The following is a guest article by Marcin Wudarczyk, PhD, Software Architect and CEO of GoSolve
In today’s fast-paced healthcare industry, having the right software can make all the difference in your organization’s success. However, the cost and conundrum of hiring dedicated IT talents is often daunting, which is why 76% of executives surveyed by Deloitte indicate they outsource IT services. But with so many vendors and partners promising the very best solutions, it can be challenging to navigate the crowded tech landscape and find the right partner to fit your business needs.
In this article, we’ll explore the key factors you need to consider when looking for a software partner or vendor for your healthcare company. From evaluating a technological fit and industry expertise to understanding pricing models, we’ll help you cut through the noise and make a confident, informed decision about your next software partnership.
Everyone says they’re the best. Learn what to look for.
When searching for a software partner or vendor, it’s important to be critical and discerning. While every company will claim to be the best, you need to dig deeper to separate the true industry veterans from the rest. Here are a few steps to help you evaluate potential partners.
Look for proven track records and case studies in healthcare space
Any reputable software partner should have a portfolio with successful implementations and positive client testimonials. Many established vendors claim to have healthcare software experience so never hesitate to ask for references. Do they have the necessary technical expertise and domain knowledge in the healthcare industry? Although technology might be similar to other projects from other industries, healthcare industry needs are rather specific, especially in context of data security and user safety.
Assess their expertise and qualifications
Technical excellence is crucial in any software project, and even more so for healthcare solutions. Explore the skills and experience of their team members and ask for the skills of their staff. Many companies utilize developers of lower seniority and while the price of such developer might be enticing it often translates to a software solution of a poor quality or one that is very expensive to maintain.
From my own experience at GoSolve, working with senior software engineers pays off in almost every scenario. Besides very good technical expertise, they much more often take ownership of the work they deliver, show proactivity in proposing solutions, and try to really understand your business goals. Although the last part might seem trivial now, in the long run it often is the difference between a successful product and a failed one.
Evaluate their communication and work culture
Effective communication is a must-have for any successful partnership. During the selection process, pay attention to how responsive and transparent the potential vendor is in addressing your queries and concerns.
Likewise, the work culture your potential partner has is extremely important, as a badly motivated team of passive developers might do more harm than good. Ideally, you should be looking for proactive software engineers that have a deeply ingrained culture of adding value to the project.
A good partner should fill in the gaps in your technological competence which often comes down to challenging your solution ideas and proposing better ways to reach your business goals. After all, this is why you hired them in the first place, right?
Typical models of cooperation
There are several models of cooperation to consider. Each model has its own strengths and weaknesses, and it’s essential to choose the right one for your healthcare organization’s software needs and structure. Here are the most common models of cooperation.
- End-to-end: This model refers to a partnership in which the software partner handles the entire process of software development, from conception to delivery. The healthcare organization provides input and feedback throughout the process, but the software partner takes care of everything else. In this case the cost of the project might be fixed which helps to stay within the budget, and the vendor takes full ownership and responsibility for the delivered solution.
- Team augmentation: In this model, the partner provides additional staff to augment the healthcare organization’s in-house development team. This model is used primarily for initiatives in which the organization’s team needs additional resources on a temporary basis, but I know from experience that fruitful long-term partnerships can be born from this model.
- Nearshore/Offshore: This model involves partnering with a software development company in a different country, usually because of cost-saving benefits. The healthcare organization works with the partner company remotely to develop a software solution.
- Consulting: A consulting partnership involves experienced software experts working with the healthcare organization’s team to help solve specific software-related problems. This model focuses more on a specific project or challenge instead of longer-term software development.
Each of these models has its benefits and drawbacks depending on the specific project, resources, and the goals of your healthcare organization. To choose the right model, you need to take the time to evaluate your specific needs.
Convey your needs in a way they will understand
For a software partner to be able to develop solutions that meet your needs, it is essential to communicate your requirements accurately. There are several strategies to help you convey your needs effectively.
First, it is best to clearly define your business goals before approaching software partners. This can help you effectively communicate your objectives and lay the foundation for a successful partnership. In such a scenario, the initial project scope and tech requirements will be a product of joint workshops with your chosen vendor dedicated to better understanding the challenges and finding the best solutions before the project starts.
Another useful strategy is to provide detailed documentation that outlines your requirements, including any specific integrations or systems that need to be supported. This documentation will help the potential partners to fully understand your needs, which will increase the chances of successful integration. It often takes the form of an RFI document in which you describe the situation and your business needs and situation. However, all the technical issues take the form of questions that the potential software partner has to answer and propose technological solutions.
Alternatively, if you are not sure what you need exactly there are companies that offer discovery workshops or sprints, during which the tech and product team would meet with your organization representatives to explore the ideas, brainstorm, and come up with detailed documentation that can serve as a foundation for the product roadmap and product development time and material evaluation.
Finally, don’t hesitate to seek clarity and ask questions. A good software partner should be willing to provide clear and detailed explanations to address your concerns. As mentioned before, effective communication is crucial for a successful partnership, and it can help you find a software partner that fully understands your needs.
The matter of choice: what to verify before committing
When weighing the price and quality of potential software partners, it’s important to find a balance. Avoid basing your decision solely on cost, as cheaper options may come with unexpected issues and much more costs down the line. Instead, it is usually best to prioritize partners who offer high-quality.
To ensure a good fit, choose a software partner that aligns with your organization’s technology stack and needs. Evaluate whether they have experience with the necessary technologies and can provide scalable solutions for future needs.
Moreover, flexibility is essential in a software partner. Seek out partners who can adapt to your organization’s evolving needs. Can they scale their solutions as your healthcare organization grows and changes? Ensure they can provide ongoing support, maintenance, and customization to your software solution.
Security and compliance are another critical consideration in the healthcare industry. Verify that the software partner follows best practices in data security and compliance, such as HIPAA, to protect your organization from potential data breaches and ensure compliance with regulations.
A responsive support and maintenance team is vital for the long-term success of your software solution. Check if the software partner has a dedicated team in place to address any issues or bugs that may arise post-implementation, e.g., a senior DevOps team ready to help with any stability or infrastructure issues. Timely and reliable support is essential for the smooth operation of your software product.
By evaluating these factors and selecting a software partner that aligns with your organization’s specific needs and goals, you can set the stage for a successful software implementation.
About Marcin Wudarczyk
Marcin Wudarczyk, PhD, is a software architect, engineering manager and CEO of GoSolve, a company specializing in cloud applications and large-scale Golang-based systems for Healthcare, Fintech, and Martech industries.
