The Project

A healthcare non-profit was focused on helping children with behavioral challenges. To start, they were developing a custom Learning Management System (“LMS”). The system was designed to automate their patented certification process. It allowed adults to better understand how to work children with learning and attention disabilities. Overall, this healthcare non-profit needed a healthcare database.

Unfortunately, the developer of the original solution was unable to continue to work on the application. Therefore, the client sought Aciron’s assistance with completing development and expanding the functionality of the system. After viewing a demo of the contractor’s application, Aciron suggested building a new application would be best. However, we knew there are many robust LMS commercial off-the-shelf (“COTS”) solutions in the market. Therefore, before diving into another custom application, we would conduct a thorough Build vs. Buy analysis.

Our Approach

First, Aciron performed an in-depth current state assessment to gain a thorough understanding of the company’s pain points. In addition, we would review the existing application and certification process. We conducted individual interviews with key stakeholders from the organization’s LMS project team, LMS users, and the current development contractor. Thus, allowing us to gain a comprehensive understanding of the client’s current state and needs.

Aciron discussed, however, the LMS requirements with the client’s key stakeholders and evaluated potential LMS solutions. Further, this analysis was based on the discussed criteria. Consequently, after the analysis the team developed a comparison decision matrix. Therefore, enabling the team to continue to facilitate a structured decision-making process.

Meanwhile, the prospective solutions were mapped out against the client’s requirements. In short, these requirements included feature fit, vendor status, and budgetary price estimates. In addition, we helped the client weigh each requirement according to their importance. As a result, Aciron personnel carefully analyzed and interpreted the matrix and rated the prospective solutions.

The Solution

In conclusion, after reviewing the options presented by the Aciron team, the client decided to select a commercial off-the-shelf product. However, the commercial LMS solution met about 80% of the organization’s needs. The client decided the other 20% were deemed not critical. Similarly, this product was a tried-and-true solution already in use by the client’s parent organization. Therefore, the client felt confident that it would be a good choice for them. Furthermore, without the development time that a custom healthcare database would have entailed, the client was able to implement the LMS in a short time frame.

Overall, the client was able to benefit immediately from the increased efficiency and effectiveness of their new LMS. Thus, the software made a big impact on client satisfaction as the organization has grown.

Have an idea for a project? Want to see how your business can grow? It’s time to work with Aciron.