ps-solutions-v2

Built an App or MVP Fast? Here’s How to Know if It’s Actually Ready for Production

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 15:39:47 GMT

A prototype can prove the idea.

That does not mean it is ready for real users.

A lot of teams get surprisingly far with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) , an internal build, or AI-assisted code.

It works in a demo. It shows the vision. People can see where it is going.

Then the stakes change.

Now the product needs to hold up outside a test environment.

It needs to be secure.
It needs to perform consistently.
It needs to handle growth.
It needs to be something your team, your customers, and your investors can trust.

That is where many software projects get stuck.

They are not starting from scratch.

They are just not ready for production yet.

Quick Answers

What does production-ready software actually mean?

Production-ready software is built for real-world use, not just a demo or early test. It should be secure, stable, maintainable, and able to handle real users, real data, and day-to-day business demands.

How can you tell if software is not ready for production?

Common signs include unstable performance, weak security, messy architecture, recurring bugs, and a codebase that becomes harder to work with every time changes are made.

Is AI-generated code safe to launch without a review?

Not always. AI can speed up development, but code that is rushed or lightly reviewed can create hidden security issues, structural weaknesses, and long-term maintenance problems.

When should you bring in an outside software team?

Usually, when the product is close to launch, it has stalled before the finish line, is starting to gain traction, or needs a serious review before customers or investors rely on it.

A Working Product Is Not the Same as a Production-Ready One

This is where a lot of teams run into trouble.

Something can work and still not be ready.

It might look good in a walkthrough. It might handle a limited test group. It might even create enough excitement to get leadership buy-in or outside investment.

But production-ready software has to do more than function. It has to hold up under real use.

That means the code has to be strong enough to support future development.

The system has to be structured in a way that does not create bigger problems later.

The product needs to be reliable enough that launching it does not feel like a gamble.

That is the difference between proving the concept and preparing it for the real world.

What Usually Needs Attention Before Launch

When software gets close to the finish line, the remaining issues are often not obvious from the outside.

The feature may technically work.

The interface may look polished.

But underneath, there may still be risks that make the launch a bad idea.

If your team is seeing some of these issues already, PS Solutions can help you understand what needs attention before launch .

Security

Security is one of the biggest reasons software needs another pass before launch.

Fast builds often leave gaps behind:

Permissions may not be handled cleanly.
Sensitive data may not be protected the right way.
Dependencies may introduce risk.
API endpoints may be more exposed than the team realizes.

None of that shows up in a simple demo.

But it matters as soon as real users and real data are involved.

Architecture

A product can seem fine on the surface and still have structural issues under the hood.

Maybe the codebase grew too quickly.

Maybe business logic ended up scattered everywhere.

Maybe key decisions were made for speed, not long-term stability.

Those choices tend to catch up with teams later.

New features take longer.
Fixes become messier.
Small changes create bigger side effects than they should.

At that point, the software stops feeling flexible and starts feeling fragile.

Scalability

Early success can expose weak spots fast .

A system that works for a handful of users may struggle when usage grows.

That could show up in the database.

It could show up in infrastructure.

It could show up in workflows that were never built for real volume.

Scalability is not only about handling a traffic spike.

It is about making sure growth does not break the product.

Reliability

Production software needs to be dependable.

Not just most of the time.

Every day .

If users are seeing inconsistent behavior, hitting avoidable errors, or getting stuck in key workflows, confidence drops quickly.

That affects internal teams, too.

Once people stop trusting the product, every issue feels bigger than it is.

Maintainability

This is the problem that quietly becomes expensive.

A product may be running, but if the code is difficult to update, difficult to debug, and difficult for other developers to understand, the business pays for it over and over again.

Future work slows down.

Bug fixes take longer.

Simple improvements become bigger projects.

That is usually a sign that the software needs to be cleaned up before the cost of keeping it alive gets worse.

Why AI-Assisted Software Often Needs a Second Look

AI has made it easier to get something built.

That is part of what makes it useful:

It helps teams move faster.
It helps founders test ideas sooner.
It helps internal teams get further than they could have on their own.

But speed can cover up weak spots.

Code that looks fine at a glance may still have security concerns.

A workflow that works in a limited setting may not hold up once usage expands.

A product that got built quickly may have enough underneath it to raise serious questions once the business starts relying on it.

That does not mean AI-built software is the problem.

It means software built fast still needs an experienced review before the stakes get higher.

That is especially true when the product is gaining traction or being shown to investors.

If your software was built quickly and now needs a more experienced review, PS Solutions works with teams that need help turning early builds into production-ready systems .

What a Professional Software Review Should Catch

A real software review should do more than point out messy code.

It should help answer a practical question: What needs to be fixed before this product is safe to launch and support long-term?

That usually includes code quality.

It includes security.
It includes architecture.
It includes performance.

And it includes an honest look at what is likely to break, slow down, or create risk if nothing changes.

The goal is not to overwhelm the team with a long list of technical complaints.

The goal is to identify the real issues, put them in order, and create a path forward.

That is what makes a review valuable. It turns uncertainty into a plan.

When It Makes Sense to Bring in Outside Engineers

A lot of teams wait until something fails.

That is usually later than it needs to be.

Outside engineering support makes sense when the product is close, but no one feels completely confident launching it.

It makes sense when the software was built fast, and now it needs a stronger technical foundation.

It makes sense when leadership wants a clearer picture of what is actually ready and what is not, and it makes sense when the internal team has done a lot of good work but needs help getting the product the rest of the way there.

That kind of support is often less about starting over and more about protecting what has already been built.

What Happens After the Review

Once the biggest issues are identified, the next step is usually straightforward:

Stabilize what is unstable.
Fix what creates risk.
Clean up what will slow future development.
Strengthen the parts of the system that need to support real growth.

Sometimes that means refactoring.

Sometimes it means hardening security.

Sometimes it means tightening the architecture or resolving the issues that have been blocking launch.

The point is not just to say what is wrong. The point is to help the business move forward with a product it can actually stand behind.

If Your Software Is Close, But Not Quite There

There is a big difference between getting something built and getting it truly ready.

If your product is almost there but still feels risky, unstable, or unfinished, that is usually the moment to step back and evaluate what needs to happen before launch.

Catching those issues early is a lot easier than dealing with them after users, customers, or investors have already found them for you.

If you have a prototype, MVP, or AI-assisted build that is close but still raises questions, a professional review can help you understand what needs attention before launch.

That includes security concerns, structural issues, performance risks, and the gaps that often get missed when a product moves fast.

If you want a clearer path forward, reach out to PS Solutions to talk through where things stand.

Getting Started with AI: A Practical Guide for Business Leaders

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 13:10:46 GMT

Getting Started with AI: A Practical

Guide for Business Leaders

By Wayne Hippo

June 30, 2025

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic dream or just a Silicon Valley buzzword. It’s a powerful tool that’s already reshaping how companies operate, from automating repetitive tasks to uncovering insights that drive smarter decisions. And yet, despite all the hype and headlines, many business leaders are still asking the same simple but important question:

Where do we even begin?

At PS Solutions, we hear this concern every week. CEOs, COOs, and IT leaders from companies of all sizes—startups, family-owned firms, even billion-dollar enterprises—are intrigued by AI’s potential but overwhelmed by its complexity. Some fear investing in the wrong platform. Others worry about internal readiness, data quality, or unclear ROI. Many simply don’t know who to trust or how to get started without falling into costly mistakes.

That’s why we created a new white paper designed specifically to address this early-stage uncertainty:
“How Businesses of All Sizes Can Get Started with AI: A Practical Guide to Using Artificial Intelligence in Operations.”

This guide is built for business leaders—not data scientists. It strips away the technical jargon and focuses on what matters:

What AI can actually do for your business today
How to start small and build from early wins
Which pitfalls to avoid
How to assess if your organization is ready

Inside the white paper, you’ll find:

✅Real-world case studies from small, mid-sized, and enterprise organizations that implemented AI with measurable success
✅A 3-stage framework—Discovery, Pilot, and Scale—that walks you step-by-step from idea to execution
✅A self-assessment checklist to evaluate your internal readiness and pick the right starting point
✅Common mistakes businesses make when first deploying AI—and how to avoid them
✅A clear explanation of how PS Solutions helps businesses like yours integrate AI with transparency and impact

Whether you’re looking to automate customer emails, speed up document review, improve forecasting accuracy, or just get a handle on your data, this guide will help you move from confusion to clarity.

You don’t need a huge team or massive budget to get started with AI. You just need the right plan—and the right partner.

Book a Free Discovery Call
No pitch. No pressure. Just a conversation about what might be possible.
AI isn’t the threat. Standing still is. Let’s make sure your business keeps moving forward.

The Real Risk Isn't AI — It's Standing Still While Your Competitors Move Forward

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 13:06:09 GMT

The Real Risk Isn't AI — It's Standing

Still While Your Competitors Move

Forward

By Wayne Hippo

June 17, 2025

A lot of small business owners I talk to feel unsure about artificial intelligence. Some feel overwhelmed by it. Some are afraid it’s too expensive. Others say, “We’re not a tech company — this doesn’t apply to us.”

But here’s what I tell them:

AI isn’t going to destroy your business.
But your competitors who use it?
They might take your customers.

That’s not fearmongering. It’s just the reality of how fast things are changing.

The New Reality for Small Business

Customers expect quicker responses. More personalized experiences. Less friction at every step.
And the businesses using AI — often in small, behind-the-scenes ways — are meeting those expectations better, faster, and more affordably.
We’re not talking about giant tech stacks or replacing people. We’re talking about practical tools that help a team of five feel like a team of fifteen.

Things like:

· A chatbot that answers questions on your website while you’re off the clock.
A system that reads and files invoices — without anyone touching a keyboard.
A smart scheduler that handles appointment bookings and reminders automatically.
A content assistant that helps your team generate emails, social posts, and blogs in minutes.

And yes — we help small and mid-sized businesses put these tools in place every day.

You Don’t Need to Be a Tech Company to Use AI

You just need to:

Have repetitive tasks you’d love to stop doing.
Want to serve your customers better and faster.
Be willing to explore where a small change can make a big difference.

Sound familiar?
Then you’re ready.

AI isn’t a replacement for what your business does best. It’s a way to protect your time, improve your service, and stay ahead of the curve.

The Real Cost of Avoiding AI

Waiting might feel safe. But the longer you wait, the further ahead your competitors get — and the harder it becomes to catch up.

I’ve seen companies lose deals because they couldn’t respond fast enough. I’ve seen team members burn out doing work that AI could handle in seconds. I’ve seen small businesses spend more money managing paperwork than selling their services.

That’s the real risk.

What If You Just Started With One Win?

If you’ve been holding back because AI feels too big or too technical, here’s my suggestion:

Pick one thing. One area in your business that frustrates you or slows you down.

Chances are, we can show you how to fix it with AI — quickly, affordably, and without overhauling everything you’re doing.

Want to See What’s Possible?

Want to See What’s Possible?

We’ve created a simple one-pager that outlines 6 of the most effective, easy-to-implement AI services we offer at PS Solutions. These are the same tools that are helping other small businesses save time, cut costs, and improve how they operate.

Book a Free Discovery Call
No pitch. No pressure. Just a conversation about what might be possible.
AI isn’t the threat. Standing still is. Let’s make sure your business keeps moving forward.

5 Practical AI Solutions for Small Businesses (Powered by PS Solutions)

Thu, 08 May 2025 13:01:36 GMT

5 Practical AI Solutions for Small

Businesses (Powered by PS

Solutions)

By Wayne Hippo

May 8,2025

Artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t just for big tech companies anymore. In 2025, small businesses across industries are embracing AI to solve everyday problems, streamline operations, and grow revenue — without needing in-house data scientists.

This is paragraph text. Click it or hit the Manage Text button to change the font, color, size, format, and more. To set up site-wide paragraph and title styles, go to Site Theme.

Ready to Put AI to Work for Your Business?

PS Solutions is here to make AI easy, affordable, and effective for your business. Whether you need chatbots, document automation, predictive analytics, or smarter scheduling, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s Talk

Building an MVP: The Key to Successful Custom Software Development

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 13:33:46 GMT

Building an MVP: The Key to

Successful Custom Software

Development

By Moriah DeJacimo

January 6, 2025

Developing custom software involves significant investment, both in time and resources. However, businesses that prioritize a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) approach find faster success and a greater return on investment. MVP development has surged in adoption, especially for startups, as studies show that launching an MVP reduces development costs by up to 60% while accelerating time-to-market by 30%.

For business owners and startups navigating the complexities of software development, creating an MVP isn’t just a shortcut – it’s a strategy for success. This guide explains the fundamentals of MVPs, their benefits, and actionable steps to start building one today.

Understanding Minimum Viable Product (MVP)

What is an MVP?

An MVP, or Minimum Viable Product, represents the simplest version of a custom software solution that solves a core problem. It includes only the most essential features needed to fulfill its primary function while leaving space for user feedback and iteration.

This concept emerged in the lean startup methodology, emphasizing delivering value without excessive costs or unnecessary delays. Rather than attempting to build a feature-packed final product from the outset, companies use MVPs to validate core ideas in the real world.

Why Businesses Rely on MVPs

MVPs have become a standard practice in custom software development. Their focus on quick deployment and incremental improvement minimizes financial risks while maximizing market responsiveness. Businesses that adopt this approach maintain an edge in competitive, fast-changing industries.

Importance of MVP in Reducing Development Costs and Time to Market

Faster Time-to-Market Drives Impactful Results

The race to capture early adopters has never been more crucial. Releasing a product promptly ensures customer needs are met while trends are still relevant. MVPs allow business owners to achieve this by focusing solely on the highest-priority features. Early feedback from a live market provides insights for improvement, helping businesses gain a competitive edge.

For instance, Dropbox launched with video explaining its core functionality. This minimal approach helped secure user interest and achieve rapid scalability without wasting resources on unnecessary features.

Reduced Costs Through Efficient Development

Developing secondary features accounts for over 40% of initial software costs. MVPs eliminate this burden by concentrating only on the core functionalities that ensure product viability. This reduces resource allocation toward unnecessary development, saving time and costs.

Additionally, when businesses partner with tech professionals, such as IT professionals or technology consultant services, they structure an MVP with precision and ensure a cost-effective outcome.

Minimized Risk with Data-Driven Iteration

Launching a feature-overloaded product in the market without real user feedback often results in misalignments between user needs and product functionality. MVP development preempts this risk. It allows businesses to test real-world responses before additional investments are made.

Tech professionals help monitor metrics such as engagement rates, error reports, and customer satisfaction levels during the MVP testing phase. The information collected ensures each iteration fulfills customer expectations while safeguarding resources.

Practical Steps to Build and Test Your MVP

Define the Core Problem You Plan to Solve

Successful MVPs start with a well-defined problem that requires resolution in the target market. Use surveys, focus groups, and competitor analysis to identify an issue most pressing to your user base. A refined understanding of the target problem allows you to outline critical product goals.

Partner With Tech Professionals for Expertise

Developing an MVP involves navigating complex decisions regarding architecture, scalability, and user experience. Collaborating with experienced technology consultant services provides a foundation of expertise to make informed development choices. These services allow startups to work with IT professionals who possess deep industry knowledge and proven strategies for rapid product deployment.

Technology consultant services help businesses refine concepts while offering scalable solutions tailored to project needs. This partnership also reduces risks and enhances efficiency.

Prioritize Features That Deliver Value

Developing a product involves tough choices about what stays and what gets left out. List every potential feature (no matter how complex) and then rank them based on their influence on the core problem. The highest-priority features become the foundation of the MVP, while lower-priority additions follow in later iterations.

Build a Prototype

Once high-priority features are established, designing prototypes becomes the next critical step. A prototype provides a visual reference point for software functionality. Tech professionals play a significant role in creating visually appealing and user-centric designs while ensuring scalability.

Test Your MVP With Early Adopters

Testing forms the foundation of every improvement iteration. Deploy MVPs to a controlled sample audience reflective of your larger target market. These early adopters provide detailed feedback on improvements in user experience, functionality, or performance. Use surveys and usability tests to gather qualitative insights.

Iterate Based on Real-World Feedback

Use market reactions and detailed usage reports gathered during the testing phase to improve the product. Avoid adding every suggested feature from testers; instead, focus solely on refinements that enhance the MVP’s ability to solve its defined problem. This targeted approach preserves its simplicity and effectiveness.

Collaborate With Technology Consultant Experts

Custom software development involves balancing risk, creativity, and efficiency. Business owners and startups who build MVPs with the right strategies secure substantial advantages. Technology consultant services play an essential role in guiding you through this process. They connect businesses with top IT professionals experienced in MVP design, testing, and iteration.

Unleash the Potential of Your Custom Software

Building an MVP allows businesses to deliver value faster, adapt smarter, and scale effectively. This approach enables companies to cater to dynamic markets without wasting resources on features users don’t need. Start designing your MVP today by collaborating with tech professionals who will transform your concept into a working prototype.

Contact us today if you’re ready to turn ideas into powerful software solutions. Our expert technology consultant services connect you with skilled IT professionals, guiding you through each stage of development to ensure a successful launch.

About PS Solutions

PS Solutions is a premier technology services provider dedicated to helping businesses leverage innovative IT solutions to drive growth and efficiency. With a team of highly skilled professionals, PS Solutions offers a comprehensive range of services, including custom software development, IT consulting, and digital transformation. Our mission is to empower organizations by delivering tailored technology solutions that meet their unique needs and challenges. At PS Solutions, we pride ourselves on our commitment to quality, customer satisfaction, and our ability to help clients stay ahead in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Discover how PS Solutions can transform your business today by visiting PSSolutions.net .

Why User Experience (UX) Matters: Designing Intuitive Software Solutions

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 13:26:11 GMT

Why User Experience (UX) Matters:

Designing Intuitive Software

Solutions

By Moriah DeJacimo

November 19, 2024

Unveiling the Power of User Experience in Software Development

Over 88% of online consumers report that they are less likely to return to a website after a bad experience. This statistic not only highlights the critical nature of UX but also emphasizes its direct impact on business success. Business owners must recognize the importance of UX in developing intuitive software solutions to drive customer satisfaction and loyalty.

People constantly seek methods to enhance productivity and efficiency. Incorporating excellent UX into their software solutions emerges as a logical step towards achieving this. This blog post explores the significance of UX, offering insights into designing software solutions that elevate user satisfaction while enhancing business operations.

Defining User Experience

User experience encompasses every aspect of a user’s interaction with a company, its services, and its products. It involves understanding the needs, behaviors, and emotions of users to create meaningful and relevant experiences. Key components of UX include usability, accessibility, and aesthetics, which together form the foundation of effective software solutions. In contrast, UI design focuses specifically on the look and feel of a product. While UX ensures the product meets the user’s needs seamlessly, UI enhances the visual appeal. Both elements work in tandem, yet UX remains the overarching strategy that guides the creation of intuitive software.

The Significance of UX in Software Development

In the competitive software landscape, UX determines the success or failure of a product. Consider the case of Blockbuster, which faltered due to its inability to adapt its user experience to the changing digital environment. On the flip side, companies like Netflix flourished by prioritizing and refining their UX. They tapped into user-centric design, ensuring ease of use and engaging content delivery. These examples underscore the pivotal role UX plays in crafting software solutions that resonate with users and drive business growth.

Understanding Your Users

Empathy for users initiates the process of effective UX design. Conducting thorough user research unveils insights into user preferences and pain points. Surveys, interviews, and observational studies gather valuable data that informs design decisions. Creating user personas and user journey maps further refines this understanding. Personas represent archetypical users, allowing designers and tech professionals to focus on specific needs and behaviors. Journey maps illustrate the user’s interaction flow, identifying improvement opportunities. By integrating these research methodologies, UX engineers develop software that truly resonates with end-users.

Principles of Good UX Design

Successful UX design adheres to core principles that ensure intuitive and engaging software. Simplicity reduces complexity, making interactions straightforward and accessible. Consistency maintains a uniform design language, enhancing familiarity and ease of use. Feedback provides users with clear responses to their actions, fostering confidence and control. Applying these principles in software design elevates the user experience, creating a seamless interaction that tech professionals strive to achieve.

Business Case for Investing in UX

Investing in UX yields substantial returns for businesses. Data reveals that every dollar invested in UX returns $100, illustrating a significant ROI. Well-executed UX reduces support costs by minimizing user errors and inquiries. It also boosts customer retention as satisfied users are more likely to return and engage with the product. By prioritizing UX design, businesses not only enhance user satisfaction but also strengthen their bottom line, establishing a competitive edge in the market.

Best Practices for Designing Intuitive Software

Creating intuitive software involves strategic practices that guide users effortlessly through the interface. Clear navigation ensures users find information quickly and efficiently. Prototyping allows designers to visualize and test ideas before full-scale development, identifying potential issues early on. Usability testing provides real-world feedback, enabling refinements that enhance user experience. By adhering to these best practices, UX engineers craft software solutions that captivate and engage users.

Incorporating UX into Agile Development

The integration of UX in Agile development fosters collaboration between designers, developers, and stakeholders. Regular communication and feedback loops facilitate the iterative design process, adapting to evolving user needs. Designers work alongside tech professionals, ensuring that UX remains a priority from inception to deployment. This synergy results in software solutions that align with user expectations and business goals, creating a harmonious development environment.

