And, today, it has become a trend to hire offshore teams for executing software development projects as this model cuts down the overall project cost.However, the aforesaid project management woes can be effectively addressed by following an agile project development methodology.

Both these tools have their unique strengths as well as their share of drawbacks and are suitable for specific purposes.This post provides handy insights on Trello and Jira and also compares their pros and cons.

It supports a wide range of project management tasks like tracking issues and bugs, general task creation, agile developmental tasks, etc., and is used as a base by several applications.

The management functionalities of Jira provide abundant flexibility while establishing a process and allow building a board for your team.

It also enables creating tasks in the form of issues wherein all necessary information can be added and thereafter assigned to specific users by switching the data between columns which mark the stages of the workflow.IntegrationsAn ideal project management tool should facilitate smooth data exchange between the platform and various other systems used by your team like helpdesk software, code repository, time tracker, etc.Trello supports a host of native apps as well as integration libraries.

Some of them are FogBugz, Drive, Slack, GitHub, Salesforce, Google Drive, and Zendesk.Jira outshines Trello by providing a huge library containing innumerable native integrations for various types of actions like time tracking, test management, reporting, cloud storage, CRM, and code analysis.

Biz4Solutions, a distinguished software firm delivering high-end Healthcare mobile app development services, has announced the launch of an all-inclusive Healthcare Management System (HMS) for hospitals.

It is a top-grade digital healthcare solution that facilitates the efficient functioning of large as well as small-scale healthcare bodies and individual medical practices.On the launch of this product, Mr. Jayant Kaduskar, Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder said, “Currently, many of the healthcare organizations face challenges in the operational processes like managing and maintaining manual records of the patients, scheduling patient appointments, co-ordination between physicians, staff and patients, collection, storage and monitoring of health records, billing and claims management processes, the security of sensitive medical data, etc.”“Bearing in mind this pain area, Biz4Solutions has designed this full-fledged HMS which acts a 360-degree healthcare solution for resolving a plethora of problems mentioned here,” says Mr. Kaduskar.He further adds, “Also, during these testing times of the COVID-19 pandemic, most healthcare organizations are overly occupied and facing management issues.

I am sure it will help and is already helping some of the medical organizations in improving their practice management while offering an enriching patient experience.”Check out some of the noteworthy benefits of this Healthcare Management System (HMS) for the organizations employing it:Accurate data collection and integration - personal information of patients and vitals like weight, height, BMI, temperature, medical history, allergies, behavioral indicators, etc.Appointment scheduling and rescheduling wherein practitioners and receptionists can schedule appointmentsInsurance integration/ verification)Generation of Billing reportsSaving medical records digitally in the form of electronic medical records (EMR), for patient vaccinations and so on.Ability to monitor child growthAutomation of several functions such as data-entry and many other administrative tasksPayments integration for facilitating instant payments from multiple optionsSending timely reminders/alert messages to physicians and patientsTask management for doctors as well as other healthcare staffAdvanced search filterse-PrescriptionsSeamless patient-doctor communicationTracking of data through advanced DashboardsLucrative offers and Promotions for PatientsHIPAA compliance for ensuring data privacy and securityThis HMS is an all-in-one solution that serves diverse purposes and also improves the overall productivity and efficiency of the healthcare facilities.

Moreover, it enables smart clinical decision-making and thereby helps in saving countless lives.This product comes with a huge potential and promises a bright future for healthcare organizations.

Ashish Rangnekar, CEO- Biz4Solutions LLC, also shares his thoughts.

This is only possible because of smart work done by team Biz4Solutions.

Hence, businesses need to be extra creative, provide enhanced usability and a distinct visual appeal as well as offer new and exciting experiences to grab the attention of their targeted audiences.Take a quick glance at the distinct and cool UI design trends that are dominating 2021!

It possesses a multi-layered approach with floating objects such that the users can see through the layers and can establish the hierarchy within the structure and the depth of the interface.

