The system enables a division of roles, too. It allows tasks assignment, access to individual tabs for precisely defined users, and thereby ensures the highest standard of data confidentiality.
Tablets with protective cases
We’ve supplied 500 tablets adjusted to our client’s needs.
Anticipating potential problems, we suggested a better product in relation to the expected order. Each device had:
a SIM card
an Android system
a big 8” screen
a durable battery for convenient field work
an attached power bank for charging
a soft, protective case with a shoulder strap to carry the equipment safely and comfortably
To reduce the time spent on first configuration, we’ve created a private Google Play store and accounts for all the employees. After the initial login, a user has access to a configured device and a downloaded app including automated updates. The system needs no further configuration and a field employee is ready to go.
We’ve also come up with a mobile device management (MDM) for a convenient administration of the devices.
Innovation
Elasticsearch
Web manager
In-house map server
Challenges & solutions
Short delivery time
Organizing manual assembly
Insufficient feedback form untechnical users
Processing a vast amount of data on tablets
Design
The interface is clear and allows work without unnecessary distractions.
Employees can adjust the panel to their own way of working. Transparent table layout along with sorting, filtering, and searching algorithms allow easy browsing of points and links between them. The map display technology is extremely intuitive, too.
A dedicated logo corresponds with the system’s functionality – it’s a combination of a location pin and a letter V.
Outcome
Interfaces of the application and administrator platform are intuitive and easy to learn for both beginners and power-users.
It makes them highly convenient and efficient for all the employees regardless of their job seniority and fluency in using IT solutions.
Data can be entered and edited quickly without the necessity to use a stylus. The system doesn’t need any technical facilities nor network infrastructure and a coordinator module allows seamless localization of field workers.