Future Trends in UX

Emerging technologies continue to reshape the UX landscape, presenting new opportunities and challenges. Artificial intelligence and machine learning enhance personalization, tailoring experiences to individual users. Voice interfaces provide hands-free interactions, expanding accessibility. Augmented reality enriches user engagement by blending digital and physical realms. Staying abreast of these trends allows businesses to remain at the forefront of UX innovation, delivering cutting-edge software solutions that captivate users and drive success.

The significance of user experience in software development cannot be overstated. A well-designed UX fosters customer satisfaction, streamlines interactions, and propels business growth. By understanding and implementing effective UX strategies, businesses create intuitive software solutions that resonate with users and establish a competitive advantage. To explore how your organization can leverage UX for success, contact us for technology consultant services . Our team of expert UX engineers and tech professionals is dedicated to guiding businesses in crafting exceptional software solutions that meet the evolving needs of users.

About PS Solutions

The Power of Agile Methodology in Software Development

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 13:20:18 GMT

The Power of Agile Methodology in

Software Development

By Moriah DeJacimo

November 5, 2024

Software development faces constant change, and agile experts understand the importance of adaptability. Executives often confront the challenge of maintaining pace with digital transformation. According to a 2023 report by McKinsey , 87% of enterprises cite digital disruption as a core concern. This statistic underscores the urgency for businesses to adapt. Agile methodology represents a solution to this challenge. It offers a framework that enhances flexibility, boosts efficiency, and fosters innovation in software development projects. This post explores the power of Agile methodology, showcasing its relevance and effectiveness. Readers gain insights into Agile benefits, real-world success stories, implementation steps, overcoming challenges, and continuous improvement strategies.

What is Agile Methodology?

Agile methodology promotes iterative development, encouraging teams to deliver software incrementally. This approach contrasts sharply with traditional models, which often lock teams into rigid plans. The Agile Manifesto, introduced in 2001, emphasizes individuals and interactions, working software, customer collaboration, and responding to change. These principles resonate well with managers who seek adaptability in software projects. Agile stresses collaboration, both among team members and with stakeholders. This ensures that everyone aligns with project goals and objectives.

A crucial element of Agile involves regular feedback loops. Scrum masters and agile experts facilitate sprint reviews and retrospectives, enabling teams to learn and improve continuously. This iterative process supports the timely delivery of projects and effectively meets business needs. Additionally, Agile empowers teams to make quick adjustments. Agile does not just introduce flexibility; it embeds it into a company’s culture. This adaptability proves invaluable in fast-paced industries where requirements frequently shift.

Benefits of Agile Development Methodology

Enhanced Communication

The benefits of Agile methodology create a compelling case for its adoption in enterprises. One key advantage lies in enhanced communication. Agile promotes open dialogue, ensuring that everyone stays informed. This transparency reduces misunderstandings, helping teams focus on delivering value.

Shortened Product Cycles

Agile also shortens product cycles. By breaking down projects into manageable sprints, teams accelerate delivery times. This approach allows businesses to respond swiftly to market demands, maintaining a competitive edge.

Improved Risk Management

Agile improves risk management. With its focus on incremental progress, teams identify potential issues early in the development process. This proactive approach minimizes disruptions and keeps projects on track.

Encouraged Employee Engagement

Furthermore, Agile encourages employee engagement. Team members become more motivated when they feel their contributions matter. By fostering a collaborative environment, Agile supports creativity and innovation within enterprises. This dynamic culture attracts tech professionals eager to work in agile settings.

Continuous Improvement

Agile practices also emphasize continuous improvement. Regular retrospectives allow teams to reflect on their processes, identify areas for enhancement, and implement changes. This dedication to ongoing development ensures that teams are constantly improving and adapting to new challenges.

Flexibility and Adaptability

Agile provides flexibility and adaptability, which are crucial in the rapidly changing tech landscape. Teams pivot quickly in response to new information or market shifts, ensuring that products stay relevant and meet user needs.

Implementing Agile in Enterprise Software Development

Gaining Executive Buy-In

Initiating Agile within an enterprise requires a strategic approach. The first step involves gaining executive buy-in. Managers must understand Agile’s value proposition and align it with business objectives.

Forming Agile Teams

Once executives commit, organizations begin forming Agile teams. These teams should consist of cross-functional members, including scrum masters, developers, and product owners. Their diverse skills ensure comprehensive coverage of project requirements.

Establishing Goals and Priorities

Next, companies must establish clear goals and priorities. Agile thrives on well-defined objectives, guiding teams toward successful outcomes.

Investing in Training Programs

Organizations should also invest in training programs, equipping employees with Agile knowledge and skills. Support from technology consultant services expedites this process, providing expert guidance during the transition.

Emphasizing Cultural Changes

Implementing Agile calls for cultural change, emphasizing collaboration and openness. Companies that foster these values build strong foundations for Agile success.

Overcoming Challenges in Adopting Agile

Resistance to Change

Adopting Agile methodology often presents challenges. Resistance to change ranks among the most common obstacles. Employees accustomed to traditional processes hesitate to adopt new approaches. Addressing these concerns requires transparent communication. Leaders should articulate the benefits of Agile, demonstrating its positive impact on the organization.

Aligning Agile with Existing Structures

Another challenge involves aligning Agile with existing structures. Enterprises need to adjust their processes, ensuring compatibility with Agile practices.

Resource Allocation

Resource allocation also poses difficulties. Agile demands dedicated teams, which strains existing resources. To address this, companies prioritize projects, allocating resources efficiently. Additionally, businesses should monitor progress, identifying potential bottlenecks early.

Support from Agile Experts

Support from agile experts, therefore, helps mitigate these challenges. Their experience and insights enable organizations to navigate complex situations. With the right strategies, companies overcome hurdles and, finally, realize Agile’s full potential.

Agile methodology represents a powerful tool for executives seeking to enhance software development processes. With its emphasis on flexibility, collaboration, and continuous improvement, Agile drives both innovation and efficiency. By adopting Agile, enterprises position themselves for success in an increasingly dynamic market. Furthermore, for organizations ready to take the next step, technology consultant services offer invaluable support. These professionals guide businesses through the Agile transformation, ensuring seamless integration and sustained growth.

If your organization seeks agile experts, scrum masters, or tech professionals, consider partnering with technology consultants. We provide tailored solutions, connecting enterprises with the right talent to drive Agile success. Contact us to explore the benefits of Agile methodology today and unlock your company’s potential.

About PS Solutions

Why Onshore Software Development is the Key to Quality and Collaboration

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 13:14:40 GMT

Why Onshore Software

Development is the Key to Quality

and Collaboration

By Moriah DeJacimo

October 22, 2024

Today, software development stands as a pillar of innovation and growth for businesses across the globe. The right software solutions elevate processes, enhance customer engagement, and drive profitability. However, the decision about where and how to develop software significantly impacts these outcomes. Research from McKinsey highlights that B2B companies using data and digital technologies effectively see significant improvements in revenue growth, with some outperformers generating 1.3 times more revenue growth than their peers by focusing on advanced digital solutions.

Enter onshore software development—a model that offers distinct advantages amidst the bustling options of offshore and nearshore solutions. Onshore development emphasizes proximity, both geographically and culturally, offering benefits that resonate with those eager to ensure quality and seamless collaboration.

Defining Onshore Software Development

Onshore software development refers to the practice of hiring development teams within the same country, ensuring not only geographical proximity but also cultural and regulatory alignment. Unlike offshore software development models that engage developers in distant countries, onshore keeps everything within national borders, promoting deeper engagement and understanding of local market nuances.

Comparing onshore with other models reveals stark differences. Offshore software development involves recruiting teams from countries far away, often leading to communication barriers due to time zone discrepancies. Nearshore software development, while closer, still introduces cultural differences. Onshore software development, however, eliminates such barriers, fostering a more cohesive and effective development process.

Advantages of Onshore Software Development

Focus on Quality and Security

Onshore software development prioritizes quality at every stage. Developers familiar with local standards and regulations create products that align with national compliance requirements, thereby reducing legal risks. Proximity ensures that quality assurance processes benefit from real-time feedback and iterations, leading to robust final products. Tech professionals working onshore remain attuned to cutting-edge industry trends, ensuring your software solutions remain competitive .

Enhanced Collaboration and Communication

Collaboration thrives when teams operate in the same time zone and cultural context. Onshore software development teams engage more effectively, with face-to-face meetings and real-time discussions enhancing understanding. These interactions reduce misunderstandings and foster a sense of unity among team members, leading to higher productivity. Tech consulting firms specializing in onshore software development solutions emphasize these benefits, resulting in smooth project flow and reduced bottlenecks.

Reduced Risks and Time Zone Differences

By choosing onshore software development, businesses sidestep the inherent challenges of navigating multiple time zones. This alignment ensures that development progresses without delays, as feedback cycles occur promptly. Additionally, onshore software development minimizes risks associated with data security, as tech professionals adhere to stringent national security standards. This advantage reassures businesses, especially those handling sensitive data.

Impact on Project Management and Delivery

Project management gains an edge with onshore development. The proximity of teams facilitates more frequent check-ins, keeping projects on track and aligned with goals. Tech consulting firms that specialize in onshore software development solutions deploy experienced managers who oversee every aspect, ensuring that deliverables meet expectations. This approach leads to timely delivery, delighting stakeholders and end-users alike.

Challenges and How to Overcome Them

While onshore software development offers numerous advantages, challenges do exist. Costs appear higher compared to offshore solutions, and finding the right talent is sometimes daunting. Yet, strategies exist to overcome these hurdles. One consideration when evaluating the costs of onshore software development versus offshore software development and nearshore is the cost of redo work. With offshore, because of communication and time lags, the initial estimated cost of a project appears less expensive, but redo work tends to bring the costs in alignment with standard pricing.

Additionally, businesses leverage tech consulting firms that excel in sourcing top-tier local talent. These firms possess networks that connect organizations with skilled tech professionals ready to take on complex projects. Secondly, with careful planning and budgeting, the initial investment in onshore development yields substantial returns in quality and efficiency. Aligning with a tech consulting firm that understands your unique needs ensures a smoother process.

When to Choose Onshore Software Development

Choosing the right development model depends on your business objectives and constraints. Onshore software development suits projects requiring high-quality output, stringent compliance, and real-time collaboration. Consider onshore when dealing with complex projects, tight timelines, or when regulatory adherence is paramount.

Budget considerations also play a role. While onshore solutions might seem costlier initially, the long-term benefits of quality and timely delivery often justify the investment. For businesses seeking to harness tech professionals who understand local market dynamics and consumer behavior, onshore development emerges as the optimal choice.

Conclusion

Onshore software development offers a compelling case for businesses striving for excellence in their software solutions. Its emphasis on quality, collaboration, and reduced risks aligns seamlessly with the goals of business owners and executives. By choosing onshore development, organizations unlock the potential to build innovative solutions that resonate with local markets and compliance standards.

In conclusion, businesses aiming for success should seriously consider onshore software development. The advantages, from enhanced communication to superior quality, provide a strong foundation for achieving your strategic objectives. Reach out to our team of tech staffing experts today —our network of top-tier tech professionals stands ready to elevate your software projects to new heights.

About PS Solutions

Top 7 Challenges Businesses Face During Salesforce Implementation

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 13:08:05 GMT

Top 7 Challenges Businesses Face

During Salesforce Implementation

By Moriah DeJacimo

September 24, 2024

Salesforce is not just a tool; it’s a revolution in how businesses operate. With over 150,000 companies globally leveraging Salesforce, its significance in business operations is not overstated. Yet, while it promises transformative potential, implementing Salesforce comes with its hurdles. Addressing these challenges is vital for optimizing performance and ensuring a seamless transition. This guide dives into seven major challenges businesses encounter during Salesforce implementation and offers solutions to overcome them.

Understanding the Salesforce Revolution

Salesforce stands as a beacon of innovation in the world of customer relationship management (CRM). Not only does it offer robust features, but it also provides businesses with a comprehensive view of their customers, along with tools for sales, service, and marketing automation. But with great power comes the need for precise execution.

Implementation involves more than just activating features. It requires strategic planning, understanding, and, most importantly, overcoming certain challenges. For businesses, especially those new to CRM, recognizing and addressing these challenges in advance ensures a smoother implementation process.

The growing reliance on Salesforce underscores its role in business transformation. However, achieving desired outcomes depends significantly on how companies handle the hurdles of deployment. By acknowledging potential pitfalls, businesses better position themselves to harness the full power of Salesforce.

Identifying the Challenges

While Salesforce offers unparalleled capabilities, businesses often face similar hurdles during its implementation. Recognizing these challenges is the first step toward overcoming them.

1. Adoption Resistance

Salesforce brings a new way of doing things, and change doesn’t always sit well with everyone. Employees might resist adopting a new system due to fear of the unknown or apprehension about increased workloads. This resistance slows down the entire implementation process, reducing its effectiveness.

Understanding why resistance occurs helps address it head-on. Employees often fear changes in routine or potential job redundancies. By identifying and addressing these fears early, businesses facilitate smoother transitions. Furthermore, encouraging employee involvement in the implementation phase boosts engagement and reduces pushback.

Promoting a culture of acceptance starts with leadership. When managers and leaders actively champion Salesforce adoption, it inspires confidence throughout the organization. Clear communication, frequent updates, and showcasing success stories turn hesitant employees into enthusiastic adopters. Spend extra effort on user adoption to overcome this challenge.

2. Data Quality and Migration

Data stands at the heart of Salesforce’s power. However, migrating data from existing systems to Salesforce often presents challenges. Inconsistent data formats, duplicates, and incomplete records lead to significant headaches during migration.

Ensuring data consistency and integrity should be a priority. Businesses need a clear strategy for cleansing, verifying, and migrating data. This involves standardizing data formats, rectifying errors, and deduplicating records before migration begins.

After migration, continuous data quality checks ensure ongoing accuracy. Regular audits, validation rules, and monitoring tools help maintain data integrity. When businesses emphasize data quality, they unlock the full potential of Salesforce and its analytical capabilities. Just remember the old adage, good data in, good results out. Data quality is a top-tier concern and that needs effort put behind it.

3. Customization Overload

Salesforce offers incredible customization options, allowing businesses to tailor the system to their unique needs. However, too much customization overwhelms both the system and its users, leading to reduced efficiency and increased complexity.

While customization allows personalization, overdoing it creates clutter. It’s crucial to differentiate between essential customizations and those that merely add complexity. Prioritizing core functionalities over extensive custom features ensures users remain focused on their primary tasks.

A phased approach to customization often proves most effective. Starting with essential features and gradually introducing additional customizations allows users to adapt and provides the flexibility to tweak as needed. By striking a balance, businesses harness Salesforce’s power without overwhelming their operations. Always start with a clear road map to ensure you are creating customizations that provide value.

4. Integrations and API Limitations

For Salesforce to function seamlessly, it needs to integrate with other business systems. However, integration challenges, especially with legacy systems, hinders data flow and operational efficiency.

Identifying integration needs early simplifies the process. Knowing which systems need integration and understanding their data flow lays the groundwork for successful implementation. Proper planning, coupled with robust API solutions, ensures smooth transitions between systems.

Despite Salesforce’s flexible integration capabilities, some businesses encounter API limitations. Collaborating with experienced Salesforce implementation partners or investing in third-party tools bridge these gaps, ensuring efficient data synchronization across platforms.

5. Training and Support

The success of Salesforce hinges on how well users understand and leverage its features. Without adequate training, employees struggle to fully utilize the platform, reducing its potential benefits.

Customized training programs tailored to specific business needs prove invaluable. These programs focus on the functionalities most relevant to the organization, enhancing user competency and confidence. Providing continuous support ensures employees have resources available when challenges arise.

Engaging Salesforce administrators or collaborating with Salesforce implementation services provides additional support. These experts offer guidance, troubleshoot issues, and keep teams updated on new features, ensuring businesses make the most out of their investments. Do the hard work of ensuring that everyone is trained and able to take advantage of the system.

6. Scalability Concerns

Businesses grow, and so do their needs. While Salesforce is designed for scalability, improper planning during the initial implementation phase leads to challenges as businesses expand.

Anticipating growth and scalability during the initial setup ensures Salesforce evolves alongside the business. Planning for additional features, users, and data needs minimizes disruptions during scaling phases.

Working with Salesforce implementation partners helps in designing scalable solutions. Their experience and expertise ensure the system remains flexible, accommodating growth without compromising performance.

7. Security and Compliance

In an era where data breaches make headlines, ensuring data security and compliance becomes paramount. Salesforce offers robust security features, but businesses need to implement them effectively.

Establishing a strong security framework involves defining roles, permissions, and access controls. Regular audits and monitoring safeguard data integrity and protect sensitive information. Compliance with industry standards and regulations further reinforces trust and credibility.

Proactively addressing security concerns not only protects data but also builds trust within the organization and its clients. By prioritizing security, businesses safeguard their operations, ensuring long-term success.

Solutions and Best Practices

Overcoming these challenges requires meticulous planning and strategic execution. To begin with, implementing best practices paves the way for a successful Salesforce rollout.

Firstly, comprehensive planning forms the foundation. Defining objectives, understanding business needs, and aligning Salesforce functionalities with these needs ensures clarity and direction. Moreover, clear communication across departments and stakeholders fosters collaboration and minimizes misunderstandings.

In addition, resource allocation plays a pivotal role in overcoming challenges. Designating specific teams or individuals to oversee different aspects of the implementation process ensures accountability and streamlines operations. Consequently, these teams work together to identify potential pitfalls and address them proactively.

Finally, continuous evaluation and feedback loops enhance implementation strategies. Regularly reviewing processes, gathering feedback from users, as well as making necessary adjustments ensure Salesforce remains aligned with business objectives and user needs.

Implementing Salesforce presents challenges, but with the right approach, businesses transform these hurdles into stepping stones. By recognizing challenges early and employing strategic solutions, companies harness Salesforce’s full potential, driving growth and efficiency.

For businesses facing significant roadblocks, partnering with professionals offers invaluable insights and expertise. Salesforce implementation services and partners provide tailored solutions, ensuring successful rollouts as well as ongoing support.

Contact us and discover how our staffing firm connects you with the right talent to drive your Salesforce initiatives forward.

About PS Solutions

PS Solutions is a premier technology services provider dedicated to helping businesses leverage innovative IT solutions to drive growth and efficiency. With a team of highly skilled professionals, PS Solutions offers a comprehensive range of services, including custom software development, IT consulting, and digital transformation. Our mission is to empower organizations by delivering tailored technology solutions that meet their unique needs and challenges. At PS Solutions, we pride ourselves on our commitment to quality, customer satisfaction, and our ability to help clients stay ahead in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Discover how PS Solutions transforms your business today by visiting PSSolutions.net .

The Benefits of Customized ERP Solutions for Small and Medium- Sized Enterprises

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 12:59:26 GMT

The Benefits of Customized ERP

Solutions for Small and Medium-

Sized Enterprises

By Moriah DeJacimo

September 18, 2024

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often grapple with a multitude of challenges as they strive to compete in this business environment. From managing operations efficiently to keeping track of finances and ensuring customer satisfaction, the tasks are numerous and complex. According to Forbes , 38% of small businesses fail due to exhausting their cash reserves or the inability to secure additional capital. This demonstrates the significant financial difficulties that SMEs encounter, which can be lessened by custom ERP solutions. These tailored systems enhance operational effectiveness and financial management by addressing the specific needs of each business, allowing SMEs to optimize resources and improve decision-making.

Understanding the nuances of ERP solutions becomes essential as SMEs look to gain an edge in managing their businesses. These tools are not just for large corporations; SMEs benefit from them too. By integrating various business functions into a singular system, ERP solutions help eliminate silos and foster better collaboration. However, the real magic happens when these solutions get tailored to meet the distinctive needs of smaller enterprises, making customized ERP solutions a game-changer for SMEs.

Understanding the Basics of ERP Systems

Integration and Efficiency

ERP systems consolidate multiple business processes into one integrated system. This setup helps businesses manage everything from finance and supply chain to human resources and customer relationships.

Benefits for SMEs

For SMEs, adopting an ERP system means streamlining operations, reducing manual errors, and improving decision-making capabilities. An ERP system provides real-time data access across the organization, which promotes transparency and informed decision-making.

Data Management and Communication

By having a unified data repository, SMEs minimize the time spent on data entry and reduce the risk of errors. Furthermore, ERP systems facilitate better communication between departments, allowing for seamless workflow and eliminating productivity bottlenecks.

Scalability and Flexibility

Another benefit of ERP systems lies in their scalability and flexibility. SMEs start with core functionalities and expand as their business grows, adding features that cater to emerging needs. This adaptability ensures that an ERP system remains a valuable asset throughout an SME’s growth trajectory, helping them stay competitive in an evolving market landscape.

The Customization Advantage in ERP Solutions

Unique Requirements of SMEs

Not all businesses operate the same way, and SMEs often have unique requirements that demand tailored solutions. Customized ERP solutions address these specific needs by offering features and modules that align with an SME’s particular processes. Moreover, customization offers an ERP experience that fits like a glove, enhancing efficiency and supporting business objectives.

Prioritizing Critical Processes

Custom ERP solutions provide SMEs with the ability to prioritize and streamline their most critical processes. For example, a retail SME might benefit from customized inventory management modules, while a tech firm might focus on project management features. By emphasizing the areas that matter most, SMEs maximize productivity and resource allocation, ultimately boosting their bottom line.