The increasing usage of augmented reality is one of the reasons that necessitate incorporating 3D designs.Mixed TypefaceThe concept of mixed typeface is predicted to gain prominence in 2021.

This phenomenon establishes content hierarchy to create visual interest and plays a major role in boosting the focus as well as the emphasis of a sentence or a title.

Moreover, pastel colors perfectly fit into a wide variety of concepts and establish the ideal environment for various websites such as SaaS applications, eCommerce platforms, etc.The Usage of Geometric StructuresThe usage of geometric structures in interfaces is an existing trend that is expected to expedite in 2021.

Micro-interactions prove beneficial as they enhance the usability of a product, promise an improved ROI, and work wonders in retaining customers and making a product popular.

But, it’s clinically proven that self-care is essential for relieving stress/depression/anxiety, staying healthy, minimizing chances of heart-related disorders, managing anger/frustration, enhancing happiness, improving concentration, and being more productive.Well, the good news is technological advancement has gifted us with ingenious ways of indulging in self-care without having to devote much time - self-care apps for health and wellness.

Here we go!The Most Prominent Self-care Apps of 2021HeadspaceThis application provides guided meditation, including breathing tactics and exercises on body awareness.

Headspace offers a wide variety of mindfulness techniques that help users to relieve stress/anxiety, boost concentration levels, etc.

The minimum subscription fee is 13$ monthly or 95$ yearly.PzizzThis self-care app enables users to completely shut their brains off and fall asleep effortlessly.

Based on these findings, it personalizes the sleep experience of users as per their requirement, so that they fall asleep quickly, remain asleep, and wake up transformed.This is a free mobile app available for both Android and iOS versions.SanvelloThis award-winning app caters to those individuals who are suffering from issues like stress, anxiety, and depression.

For best results, audio exercises like calming soundscapes and positive visualizations are employed to calm a person’s mind.

Geolocation technologies that broadcast the location information for location-based apps are Wi-Fi, GPS (Global Positioning System), satellite signals, signal strength indication, cell id tower info, etc.Location-based Apps: Use CasesNavigation AppsApps like Google Maps, Maps.me, and Maze are popular outdoor navigational mapping applications that help travelers to find the best routes and offer step-by-step guidance to reach a location.

Maps.me goes one step ahead as it works offline as well.Amongst the indoor navigational apps; the Purple app assists patients to navigate within the Allina Health Hospital and Sarasota Memorial Hospital while Mapsted helps visitors navigate through huge malls.Food Delivery, On-demand and Retail AppsFood delivery apps like Uber Eats, Zomato, Glovo, and GrubHub employ geolocation technology to facilitate effective navigation for delivery staff and allow real-time order tracking by customers.Uber is one of the shining stars in the on-demand category and has revolutionized the taxi booking experience altogether.

This app automatically tracks the users’ current pickup location and sends the cab driver to the venue accordingly.

Users are also able to track the drivers’ movement before the cab’s arrival as well as during their ride.Retail apps such as IKEA, Target, Walmart utilize this concept to boost the customer experience.

For instance, Gmail users receive a security alert when they try to log into their account from a different country.Parents are able to track their child’s whereabouts in real-time using the FootPrints app.Support Groups and Sponsor Finder, a location-based messaging app, help disabled individuals or the ones with addiction problems to receive timely help during emergencies.Social Networking AppsThe geolocation functionality facilitates social networking apps users to share their current location, mark it on their posts, mark themselves safe/in trouble during unforeseen situations like natural disasters or terrorist attacks, check into places, and many more.Foursquare had coined the idea of checking into a location via smartphone devices, a concept that has been copied by several apps, including Yelp and Facebook.

Some instances of this use case include wearables paired with cycling/running apps; pet care apps that employ tags called Paw Scout, apps for family safety, and using GPS-enabled devices such as LugLoc for keeping a vigil on luggage.Weather AppsThis is a popular category of location-based apps that provide handy information on the weather conditions along with a twenty-four-hour forecast based on the consumers’ current location.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology and its rising implementation in the healthcare domain has proved this technology to be a favorable asset to medical facilities and hospital bodies.

