Sunday, May 26, 2013

RiteTrack Technical Information

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Overview 

RiteTrack, used by human services programs throughout tribal, nonprofit, state and county government organizations, provides the primary means for thousands of caseworkers, administrators, and other professionals to manage their caseloads and clients. Whether an organization is seeking a basic case management solution for one unique program or an organization-wide solution that integrates many programs, this solution is flexible enough to meet all of the needs.

This software solution is the first in the human services industry that runs equally well over the Web as it does on a desktop. RiteTrack’s interface is intuitive and simple and can provide a rich, user experience (previously only available in desktop applications) through a secure internet connection on any Web browser. Also, this solution utilizes Microsoft’s powerful Silverlight platform. Running the application in Silverlight simplifies the end-user’s interaction with the software, because the Silverlight plugin embeds itself into a compatible browser without anything extra required on the part of the user. This allows RiteTrack to be browser independent, unlike other Web-based solutions on the market. 

One of the greatest challenges in providing software solutions across different human service organizations is the lack of common data requirements in a system. Commercially available off-the-shelf (COTS) solutions often do not encompass all of an organization’s needs, and yet custom solutions also can still be problematic. Roadblocks, such as high costs and high failure risks often associated with custom solutions, can make these solutions difficult to implement. Designed with these difficulties in mind, RiteTrack software offers combined benefits of off-the-shelf and custom solutions. Inherent to RiteTrack are rapid implementation and lower cost factors (typically associated with off-the-shelf solutions), as well as flexibility and customization options that are normally associated with custom systems.

Modular Design

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As a company with over 15 years of experience, Handel has learned some very important lessons. One of those lessons is that a "one-size-fits-all" solution does not necessarily work for all human service organizations in the industry. Thus, our RiteTrack designers created a dynamic solution that actively adjusts to that issue and the modular design of the RiteTrack components sets it apart from other industry solutions. One can think of every piece of functionality (module) in RiteTrack as a building block representing a functionality tailored for a specific organization. As with a box of building blocks, by choosing and assembling the modules an organization can build many, varied solutions with the blocks supplied.

Modules are microcosms of software functionality. They hold pre-defined functionality for common fields within the industry and Handel has built an extensive module library. However, Handel can also develop custom modules for an organization that plug directly into standard modules. Handel also recommends that an organization evaluate additional configuration of standard modules in order to meet the exact needs (subtly different needs) of the organization. Areas that often require highly custom functionality include reports, workflow, and business rules.

So with a modular design, specific pieces can be quickly assembled to facilitate the unique needs and process flow of an agency without having to create each piece from scratch. Yet an organization is not limited to just the functionality contained within the RiteTrack pre-defined module library, but can also choose to have Handel create  custom modules. The end result is that Handel’s implementation specialists can customize the solution to an organization’s needs at a fraction of the cost and can also deliver the system in a fraction of the time of a traditional custom system.

Administration

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The administrator interface allows trained end-users with administrator security clearance to manage an organization’s users (add or delete), groups (setup, add or delete members), drop-down lists contents, and other aspects of the installation.

Support and Maintenance

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Handel also has options for the continuing RiteTrack support and maintenance program. In an on-the-premises installation the maintenance program encompasses support of the RiteTrack software. For the hosted solution, the subscription agreement covers RiteTrack and the servers and other software required to run the system. Support hours are 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. MST.

Technical Specifications

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Handel designers built RiteTrack on the Microsoft .NET Framework. Key elements of the RiteTrack technology platform include C#, Silverlight, and Telerik controls. RiteTrack runs on Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Windows Server, and Microsoft IIS Server. By using commonly available tools, Handel has access to a large pool of available talent to work on each RiteTrack project. Furthermore, if an organization has the necessary skill-sets with employees in-house, it can utilize that talent to develop its unique reports.

Environments

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RiteTrack environments concern the location of the servers that store an organization’s data, and Handel offers two flexible options for data storage. The first option is an on-the-premises solution where an organization stores its data on the organization’s own servers located on its physical premises. The other option an organization can consider is to have Handel host the data in Handel’s environmentally-friendly, world-class, secure data center. An emerging trend in technology suggests a move to cloud-based solutions, but everyone may not be ready to make that move yet. Thus, Handel offers a traditional licensing model where an organization can host its own data on its own server, or a subscription pricing model where Handel hosts the solution in its data center.

Solutions

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A RiteTrack solution is industry-specific and consists of several modules that make up a complete solution for a specific program type. Please visit the solution section on the Web site for a complete listing of Handel’s solutions.

Custom Solutions

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Using an extensive library of modules, building custom solutions can be accomplished in weeks rather than months or years. Please visit the custom solution page to see some of the custom solutions from Handel. 

Copyright 2012 by Handel Information Technologies