Integration with Existing Systems

Furthermore, customized ERP solutions facilitate better integration with existing systems and tools. This compatibility ensures a seamless transition and reduces the learning curve for employees. By aligning the ERP system with an SME’s existing infrastructure, tech staffing firms are vital in helping businesses achieve optimal performance and return on investment.

Elevating Business Performance through Tech Staffing Firms

Connecting Businesses with Skilled Tech Professionals

Tech staffing firms specialize in connecting businesses with skilled tech professionals who help implement and maintain ERP systems. By partnering with a tech staffing firm, SMEs gain access to top-tier tech talent that understands the intricacies of ERP systems.

Expertise in ERP Systems

Tech professionals bring valuable expertise to the table, ensuring that ERP systems are configured to meet an SME’s distinct needs. Their experience in handling complex implementations empowers businesses to harness the full potential of their ERP solutions. Additionally, tech staffing firms provide ongoing support, helping SMEs troubleshoot issues, customize features, and train employees.

Flexibility in Workforce Scaling

Engaging with tech staffing firms also offers SMEs the flexibility to scale their workforce according to project demands. Whether it’s a short-term implementation or long-term system maintenance, tech staffing firms supply the right talent at the right time, enabling SMEs to focus on their core business activities without worrying about staffing gaps.

Exploring ERP Trends and Predictions for SMEs

Cloud ERP Adoption

The future of ERP adoption among SMEs looks promising, with several trends reshaping the landscape. This shift towards cloud ERP offers SMEs greater flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.

Integration of AI and Machine Learning

Another emerging trend is the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning into ERP systems. These technologies enable SMEs to derive actionable insights from their data, automate routine tasks, and make data-driven decisions. By leveraging AI-powered analytics, SMEs uncover hidden opportunities, optimize processes, and stay ahead of the competition.

Mobile ERP Applications

Additionally, mobile ERP applications are gaining traction, allowing SMEs to access critical business information on the go. Mobile ERP enhances collaboration, improves decision-making, and empowers employees to work more efficiently. This mobility ensures that SMEs remain agile and responsive to changing market conditions, further solidifying their competitive advantage.

Conclusion: The Path Forward with Customized ERP

Customized ERP solutions represent a powerful tool for SMEs seeking to streamline operations, improve customer satisfaction, and drive growth. By addressing the unique needs of smaller enterprises, custom ERP solutions offer a tailored approach that maximizes efficiency and supports strategic objectives. With the support of tech staffing firms and IT professionals, SMEs unlock the full potential of their ERP systems and achieve lasting success.

To fully realize the benefits of custom ERP solutions, SMEs should consider partnering with experienced tech staffing firms. These firms provide access to top-tier tech talent and offer ongoing support, ensuring a smooth ERP implementation and continued success. By investing in custom ERP solutions and collaborating with industry experts, SMEs position themselves for a prosperous future in an increasingly competitive business landscape.

For SMEs ready to explore the benefits of custom ERP solutions and tap into the expertise of skilled tech professionals, reach out to us .

About PS Solutions

PS Solutions Spotlight: Wayne Hippo

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 13:38:43 GMT

PS Solutions Spotlight: Wayne

Hippo

By Moriah DeJacimo

August 29, 2024

We’re excited to shine a spotlight on Wayne Hippo, a visionary Managing Partner behind PS Solutions. In this feature, Wayne shares his personal journey, from his early history to the driving forces that inspired him to create PS Solutions with lifelong friend, Joe Merilli. Discover the passion and dedication that led Wayne to build a company focused on solving problems, empowering businesses, and making a lasting impact on the community.

What got you into staffing and development?

I practiced law for over 20 years as an employment law attorney, where I gained extensive experience dealing with a wide range of personnel issues. My deep interest in workforce development and economic issues naturally grew from this background. When combined with my experience in elected office, focusing on workforce and economic development, it created a perfect synergy for what I do now.

Why did you create PS Solutions?

Joe and I have known each other since we were eight years old, and over the years, we’ve had countless conversations about the importance of keeping technology in the United States. We’ve often discussed the challenges we’re facing in developing talent domestically and our frustration with seeing jobs sent overseas—a trend we believe weakens our country.

Our shared passion for addressing these issues, combined with our unique backgrounds, led us to create something different from the typical technology staffing firms. We wanted to build a company that truly invests in nurturing talent here at home and strengthens the U.S. tech industry from within.

What do you believe are the best things about what you do?

I was the first person in my family to attend college, breaking a five-generation tradition where everyone worked for the railroad. Growing up in a lower middle-income neighborhood, I was drawn to law with a desire to solve problems for the “little guy” and developed a deep passion for making things better for people.

Over time, my interest in law combined with an understanding of the critical role technology plays in creating opportunities for others. PS Solutions has been the perfect platform to bring these passions to life. We focus on creating good jobs and providing training opportunities that help improve lives.

Our services are designed to uplift people, whether it’s a new entrepreneur striving to make their dream a reality or a business owner looking to enhance their operations. I’ve always been drawn to helping smaller and mid-sized businesses, as well as individuals who are working hard to better their lives. PS Solutions has been the ultimate marriage of my interests, allowing me to solve problems and make a positive impact on people’s lives in meaningful way

Wanna connect with Wayne? Contact him on LinkedIn or contact PS Solutions today!

PS Solutions

Innovative Custom Software Solutions for Your Unique Business Needs

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 12:48:53 GMT

Innovative Custom Software

Solutions for Your Unique Business

Needs

By Moriah DeJacimo

August 27, 2024

Did you know that by 2030, the custom software market is expected to reach $146.18 billion ? This explosive growth highlights the increasing demand for software tailored to address specific business needs. For business owners seeking a competitive edge, understanding the power of custom software becomes crucial.

The Limitations of Off-the-Shelf Software

Off-the-shelf software often promises quick fixes and cost savings. However, these solutions come with their own set of challenges. People frequently discover that one-size-fits-all software lacks the flexibility needed to cater to unique requirements. This limitation leads to inefficiencies and missed opportunities.

Businesses need software that aligns perfectly with their processes. Off-the-shelf solutions lack the customization necessary to adapt to specific workflows. This results in wasted time and resources as teams struggle to work around software limitations. Indeed, custom software solutions offer an alternative by allowing businesses to design tools that fit their exact needs.

Another issue arises when updates or changes occur within business operations. Off-the-shelf software usually follows a rigid development cycle, making it difficult to address evolving needs promptly. Custom software solutions, on the other hand, are fine-tuned to change along with the business, ensuring that the software remains relevant and effective over time.

Benefits of Custom Software Tailored to Specific Requirements

Personalized Approach and Increased Efficiency

Custom software solutions provide a personalized approach that addresses the unique challenges faced by businesses. This tailored approach translates into increased efficiency and productivity, as the software integrates seamlessly with existing systems. Consequently, businesses gain the flexibility to automate processes and improve overall performance.

Role of Tech Staffing Firms

Tech staffing firms play a vital role in connecting businesses with the right tech professionals to develop these solutions. By leveraging the expertise of IT staffing professionals, businesses ensure that their software is built to meet their exact specifications. Moreover, this collaboration results in a product that aligns perfectly with business goals.

Enhanced Data Management and Security

Enhanced data management and security stand out as additional benefits of custom software solutions. Businesses control how data is stored and accessed, providing better protection against potential breaches. That’s how custom solutions empower businesses to implement robust security measures, safeguarding sensitive information.

From Consultation to Implementation

Developing custom software involves a comprehensive process that begins with consultation. Tech staffing firms facilitate this initial stage by connecting businesses with experienced developers who conduct detailed needs assessments. This step ensures a clear understanding of the business’s goals and challenges.

Once the consultation phase concludes, developers outline a strategy for software development. Collaboration between businesses and developers remains essential throughout the process -regular feedback loops and open communication guarantee that the software evolves in alignment with the business vision.

Implementation marks the next stage, where the software is integrated into existing systems. Tech staffing firms continue to support businesses by providing ongoing assistance and troubleshooting. This seamless transition minimizes disruptions and allows businesses to harness the full potential of their custom software solutions.

Navigating Challenges in Custom Software Development

While custom software offers numerous benefits, challenges arise during development. Businesses need to address potential roadblocks to ensure successful implementation. Clear communication between stakeholders, including tech professionals, mitigates misunderstandings and keeps projects on track.

Budget considerations also play a role in custom software development. Businesses should allocate resources wisely, keeping in mind that investing in quality software yields long-term dividends. Tech staffing firms offer guidance on optimizing budgets without compromising on quality.

Scalability remains a key concern, especially as businesses grow. Custom software solutions should anticipate future needs and accommodate expansion. Tech professionals build solutions with scalability in mind, ensuring that the software evolves alongside the business.

Measuring the Impact of Custom Software Solutions

Evaluating the impact of custom software solutions involves assessing key performance indicators (KPIs). Businesses track metrics such as efficiency improvements, cost savings, and customer satisfaction. These measurements provide insights into the effectiveness of the software.

Positive outcomes reinforce the value of investing in custom software. Businesses that experience increased productivity and streamlined operations recognize the potential for sustained growth. These success stories encourage other business owners to explore custom software solutions.

Satisfied customers often share their experiences, contributing to the brand’s reputation. Positive word-of-mouth and testimonials highlight the success of custom software, attracting more businesses to consider this innovative approach.

Actionable Steps for Business Owners

For business owners considering custom software solutions, several actionable steps ensure a successful implementation. First, conduct a thorough assessment of current processes and identify areas that would benefit from customization.

Engage with tech staffing firms to access a pool of skilled tech professionals who specialize in custom software development. This collaboration ensures that businesses receive solutions tailored to their unique needs.

Remain open to innovation and exploration of emerging technologies. By integrating AI, ML, and cloud computing into custom software solutions, businesses position themselves for sustainable growth.

For those seeking to transform their business through custom software, now is the time to take action. Contact us to learn more about our tailored solutions and how we elevate your business to new heights.

About PS Solutions

Why Skills Matter More Than Diplomas in the Tech Industry

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 12:47:17 GMT

Why Skills Matter More Than

Diplomas in the Tech Industry

By Moriah DeJacimo

August 14, 2024

The tech industry has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past few decades and IT staffing has changed along with it. Before, if you did not have a degree in cyber security, you would be looked over, but rapid tech changes force IT staffing to change along with it. As technology advances rapidly, the demand for skilled professionals who adapt and innovate has outpaced the traditional emphasis on formal education. Here are several reasons why tech skills matter more than diplomas in the tech industry:

1. How Degree Inflation Devalued Bachelor’s Degrees

In today’s job market, a bachelor’s degree no longer carries the same weight it once did. The phenomenon of degree inflation has devalued the need of higher education credentials, making it harder for job applicants to stand out.

As of 2022, nearly 54% of working-age adults in the US have graduated from college or earned another postsecondary credential. In stark contrast, only about 8% of the US population had a college degree in 1960. This dramatic increase in the number of degree holders has fundamentally changed the job market.

The Impact of Degree Inflation

In 1960, having a college degree was a distinctive achievement that set job applicants apart from the majority who did not have one. Being among the 8% of degree holders made an applicant unique and highly desirable to employers. Fast forward to 2022 and being part of the 54% with a college degree is no longer a rare distinction. The sheer number of degree holders means that a bachelor’s degree is less effective as a differentiating factor in the job market.

The Changing Value of Degrees

As more people obtain degrees, the credential itself loses its exclusivity and, consequently, its value. Employers now look for additional qualifications, skills, and experiences that go beyond a college diploma. This has led to a situation where having a degree is often seen as a basic requirement rather than a unique advantage.

The explosion of accessible information and the rise of digital learning platforms have also transformed the job market. Today, tech skills and knowledge are acquired through various means outside traditional college education. Online courses, certifications, and hands-on experience are increasingly valued by employers, sometimes even more than formal degrees.

Rapid Technological Advancements

The tech landscape evolves at a pace where keeping up is very difficult. New programming languages, frameworks, and tools are developed regularly. Professionals must continuously update their skills to stay relevant. Formal education programs often struggle to keep up with these changes, while hands-on experience and self-learning provides the latest knowledge.

2. Coding Bootcamps and Online Courses

The rise of coding bootcamps and online learning platforms has democratized tech education. These programs focus on specific skills and provide intensive training that prepares individuals for the job market in a shorter time than traditional degrees.

As the tech industry expanded, coding bootcamps emerged as a fast and efficient way to train aspiring coders and developers. By 2023, nearly 100 bootcamps were operating across the U.S., offering intensive and focused training programs.

Typically, coding bootcamps are full-time commitments, requiring 20-40 hours per week for classes, assignments, and hands-on projects. However, some bootcamps also offer part-time options to accommodate different schedules. The length of these programs vary significantly, ranging from 12 weeks to six months, depending on the comprehensiveness of the curriculum and the depth of the material covered. They cost much less than a formal educations and get you in the job market much faster.

3. Skills Assessments and Certifications

Many employers now use skills assessments and industry certifications to evaluate candidates. These assessments focus on specific competencies and provide a more accurate measure of a candidate’s abilities than a diploma alone.

4. Project-Based Portfolios

In tech, a strong portfolio showcasing completed projects is more persuasive than a diploma. These projects provide tangible proof of a candidate’s abilities and creativity, demonstrating their capacity to apply their skills effectively.

While theoretical knowledge lays the foundation, practical skills are what truly drive the tech industry forward. Employers value candidates who demonstrate their ability to solve real-world problems, which often comes from hands-on experience rather than classroom learning.

5. Emphasis on Continuous Learning

The tech industry values lifelong learning. Professionals are expected to continuously acquire new skills and knowledge. This emphasis on continuous improvement often outweighs the static credential of a diploma.

6. Diverse Educational Backgrounds

Tech companies are increasingly recognizing that valuable skills come from non-traditional educational backgrounds. Many successful tech professionals have backgrounds in unrelated fields but possess the necessary skills and passion for technology.

7. Innovation and Problem-Solving Abilities

The tech industry thrives on innovation. Employers seek individuals who think critically, solve complex problems, and drive innovation. These qualities are often demonstrated through practical experience and a strong skill set rather than formal education.

While diplomas provide a foundation of knowledge, the dynamic nature of the tech industry demands practical skills and continuous learning. Employers prioritize candidates who demonstrate their abilities through real-world experience, project portfolios, and up-to-date skills. In this fast-paced industry, skills truly matter more than diplomas.

Looking to land your next IT job? At PS Solutions, we believe your skills and hands-on experience speak louder than any diploma. In today’s tech industry, employers are seeking candidates who demonstrate real-world problem-solving abilities and technical expertise.

Our team is dedicated to connecting you with opportunities that value what you do, not just what’s on your resume. Don’t let a lack of formal education hold you back. Let PS Solutions help you showcase your true potential and secure the IT role you’ve been dreaming of. Contact us today to get started!

PS Solutions

Saving Lives Nationwide: The Columbia Protocol App's Expansion

Wed, 29 May 2024 12:40:23 GMT

Saving Lives Nationwide: The

Columbia Protocol App's Expansion

By Savannah Gillie

May 29, 2024

The Columbia Protocol , also known as the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), supports suicide risk assessment through a series of simple, plain-language questions that anyone can ask. The answers help users identify whether someone is at risk for suicide, assess the severity and immediacy of that risk, and gauge the level of support that the person needs.

In 2018, the Blair County Department of Social Services approached PS Solutions with the idea of developing a mobile application centered around the Columbia Protocol. Since then, the app has been adopted by various organizations, including the Department of Homeland Security , the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services , the Virginia Department of Corrections, and the American Legion .

In 2019, Dr. Kelly Posner, creator of the Columbia Protocol and a Professor of Psychiatry at Columbia University , contacted us regarding the Department of Homeland Security’s interest in having their version of the Columbia Protocol App available on app stores. This version of the app would utilize the Columbia Protocol and include additional resources tailored for military personnel, facilitating access to government resources for individuals across all branches of the military.

Shortly after, the Virginia Department of Corrections expressed interest in having their own app, incorporating the Columbia Protocol along with resources specifically designed for internal use by the Department of Corrections.

As the app’s popularity increased, the entire State of Pennsylvania began utilizing the protocol while seeking to gather demographics on its users. They aimed to understand the distribution of users within the state, including details such as age, gender, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. Importantly, this data was only collected if voluntarily provided by users, enabling the generation of reports to better assess suicide risk across different demographics. This data also provides valuable insights for grant opportunities, directing funding towards groups in need of mental health resources and support.

A few years later, the American Legion approached Dr. Posner with the hopes of having their own application developed, tailored specifically for veterans. This app, named “ Be The One-Columbia Protocol, ” would utilize the Columbia Protocol and provide resources tailored to veterans or those assisting them. With user permission, the app could offer location-specific resources. Dr. Posner presented the concept to us, and our developers promptly began working on the mobile application. Dr. Posner and The American Legion are currently working diligently to extend the application’s presence across all fifty states.

Since 2018, the growth and impact of this app have been incredible. We are so grateful to have had the opportunity to develop a tool with the potential to save lives. We can’t wait to watch its expansion across the United States. Each version of the app is available for free download in the Apple and Android app stores.

_____

Savannah Gillie is the Marketing and Community Engagement Specialist of PS Solutions, a custom software development and consulting firm with offices in Altoona, PA, Pittsburgh, PA, and Wilmington, NC. You can reach Savannah at sgillie@pssolutions.net

Scan the QR code to download the app.

Iphone Users

Android Users

Tech Solutions for Community Safety: The BC Hot Project

Wed, 08 May 2024 12:34:30 GMT

Tech Solutions for Community

Safety: The BC Hot Project

By Savannah Gillie

May 8, 2024

In January 2020, we were given the opportunity to use technology to revolutionize the handling of community safety tips and reports. Randy Feathers from the Blair County District Attorney’s Office approached us with the goal of streamlining the process of receiving and distributing tips from two crucial hotlines: Push Out the Pusher and the PA Child Abuse hotline. Both hotlines are vital for safeguarding the community but faced operational challenges that required a modern solution.

Push Out the Pusher is a drug hotline where Blair County residents can anonymously report tips and information regarding suspected drug activity. Callers can leave voicemail messages or speak with operators at the Blair County 911 Center. These tips are then routed to the appropriate law enforcement jurisdiction for investigation.

Similarly, reports from the PA Child Abuse Hotline were generated as PDF documents, each containing important details about a child in danger. It was imperative that these reports were promptly processed and distributed to the appropriate authorities, given their critical nature.

However, before the development of BC Hot, this process was excessively time-consuming. Reports were sent to the District Attorney’s office, where Randy manually sifted through tips, tracked them using a spreadsheet, and identified the correct jurisdiction among the county’s 26 municipalities.

BC Hot was created to streamline and automate these processes, providing the district attorney’s office with invaluable time savings and enhanced efficiency. Upon receiving a phone call through the Push Out the Pusher hotline, the recording was uploaded into BC Hot, stored, and then automatically sent to the appropriate jurisdiction based on the call’s address.

As for the PA Child Abuse Hotline, BC Hot transformed the handling of reports. Previously, these reports required manual processing at the state level before being sent to the local district attorney’s office, where further manual steps were undertaken to determine the correct jurisdiction. With BC Hot, all hotline call recordings could be uploaded into the system and automatically dispatched to the correct jurisdiction based on the call location.

BC Hot significantly improved the operations of both the Push Out the Pusher and PA Child Abuse hotlines. For the Push Out the Pusher hotline, BC Hot streamlined the process from tip reception to investigation, enhancing organization and ensuring a timely response from law enforcement across Blair County. Similarly, for the PA Child Abuse hotline, BC Hot simplified report handling, offering a secure platform for storing and routing critical information to local authorities.

By simplifying and automating the previously time-consuming process, the District Attorney’s office could allocate its resources more effectively, focusing on the urgent task of investigating tips without the burden of administrative overhead. BC Hot represents a significant leap forward in community safety efforts, demonstrating the potential of software solutions in improving citizens’ lives and the efficiency of public service operations.

_____

You can reach Savannah at sgillie@pssolutions.net

Streamlining Reporting in Acumatica for a Growing Manufacturing Company

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 12:30:30 GMT

Streamlining Reporting in

Acumatica for a Growing

Manufacturing Company

By Savannah Gillie

March 15, 2024

Client Overview

A rapidly expanding manufacturing company faced significant challenges in generating sales order reports efficiently. Despite utilizing the Acumatica ERP system, the company struggled to create reports within the software, leading to a difficult and time-consuming manual process. Seeking to optimize their reporting capabilities and streamline data sharing across the organization, they turned to our expertise for a solution.

Challenges

Manual Reporting: The client’s manual report generation process was time-consuming and prone to errors.
Limited Knowledge of Acumatica: While equipped with Acumatica ERP, the company lacked the necessary expertise to utilize its reporting functionalities effectively.
Need for Extensive Reporting: The client required various reports, including sales orders, sales distributions, receivables, and tax reports.
Data Accessibility: Sales representatives needed an easy way to access their sales data, while managers required comprehensive insights into sales performance.

Solutions

Recognizing the client’s challenges, our team developed a comprehensive solution to streamline their reporting processes and enhance data accessibility:

Custom Report Development: We developed custom reports within the Acumatica ERP system to meet the client’s specific requirements. These reports displayed sales orders, sales distributions, receivables, and tax reports, therefore eliminating the need for manual report generation.
Custom Dashboard Creation: Recognizing the need for intuitive data visualization, we designed custom dashboards within Acumatica. These dashboards provided an easy-to-understand summary of sales orders, featuring various representations such as graphs and charts showcasing volume by brand, customer, region, and year-to-year comparison.
Data Sharing: By integrating accounting and sales data within the Acumatica platform, our solution facilitated seamless data sharing across different departments. This improved collaboration and decision-making processes throughout the organization.

