Executive summary
Frontwalker led the development of a new web-based referral management system for a neurology department, replacing an outdated Windows application and integrating dictation and scanning tools directly into the browser.
The challenge
1. Business challenge
The existing referral management system needed to be replaced to improve workflow efficiency and technical compatibility, while supporting remote work and reducing licensing dependencies and costs.
Key business challenges included:
- An outdated Windows-based referral application needed to be replaced to improve workflow efficiency and technical compatibility
- The neurology department needed the new system to support remote work, including dictation from home
- A key goal was to reduce licensing dependencies and costs by favouring license-free components
- Users were initially apprehensive about the scale of change, requiring active involvement throughout development
2. Technical challenge
The project required a full rebuild from a native Windows application to a scalable and maintainable web application, while integrating web-based dictation and scanner functionality with client hardware.
Key technical challenges included:
- The project effectively amounted to a full rebuild rather than a simple migration, moving from a native Windows app to a scalable, maintainable web application
- Integrating a web-based dictation tool and scanner functionality required custom work to bridge client hardware and the browser
- The project began without a fixed development plan, requiring a flexible, iterative approach focused on a scalable, maintainable architecture
What we did
1) Frontwalker’s approach and solution
Frontwalker rebuilt the referral management system as a web-based solution, replacing the legacy Windows application and including improved referral-handling workflows, built-in dictation and report templates, and custom integrations for web-based dictation and scanner functionality.
2) Delivered solution
- A fully web-based referral management system replacing the legacy Windows application
- Built-in report templates and dictation tools directly inside the web application
- Two-step authentication and improved referral-handling workflows as part of the rebuild
3) Engineering & delivery
- Backend built with .NET and ASP.NET Core, frontend with HTML, CSS, JavaScript and Bootstrap
- Agile development with active involvement from neurology department users throughout, to validate real workflows
- Custom integration work enabling web-based dictation and scanner functionality to communicate smoothly with client hardware
4) Collaboration model
- Close, iterative collaboration with neurology department end-users, who provided continuous feedback critical to refining the system
- A flexible project team able to adapt to emerging requirements and integrate feedback throughout delivery
Business impact/results
Outcomes achieved
- Improved accessibility and support for remote work, including dictation from home
- New, more secure workflows including two-step authentication and improved referral handling
- A scalable, maintainable web application replacing outdated, hardware-dependent legacy software
- A successful production launch in Q1 2024, transitioning smoothly into ongoing management