Besides, the healthcare app development services leverage this technology to build advanced solutions that ensure patient and asset tracking, patient safety, enhanced quality of care, and more.There is a lot to talk about how RFID is transforming the healthcare industry and in this post, we will provide insight on how healthcare app developers and healthcare companies can benefit from it.Use Cases of RFID Technology in HealthcareSupply Chain Inventory ManagementRFID systems enable better inventory visibility, utilization, and accuracy in healthcare facilities.

They reduce product expiration, wastage, and shrinkage to some extent.

Also, in some cases, certain RFID solutions like automatic inventory tracking systems decreased the time spent on searching and shipment of products to just 5 minutes, which used to be three hours if done manually.Accuracy of Medication Tray Restocking Using the RFID solutions, the time for daily medication tray restocking could be reduced by 15 minutes/tray.Identification of Patients and History TrackingRFID technology helps in patient identification when an RFID band is tied over the patient’s wrist.

The band carries all the health data of the patients like their name, medical history, reports, allergy details, etc.

In this case, too, RFID asset management systems prove beneficial as they monitor the equipment and inform the concerned personnel of its expiry.RFID helps in completing the UDI requirements.

So, all kinds of healthcare bodies and other medical facilities are investing in digital healthcare apps, management systems, etc.

They already have architected patient engagement applications, appointment scheduling apps, on-demand doctor apps, healthcare management systems, and much more.

Their development team, together with their healthcare experts provide solutions that simplify several processes in hospitals, solve vital issues like scheduling appointments on phones without the need to call, and they also design products like mHealth apps that enhance the quality of patient treatment.

They have fabricated several fully functional and commercially viable medical apps as of now.Appinventiv TechnologiesAppinventiv Technologies is another top firm that offers custom healthcare products and services for diverse healthcare professionals, health-conscious people, patients, and other intermediaries like hospital administration, pharmacists, etc.

It was founded in 2011 and since then, they have brought several innovative ideas to life by crafting unparalleled mHealth apps and similar solutions.

This company helps healthcare organizations, care providers, and other medical businesses to gain operational efficiency and competitive advantage by creating bespoke medical apps and solutions for them.

Such event apps have been advantageous in the following ways:Facilitates team management, communication, and networkingSimplifies supervision of myriad eventsProvides the facility of automated check-ins to attendees via smartphone devicesImproves attendee engagement and commitmentHelps in identifying real-time analyticsEnables businesses to boost revenue generationReduces expenses and saves timeThis post enlists diverse event planning apps that will save the time and efforts of organizers as well as attendees.Event Planning ApplicationsEventbriteUsing this event management software one can not only plan an event but also track and promote it.

It enables planners to follow up on the number of attendees and track ticket sales for an event, to understand the current status of the event’s popularity.

Also, event creators enjoy the flexibility to select the format that best suits their requirements and preferences.Owing to its responsive design the app is a perfect fit for all sorts of devices like mobiles, tablets, desktops, etc.

Moreover, as Google favors pages with a mobile-friendly design, users are able to register for any event irrespective of the time and location.Data can be directly edited quite easily as well as speedily and so, instant modifications like the introduction of a new presenter/speaker, the announcement of a sponsoring move, or alteration of ticket price can be effortlessly executed.The functionality called “promote” enables SEO optimization of the website for online events and provides keyword suggestions to enhance the event’s visibility.BizzaboThis event planning app offers an elegant and comprehensive software package containing a wide variety of event planning tools.