Conclusion

The implementation of our solution yielded significant benefits for the manufacturing company:

Time Savings: By automating report generation processes and providing easy access to data, the company saved valuable time and resources.
Improved Decision-Making: With comprehensive insights into sales performance and cost margins, stakeholders could make informed decisions to drive business growth.
Enhanced Data Accessibility: Sales representatives and managers could access relevant sales data effortlessly, improving efficiency and productivity.
Scalability: Our solution was designed to scale with the company’s growth, providing a solid foundation for future expansion.

In conclusion, our tailored solution not only addressed the client’s immediate reporting challenges but also laid the groundwork for enhanced efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and sustainable growth.

_____

You can reach Savannah at sgillie@pssolutions.net

11 Ways to Raise $100,000 for Your New Business

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 12:21:21 GMT

11 Ways to Raise $100,000 for Your

New Business

By Wayne Hippo

March 11, 2024

Introduction

Start-up funding is like the fuel that gets entrepreneurs’ engines running. It’s what helps turn their ideas into something real. Whether they need money to build prototypes, test their products, or start selling, getting that initial investment is super important. It’s not just about getting cash; it’s about kickstarting their journey to success. With funding, entrepreneurs can grow their business, attract more investors, and hire the people they need to make things happen. So basically, start-up funding is what sets the wheels in motion for turning dreams into reality.

When entrepreneurs are looking for funding for prototypes, proofs-of-concept, and minimum viable products (MVPs), they face some big challenges. They’ve got to convince investors that their idea is worth investing in, even though there are uncertainties about things like whether people will actually want to buy it and if it’s technically possible to make. Plus, because these projects are still in the early stages, it can be tough to know exactly how much money they’ll need. So, entrepreneurs need to be really good at explaining their idea, showing that they’ve done their homework, and being flexible with their plans to get the funding they need.

1. Bootstrapping: Start with What You Have

Many entrepreneurs kickstart their new business ventures through bootstrapping, which means using their own money and resources to get started. This approach often involves using personal savings, working from home to save on office rent, or even doing everything themselves instead of hiring people right away. Bootstrapping allows entrepreneurs to maintain full control over their business and make decisions without having to answer to investors. It also encourages creativity and resourcefulness, as entrepreneurs find ways to stretch their limited resources to achieve their goals.

However, bootstrapping also has its limitations. Since entrepreneurs are relying solely on their own resources, they may not have enough money to invest in big projects or scale up their business quickly. This can limit their growth potential and slow down their progress compared to businesses that have outside funding. Bootstrapping also requires entrepreneurs to wear many hats and handle all aspects of the business themselves, which can be overwhelming and time-consuming. Additionally, without outside investors to provide guidance and connections, entrepreneurs may miss out on valuable opportunities for networking and mentorship. Overall, while bootstrapping can be a great way for entrepreneurs to start their businesses on their own terms, it’s important to recognize its limitations and plan accordingly for future growth.

2. Small Business Grants and Competitions

Start-ups have a valuable opportunity to secure early funding through small business grants and by participating in startup competitions. Small business grants, offered by various government agencies, non-profit organizations, and corporate foundations, provide funding that does not need to be repaid, offering a non-dilutive source of capital for start-ups. Similarly, startup competitions, ranging from local pitch events to global entrepreneurship challenges, offer cash prizes, exposure, and networking opportunities to winning participants. These avenues not only provide financial support but also offer validation, recognition, and credibility to start-ups, helping them gain momentum and visibility in the competitive business landscape.

Participating in small business grants and startup competitions offers several benefits for start-ups. Beyond the financial rewards, winning grants or competitions can enhance a start-up’s reputation and credibility, making it more attractive to investors, customers, and partners. Additionally, the application process itself can be a valuable learning experience, forcing start-ups to refine their business plans, pitch their ideas effectively, and articulate their value proposition. Moreover, these platforms often provide access to valuable networking opportunities, connecting start-ups with potential investors, mentors, and collaborators who can offer guidance, support, and valuable industry insights.

However, there are also shortcomings associated with relying solely on small business grants and startup competitions for funding. Competition for grants and prizes can be fierce, with many start-ups vying for limited resources, making it challenging to stand out and secure funding. Additionally, the application process can be time-consuming and resource-intensive, diverting valuable time and energy away from other aspects of building the business. Furthermore, winning a grant or competition does not guarantee long-term success, and start-ups may still need to seek additional funding sources to sustain and scale their operations beyond the initial cash infusion.

Despite these challenges, participating in small business grants and startup competitions offers valuable networking and mentoring advantages for start-ups. Beyond the financial rewards, start-ups have the opportunity to connect with experienced mentors, industry experts, and potential collaborators who can provide guidance, support, and valuable connections to help navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. These relationships can be instrumental in accelerating the growth and success of start-ups, providing access to resources, expertise, and opportunities that may otherwise be difficult to obtain. Overall, while small business grants and startup competitions may not provide a guaranteed path to success, they offer valuable opportunities for start-ups to gain visibility, validation, and support as they work towards achieving their goals.

3. Friends and Family Funding

A “Friends and Family” raise is a common way for new ventures to secure initial funding by reaching out to their personal network for financial support. Instead of seeking funding from traditional investors or financial institutions, entrepreneurs turn to friends, family members, and close acquaintances who believe in their vision and are willing to invest in their business. This type of fundraising is often seen as a more informal and personal approach to financing a startup, as it involves leveraging existing relationships rather than pitching to professional investors.

Functionally, a Friends and Family raise typically works by entrepreneurs pitching their business idea to their friends and family members, explaining the opportunity and potential returns on investment. Investors may contribute varying amounts of money, depending on their financial situation and level of confidence in the venture. The terms of the investment, such as the amount invested, equity stake, and repayment terms, are usually negotiated informally, although it’s advisable to document the agreement to avoid misunderstandings later on.

However, there are also potential downsides to Friends and Family financing. Mixing personal relationships with business dealings can sometimes strain or even damage relationships if the business does not perform as expected or if conflicts arise over financial matters. Moreover, friends and family members may not have the expertise or experience of professional investors, which could limit the value they bring beyond just financial support. There’s also the risk of raising insufficient funds or not being able to meet repayment obligations if the business struggles.

When reaching out to friends and family for investment, entrepreneurs should approach the conversation with transparency, professionalism, and a clear understanding of the risks involved. They should clearly articulate their business idea, the potential returns on investment, and the risks involved, while also emphasizing the personal relationship and mutual trust. Additionally, offering incentives such as discounted products or exclusive perks for investors can help sweeten the deal and make the investment more appealing. Finally, entrepreneurs should be prepared for rejections and respect the decision of those who may not be comfortable investing, focusing instead on nurturing the relationship regardless of the outcome.

4 . Angel Investors: Tapping into Expertise

Angel investors, whether individual investors or part of Angel Funds, are individuals who provide financial backing to early-stage startups in exchange for ownership equity or convertible debt. These investors are typically high-net-worth individuals with a keen interest in supporting innovative ideas and emerging businesses. Individual angel investors invest their personal funds, while Angel Funds are groups of investors who pool their resources to make collective investments in startups. Both individual angels and Angel Funds play a crucial role in providing the initial capital and mentorship needed to help startups grow and succeed.

Functionally, Angel Investment works by entrepreneurs pitching their business ideas to potential angel investors, either individually or through networking events, pitch competitions, or angel investor groups. If interested, angel investors may conduct due diligence on the startup to assess its viability and growth potential. Once a deal is negotiated and terms are agreed upon, the angel investor provides funding to the startup in exchange for an equity stake in the company or convertible debt, which can later be converted into equity. Angel investors often offer more than just financial support, providing valuable mentorship, industry connections, and expertise to help the startup navigate the challenges of early-stage growth.

Angel Investment differs from both Friends and Family investment and formal Venture Capital investment in several ways. While Friends and Family investment relies on personal relationships and informal agreements, Angel Investment involves investing in startups with the expectation of financial returns. On the other hand, Venture Capital investment typically comes at later stages of startup growth, involves larger investment amounts, and often requires startups to meet specific criteria such as proven market traction or scalability.

The benefits of Angel Investment include access to capital at early stages when traditional funding sources may be inaccessible, as well as access to mentorship and expertise from experienced investors. Angel investors can also provide valuable networking opportunities and industry connections that can help startups accelerate their growth. However, Angel Investment also comes with its challenges, including the risk of diluting ownership and control, as well as the potential for conflicts between investors and founders over strategic decisions and company direction. Additionally, startups may face difficulties in finding the right angel investors who align with their vision and goals, as well as in negotiating favorable investment terms while balancing the need for capital with the desire to retain ownership and control.

5. Crowdfunding: Engaging the Community

Start-ups often turn to crowdfunding as a means of raising early capital, leveraging the power of the crowd to finance their ventures. Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter , Indiegogo , and GoFundMe allow entrepreneurs to pitch their business ideas or products to a wide audience and solicit financial contributions from individuals or groups in exchange for rewards, equity, or simply as donations. This approach democratizes the funding process, enabling start-ups to bypass traditional investors and financial institutions and instead tap into a global network of potential backers who are interested in supporting innovative ideas and projects. Crowdfunding campaigns typically involve setting a funding goal and a deadline, with backers pledging money towards the project. If the funding goal is met within the specified timeframe, the campaign is deemed successful, and the start-up receives the funds raised, minus platform fees.

Crowdfunding offers several benefits for start-ups, including access to capital without giving up equity or taking on debt. It also provides an opportunity for market validation, as successful campaigns demonstrate demand and interest from potential customers. Additionally, crowdfunding allows start-ups to engage directly with their target audience, build a community around their brand, and generate buzz and publicity for their products or services. Moreover, crowdfunding can serve as a valuable marketing tool, helping start-ups raise awareness, attract early adopters, and establish credibility in the market.

However, there are also downsides to crowdfunding as a means of raising capital. Crowdfunding campaigns require significant time and effort to plan, execute, and promote effectively, with no guarantee of success. Start-ups must invest resources into creating compelling campaign materials, including videos, images, and written content, to capture the attention of potential backers. Moreover, running a crowdfunding campaign publicly exposes start-ups to scrutiny and criticism, and failure to meet fundraising goals can damage their reputation and credibility. Additionally, fulfilling rewards and obligations to backers can be logistically challenging and costly, particularly if the campaign surpasses expectations or encounters unexpected setbacks.

Examples of successful crowdfunding campaigns include the Pebble smartwatch , which raised over $10 million on Kickstarter, and the Oculus Rift virtual reality headset, which was acquired by Facebook for $2 billion after initially raising funds through Kickstarter. These campaigns demonstrate the potential of crowdfunding to catapult start-ups to success, providing the initial capital needed to bring their vision to life and disrupt industries. From a functional perspective, crowdfunding works by empowering entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas directly to the public, leveraging social media, email marketing, and other digital channels to reach potential backers and drive traffic to their campaign page. By offering compelling rewards, incentives, and perks, start-ups incentivize individuals to contribute financially to their project, creating a win-win scenario for both parties involved.

6. Government Programs and Loans

Government programs and loans offer valuable resources for startup entrepreneurs, providing access to funding, support, and resources to help launch and grow their businesses. At the federal level, initiatives like the Small Business Administration (SBA) offer a range of loan programs tailored to different business needs, including startup capital, equipment financing, and working capital. State and local governments also often provide funding opportunities, grants, and incentives to support entrepreneurship and economic development in their communities. These programs can offer favorable terms, such as low-interest rates, flexible repayment options, and access to additional support services like mentoring and business development assistance.

Despite the benefits, there are also downsides and risks associated with government programs and loans for startup entrepreneurs. One of the main challenges is navigating the complex eligibility criteria and application process, which can be time-consuming, bureaucratic, and require extensive documentation. Startups may also face stiff competition for limited funding, with many other businesses vying for the same resources. Additionally, government loans often come with stringent requirements and restrictions, such as collateral requirements or personal guarantees, which can pose additional challenges for startups, particularly those with limited assets or track records. Moreover, reliance on government funding may also come with the risk of changes in policy or funding priorities, potentially impacting the availability of resources for startups in the future.

Functionally, applying for government programs and loans can be a daunting process for startup entrepreneurs. Eligibility criteria may vary depending on the specific program and may include factors such as business size, industry, location, and financial need. Startups may need to provide detailed business plans, financial projections, credit history, and other documentation to demonstrate their eligibility and viability.

Additionally, the application process may involve multiple steps, including online applications, in-person interviews, and reviews by loan officers or committees, further adding to the complexity and time required to secure funding. Moreover, startups may need to navigate different requirements and procedures at the federal, state, and local levels, further complicating the process.

Despite these challenges, government programs and loans offer valuable opportunities for startup entrepreneurs to access capital and support to launch and grow their businesses. By leveraging these resources effectively, startups can overcome financial barriers, gain credibility, and position themselves for long-term success. However, it’s essential for entrepreneurs to carefully consider the pros and cons, thoroughly research available programs, and seek expert guidance to navigate the application process successfully and mitigate potential risks.

7. Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations

Forming strategic partnerships can serve as an effective means of raising funding for new ventures by leveraging the resources, expertise, and networks of established companies or organizations. These partnerships allow startups to access capital, technology, distribution channels, and market insights that may otherwise be out of reach, enabling them to accelerate their growth and achieve their business objectives more effectively. Additionally, strategic partnerships can provide validation and credibility to startups, signaling to investors and customers that they have the support and endorsement of reputable industry players.

Functionally, strategic partnerships are typically structured through mutually beneficial agreements between the startup and the partnering entity. These arrangements may involve financial investments, in-kind contributions, or collaborative projects aimed at achieving shared goals. For example, a startup may partner with a larger company to co-develop a product, share resources and expertise, or access new markets. The terms of the partnership are negotiated based on the specific needs and objectives of both parties, with clear delineation of responsibilities, expectations, and benefits for each side.

However, there are also potential downsides and risks associated with forming strategic partnerships for funding. Collaborative arrangements may entail sharing control, decision-making authority, and intellectual property rights, which can lead to conflicts, disagreements, and challenges in maintaining alignment between partners. Moreover, startups may become overly reliant on their partners for resources and support, making them vulnerable to changes in the partner’s priorities, strategies, or market dynamics. Additionally, forming and managing strategic partnerships requires time, effort, and resources, as well as effective communication, negotiation, and relationship management skills, which can divert attention and resources away from other aspects of the business. Overall, while strategic partnerships can offer significant benefits for funding and growth, startups must carefully evaluate the potential risks and rewards and approach partnerships with a clear understanding of their goals, priorities, and potential implications for their business.

One notable example is the collaboration between Square , a small start-up providing payment processing solutions for businesses, and Starbucks , a global coffee chain. In 2012, Starbucks announced a partnership with Square to use its mobile payment technology in Starbucks stores across the United States. This partnership allowed Starbucks customers to pay for their purchases using the Square Wallet app, providing a convenient and seamless payment experience. For Square, this collaboration provided a massive opportunity to showcase its technology to a vast customer base and gain credibility in the payment processing industry, ultimately leading to increased adoption and growth.

Another example is the partnership between Warby Parker , a small start-up offering affordable eyewear, and Nordstrom , a leading fashion retailer. In 2013, Nordstrom began selling Warby Parker’s glasses in select stores and on its website, providing Warby Parker with access to a wider audience and distribution network. This collaboration helped Warby Parker expand its reach beyond its online presence and reach customers who preferred to shop in-store. For Nordstrom, partnering with Warby Parker allowed the retailer to tap into the growing demand for affordable and stylish eyewear, enhancing its product offerings and attracting new customers to its stores.

Similarly, the collaboration between Blue Apron , a small start-up offering meal kit delivery services, and Whole Foods Market , a prominent grocery chain, illustrates the power of strategic partnerships in driving growth and market expansion. In 2016, Blue Apron announced a partnership with Whole Foods Market to sell its meal kits in select Whole Foods stores across the United States. This partnership not only provided Blue Apron with access to Whole Foods’ loyal customer base but also enhanced the retailer’s offerings by providing customers with convenient and healthy meal solutions. For Whole Foods, partnering with Blue Apron allowed the company to capitalize on the growing trend of meal kit delivery services and attract customers seeking convenient and nutritious meal options.

Overall, these examples demonstrate how smaller start-ups can leverage strategic partnerships with established companies to accelerate their growth, expand their reach, and access new opportunities in the market. By combining their innovative products or services with the resources and distribution networks of established partners, these start-ups can create win-win collaborations that benefit both parties involved.

8. Industry-Specific Funding Sources

Utilizing industry-specific funding sources presents a strategic approach for new ventures to secure funding tailored to their specific sector or niche. These funding sources, which can include industry associations, foundations, or specialized investment funds, offer capital and support specifically targeted towards businesses operating within a particular industry or market segment. By tapping into these resources, entrepreneurs can access funding that aligns closely with their business goals, challenges, and growth opportunities, often with added benefits such as industry expertise, networking opportunities, and access to potential customers or partners.

Functionally, industry-specific funding arrangements are typically structured through partnerships or collaborations between the funding source and the new venture. This could involve applying for grants or loans from industry-specific foundations or organizations, participating in investment rounds led by specialized venture capital firms focused on a particular industry, or seeking strategic partnerships with established companies operating within the same sector. These arrangements may involve due diligence processes, negotiations on investment terms, and ongoing engagement with the funding source to ensure alignment with the venture’s objectives and milestones.

The benefits of utilizing industry-specific funding sources are numerous. Firstly, these funding sources often have a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within the target industry, allowing them to provide tailored support and resources to new ventures. Additionally, industry-specific funding can enhance credibility and validation for the venture, signaling to investors and stakeholders that the business has the support and endorsement of key players within the industry. Furthermore, these funding sources may offer valuable networking opportunities, connecting entrepreneurs with potential partners, customers, and mentors who can provide guidance and support to help the venture succeed.

However, there are potential downsides and risks associated with relying solely on industry-specific funding sources. Competition for funding within a specific industry or niche may be intense, with many other businesses vying for limited resources. Moreover, industry-specific funding sources may have strict eligibility criteria or investment preferences that limit the pool of potential recipients, making it challenging for some ventures to access funding. Additionally, depending too heavily on industry-specific funding sources may limit diversification and expose the venture to risks associated with changes in industry trends, market conditions, or funding priorities.

9. Online Lending Platforms and Alternative Financing

The rise of online lending platforms has transformed the landscape of startup financing, offering entrepreneurs alternative avenues to access capital quickly and conveniently. These platforms, often referred to as peer-to-peer lending or alternative lending platforms, connect borrowers directly with individual or institutional investors willing to lend money. By leveraging technology and data analytics, online lending platforms streamline the borrowing process, providing faster approvals, competitive interest rates, and flexible repayment terms compared to traditional lending institutions. This democratization of lending has opened up opportunities for startups to secure funding without the need for lengthy application processes or collateral requirements, revolutionizing the way entrepreneurs finance their ventures.

The benefits of online lending platforms for startups are manifold. Firstly, these platforms offer quick and convenient access to capital, allowing entrepreneurs to secure funding within days or even hours compared to traditional lending institutions, which may take weeks or months to process loan applications. Additionally, online lending platforms often have lower barriers to entry, making it easier for startups with limited credit history or collateral to qualify for funding. Moreover, these platforms provide transparency and flexibility, allowing borrowers to compare loan offers and choose the option that best fits their needs and budget. Lastly, online lending platforms can help startups build credit and establish a positive borrowing history, which can be beneficial for accessing future financing opportunities.

However, there are potential downsides and risks associated with online lending platforms for startups. One major concern is the higher cost of borrowing compared to traditional bank loans, as online lenders may charge higher interest rates and fees to compensate for the increased risk associated with lending to startups. Additionally, startups may face challenges in accurately assessing the terms and conditions of loan offers, as online lending platforms often use proprietary algorithms and credit scoring models to determine loan eligibility and pricing. Moreover, there is a risk of predatory lending practices or fraudulent activity on some online lending platforms, highlighting the importance of due diligence and careful evaluation when considering borrowing from these sources.

Examples of online lending platforms for startups include:

Kabbage : Kabbage offers lines of credit to small businesses, providing quick access to funds for working capital, inventory purchases, and other business expenses.
LendingClub : LendingClub is a peer-to-peer lending platform that connects borrowers with investors willing to fund their loans, offering personal and business loans with competitive interest rates and flexible terms.
Funding Circle : Funding Circle specializes in small business loans, providing financing to entrepreneurs looking to expand their operations, purchase equipment, or manage cash flow.
OnDeck : OnDeck offers short-term loans and lines of credit to small businesses, providing fast funding solutions with transparent pricing and repayment terms.

Success stories of startups obtaining funding using these platforms abound. For example, a tech start-up specializing in mobile app development used Kabbage’s line of credit to cover payroll expenses during a slow sales period, enabling them to retain employees and continue operations until revenue picked up. Another start-up in the e-commerce sector secured a business loan through Funding Circle to invest in inventory and marketing initiatives, fueling rapid growth and expansion into new markets. These examples illustrate how online lending platforms can provide valuable financial support to startups at various stages of growth, helping them overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and achieve their business objectives.

10. There could be a SAFE Option

Another option for raising money is the establishment of a SAFE, or Simple Agreement for Future Equity. A SAFE is a financial instrument commonly used in early-stage startup funding rounds. Unlike traditional equity financing, (involving the issuance of shares of stock in exchange for a capital investment, a SAFE is a form of convertible security that allows investors to invest money in a startup in exchange for the right to receive equity at some future date or occurrence, typically a future financing round or liquidity event.

From an operational standpoint, a SAFE works by setting out the terms of the investment agreement between the investor and the startup. These terms typically include the amount of the investment, the valuation cap or discount rate that will be applied when converting the SAFE into equity, and any additional rights or protections for the investor. SAFEs are relatively simple and standardized documents, making them easier and faster to negotiate and execute compared to traditional equity financing agreements. That said, SAFE documents should be prepared, and the procedure should be overseen by experienced professionals. Once the terms of the SAFE are agreed upon, the document is signed by all parties, and the investor provides the agreed-upon funding to the startup.

Using a SAFE offers several benefits for both startups and investors. For startups, SAFEs provide a streamlined and cost-effective way to raise capital without the need to issue equity or undergo complex valuation processes. Additionally, SAFEs do not create immediate dilution for existing shareholders, as equity conversion occurs at a later date. For investors, SAFEs offer the potential for early-stage investment in promising startups at a favorable valuation, with the opportunity for significant returns upon conversion into equity.

However, there are also potential limitations and drawbacks associated with SAFEs from the perspective of startups seeking to raise capital. One limitation is the lack of immediate capital injection, as SAFEs do not provide funding upfront but rather promise future equity conversion upon specific events. This delayed access to funds may hinder a startup’s ability to address immediate financial needs or seize time-sensitive opportunities for growth. Additionally, the uncertainty surrounding the valuation cap or discount rate set in the SAFE can complicate financial planning and fundraising efforts, potentially leading to discrepancies in valuation expectations between investors and the startup. Furthermore, the use of SAFEs may result in complex capitalization structures and administrative burdens, particularly if multiple SAFEs with different terms are issued over time. These factors can create challenges for startups in managing their capitalization tables and negotiating future financing rounds, potentially impacting their ability to attract subsequent investors or achieve optimal terms for equity conversion.

In summary, SAFEs offer a flexible and efficient means of raising capital for startups and provide investors with early-stage investment opportunities in promising ventures. However, entrepreneurs and investors should carefully consider the potential limitations and drawbacks associated with SAFEs and seek legal and financial advice to ensure that the terms of the agreement are fair and appropriate for all parties involved.

11. Venture Capital: Scaling Up

Access to venture capital investment presents a significant opportunity for startups seeking financing to fuel growth and scale their operations. Venture capital firms are investment companies that provide funding to high-potential startups in exchange for an equity stake in the company. These firms typically focus on investing in early-stage or emerging companies with innovative business models, disruptive technologies, or scalable growth prospects. Venture capital investment can provide startups with the capital, expertise, and industry connections needed to accelerate their growth trajectory, enter new markets, and achieve market leadership.

Functionally, venture capital funding works through a process of sourcing, due diligence, negotiation, and investment. Venture capital firms actively seek out promising startups through various channels, including networking events, pitch competitions, referrals, and scouting programs. Once identified, startups undergo a rigorous due diligence process, where the venture capital firm assesses the business model, market potential, team dynamics, and competitive landscape to determine the investment opportunity. If the firm decides to invest, negotiations ensue to determine the terms of the investment, including the amount of funding, valuation, ownership stake, and governance rights. Once an agreement is reached, the venture capital firm provides the funding, typically in multiple rounds, to support the startup’s growth and development.

Venture capital funding differs from other forms of financing and funding, such as bank loans, angel investment, or crowdfunding, in several key aspects. Unlike traditional bank loans, venture capital investment does not require collateral or fixed repayment terms, as the funding is provided in exchange for equity ownership in the company. Additionally, venture capital firms often take an active role in supporting the growth and success of their portfolio companies, providing strategic guidance, mentorship, and access to their network of contacts and resources. Furthermore, venture capital funding is typically reserved for startups with high-growth potential and scalability, making it particularly well-suited for technology-driven or innovative ventures aiming to disrupt traditional industries or capture new market opportunities.

However, there are potential limitations and drawbacks associated with venture capital funding. One major concern is the loss of control and ownership, as venture capital firms typically require significant equity stakes in exchange for their investment. This can dilute the ownership stake of the founders and limit their autonomy in decision-making. Additionally, venture capital firms often have high return expectations and short investment horizons, leading to pressure on startups to achieve rapid growth and profitability, which may not always align with the long-term vision or values of the founders. Furthermore, securing venture capital funding can be highly competitive and selective, with many startups failing to secure funding despite having promising business ideas or technologies.

Venture capital funding, while highly sought after by startups, often comes with stringent criteria and expectations. Venture capitalists typically look for startups with high growth potential, scalable business models, and a clear path to profitability. This means that for many startups, especially those in the early stages, securing venture capital funding can be challenging, particularly if they have yet to generate significant revenue. Instead, venture capitalists may prioritize investing in companies that have demonstrated traction in the market, such as proven sales growth, customer acquisition, or user engagement metrics. However, some venture capital firms specialize in investing in pre-revenue startups with innovative ideas and strong growth potential, recognizing the value of investing in the company’s concept and vision rather than immediate sales figures.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the spectrum of startup funding opportunities is wide and varied, offering entrepreneurs a multitude of paths to pursue their business dreams. From the self-reliance of bootstrapping to the strategic alliances forged through industry-specific funding sources and strategic partnerships, each avenue presents its unique set of advantages and challenges. Friends and family investment provides an initial boost from trusted networks, while angel investors and crowdfunding platforms offer broader access to capital from a diverse pool of investors. Government programs and loans provide vital support, particularly for those navigating regulatory environments or seeking specialized assistance. Online lending platforms offer efficiency and accessibility, while venture capital funding brings not just capital but also expertise and guidance for high-growth ventures. By understanding the nuances of each funding option and strategically leveraging them, entrepreneurs can chart a course towards sustainable growth and success, ensuring their startups have the financial foundation needed to thrive in the competitive business landscape. Ultimately, the key lies in exploring and harnessing the full spectrum of funding opportunities available, tailoring strategies to fit the unique needs and goals of each startup venture.

Entrepreneurs embarking on the journey of securing initial funding for their ventures must embrace creativity, persistence, and strategic thinking. In the face of challenges and uncertainties, it’s crucial to approach funding opportunities with an innovative mindset, exploring unconventional avenues and thinking outside the box to identify new sources of capital. Persistence is key, as securing funding often requires perseverance in the face of rejection and setbacks. By maintaining a resilient attitude and staying committed to their vision, entrepreneurs can overcome obstacles and continue moving forward on their path to success. Additionally, strategic thinking is essential for navigating the diverse landscape of funding options, evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of each approach, and crafting a well-informed strategy that maximizes their chances of securing the right funding at the right time. By embracing creativity, persistence, and strategic thinking, entrepreneurs can unlock the doors to initial funding and set themselves on the path to building thriving and sustainable businesses.

_____

Wayne Hippo is an owner and Managing Partner of PS Solutions, a custom software development and consulting firm with offices in Altoona, PA, Pittsburgh, PA, and Wilmington, NC.
You can reach Wayne at whippo@pssolutions.net

Using Technology to Support the Well-Being of First Responders

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:59:36 GMT

Using Technology to Support the

Well-Being of First Responders

By Savannah Gillie

February 29, 2024

At PS Solutions, we believe in the power of technology to make a positive impact on people’s lives. Our latest project exemplifies this belief as we partnered with Blair Emergency Services Chaplain Platoon (BESCP) to develop a custom web app aimed at supporting first responders and their families.

First responders face extreme challenges every day – from high-stress situations to dangerous environments. These pressures can take a toll not only on their well-being but also on the well-being of their families. Recognizing this, Mike Blackie, Chief Chaplain of BESCP approached us with a vision: to create a tool that would provide vital resources and support at their fingertips.

Our team worked closely with the BESCP to understand their needs and requirements fully. We designed a user-friendly web app that can be accessed on any electronic device, made to address the needs of first responders and their families. From mental health resources and suicide prevention tools, to critical incident exposure, stress management and personal wellness tips, the app covers a wide range of topics essential for wellness.

Chief Chaplain, Mike Blackie, emphasizes the importance of extending support to families as well, recognizing that their well-being is intricately linked to that of the first responders. He states, “It may be a simple article that they need to see to make things clearer or to deal with. Or why an I dealing with this, and how do I deal with it, and then we made that available as well to the families.”

Given the sensitive nature of the information shared on the app, security was a top priority. To ensure the safety of users, we implemented a verification process. Only individuals working within emergency service fields are granted access, a measure overseen by the BESCP to protect user privacy.

The emphasis on accessibility and confidentiality is what truly sets this project apart. Understanding that some first responders may be hesitant to seek help directly, the app allows them to access resources discreetly, permitting them to take charge of their wellness journey on their own terms.

Fire Chief, Adam Free, of the Altoona Fire Department says, “Sometimes guys don’t want to open up about the issues or problems that they’re having. This app will have the resources for them to do it on their own if they’re not comfortable coming to us and talking about an issue that they may have.”

At PS Solutions, our favorite projects are the ones that make a difference in people’s lives. Working with the BESCP has been such a rewarding experience, reminding us of the real-world impact that technology can have. We’re proud to have played a part in creating a tool that supports the wellness of those who dedicate their lives to serving others.

This project has inspired us to continue using our skills and expertise to create meaningful solutions. Together, we can build a future where technology serves not only to innovate but also to uplift and support.

First responders can access the web app by visiting www.bescp.org .

This project was generously funded by Reliance Bank . Thier support was a testament to their commitment of the well-being of the community.

_____

You can reach Savannah at sgillie@pssolutions.net

PS Solutions Celebrates 15 Years of Providing Custom Software Development and IT Staffing Services

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 11:55:39 GMT

PS Solutions Celebrates 15 Years of

Providing Custom Software

Development and IT Staffing

Services

By Savannah Gillie

February 1, 2024

Since 2009, we have been providing high-quality, US-based software development and IT staffing services to businesses of all sizes across various industries nationwide. This year, we are proud to celebrate our 15th anniversary!

Owner/Managing Partner Joe Merilli expressed, “When we started, we often heard that this couldn’t be done in the US. After 15 years, I believe we’ve proven those critics wrong. We’ve collaborated with incredible clients on cutting-edge projects, and I am confident that we’ve earned their trust with high-quality, affordable software solutions.”

Over the past 15 years, we have become known for our innovative and customized software solutions, exclusively designed and developed within the United States. These solutions have helped businesses improve efficiency, enhance security, and increase profits. With a team of software solutions experts, IT networkers, and IT staffing professionals, we have earned a reputation for delivering exceptional results and outstanding customer service.

“I am so proud that in our fifteen years, we’ve not only sustained growth but also evolved. We’ve embraced larger challenges, and there isn’t a project in terms of size or complexity that our team shies away from. Our people are the heroes behind our success. We continue to ask, ‘What’s next?’ and I am consistently amazed by their ability to rise to every challenge. We are committed to pushing the envelope, and our employees never back down; they never say ‘No,'” said Owner/Managing Partner Wayne Hippo.

Looking to the future, we will stay committed to providing the highest quality software development and IT staffing services to our clients. Here’s to the next 15 years!

_____

Thank you to our friends at Pittsburgh Technology Council for celebrating with us! You can read the full story here .

_____

Wayne Hippo and Joe Merilli are the Owners and Managing Partners of PS Solutions, a custom software development and consulting firm with offices in Altoona, PA, Pittsburgh, PA, and Wilmington, NC.

You can reach Wayne or Joe at whippo@pssolutions.net and jmerilli@pssolutions.net.

Meet Our Software Development Intern: Madasin Garrison

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 11:49:42 GMT

Meet Our Software Development

Intern: Madasin Garrison

By Savannah Gillie

December 6, 2023

We would like to introduce everyone to our Software Development Intern, Madasin Garrison! Madasin is a senior in high school and a member of the National Technical Honor Society and National Honor Society. She holds the title of state champion for the SkillsUSA Computer Programmer competition in Pennsylvania, where she also achieved a position in the top 15 at the national level.

Madasin’s interest in computer science was sparked at a very young age. As a child, she focused on games that allowed her to create projects through wiring mechanics in various games. Gradually, she worked towards developing more advanced projects as she learned about different game mechanics. She has always enjoyed the freedom of creating her own projects in sandbox environments.

When we asked Madasin what she has learned since starting at PS Solutions, she said, ‘PS Solutions has taught me a lot more about software development than I ever expected, and I enjoy how well-rounded everything I learn here is. Rather than just being limited to front or back-end coding, I get to work on a bit of everything here, and I really enjoy that flexibility.’

Since Madasin started, she has been an invaluable member of our team. We are so grateful to have someone with her determination and skillset on board.

As someone so young and motivated, we wanted to gain some insight from Madasin on what advice she has for young girls who are also interested in pursuing a career in science. She said, ‘I’d advise someone my age to research the different types of development they can do and find out what kinds of projects they would specifically like to work on, since many don’t realize just how many options there are within computer science.’

When Madasin isn’t in school or working with us you can find her on the ice-skating rink! In her free time, she likes to participate in performance figure skating and general ice-skating!

We are so excited to have Madasin on our team. Her determination, skill set, and passion for learning contribute significantly to our work environment. She undoubtedly has a bright future ahead, and we can’t wait to continue watching her grow!

_____

Streamlining CRM and ERP Integration for Maximum Efficiency

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 11:45:17 GMT

Streamlining CRM and ERP

Integration for Maximum Efficiency

By Wayne Hippo

October 25, 2023

Overview

At PS Solutions, we’re in the business of improving operational efficiency and boosting profits for companies by enhancing their software systems. A typical request we often encounter involves bridging the gap between a customer’s CRM (Customer Relationship Management) and ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems.

Problem

The problem our clients frequently face is the disjointed nature of their CRM and ERP systems. These crucial pillars of business operation often work in isolation, leading to several pain points:

Data Duplication: With data residing in both the CRM and ERP systems, employees must double-enter information, leading to errors, redundancy, and wasted time.
Inefficient Processes: A lack of seamless data flow means inefficient processes and slower response times. Critical data updates are not instantly reflected in both systems.
Decision-Making Challenges: Incomplete and inconsistent data across systems can hinder informed decision-making. A comprehensive view of customer data remains a distant goal.
Customer Service Impact: This disconnection can negatively affect customer service, as sales and support teams may not have access to the latest information they need.

Solutions

For many businesses, these issues become bottlenecks, hindering growth and profitability. However, PS Solutions is ready to provide a solution.

API Connection: Our experienced developers employ API integration to bridge the gap between the client’s CRM and ERP systems. In this example, we work with Oracle Netsuite for ERP and Salesforce for CRM, both of which offer API access.
Data Synchronization: Once the APIs are connected, the data synchronization process kicks in. Whether real-time or at scheduled intervals based on client preference, updates made in the CRM are instantly mirrored in the ERP system, ensuring data consistency.
Benefits: The benefits of this integration are transformative. Business processes become streamlined, data entry errors are virtually eliminated, and decision-makers enjoy a comprehensive view of customer data. The end result? Enhanced customer service and operational efficiency.

At PS Solutions, we pride ourselves on harmonizing CRM and ERP systems, offering a solution to common business challenges. Ready to unlock the potential of your CRM and ERP integration? Get in touch with us today!

_____

Streamlining IT Services for a Specialty Medical Practice

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 11:39:45 GMT

Streamlining IT Services for a

Specialty Medical Practice

By Wayne Hippo

August 30, 2023

Introduction

In the highly competitive landscape of specialty medical practices, efficient IT infrastructure plays a pivotal role in providing quality patient care while managing operational costs. Our client, a specialty medical practice, had been facing significant challenges due to their existing IT service provider. This case study explores the challenges faced by the client, the solutions provided by our team, and the positive outcomes achieved through a tailored IT approach.

Challenges

The client had been grappling with several key challenges stemming from their previous IT service provider:

Excessive Costs: The former provider was offering expensive IT products that required frequent and resource-intensive maintenance. This put a strain on the client’s financial resources.
Hidden Fees: Basic phone calls and travel time were incurring additional charges, further contributing to the financial burden.
Inefficient Communication: The client faced prolonged response times from their provider, resulting in inefficiencies and frustration. This hindered their ability to resolve issues promptly.
Lack of In-House IT Support: As a small business, the client lacked an in-house IT department. They needed consistent system maintenance and technical assistance but were left without a reliable support structure.

Solutions

Our team undertook a comprehensive approach to address the client’s challenges and provide tailored solutions:

Thorough Assessment: We initiated the process by understanding the client’s existing network and systems in-depth. This assessment allowed us to identify areas of improvement and design a solution aligned with their unique business needs.
Cost-Effective Customization: Drawing from the assessment, we crafted a customized IT solution that not only met the client’s requirements but also optimized their IT spending. We focused on cost-effective solution that minimized unnecessary expenses.
Direct Communication: We established a direct line of communication between the client and our team. This eliminated the delays and frustrations caused by prolonged response times, enabling the client to receive timely assistance.
Comprehensive Support: Our team became the client’s reliable IT support partner. We assumed responsibility for regular system maintenance, network administration, and addressing technical issues promptly. This alleviated the need for an in-house IT department.
Vendor Management: In addition to system maintenance, we took charge of managing relationships with server, laptop, phone service, and internet providers. This ensured seamless service and efficient troubleshooting.

Conclusion

Through our strategic approach, we were able to deliver exceptional results for our client, the specialty medical practice. The transition from their former IT service provider to our comprehensive and customized solution brought about significant positive changes:

Cost Savings: The client experienced a reduction in unnecessary expenses, thanks to our cost-effective IT approach and elimination of hidden fees.
Efficient Operations: The client’s operations were streamlined with reliable system maintenance and prompt issue resolution, leading to improved overall efficiency.
Enhanced Communication: The direct line of communication established with our team eradicated delays and frustration, ensuring that the client’s IT concerns were addressed promptly.
Long-Term Partnership: Over the course of a decade, we have continued to provide the client with consistent and exceptional IT services, including network administration and vendor management.

In conclusion, this case study demonstrates the transformative impact of tailored IT solutions on a specialty medical practice. By understanding the client’s unique challenges and delivering customized services, our team successfully alleviated financial strains, enhanced efficiency, and fostered a lasting partnership based on reliability and exceptional support.

_____

Meet Our Owner/Managing Partner: Joe Merilli

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 11:32:54 GMT

Meet Our Owner/Managing

Partner: Joe Merilli

By Savannah Gillie

August 29, 2023

We would like to introduce our Owner / Managing Partner, Joe Merilli! In 2009, Joe co-founded PS Solutions with Wayne Hippo, and since then, they have been leading a team of experts dedicated to meeting clients’ technology needs. From custom software solutions to IT services and staffing, PS Solutions does it all!

While earning his degree in Computer Science at PSU Altoona, Joe began his career at Mid-State Bank in the Operations Department. Over the next four years, he transitioned into programming and systems programming. From there, he went on to work at MuRata Erie in State College, where he was promoted to Systems Analyst, Project Manager, and ultimately to Client Services Manager.

Joe’s passion for technology and leadership led him to open Solution Technologies, Inc. in Altoona, PA, in 1994, which he expanded to its first Western PA branch in Pittsburgh in 1995, growing the branches to over thirty consultants in Altoona and twenty in Pittsburgh. He led the Altoona division when the company was sold to Metro Information Services in 2000, winning several months of YO (Your Outstanding) awards for highest profitable branches in the 42-branch company.

In 2001, Joe Joined Link Computer Corporation to start the company’s IT Staffing Division. Joe was the VP of IT Staffing until 2009, building a successful practice in both Altoona and Pittsburgh for staffing information technology professionals.

Joe’s leadership skills were not limited to the IT industry. He coached softball at Bishop Guilfoyle from 2007 to 2011, leading the Lady Marauders to their first-ever winning season in 2007, the District Championship in 2008, and a three-year record of 59-12. After a three-year break to coach at the collegiate level at NYU PolyTechnic as the pitching coach, Joe returned to BG in 2014.

In 2015, Joe became the Head Coach of Women’s Softball at PSU Altoona, where he coached for over six years, leaving as the winningest active coach in athletics.

With over 40 years of experience in the industry, Joe is a valuable asset to the world of IT.

_____

Joe Merilli is an Owner and Managing Partner of PS Solutions, a custom software development and consulting firm with offices in Altoona, PA, Pittsburgh, PA, and Wilmington, NC.
You can reach Joe at jmerilli@pssolutions.net

Streamlining County Fair Management: From Spreadsheet Chaos to a Comprehensive Management System

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 16:03:42 GMT

Streamlining County Fair

Management: From Spreadsheet

Chaos to a Comprehensive

Management System

By Wayne Hippo

August 7, 2023

Overview

This case study revolves around a volunteer-led county fair management organization facing challenges in efficiently handling 400 vendors and their requirements for each annual event. With limited resources, they initially sought assistance in enhancing their spreadsheet operations. The organization partnered with our team, and we successfully improved their spreadsheet system. However, the organization soon realized the need for more sophisticated solutions. Through iterative meetings and effective communication, we transformed their spreadsheet into a comprehensive fair management system, complete with interactive mapping, billing capabilities, and communication features. The final result empowered the small fair group with the tools of a professional event management system.