Furthermore, this app focuses on event marketing, thereby making it a perfect pick for fundraisers and concerts.OfferingsNumerous features that facilitate team collaboration and task completionFeatures like event registration, agendas for managing events, and sending marketing emails.Super PlannerIt is a business app for organizing professional events and offers paid services.OfferingsCalculates venue capacity for 15 different seating configurations, the size of the dance floor, etc.Calculates the food and beverage requirements for events as well as the sizes of tables and linens as per the nature of the event and number of attendeesAssumes the seating arrangement based on the screen size and the space between the projector and the screenProvides tips for PowerPoint/keynote design, projection, image magnification, preparing sound/speakers, and many more.MovesThis event planning application helps attendees to identify plans on a particular night.

Public events hosted by local businesses are also visible on the map available for the app users.Offerings:Geo-location and social media integrationEasy options for sharing event information and managing eventsPush notification employing FCM Apple Maps Integration Audio/Video/Photo Apps that Facilitate Event Planning Audio ToolsThis is a paid application that offers a host of tools for acoustic analysis and delivering professional-level audio.OfferingsSetting up and verification of sound systemsTesting the equipment, room reverberation, and the polarity of speakersAssisting in designing sound systemsDecibel UltraThis is a free application that enables event planners to measure the volume for figuring out the magnitude of the noise as compared to reference values or a certain benchmark.

The reasons are:App owners get a better perspective about the purpose of the proposed app and its target audience.It helps in keeping the designer and the app owner on the same wavelength regarding the app design and ensures that the idea is implemented as intended.It helps in identifying and resolving the potential usability problems.It provides a competitive advantage while you pitch your app to potential investors.However, to successfully prototype an app, you must be aware of the right steps.

So, I have penned down the key steps involved in prototyping an application.App Ideation to Prototyping: Key StepsPre-prototyping StagesPrior to prototyping, check whether your app idea is financially promising and technically feasible.Defining the Objective The crucial questions concerning app ideation that should be answered during this stage are:What’s the app’s objective?Does the app fulfill any specific consumer/business requirements?So, the very first step is capturing the app idea and visually representing it on a piece of paper.

Paper prototyping should be kept simple without using any colors, or art and should include only a rough list of the doodles or features of the UI of the envisioned app.

This is a rough visualization of the app idea that will be recreated as well as refined into digital format during the later stages.Mobile Market AnalysisFor validating the effectiveness of your concept, one should conduct a mobile market analysis for understanding the following particulars:The present demand for the proposed applicationThe upsides and downsides of existing apps that target the same set of audienceThis stage determines whether the idea is effective, is capable of competing with similar apps existing in the market and whether the app launch timings are suitable for its success.Creating Relevant testing Personas  The next step is to create relevant types of personas for subsequent testing processes.

User flows (the sequence of actions needed by the end-user for reaching their destination) are created for every major feature of the app.

Thereafter, organize the screens into flows by adding arrows and comments for example – Click the button ‘A’ for opening screen ‘B’.Add error screens: When the end-users fail to achieve their objective, error screens inform them about the occurrence of an error or the failure of an action.Static Prototype: Creation and Testing Now, develop a static prototype based on the outcome of wireframing.

Executing payments via digital wallets/ Mobile payments solutions have become the order of the day owing to the emerging digital technologies and an increasing dependency on smartphones.According to a research report published by the online portal, Mordor Intelligence, “The market value of mobile payment systems was 1449.56 Billion USD in the year 2020.

The mobile wallet market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 24.5% during the next few years and the market value is predicted to reach 5399.6 Billion USD by the year 2026”.Digital wallets have transformed the manner of making payments altogether.

The open-loop payment system involves using a single digital wallet via smartphones for making payments at several locations.

Closed-loop mobile payments, on the other hand, requires prepaying a certain amount of money to one specific merchant or business brand just like using loyalty/gift cards at an apparel store or an eatery.Out of these two mobile payment categories, the closed-loop approach is more preferable by merchants as well as consumers.

Such cards usually bear the logo of the company where it can be used instead of bearing the logo of a primary payment processor such as American Express, MasterCard, Visa, etc.Benefits of Closed-Loop Mobile PaymentsIdentifying Customer Behavior for Creating Effective Marketing CampaignsThis mobile payment processing model helps entrepreneurs to capture big data based on millions of customer transactions and then, analyze this data for gaining deeper insights into the buying habits of consumers.