Challenges

The predominant volunteer-led county fair management organization confronted several challenges in efficiently handling the vendor information and event logistics. Their primary pain points were:

1. Spreadsheet Overload: The organization relied on a single spreadsheet to manage all vendor data,

which quickly became overwhelming and prone to errors.

2. Limited Budget: With limited financial resources, the organization struggled to afford sophisticated

software solutions.

3. Inefficiency in Communication: The absence of a proper communication system hindered effective

interaction with vendors, leading to misunderstandings and delays.

4. Lack of Event Scheduling: The absence of an event scheduler made it challenging to allocate

fairground spaces and manage vendor needs effectively.

Solutions

Recognizing the need for a comprehensive management system, we collaborated with the organization to find appropriate solutions to their challenges:

1. Spreadsheet Enhancement: Initially, we improved their existing spreadsheet operations, reducing

errors and streamlining data entry processes.

2. Needs Analysis: We scheduled several meetings with the organization, during which we actively

listened to their requirements and brainstormed potential features for the management system.

3. Feature Additions: Based on the needs analysis, we gradually added new features, including an email

field for mass communication, a billing system, and an event scheduler.

4. Interactive Fairgrounds Map: One of the significant enhancements was an interactive map of the

fairgrounds. This map allowed the organization to visualize space reservations, track individual vendor

needs (electricity, Wi-Fi, chairs, tables, etc.), and optimize fairground utilization.

5. Billing Capability: We integrated a billing system that automated the vendor invoicing process, making

it easier for both the organization and vendors to manage financial transactions.

6. Communication Features: The new system enabled effective follow-up communication with vendors

and allowed for future scheduling, ensuring smooth interactions and a seamless event experience.

Conclusion

Through meticulous planning, effective communication, and budgeting skills, we successfully transformed a simple spreadsheet into a powerful fair management system. The volunteer-led county fair organization transitioned from struggling to keep track of vendors to efficiently managing all aspects of their annual event. The interactive fairgrounds map, billing capabilities, and communication features provided the organization with the tools and professionalism of a full-blown event management system. This case study exemplifies how dedicated teamwork and innovative solutions can empower even the smallest organizations to achieve remarkable results.

Wayne Hippo is an owner and Managing Partner of PS Solutions, a custom software development and

consulting firm with offices in Altoona, PA, Pittsburgh, PA, and Wilmington, NC.

You can reach Wayne at whippo@pssolutions.net

A Lifeline for Ed-Tech: Rescuing Business, Jobs, and Customers from Failed Off-shoring

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 12:20:56 GMT

A Lifeline for Ed-Tech: Rescuing

Business, Jobs, and Customers from

Failed Off-shoring

By Wayne Hippo

August 7, 2023

Overview

An Ed-Tech consulting company faced a critical situation due to an outdated legacy system distributed via CD ROM. Catering to education teams across the United States, including major education providers, the company struggled with managing a large user base efficiently, jeopardizing its operations. As a result of a competitor's web-based software release, the client experienced a decline in market share. Adding to

their woes, a previous attempt to outsource software development overseas resulted in spending over a million dollars and getting no tangible outcome.

Seeking salvation, the company turned to our team. We formed a team of skilled business analysts to assess the client's needs comprehensively, and our developers crafted a web-based software system that saved the company from potential collapse, preserving jobs, and satisfying their valued customers.

Challenges

The Ed-Tech consulting company encountered several pressing challenges:

1.Obsolete Legacy System: The reliance on CD ROM distribution hampered efficiency and user

experience, making it arduous to manage a large user base effectively.

2.Shrinking Market Share: The advent of a competitor's web-based software eroded the client's market

share, leading to financial strain.

3.Failed Off-shoring Attempt: A previous off-shoring venture resulted in significant financial losses

without yielding a viable software solution.

Solutions

In response to the customer's critical situation, our approach involved the following steps:

a. Business Analysts' Team: A team of proficient business analysts thoroughly assessed the client's needs,

identifying pain points in their existing system.

b. Customized Web-Based Software: Our developers designed and built a bespoke web-based software

system tailored to the client's precise requirements, ensuring scalability and optimal performance.

c. Data Integration: The new software seamlessly integrated relevant data to empower the client in

achieving their business objectives efficiently.

Conclusion

The implementation of the web-based software system proved to be a lifeline for the Ed-Tech consulting company. By addressing their challenges, the client not only survived but thrived, preserving jobs and satisfying their valued customers. The collaboration with our team rescued the business from the brink of collapse, safeguarding the livelihoods of countless employees and the satisfaction of their loyal customer

base. With a powerful and efficient software system in place, the client could focus on enhancing their services and securing their position in the competitive education technology market for years to come.

Wayne Hippo is an owner and Managing Partner of PS Solutions, a custom software development and consulting firm with offices in Altoona, PA, Pittsburgh, PA, and Wilmington, NC.

You can reach Wayne at whippo@pssolutions.net

Meet Our Senior Technical Recruiter: Lisa Griffin

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 13:32:54 GMT

Meet Our Senior Technical

Recruiter: Lisa Griffin

By savannah Gillie

July 26, 2023

We would like to introduce you to our Senior Technical Recruiter, Lisa Griffin! With over two decades of experience in the field, Lisa is an accomplished recruiter with a background in IT staffing and consulting. She has worked with clients both locally and throughout the United States, managing large accounts and developing new relationships.

Lisa started her career in the IT industry as an IT Placement Manager/Account Manager/National Recruiter at COMSYS, where she worked for six years. Her experience in this role initially sparked her interest in account management, sales, and project management training.

For over four years, Lisa worked as a Sales Account Manager and Business Development Executive at PMCentersUSA & ConsultUSA. During her time there, she obtained a Master’s Certificate in Project Management. In this role, her responsibilities included managing and developing relationships with Fortune 500 organizations. She primarily focused on relationship management and revenue generation through delivery of project services, staff augmentation, and PMI/Business Analysis (BA) training services. To achieve this, she not only developed and maintained existing client relationships but also identified new staffing and training opportunities within these accounts.

Lisa also served as a Senior Lead Recruiter for Celerity, where she managed large Pittsburgh client accounts and gained experience recruiting in the healthcare, financial, and manufacturing industries through extensive networking in conjunction with online sourcing. She was also responsible for project resource coordination.

In addition to her experience in staffing and consulting, Lisa has also worked as an ERP Communications Analyst-Contract Consultant Through Experis, formally Comsys, where she worked on the Organizational Change Management (OCM) team for the ERP Global Deployment Program. She was responsible for defining a communication plan, designing communication deliverables, and managing and maintaining ERP website content.

Lisa was later hired as the Leading Staffing Manager at PEAK Technical Staffing US, where she was responsible for growing the IT staffing group and working with clients locally and nationally.

Lisa’s background also includes the positions of Senior Technical Recruiter at Consulting Professional Resources and Senior Account Manager at Oxford Global Resources. Throughout her professional career, she also spent several years working as an Independent Consultant on a variety of IT staffing and consulting projects.

When Lisa is not working, she enjoys gardening, spending time with friends, and going to the gym.

We are excited to have someone with her extensive experience and passion for recruiting on our team!

Lisa Griffin is the Senior Technical Recruiter of PS Solutions, a custom software development and consulting firm with offices in Altoona, PA, Pittsburgh, PA, and Wilmington, NC. You can reach her at lgriffin@pssolutions.net

The Hidden Costs of Not Going Custom: Unraveling the Long-Term Benefits of Custom Software Solutions

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 15:16:18 GMT

The Hidden Costs of Not Going

Custom: Unraveling the Long-Term

Benefits of Custom Software

Solutions

By Wayne Hippo

July 24, 2023

Off-the-shelf software may be tempting with its promise of quick implementation and lower upfront costs. However, businesses soon realize that these solutions do not accommodate their specific workflows, processes, or growth trajectories. As companies expand and evolve, they find themselves constrained by the limitations of generic software, leading to several hidden costs:

Reduced Productivity and Efficiency: Generic software may not align with your operational requirements, resulting in inefficiencies, redundant tasks, and wasted time. This decreases productivity and increases labor costs as employees struggle to adapt to software that doesn’t seamlessly fit into their workflow.
Frequent Workarounds and Manual Processes: Inflexible off-the-shelf software often requires workarounds and manual interventions to meet specific needs. These makeshift solutions are prone to errors, data inconsistencies, and increased maintenance costs.
Integration Challenges: Businesses typically use a mix of software applications to manage different aspects of their operations. Off-the-shelf software may not integrate smoothly with existing systems, resulting in data silos and hindering data-driven decision-making.
Limited Scalability: As your business grows, you need software that can scale alongside it. One-size-fits-all solutions may not be able to adapt to your changing requirements, leading to costly and time-consuming migration processes.

The Benefits of Custom Software Solutions:

Embracing custom software solutions can address these hidden costs and offer numerous long-term benefits for businesses:

Tailored to Your Needs: Custom software is designed specifically to align with your business processes, workflows, and goals. This solution seamlessly integrates with your existing systems, empowering your team to work efficiently and productively.
Enhanced Productivity: With custom software catering to your specific needs, employees can focus on their core responsibilities instead of dealing with workarounds or inefficient processes. This results in improved productivity and reduced labor costs.
Streamlined Operations: A custom software solution streamlines your operations by automating manual tasks and optimizing processes. This leads to reduced human errors, improved data accuracy, and faster decision-making.
Scalability and Flexibility: Custom software is built with scalability in mind, allowing your business to grow without technological roadblocks. You can easily expand the software’s functionality as your needs change, eliminating the need for costly system replacements.
Data-Driven Decision-Making: Custom software enables seamless data integration and centralizes information from various sources. This provides a comprehensive view of your business, enabling data-driven decision-making and fostering a competitive advantage.
Improved Customer Service: Personalized customer experiences are crucial for building brand loyalty. Custom software allows businesses to develop tailored solutions for customers, enhancing satisfaction, and fostering long-term relationships.
Competitive Edge: In today’s competitive market, differentiation is key. Custom software with unique features and functionalities sets your business apart, giving you a competitive edge over competitors relying on off-the-shelf solutions.

At PS Solutions, we are dedicated to creating custom software that perfectly aligns with your unique business needs, empowering you on your path to success. Embrace the power of customization and elevate your business to new heights. Contact us today to discover how our custom software solutions can revolutionize your operations and enhance customer service like never before.

_____

PS Solutions' Salesforce Staffing Success: A Case Study

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 15:11:09 GMT

PS Solutions' Salesforce Staffing

Success: A Case Study

By Wayne Hippo

June 30, 2023

Overview:

PS Solutions recently partnered with a large state agency to fulfill an urgent requirement for Salesforce resources, including a Senior Salesforce Developer and a Salesforce Integration Developer. The state agency was kicking off a high-profile, long-term project involving the design, development, and implementation of a customized Salesforce solution.

Challenges:

PS Solutions faced several challenges in finding the right talent for their client. The urgency of the requirement meant that a quick turnaround time was essential. The need for highly skilled and experienced professionals with expertise in various aspects of Salesforce was required as well.

Solutions:

PS Solutions swiftly responded to their clients’ urgent staffing needs.

Requirement Review: PS Solutions conducted an in-depth review of the state agency’s project requirements, including the specific technical skills and Salesforce experience needed on the project.
Extensive Screening Process: Over 50 resources were screened by PS Solutions to identify candidates who possessed the requisite qualifications, technical expertise, and industry experience. This meticulous screening process ensured that only highly qualified individuals were considered for the roles.
Rapid Candidate Delivery: PS Solutions leveraged its extensive network of Salesforce professionals and within a remarkably short period of time, 36 hours, three highly qualified resources were presented to the client.
Selection Assistance: PS Solutions provided comprehensive support during the candidate selection process. This included facilitating interviews, coordinating feedback, and assisting in the final decision-making process.
Onboarding Support: Once the candidates were selected, PS Solutions ensured a smooth onboarding experience by facilitating necessary paperwork, clarifying project expectations, and providing ongoing support throughout the engagement.

Conclusion:

PS Solutions successfully addressed the challenges faced by its client. The partnership resulted in the prompt identification and delivery of highly qualified Salesforce resources, enabling the agency to begin its critical project without delay. PS Solutions’ knowledge of the Salesforce ecosystem, meticulous candidate screening, efficient selection assistance, and comprehensive onboarding support resulted in the seamless integration of new resources into the client’s project team. This case study exemplifies PS Solutions’ commitment to delivering tailored staffing solutions and assisting organizations in achieving their strategic objectives.

_____

Modernizing an Outdated E- commerce Site for an Enhanced User Experience: A Case Study

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 15:08:03 GMT

Modernizing an Outdated E-

commerce Site for an Enhanced

User Experience: A Case Study

By Wayne Hippo

June 30, 2023

Overview

In this case study, we will discuss how our team successfully modernized an outdated e-commerce site for a client, which was originally developed 15-20 years ago. The project aimed to address the challenges posed by changes in technology, resulting in an inefficient and unusable platform. By implementing cutting-edge solutions, we were able to transform the client’s e-commerce site into a highly efficient platform, enabling members to post pictures of items, set prices, and complete transactions seamlessly, all within a centralized location. The following sections discuss the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the outcomes achieved through this modernization initiative.

Challenges

The client’s e-commerce site faced several challenges due to its outdated technology and design:

Inefficiency: The legacy code and outdated infrastructure resulted in slow performance, causing delays in page loading and transaction processing. This affected the overall user experience and hindered the growth of the client’s online business.
Usability Issues: The user interface and navigation were not user-friendly, making it difficult for members to find products, set prices, and complete transactions. This led to frustration among users, impacting customer satisfaction and retention.
Lack of Modern Features: The e-commerce site lacked modern features that are now commonplace in the industry, such as the ability for members to post pictures of items they wanted to sell. This limited the functionality of the platform and reduced its competitiveness in the market.

Solutions

We devised a comprehensive plan to modernize the client’s e-commerce site and address the challenges. The following solutions were implemented:

Code Refactoring: The outdated codebase was thoroughly analyzed and refactored to improve performance and eliminate any vulnerabilities. This optimization helped enhance the platform’s speed and responsiveness, providing a smoother user experience.
User-Centric Design: Our team revamped the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) of the site, adopting a modern and intuitive design. This involved streamlining the navigation, simplifying the product search process, and optimizing the checkout process to ensure a seamless and user-friendly experience.
Picture Posting Feature: We integrated a new feature that allowed members to upload pictures of the items they wanted to sell. This addition not only enhanced the visual appeal of the platform but also provided more comprehensive product information to potential buyers, facilitating better decision-making.
Centralized Transaction Management: We implemented a centralized transaction management system, enabling members to set prices and complete transactions within the e-commerce site itself. This eliminated the need for users to navigate external platforms for payment processing, enhancing convenience and improving user engagement.

Conclusion

Through the expertise and strategic implementation of our team, the client’s outdated e-commerce site underwent a successful modernization process. By refactoring the code, optimizing performance, and improving the UI/UX design, the platform became highly efficient and user-friendly. The introduction of the picture posting feature and centralized transaction management system provided members with enhanced functionalities, making it easier for them to sell their items and complete transactions seamlessly. As a result, the client can now serve their members better than ever before, improving customer satisfaction, increasing user engagement, and positioning themselves as a competitive player in the e-commerce market. Our modernization efforts helped the client overcome technological challenges and achieve a more efficient e-commerce platform.

_____

Troubleshooting Salesforce Implementation: A Case Study

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 15:04:42 GMT

Troubleshooting Salesforce

Implementation: A Case Study

By Wayne Hippo

June 22, 2023

Overview

This case study highlights the challenges faced by a client in a Salesforce Implementation project and the solutions we provided them. The client approached us with an urgent problem of project delays and inaccurate planning by previous consultants. We promptly assessed the client’s needs, conducted resource screening, and successfully provided four qualified consultant candidates in a remarkably short timeframe.

Challenges

Our client faced significant challenges due to delays and inaccuracies in the planning phase. The previous consultants had failed to anticipate the complexities of the project, resulting in missed deadlines and project inefficiencies. As a result, the client experienced frustration, financial losses, and a loss of confidence in their ability to implement Salesforce within the desired timeline.

Solution

Upon receiving the client’s request for assistance, we promptly initiated a series of steps to address the challenges at hand.

Needs Assessment: We conducted an in-depth needs assessment meeting with the client, gaining a comprehensive understanding of their requirements, project scope, and current challenges. This initial consultation allowed us to identify the underlying issues and define the desired outcomes, forming the foundation for an effective solution.
Resource Screening: Recognizing the urgency of the problem, we mobilized our expert team to screen and evaluate potential Salesforce Architect candidates. Leveraging their vast network and extensive industry experience, our team identified and shortlisted highly qualified professionals who possessed the necessary skills and experience to address the client’s specific needs.
Candidate Provision: Within an impressive timeframe of 48 hours, we presented the client with a carefully selected pool of four consultant candidates. Each candidate possessed a deep understanding of Salesforce architecture, had relevant experience in troubleshooting similar projects, and demonstrated strong problem-solving abilities. This rapid turnaround ensured that the client could swiftly evaluate the candidates and proceed with the next steps in their Salesforce implementation.

Conclusion

We successfully met the urgent needs of a client who was facing challenges during their Salesforce implementation project. By promptly assessing the client’s requirements, conducting resource screening, and providing four highly qualified consultant candidates within 48 hours, we were able to demonstrate our expertise in troubleshooting complex Salesforce projects. The client was able to regain confidence in their implementation timeline and move forward with a skilled team that could address the project’s challenges effectively. Through the collaborative efforts of our team and the client, the project is now on a path toward successful completion, ensuring the client’s Salesforce implementation goals are achieved.

If you are facing challenges in your Salesforce implementation project, our team is here to help. Contact us today to discuss your needs and find out how we can assist you in achieving your implementation goals.

_____

Creating Opportunities in Software Development for More People in the US.

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 15:00:43 GMT

Creating Opportunities in Software

Development for More People in

the US.

By Wayne Hippo

June 15, 2023

Today, I want to shine a light on an important topic that affects many talented individuals: the lack of opportunities in software development for those who don’t have a four-year college degree. Many among us cannot afford a college degree. Others are in circumstances that time and personal constraints do not allow the luxury of taking four years to get a degree.

The reality is that software development skills, particularly entry level skills, can be self-taught, developed through bootcamps, associate degrees and in-house training programs.

Yet, there is an arrogance within some segments of the industry that somehow equates talent and ability to code with a four-year degree. It simply isn’t true.

Successful software developers can be folks who’ve always had a passion to write code, but they can also be people who want to change their career paths later in life, people who can’t afford college, or those who’ve experienced a dramatic change in circumstances and need to train and adapt quickly. Four year degrees certainly aren’t the answer for people in those circumstances.

Here are a few steps we can take to create more opportunities for aspiring software developers:

Promote alternative learning paths: Encourage and highlight alternative learning options, such as online courses, coding bootcamps, and self-guided learning resources. These avenues provide affordable and flexible opportunities for individuals to gain practical skills and knowledge in software development.
Establish scholarship and financial aid programs: Collaborate with organizations, employers, and educational institutions to develop scholarships and financial aid programs specifically targeted at supporting individuals from low-income backgrounds. By alleviating the financial burden, we can make education and career advancement more accessible.
Foster apprenticeship and internship programs: Partner with companies and industry professionals to establish apprenticeship and internship programs that provide hands-on experience and mentorship opportunities. These programs enable individuals to gain practical skills while earning a living, creating a sustainable path into the software development field.
Advocate for inclusive hiring practices: Encourage employers to evaluate candidates based on their skills, experience, and potential, rather than solely on formal education. By prioritizing talent and potential, we can create a more level playing field and open doors for individuals who may not have traditional degrees but possess valuable skills.
Support community initiatives: Get involved with local organizations and community groups that aim to bridge the opportunity gap in technology. By supporting these initiatives, we can collectively work towards creating a more equitable and inclusive tech ecosystem.

If you’re passionate about this cause and would like to contribute or share your experiences, I invite you to connect with me. Let’s collaborate and make a difference in the lives of aspiring software developers who deserve equal opportunities.

_____

When It's Darkest, the Stars Lead the Way

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 14:55:38 GMT

When It's Darkest, the Stars Lead the

way

By Wayne Hippo

June 1, 2023

This phrase always has held a special place for me. It’s a great reminder of so many lessons we can lean on in dark times.

The very first thing that it brings to my mind is the need for leaders to step up when the big problems surface. Leadership can be easy when everything is going well. And leaders are often charged with the responsibility to create and maintain an environment where everything is running smoothly. Everybody is happy. Everyone likes you. The flowers are blooming. The sun is shining.

When that’s happening, weak leaders proclaim to others how great they are. But that’s not really the environment where we need to measure leadership effectiveness.

The reality is, except for those who are living in either denial or deception, it’s never going to be smooth sailing 100% of the time.

Eventually, something negative is going to happen. Often, in the best of environments, the negative developments can be just slight hills to climb and quickly the path levels out and everyone is back on a flat easy path again.

In one form or another, at one time or another, we all face these obstacles. Everybody everywhere is dealing with their own problems. Don’t let anyone fool you. Certainly, some have it worse than others. Some obstacles are simply massive. Others are only made massive by panic, fear, and poor leadership. Others still are denied, sloppily covered over, or ignored. That tends, by the way, to only make them bigger.

But, in dealing with the darkness, there is hope and often good news.