Once, the businesses get a thorough understanding of their target market and identify the purchasing habits of their customers, they can create customized promotions/offers and deliver the same to customers’ mobile devices.Greater Customer OutreachMobile technology simplifies sending out purchase reminders to customers via notifications.

Such services, however, come with certain limitations as pharmacists encounter several challenges that hinder their smooth functioning.The challenges faced by the pharmacy community are:A highly competitive market as well as high customer expectationsMacroeconomic impactsManaging and distributing medicines and handling expiry dates, drug shortages, etc.Operational challenges: Efficient handling of prescription medicines, insurance coverage, and managing medicine prices.The need for complying with a host of stringent laws and regulationsPatients, too, find the traditional methods of obtaining medication quite hassle-prone.

Moreover, medical organizations following the traditional approach end up spending loads of effort and time in medication prescribing and other related formalities.However, the advent of pharmacy software systems such as e-prescribing software has helped pharmacists to successfully address the aforementioned challenges.

Mostly, pharmacies are integrated into the CPOE (Computer Physician Order Entry) system of a healthcare facility.Pharmacy management system software provides solutions that enable pharmacists to effectively dispense medicines, control as well as manage their stock, and choose the appropriate over-the-counter medication as per the patients’ needs.

Check out its most notable contributions:Streamlines drug inventory management and allow effective inventory trackingOptimizes pharmaceutical product supplyEnsures that prescriptions are correctly matched with suggested medication and dosageAssists in managing pricesAutomates data entry and the processing of customers’ insurance claimsSupports clinical decision makingEnables effective patient care due to its features that allow continual assessment and follow-ups.Helps pharmacists in formulating as well as implementing strategies for scaling up their business and improving patient care.The pharmacy management system consists of various types of software solutions like e-prescribing software, workflow management software, inventory management software, IVR (Interactive Voice Response) systems.

Therefore, it not only eases out pharmacy management but also results in enhanced patient satisfaction.FeaturesFree delivery of medicines as per the prescription on the same day regardless of the time and the patients’ location.Tracking medication as well as refilling of medicinesPrivate interaction with pharmacists via communication functionalities like text messaging.The facility of obtaining and managing medication using smartphonesCo-ordination of patients with their doctors and pharmacistsIntegration with prominent insurance providersCollection of real-time feedbacks for identifying the areas of improvementAdvantagesEnhances Productivity in Medical FacilitiesHealthcare facilities that still follow the traditional prescribing approach have to allocate resources as well as devote a considerable amount of time for clarifying prescriptions and other pharmaceutical issues.

As a result, the medical body has to hire lesser resources and the healthcare staff finds more time to attend other core medical functions.Simplifies Pharmacy ManagementThe e-prescribing software acts like a smart assistant that simplifies pharmacy management.

Today, several healthcare facilities are leveraging the power of technologically advanced Healthcare mobile solutions to address a wide range of challenges that adversely affect their efficiency and customer services.

Hence, it becomes difficult for healthcare providers to pick the right one that will fulfill the requirements of their medical facility and successfully resolve the existing roadblocks.This post provides insights on the advantages and disadvantages of both approaches as well as the effectiveness of each type of software solution in handling the challenges encountered by the providers who adopt healthcare mobile app solutions.Custom Hospital apps vs. off-the-shelf products: A ComparisonOff-the-shelf Medical App SolutionsOff-the-shelf medical app solutions refer to the commercial software products that are designed to meet the general market requirements of the healthcare sector.

Custom Hospital apps: How effectively do they address Healthcare Challenges?Take a look at the healthcare app challenges and learn how effectively each approach addresses this challenge.Challenge # 1: Diverse User Requirements and ObjectivesThe users of hospital app solutions, unlike those of lifestyle apps, have diverse requirements that depend on the medical category an app is meant for.

For instance, a nurse may have to load the most recent lab test results in the system; while a practitioner may have to show these outcomes to patients and even compare these reports to the previous lab results in a graphical format.

As a result, the tailor-made end-product is not only useful and flexible but also easy to comprehend and navigate.Challenge # 2: Ease of ImplementationDespite the availability of adept software developers proficient in various programming techniques and developer-friendly technologies; implementing software solutions into a hospital body/ medical organization is not a cakewalk.

But, medical solutions that are built using the latest and highly advanced engagement/project execution models simplify the rolling out process and minimize or even zero down the chances of any issues.Challenge # 3: App UsabilityMost off-the-shelf software creators build either multi-purpose apps or solutions that cater to only certain medical requirements.

Blockchain technology came into being as support for cryptocurrencies.

Interestingly, this technology has evolved into a game-changing solution that has reshaped the functioning of diverse industrial domains and the fashion industry is no exception.The Blockchain-infused approach was introduced into the fashion industry at the Shanghai Fashion Week, held in 2016.

Let’s explore its role in transforming the fashion industry!Blockchain Technology in a NutshellBlockchain, a P2P (peer-to-peer) decentralized distributed ledger technology, guarantees that the records that are stored within cannot be destroyed or forged.

Each block consists of a unique set of data identifiable by a “HASH” code algorithm.

As this database/ledger is “append-only”, one can only add data but not carry out any modifications of the existing data.

The transaction records stored on a Blockchain enable identifying the owner of a value item and via the ownership, subsequent transactions are transferred, creating a chain of ownerships/authenticity.Fashion Industry Challenges There’s been a rise in the number of forged products and this hampers the brand value of a renowned business.Untimely delivery of products leads to loss of user advocacy and sours relationships with customers.The consumers, manufacturers, retailers as well as suppliers of the modern era demand transparency in their products.Today’s consumers need to be well versed in the history of products for validating their authenticity.The “conscious customers” question a brand on the environmental footprint of garments, textiles, footwear, etc.Blockchain in the Fashion Industry: Implementation and BenefitsCheck out how Blockchain resolves the numerous roadblocks encountered by the Fashion industry!Bringing in Transparency within Supply Chains Currently, most of the supply chains of the fashion industry lack transparency.

According to the market forecast of AIMultiple, an emerging portal that performs transparent and data-driven research on technologies like AI, IoT, RPA, etc., the AI and chatbot industry is booming.

Their reports depict the following estimations:Chatbots save about $0.70 per interactionThe global chatbot market may reach $1.3 Billion by the year 2025Almost 50% of large-scale companies are thinking of investing in the chatbotsIt is evident from these numbers that machine learning and AI-based chatbots are becoming a new craze in the industrial world.The healthcare sector too has leveraged this technology.

So, as these chatbots can handle simple tasks, the healthcare staff and medical professionals can focus on more important tasks.

Owing to this, healthcare app development agencies across the globe have gradually started to architect innovative and smart chatbots.Major Categories of Healthcare Chatbots in the Market Information-Oriented BotsThese bots aim towards answering the queries of the patient by providing apt information and keeping the conversations simple, creative and non-repetitive.Task-Oriented BotsThese bots are meant to guide the health workers in providing virtual health check-ups to the patients and also schedule timely appointments.Open/Close Domain BotsAs the name suggests, these are domain-specific bots that provide detailed data of the diseases, their symptoms, and related health issues to the patients.These were major categories in which the bots are divided.

Based on these, there are diverse bots designed in the market, such as healthcare appointment selector bots, bots for patient treatment feedback, bots for dental clinics, bots providing coupon promotions for therapists, bots providing sex education, fitness assistance bots, health insurance bots, and FAQ chatbots.Practical Benefits of AI Chatbots in the Healthcare SectorAnswering FAQs and Providing Relevant InformationUsually, most of the patients keep asking the same repeated and basic questions to the healthcare facilities on their websites or applications.

This can drastically improve patient satisfaction as well as retention.