In darkness, you find the stars. When everything seems just bleak, dreary, and hopeless – during these dark moments – that’s when the stars come into prominence. The stars can guide the way through the darkness. The stars become your source of inspiration, optimism, and the potential for better days ahead.

But, just as on any dark night, a good leader will see the darkness as an opportunity to find the stars. Who on the team is serving as the glimmer of hope? Who will be the leader emerging from the darkness to help light the way?

The darkness should give leaders a chance to be a star and an even better chance to find other stars.

_____

Meet Our Business Development Director: Bill Kossack

Thu, 18 May 2023 14:48:56 GMT

Meet Our Business Development

Director: Bill Kossack

By Savannah Gillie

May 18, 2023

We would like to introduce everyone to one of PS Solutions’ newest team members, Bill Kossack! In his role as Business Development Director, Bill is responsible for directing and managing our IT Staffing practices, as well as developing new relationships and business opportunities for the IT Staffing and Software Solutions components of our company.

One thing we should note about Bill is that he is a doer, not a watcher. He has a special ability for recognizing talent when he sees it, and then giving that talent the support and space, they need to thrive. In addition, he has a knack for developing relationships and is always eager to engage in any conversation.

Bill has held various roles in multiple industries since completing his education at the School of Computer Technology in Pittsburgh, PA. He has worked in the hospitality field with Marriott hotels, been a Class A PGA Head Golf Professional and golf course builder/owner, and he has experience in the Insurance and Information Technology sectors.

When he’s not working you can find him at the golf course, on the ski slopes, cruising on his Harley Davidson V-Rod. hunting, fishing, or admiring his 2013 race red Ford Mustang GT500!

We are so excited to have Bill on board, and we can’t wait to see the impact he will have on our team!

_____

Bill Kossack is the Business Development Director of PS Solutions, a custom software development and consulting firm with offices in Altoona, PA, Pittsburgh, PA, and Wilmington, NC. You can reach Bill at bkossack@pssolutions.net.

Finding a Path Through the Chaos

Fri, 05 May 2023 14:45:01 GMT

Finding a Path Through the Chaos

By Wayne Hippo

May 5,2023

Owning a business is tough. Almost everyone who has been in the role of the owner or entrepreneur will tell you that it is way more complicated than it might seem at first blush. A lot of the complexity comes from having to deal with problems that the owner didn’t see coming or couldn’t have anticipated. But come they will.

Often, as businesses grow, the problems change from one form to another. In the startup phase, it’s not uncommon for the founder to be struggling with finding product-market fit. The brilliant idea that someone had envisioned that led to the start of the company has been translated into something that isn’t selling for whatever reason. This means more time listening to clients, learning about potential market verticals and a host of other issues. All of your work then becomes about modifying what you are doing in order to actually provide a product or service that someone is willing to buy.

We often hear people telling us that the software or technology solutions they have in place either “aren’t doing what we need” or “aren’t the product we were expecting”.

Clients like that have several choices, but a lot of them are bad. The easiest thing to do is simply complain about technology and continue spending hours with workarounds or just ignoring the problem altogether. You hear people saying, “We tried that, and it didn’t work.” Another common statement is “Yeah, we spent that money, but the program wasn’t working right, so we went back to just doing it on paper.”

These situations are especially frustrating to me because the person is really saying “We realized we have a real need and that we have to find a better way, but we tried something and it didn’t work right away, so we quit and went back to the process that wasn’t working right in the first place.”

Does that make any sense? Yet, the reality is that people tend to be more comfortable with the status quo than finding an easier solution – especially if the solution seems a bit more difficult to put into place than they had initially thought. Retreating to the comfort of the everyday, no matter how bad that is, often is seen as the obvious choice.

_____

It's a Pretty Good Day

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 11:43:04 GMT

It's a Pretty Good Day

By Wayne Hippo

April 5, 2023

I’m quietly celebrating today knowing that we just hit a home run for somebody. A client came to us in total frustration because they couldn’t get their software service to do what they needed. The cloud-based software service they were paying to run their business couldn’t be modified or expanded to allow them to take advantage of some great opportunities the client had identified.

The client even asked for permission to pay for code modifications, but of course they were denied access to the code. At this point, they realized that they didn’t really own anything. They were reliant on the SAAS provider to create the code; the provider chose the code themselves; the client had no input on what direction the code would take; they couldn’t add new features. The list went on and on. In fact, our client realized that if the company running the software were to shut down, the client would have nothing. Sure, the client owned its own data, but without the software to process and analyze the data, they really had a mountain of inaccessible information.

We took on the responsibility of writing a custom system for the client from the ground up. It was a pretty big lift, taking over a year. The process was intense at times and there were some stops and restarts and some changes of direction along the way. We were fortunate that this client understood the process and stayed involved all the way through the process, providing great input and response.

At the end of the day, it’s working great. The client has exactly the product that they envisioned and has the ability to modify and expand the product as their industry changes over time or their business model pivots to a new area or direction.

To me, the satisfaction of solving the problem, of getting rid of the pain point for the client is the absolute coolest thing we do. I often joke when people ask us “Which vertical do you prefer to work in?”, my answer is “the vertical of pain”.

It’s funny, but it is very true. Most of our clients tend to be frustrated for some reason or another. They have an idea they can’t bring to life, or someone else can’t get it done. Perhaps they are growing too fast for their technology to keep up; or the software they rely on is twenty years old and patched together with bandages. Sometimes our clients were let down or deceived by others and come to us with no inclination to trust anybody else. We have to work to rebuild that trust by proving ourselves day in and day out, week in and week out until the client is willing to trust that we will get them through the maze they’ve been lost in for so long.

We will.

And when we do, it’s a pretty good day.

_____

5 Areas Where Business Software Causes Employee Frustrations

Fri, 06 Jan 2023 11:36:15 GMT

5 Areas Where Business Software

Causes Employee Frustrations

By Wayne Hippo

January 6, 2023

As technology continues to play a dominating and growing role in our lives and in our business operations, it is important to understand its impact, both positive and negative. Over the years, in working with businesses, large and small, we have seen countless examples of employees being relieved and grateful for technological improvements, but we have also seen widespread frustration when technology is not implemented, utilized, or maintained properly.

We live in a time where change is taking place faster and more frequently than ever before. Most of that change is a result of technological innovations. Software and technology move forward at a pace where most people cannot possibly keep up. The digital transformation of the workplace continues to present more and more options and possibilities that claim to be better, and better for business operations.

The response to the technological deluge of better and faster options varies from company to company. On the one extreme are companies that are “all-in” on legacy software, refusing to upgrade or change anything (or as little as possible). This is a version of “This has always worked just fine and got us where we are.” This approach ignores a lot of problems, such as failing to provide for increased security measures, or being able to add additional services or features for employees or customers that are readily available on modern software systems. Often, legacy systems simply can’t handle changes in business operations that weren’t even contemplated when the original software was written.

The other extreme is the company that simply engages in non-stop upgrade and improvement. Often these companies are technology companies trying to prove they stay on the cutting edge of software and hardware progress. Not only is this solution expensive, but it also leaves employees in a state of frustration due to the lack of regular, reliable systems where they can comfortably perform their jobs without constantly learning the intricacies of the latest technology breakthrough.

Most companies are trying to find the balance between these two extremes. All of them must decide at what point they are going to integrate new features and services, which would have the benefit of improving their own products, making their employees lives easier or making their business operation more efficient and easier to manage.

Everyone is in this battle of balance to reduce frustrations, increase efficiencies, improve performance, and keep costs under control. Everyone is struggling to find a software technology solution that is easy to use, delivers the exact information needed or desired, and is reasonably affordable. It seems like even when company personnel get one program figured out, along comes an update that changes the system, or the old software is no longer supported, or perhaps management buys a different package altogether. Once you get in the rhythm with one program, management decides to try a new one. It is not unusual for old legacy systems to be so antiquated they really are no longer functioning. To the extent that those systems need updated and supported, the software developers needed to write the code are becoming older, fewer, and further between.

To understand these problems and frustrations, it is best to start with a thorough understanding of the cause of the frustration and then solve the problems from there.

Let’s look at a number of the more common employee complaints regarding business software that businesses must deal with on a regular basis:

1.Frustrations with Legacy Systems

I’m not saying that because a legacy software system is old that it needs to be replaced. However, maintaining legacy software requires both constant monitoring and regular upgrading to keep it functioning in a manner that keeps your business competitive. But they come with a lot of built-in problems for the business and its employees. If the system loads or operates slowly, productivity suffers. Ironically, one of the benefits of enterprise software systems is that they are meant to increase productivity. More importantly, older legacy systems are not capable of supporting modern software security tools and protocols.

Even in those situations where the legacy system is still performing some valuable function(s), employees can still be frustrated if it is unable to communicate with other software in the operation, or if it produces data that then must be entered manually into other systems. Employees often feel that they are being left behind professionally if they aren’t working with modern software systems used by larger parts of the industry. Often a company’s morale, image and culture can suffer when employees are aware that there is better, faster, more efficient options being used by competitors.

2. User Interface and User Design Frustrations

Enterprise software is often large, overwhelming, and intimidating. It is not uncommon to hear complaints that the user interface of many CRMs ERPs and Business Intelligence is often not intuitive, properly laid out and requires excessive training to understand and use. The training time is extended, and often expensive. Even after completing training, a bad User Interface can significantly extend the amount of time it takes for an employee to be proficient. Any custom software you are having built tailored to your operation will need to have a strong and smart interface that is intuitive enough that training, usage and even trouble shooting are as simple as possible. The enterprise software can ultimately function well, but if the UI/UX is not properly thought through and developed, the employee frustrations of figuring it out, or helping coworkers to understand the UI becomes a significant drawback to efficiency of the operation.

Employees want business software to be easy and intuitive to use, the system must be highly functional and must be able to adapt and be easily modified should the business model change and new features need to be added. If an employee sees a system not doing its job, they treat it the same as any coworker that is not qualified, capable or is underperforming.

3. Lack of Automation and a Lack of Integration

One of the benefits of using business software is that it can reduce or eliminate a lot of time-consuming and tedious tasks from the workload of employees throughout the company. If selected, created, and implemented properly, good business software can impact your front-line employees by allowing for consolidation of positions, increasing efficiency of employee hours, and creating a better utilization of the front-line workforce. At the management level, the data generated and gathered by well-written and focused software can free up blocks of time for executives and managers who can spend their time analyzing data instead of correcting or creating reports.

But the automation must be done right. We’ve encountered numerous examples of frontline workers avoiding or delaying the performance of valuable assignments because the system is simply too tedious or complicated. Some of it is just exhausting and foolish. In an everyday example, have you ever gone to a first appointment at, for instance, a doctor’s office and have had to fill out multiple forms by hand? Then the forms ask for basic information like name, address, and phone number that it is necessary to enter time and time again on each form? If you find that frustrating, imagine how employees must feel doing the same thing as part of their job each day.

Ask yourself or your IT team these questions:

How many software systems do we rely on in the operation and management of the company? Is it one, two, five, more? Make sure the count is thorough and realistic: Are the employees signing in on laptops, then having to load and sign into several more programs (work hour monitoring, billing systems, inventory systems, HR software)
In doing their actual job tasks, what software do the employees use?
Do the programs interact and exchange information and data with each other? Employees despise having to enter the same information over and over into multiple systems.
Does each software program here require its own sign in?
Are there gaps in the data collection and exchange process where employees are required to enter information from one system into another? How much manual entry of data is still taking place and how much of that is redundant?
Is there a part of the process that is not covered at all requiring employees to take the data gathered and create their own reports on a spreadsheet, for instance?

As technology continues to expand into all aspects of business, software solutions for tasks are becoming more commonplace. But as businesses keep adding separate solutions into the mix, employee frustration increases as they are required to not only learn and operate more software, but each addition to the software mix also creates a possibility that the systems are not properly integrated, creating more manual work for employees as they try to use all the various software tools that have been added. On the management side, if the data is too difficult to find, access or understand, or if there is a question about its integrity, the data is ignored. That means decisions are being made without facts (data) and management is relying on instinct and opinion. Simply put, these systems must be easy to use and seamlessly integrated together to allow for the data to be easily preserved, accessed, processed, and reported to management so that sound decisions can be made from accurate information.

4. Failing to Account for the Whole System – Cooperation Between Departments

While similar to the issues regarding integration, it is worth noting to look for the same problems between departments. In other words, while an employee might not be adding information in multiple times, is that same information being entered into different systems by different people in different departments? Such a scenario not only wastes valuable employee work time, but significantly increases the chances for errors. Different employees might use different company names (failing to add “Inc.” to a client name, making spelling mistakes or typos, or use abbreviations in one instance while a fellow employee in a different department does not abbreviate or does so differently). It’s important that not just one department have a smooth and efficient process of tracking its data, all of the departments must have such systems, and THEN all of those systems need to be working together efficiently to truly enjoy the benefits of business s. ware.

Well planned and well written custom software or middleware can alleviate these problems.

5. Limited Guidance/ Inaccessible Support Team

One of the benefits, to some, of living in a technically connected world is that employees can plug in and work from anywhere and at any time. That is also one of the drawbacks. But even for the employee who wants or needs the ability to work at any time and in any place, the software must be supported under the same terms. Even employees who do not want to always potentially be on the clock are going to have their frustrations magnified if the software is malfunctioning or crashing in off hours and there is no support available. The more customized your software is for your specific business, the more likely the need for support can be minimized as the specific and precise nature of the software can be mastered in house and there are less complications caused by unused and unnecessary functions and components. Targeted software with a solid support team is easier to adjust to and often requires less attention. When your software is not customized, the big, “do-everything” complicated systems are harder to support and having a strong support plan has to be taken into account.

It is a complicated decision, but you can make it easier.

There is little argument that business software, whether you buy it off the shelf or get it custom built, is expensive and takes a lot of time to manage, train and implement into your business system. In deciding what path to take, it is important to learn from the mistakes of others and to make yourself aware of the typical complaints of employees and businesses in order to avoid making the same mistakes. In our next article, we will talk about how to figure out the solution that works best for you and your company.

_____

Wayne Hippo is an owner and Managing Partner of PS Solutions, a custom software development and consulting firm with offices in Altoona, PA, Pittsburgh, PA, Wilmington, NC and Dallas, TX.
You can reach Wayne at whippo@pssolutions.net

A Plan to Solve Your Software Developer Talent Shortage

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 11:27:11 GMT

A Plan to Solve Your Software

Developer Talent Shortage

By Wayne Hippo

June 28, 2022

If you are reading this, you likely are already aware of the problem faced by businesses throughout the US (in fact, the world): there are not enough competent, talented software developers and software engineers available to fill the many needs existing in today’s marketplace. According to TechServe Alliance, there are 8.08M IT/Engineering jobs open and the IT sector is at “Full Employment”.

If you have open needs for software developers, you probably are experiencing things like:

Few or no applicants for open listings
Short shelf life for any candidates you do find
Salary demands that far outpace rate cards
Project Deadlines being missed
Current staff turning over due to lack of help or lure of “big money” offers

The market changes caused by the response to the Covid-19 pandemic (drastic shift to focus on work-from-home, the Great Resignation, etc.) did not cause the current problem, but they certainly have greatly exacerbated it. For years, the reality has been that we, as a society, haven’t been devoting enough resources to encourage, educate and train a sufficient number of people to address the demands of a rapidly growing technological influence in our lives. Ask anyone in the software development industry and they will tell you that the shortage of trained talent has been a problem for years. Now, however, the impact of the pandemic on the workforce has made it a lot worse. Technology needs and solutions have rapidly expanded, while the numbers of those able to work on the necessary projects, already an insufficient amount, has not kept up the pace.

Find a way to “stop the bleeding.

To stop the bleeding, the first step is to take the heat off your current team and manager. Identify the current issues facing the software development team. By issues, I don’t mean the problems I’ve been outlining above, but the tasks and assignments that need to be done. Have the department managers identify these assignments and create a confined “project” that can be outsourced to an established reliable team. Ideally the project should be big enough to have a meaningful impact to reduce the pressures on your in-house team – typically a project with a scope that could be completed by a small to mid-sized team of developers within 6 months to a year.

We strongly believe that this type of project should not be “off-shored” or “near-shored” to an unknown team in a foreign country. This project is a short-term priority that needs done right without the time to address the MANY obstacles built in to offshoring projects.

Having bought some time by relieving the short-term stressors by outsourcing a specific small to mid-sized project, the next steps should be those of self-assessment.

Start a self-assessment of your hiring process.

Start the self-assessment by looking at the processes being used by your company to find talent. How long does it take from identifying the need, until the job is posted, resumes are reviewed, candidates are interviewed, decisions are made, and offers are extended? How many offers are made to candidates no longer available? What is the percentage rate of accepted offers? How long does the entire process take? Then ask yourself, if it is reasonable to believe that a strong candidate would wait that long for a decision in the current environment. As part of the self-assessment, you should not just be asking your managers or HR team, but speak to employees, candidates, and third-party vendors, as well. Ask them where the hold-ups are and how the process could be improved.

A Leadership IQ study in 2022 found that an astonishing 46% of jobs have to be “re-hired” as a result of bad first attempts. Essentially, that is a near 50% failure rate. Is there ANY OTHER aspect of your business where you tolerate a failure rate that high?

Next, examine your job descriptions. My first suggestion is to get your hiring manager to spend 15 minutes with HR for each job description and confirm that it accurately describes what the manager is looking for in the positions that are open. We have seen dozens of instances where there is a huge disconnect between the job description supplied by HR and the specific needs being sought by the hiring manager. Keep in mind that software development can be highly complex and that in many companies the HR departments aren’t regularly hiring Software Engineers and they don’t know the specific nuances of what might be needed. If the managers aren’t specifically reviewing the job descriptions being used in postings or provided to recruiters, there is a very good chance that the candidate funnel is receiving a lot of unmatched candidates. We’ve seen instances where several candidates who were extremely well qualified for the job described in a listing were rejected. After several exasperating failed interviews, the recruiter finally confronted the hiring manager with concern that the candidates were more than qualified, only to find out that the manager was looking for skills and experience that did not match the listing.

Another shortcoming in many job descriptions is relying on the need for a specific degree or experience level. Software development is one area where the stories of the self-taught are legendary throughout the industry. Examine each job and ask if the degree requirements set forth in the job description are necessary. Does it matter if the person does not have a bachelor’s degree in computer science if they have an associate’s degree in computer programming and five years of on-point experience writing the very types of code that you are looking for? We’ve seen instances where HR departments have held up hiring because a candidate with 15 years of relevant experience could not produce a copy of a diploma issued by a school that had gone out of business several decades before. Other instances where a company would not even interview people who had no degree, even though the candidate’s GitHub was full of relevant, impressive software projects and applications that demonstrated high skill.

Create your own, in-house training and development program.

Lastly, a more long-term approach to the problem is to start creating your own, in-house training and development program. Internships, bootcamps, coding schools and related training courses can start providing your company with talented home-grown solutions to the software shortage. Opening these opportunities to women and minorities who typically aren’t encouraged to pursue these avenues of employment allows you to tap into larger candidate populations that aren’t being pursued as hard by the competition.

A lot of the plan involves self-assessment of your hiring procedures, processes, and customs. The “we’ve always hired this way” mentality can be a huge obstacle. Keep reminding yourself that what you are doing is not working really well, so change should be less scary under those circumstances. The system is already broken. It’s not like the change is going to mess up a well-run system.

__________
Wayne Hippo is an owner and Managing Partner of PS Solutions, a software outsourcing and consulting firm with offices in Altoona, PA, Pittsburgh, PA, Wilmington, NC & Dallas, TX.

You can reach Wayne at whippo@pssolutions.net

NEWS: PS Solutions Foundation Celebrates 10 Years!

Fri, 27 May 2022 11:17:02 GMT

NEWS: PS Solutions Foundation

Celebrates 10 Years!

By Gabbi Plumez

May 27, 2022

PS Solutions celebrates the first decade of the PS Solutions Foundation serving many students as young as elementary school to high school and early college!

Launching in 2012, the PS Solutions Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization to encourages young girls to develop an interest in software engineering. By partnering with educational providers, we help them provide opportunities for young girls to explore Computer Science early, with the hope that they’ll be able to envision themselves in such careers later down the line.

What a decade it has been! Some of our favorite initiatives have been partnering with schools and businesses along the east coast to share #girlsintech! We had employees from all three of our development centers (Altoona, Pittsburgh, and Wilmington) host Lunch-N-Learns at Isaac Bear Early College, Sea-Tech High School, and Bishop Guilfoyle, catering to 75+ students in one month alone! Our recent Women in Tech Series highlighted 12 intelligent women in various roles in different companies across the country. Women joined us from Google, Microsoft, GNC, Allegheny Health Network, Apiture, Health Possible, and more! With efforts to share these interviews with schools, our hope is for young students to be encouraged and see themselves in a similar role one day.

Women in Tech Series – To watch full interviews visit our YouTube page, here.

We have also partnered with community partners such as Cucalorus to host an Elementary Discovery Camp and donated scholarships for kids to attend summer coding camps at PSU! With the help of students from Sanderson Highschool in Raleigh, NC participating in District C, an organization that helps students learn the skills to come up with business solutions, we were able to develop a plan catered by students for students to further grow our foundation.

As we reflect, when first starting the PS Solution Foundation, we knew we had to be at the forefront of the inequality in the technology industry. Providing free resources and spreading awareness and opportunities has always been our goal. We have seen tremendous growth in the #WomeninTech movement over the last decade, but there is still work to do. Thank you to our communities, partners, and friends for helping us through support, time, and finances. A special thank you to the Sheetz family for your initial donation 10 years ago. We are proud of what we have accomplished thus far but we are just getting started. Here is to our first 10 years and the next 10 to come.

“It’s been exciting to see the achievements of the PS Solutions Foundation. Getting more women involved in software engineering in the US vastly improves our country’s resources and talent pool. Our foundation ties so closely to our company belief that software technology should be developed in the United States.” – Wayne Hippo, Managing Partner

For more information on the PS Solutions Foundation, please visit www.pssolutions.net/foundation . If interested in coordinating a Lunch-N-Learn for your students, reach out to Wayne Hippo at whippo@pssolutions.net. To donate to support young women in technology, please visit www.pssolutions.net .

Women in Technology Series Recap

Fri, 27 May 2022 11:00:36 GMT

Women in Technology Series Recap

By Gabbi Plumez

May 27, 2022

From doing our own personal research and talking with students at Sanderson High School in Raleigh, NC participating in the District C program, we have found there many different stages and barriers as girls develop in their schooling. Girls in middle school may not know they enjoy building computers because it may not be offered in schools. High school girls may be unaware of the different career opportunities under the “tech umbrella”. Many overlook that Graphic Design, UX, Customer Services, Project Management, Product Development, Business Development, Sales, and Marketing are all opportunities outside of being a developer. In this next stage, after high school, now want to set themselves up for success and begin to look at how much money they can make. Our mission is to eliminate these barriers so young girls feel confident in starting a career in the tech industry.

Let’s take a look at some of these stats:

Did you know that only 24% of computing jobs are held by women? *
Females make up 19% of STEM graduates *
According to Deloitte, women will make up 33% of tech companies by the end of this year. *
39% of women in tech say gender inequality is the main barrier to promotions. *

What are the main barriers for girls to get started in tech?

No representation in tech roles.
Unaware of all the roles under the tech umbrella. Ex: Other careers besides a developer.
History of gender inequality & wage gaps.

Over the last couple of months, we have highlighted our Women in Technology Series where we had the chance to sit down with 11 different women in the technology industry and hear them share their stories, experiences, and advice for girls who are interested in getting started in the technology industry. There seemed to be a few patterns. Many of these women were exposed to technology in some way at an early age. Some of them had no idea they would end up in the role that is currently in. But, all of these women are proud to have a role in the tech industry. Everyone’s background is different. Everyone’s style of learning is different. And, everyone’s passions are different. The main takeaway from every single interview was to try as much as you can to figure out what you love. Then, see how you can enter the tech industry with that passion. Technology is not going anywhere and nowadays, there isn’t much that doesn’t touch technology in some form! When it comes down to it, if you love what you do, the rest comes naturally!

Featured Women:

Karen Delon , Manager, Technology Innovations Business Intelligence, Allegheny Health Network

Sara Auld, CEO of Health Possible and Upper

Nikki Doverspike , Technical Project Manager, Guidewire Software

Miranda Merilli, System Administrator, GNC

Nancy Bessette, Business Quality Assurance Analyst, PS Solutions

Danielle Eriksson , Director of Product Management, Aptiure

Jeria Quesenberry , Teaching Faculty of Information Systems, Carnegie Mellon University

Shani Bannerjee , Software Developer, Zoobean

Stephanie Hippo , Engineering Manager, Google

Kandy Beatty , Implementation Consultant, Kensium

Rashida Hodge , VP of Azure Data and AI Customer Sucess, Microsft

Key Points of Advice from the Women in Tech interviews:

Try out as many different opportunities as you can while growing up. –Rashida Hodge
Make connections, and build relationships now! – Miranda Merilli
Even if you have to go alone, GO! –Steph Hippo
Wear your deodorant, stand tall, and ask questions! –Karen Delon
There is more to tech than just being a developer! – Kandy Beatty
Parents, encourage your kids to learn how to use technology and what they can create rather than just scrolling on social media. -Nikki Doverspike
Understand the value of a dollar for yourself before getting into ANY industry. – Shani Bannerjee
Take advantage of the free resources out there.
Technology brings people together and can change lives. Give people hope through your inventions and creations. –Sara Auld
The Tech Industry is an industry that brings together all different types of people. Find common ground to collaborate across the different types: Business, technology, and non-technology. –Jeria Quesenberry
Attend Women in Tech conferences, and reach out to people on Linkedin whom you may want to learn from. -Nancy Bessette
As long as you love what you do, you’ll be good at it! –Danielle Eriksson

More Women at the Table = Business Success

Women having a seat at the table could take your product/business to the next level. In our interview with Shani Bannerjee, she explained how important it was for these tech companies to have all representatives at the table when making decisions. If you don’t have genders, races, etc. represented is your product really inclusive?

Businesses that have more diverse teams are performing better and are becoming more innovative at a faster rate. With more awareness and exposure comes more diversity which ultimately means a bigger talent pool with fresh ideas for employers. Why wouldn’t you want to help support this mission?!

If you would like to watch the full interviews in this series please visit our YouTube channel and check out the Women in Tech Series playlist, here .

Thank you to all the women that took time out of their busy schedules to meet with us. We have shared this series with our partners at Isaac Beach Early College, Sea-Tech High School in Wilmington, NC along with Bishop Guilfolyd in Altoona, PA!

As we celebrate our 10 Years of the PS Solutions Foundation, we have seen tremendous growth over the decade. There have been more women in leadership roles at tech firms and more opportunities for younger women to be exposed to tech earlier.

This Women in Technology series was supported by the PS Solutions Foundation which was founded in 2012 with a mission to help share resources, and opportunities and expose more girls to the endless career opportunities in the technology industry, To learn more about the free resources and how you can get involved with our Foundation, please visit www.pssolutions.net/foundation .

Research Credits:

Women in Tech Stats

Deloitte

Women in Technology Statistics | Tech Industry Challenges for the Workplace

Proud Sponsor of Cape Fear Museum's Experience STEM 2.0

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 12:51:38 GMT

Proud Sponsor of Cape Fear

Museum's Experience STEM 2.0

By Wayne Hippo

March 23, 2022

On Thursday evening, March 24th the Cape Fear Museum will be hosting an Experience STEM 2.0 event. This second annual event allows our community to come together and check out the different innovations that are happening right here in Wilmington, NC.

As a proud sponsor, we will be hosting an interactive booth where participants can use easy software coding, together with some art and a little imagination to make their favorite activity come to life. Our booth will include an interactive program that even your kids would love. In just a few minutes, you will be able to program an icon to make it dance or bounce a basketball or play music!

Can’t make it to the event but would like to try out your STEM skills? Worry not, with the benefit of technology, you are able to experience the program in the comfort of your own home AND you can have your kids try it too!

Now it’s time for you to try it out for yourself.

We’ve created a quick demo to show how easy it is to play around in Scratch.

WATCH HERE: To Dance , To Shoot a Basketball , To Play Music

Scratch

MIT University created Scratch. It has an easy interface catered to beginners to help them learn how to code without getting caught up in the heavy technical mechanics. With just a few drag and drops, you can create a video game, program a sports game, or even make a tune. Scratch promotes computational thinking and problem-solving skills; creative teaching and learning; self-expression and collaboration; and equity in computing.

Other favorite resources:

Alice

Alice is another free resource we like to recommend to all of the students and newbies out there. Alice is designed to teach logical and computational thinking skills, fundamental principles of programming and to be the first exposure to object-oriented programming. It’s used by teachers but can easily be led by parents-as-teachers as well. Most start at the middle school level, although it has regularly been used with younger children – and even those at the university level.

PS Solutions Foundation

We love to teach our trade to the next generation. Our 501c3 Foundation was created in 2012 to encourage young girls to develop an interest in software engineering and consider careers in computer science. We love that our foundation offers tools and resources to teach kids of all ages to learn how to code.

Schoolgirl in the classroom design and development of robots

Our goals include:

Get children exposed to computer science early.
Help girls, in particular, see that they are welcomed in this field of work.
Demonstrate how computer science leads to a rewarding career.

To donate to our foundation or to view more resources visit: www.pssolutions.net/foundation

Your Outsourcing Country Just Turned off the Internet…Now What?

Mon, 17 Aug 2020 12:50:39 GMT

Your Outsourcing Country Just

Turned off the Internet...Now What?

By Wayne Hippo

August 17, 2020

We have written before about the laundry list of reasons why it just doesn’t make sense to send your software development projects overseas – time zone issues, language/communication difficulties, cultural and ethical differences; the list goes on.

See https://pssolutionsdev.wpengine.com/news/?postid=495

The list just got longer.

Part of the “logic” of sending projects overseas requires an underpinning belief that some bargain-priced software development company not only has the talent to deliver first-rate code but also has the technological capacity (hardware, bandwidth, security, etc.) to deliver the end product.

Maybe. Maybe not.

But also, even if they do… maybe they don’t.

Just last week, in Belarus, civil unrest and protests stemming from allegations of election fraud led to the government shutting off the entire country’s internet and cell phone systems.

You can check out the story here: https://www.wired.com/story/belarus-internet-outage-election/

Sure, if something like that happens, the government probably will turn the internet back on again soon, right? I’m mean, they cannot turn off communication for a long time, could they?

It also means you can avoid even crazy new issues, like a country turning off its internet service, that maybe you haven’t thought of before.

Wayne Hippo is an owner and Managing Partner of PS Solutions, a software development and consulting firm with offices in Altoona, PA, Pittsburgh, PA, and Wilmington, NC.
You can reach Wayne at whippo@pssolutions.net

Proud to Be Part of the WorkTok Team

Thu, 23 Jul 2020 13:51:18 GMT

Proud to Be Part of the WorkTok

Team

By Wayne Hippo

July 23, 2020

I am willing to bet that you have experienced a change in your work environment. A lot of companies have either shut down, adapted to work at home, or stepped up the pace as essential businesses.

WorkTok is a new mobile app for businesses designed to improve employee communication in today’s world. Originally designed to help employees and employers communicate in busy, over-stressed business environments, the value of WorkTok has magnified significantly in the post-Covid-19 world.

Recognizing the issue…

Most businesses realize that their most vital assets are happy, satisfied employees. In trying to address that problem, HR guru and WorkTok cofounder Lisa Leath was always trying to find a means to improve and encourage communication.

She tested and watched demonstrations of virtually every all-encompassing system and consistently came away with the same conclusions: while there are some thorough systems on the market, they are too expensive and too complex for many busy business owners, office managers, or even HR personnel to adequately deal with on a regular basis. Too many small businesses do not have the time, money or manpower to take on the big systems.

…then building the solution.

Lisa Leath, Co-Founder and CEO of WorkTok

After seeing the problem time and time again, Lisa decided to create an easy-to-use application that focused on the primary issue of concern: improving communication between employees and employers. She looked for an easy way to have consistent communication that would appeal to the modern workforce. As people communicate more and more with their phones, particularly with texting, she hoped to tap into a method where employees would feel free to share their thoughts. Often, employees were reluctant to complain or even share ideas. Leath’s solution was to create an easy, two-way system to establish a regular rapport. The thought is that with repetitive use over time, the barriers disappear, and the employer not only gains valuable feedback, but they also have a system where employees are more likely to report concerns that might otherwise be allowed to fester. The system preserves the communication for future use.

Then the Covid-19 Crisis Hit

In the middle of development, Covid-19 shut down the workforce. People were either out of work, working at home, or were essential workers experiencing more stress and frustration than ever (and having even less time to communicate). WorkTok helps employers address all three situations. Keeping in touch and communicating with laid-off employees, helping maintain their corporate culture in a work-at-home environment, or providing a means for hyper-scheduled essential workers to share concerns.

Business software for remote employees

At PS Solutions, we have enjoyed the honor of helping to build WorkTok from the beginning. Even proven entrepreneurs like Lisa Leath encounter a strange new world when first starting into technology development. We love helping them through the process and seeing an idea come to life. After design, creation, testing, and modifications, WorkTok is now moving through proof of concept and early sales.

Take some time to learn about a true innovation in the Human Resources World. Employee Engagement for Today’s World. Visit WorkTok at www.worktok.com and check learn more on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/worktok/ and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/WorkTok-110165997241182/ .

NEWS: PS Solutions Works with Altoona Lung Specialists on Youth Non-Smoking Campaign

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 13:04:09 GMT

NEWS: PS Solutions Works with

Altoona Lung Specialists on Youth

Non-Smoking Campaign

By Wayne Hippo

June 19, 2020

PS Solutions Foundation was thrilled to participate with a great partner, Altoona Lung Specialists, and their Lung Disease Foundation. The Lung Disease Foundation wanted to help educate kids on the dangers of smoking at a time when they weren’t in school. They worked to provide elementary students in Blair County with educational materials in the form of a coloring book as part of their “Be Smart, Say No To Smoking” Coloring Contest. They distributed approximately 1800-2000 coloring books and contest flyers in the Altoona School District, Hollidaysburg School District, and Tyrone School District. PS Solutions donated a Galaxy Tablet as the Grand Prize. Yesterday, Dr. George Zlupko, Sherri Stayer, and our own Joe Merilli presented the Grand Prize to the contest winner. Congratulations to the winner and thank you to Dr. Zlupko, Sherri Stayer, and our Friends at Altoona Lung Specialists for allowing us to be part of this campaign.

Joe Merilli of PS Solutions helps Dr. George Zlupko and Sherri Stayer of Altoona Lung Specialists award first prize in the “Be Smart – Say No to Smoking” Coloring Contest

Big Blue Seeing Red

Fri, 22 May 2020 12:44:18 GMT

Big Blue Seeing Red

By Wayne Hippo

May 22, 2020

In what can only be a surprise announcement, IBM’s new CEO, Arvind Krishna, announced major cuts to the company workforce. While exact figures were not disclosed, a company source told the Wall Street Journal that the layoffs will affect “several thousand people.”

Last year, IBM completed a $34 billion acquisition of Raleigh-based Red Hat. Krishna, who took over the CEO position in April of this year, had stated in an interview in early May that he had no plans to split the company, make more divestitures, and was even open to the idea of making acquisitions.

Is it worth it to work for the big boys?

Layoffs like this one at a large tech leader must make some employees wonder and re-evaluate what’s important. While huge tech companies tend to pay higher wages, the sacrifice is often found in the form of strenuous work hours and the realization that no matter how many exercise bikes they put in the corporate gym, you really are just another fish in the (Big Blue) sea. Layoffs like these hardly allow the tech giants to claim that work with them brings better job security.

Better News from PS Solutions

At a time when the economic downturn and layoffs like these are dominating the national news, at PS Solutions, we are proud to say we are hiring. We are posting new job openings today and into early next week. We are not talking about thousands of jobs, but we are growing. We’re not a tech giant, but a growing tech company with a mission to keep software development jobs in the USA.

We are a small and growing family looking to add talent to our team at a time when many other companies are going the other way. While some deals are not yet finalized, we started posting job openings today and more will be coming over the next week. According to Joe Merilli, one of PS Solutions Managing Partners, “Depending on the response we get from the market, the jobs could ultimately be divided between our three development centers, they could focus on remote work, or be based within client work centers. It’s still really a work in progress that will depend on finding and matching talent to client needs.” Our new jobs will be posted on our web page at www.pssolutions.net and our CareerBuilder page over the next several days.

Sometimes it’s great to be a cog in the wheel with one of the big boys. We think it’s better to be doing great work for clients while making a statement that software development can and should be done in the USA.

Sometimes, less is more.

Wayne Hippo is an owner and Managing Partner of PS Solutions, a software development and consulting firm with offices in Altoona, PA, Pittsburgh, PA, and Wilmington, NC.

You can reach Wayne at whippo@pssolutions.net

WHERE Matters Too

Mon, 18 May 2020 12:39:16 GMT

WHERE Matters Too

By Wayne Hippo

May 18, 2020

I’m a big fan of business guru Simon Sinek. I started following him shortly after seeing his May 2010 Ted Talk: “How Great Leaders Inspire Action”. It was this theory that gave rise to Sinek’s mantra of “Start With Why”.

The main premise of Sinek’s theory is that people don’t buy “What” you do, they buy “Why” you do it.

Inspiration comes from why you do business, not what you do in business.

And that is 100% true. But….

It’s Not Just Why

Sometimes other things matter, too. In our case at PS Solutions “WHERE” we do business is a direct result of “WHY” we do business.

Americans over the years have seen industry after industry slow down then shut down after the jobs were sent offshore as a result of supposedly cheaper (often inferior) labor.

It’s unfortunately too easy to rattle off the lost industries like Textiles, Furniture, Manufacturing. The list goes on and on. We lose jobs, our economy suffers. We wind up importing cheaper versions of the same goods and our trade deficit worsens. We now are dealing with inferior products and our quality of life suffers.

In the latest crisis involving Covid-19, we have been hampered in obtaining many household products now made overseas (toilet paper, paper towels, hand sanitizer, etc.). We’re also dealing with problems with some medicines which are now manufactured in Asia not being sufficiently available.

Can we risk losing technology too?

The same is happening in Software Development and Technology. As important as this industry is to modern life, America has been tolerating the outsourcing of that work oversees for far too long. Software runs our banks, our transportation, our healthcare, essentially all aspects of our society are controlled by computer code.

Is that something we want to trust to some faceless offshore foreign entity?

We founded PS Solutions on the premise that this must stop. Software development is too important, it is too critical to our well-being to ever risk sending it offshore. We only write software code in the USA. The software we create is developed by our employees here in our development centers. We have never outsourced a single line of code and we never will.

It’s is our “WHY” at PS Solutions.

Sometimes the “WHY” is about the “WHERE”

Yes, it is our “WHY”, but it also shows the importance of “WHERE”. Do you know where your business software is being written? Where is it tested? Where is it stored? What country’s laws apply? What is their court system like? Do you believe it’s cheaper and safer in the long run to have financial, health care, or security software written offshore?

We work hard to keep costs under control and locate in areas of the country not traditionally thought of as “technology centers”. We find top software development talent who enjoy the safety and security (and lower cost of living) found in small-town America.

It takes a lot of hard work and a lot of creativity to put this extra layer on what we do, but it helps us fulfill our “WHY” when we pay attention to our “WHERE”.

We hope it’s important enough that everyone starts asking “WHERE?”.

Now More Than EVER, Software & Technology Must be Developed in the USA

Mon, 11 May 2020 12:33:33 GMT

Now More Than EVER, Software &

Technology Must be Developed in

the USA

By Wayne Hippo

May 11, 2020

Certainly, the world is in a state of transition. Even before we can substantially close out the response to the pandemic, our life and our society are already changing. We are all adjusting how we do things without even waiting for the tragedy to be over.

We’ve been here before.

At different levels, we’ve been here before. Many aspects of our lives changed after the attacks on our country on 9-11. Most of those changes involved increasing our security. Quite a number of those changes came from utilizing technology to improve safety while trying to minimize the impact on our freedoms.

We are facing the same thing today but on a grander scale. This time, the COVID-19 Pandemic has impacted EVERY aspect of our lives.
The response to the problem and the increased security we will need going forward, no doubt will rely heavily on science and technology.

Ultimately, this means we are going to be relying on technology and software even more than we were before the start of the pandemic. That’s hard to believe since technology was already touching almost every aspect of our lives.

What we’ve (hopefully) learned.
But if we’ve learned anything from what has unfolded over the past several months, it HAS to be that we cannot rely on foreign governments to look out for our interests. The news has been full of stories of overseas interests causing the pandemic problem, covering it up, buying critical healthcare supplies, controlling supplies of other goods and medications, etc. We are not looking to debate the political response or the possible motives of foreign nations in looking out for their people. But the reality is we need to be able to rely on ourselves going forward.
And if technology and software development is going to play such a large role in improving our ability to respond to future crises (as well as the changes in our everyday lives), then we need to be sure that we are self-reliant when it comes to building technology and developing the needed software.

From our beginning…
At PS Solutions, all our software is written in America. We can proudly say that in the eleven years we’ve been in business, not a single line of our code has been outsourced overseas. We write it all here in America – not in the big cities, but in the small and mid-sized towns where work ethic and American pride are still at the center of what people do.

Made in the USA: It’s a pledge that we made when we started our business. It is at the center of our being and it’s why we do what we do.
___
Wayne Hippo is an owner and Managing Partner of PS Solutions, a software development and consulting firm with offices in Altoona, PA, Pittsburgh, PA, and Wilmington, NC.
You can reach Wayne at whippo@pssolutions.net

We're all in this Together.

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 12:27:21 GMT

We're all in this Together.

By Wayne Hippo

March 20, 2020

Our Wilmington, NC connection helps build a small lifeline in Altoona

When we face unknown and scary situations the initial reaction is “how will this impact me?” That’s okay. In fact, the immediate reaction of personal protection and survival is inherent in the gene pool. It’s human nature.

It’s what we do with the second reaction that can matter even more in the long run.

We’re a technology company. Many of our customers are essential businesses. And if there was ever a business that can be converted to a work-at-home environment quickly, it’s probably ours. We had been watching developments, monitoring relevant sources and planning among ourselves. We made the decision on Monday and Tuesday we were running at full-service strength to our customers.

But after that first reaction of survival and self-protection, we started viewing the crisis through a different lens. We saw a lot of people suffering. Friends and neighbors through no fault of their own were being shut down or severely restricted in their operations.

Restaurants and bars were sharing stories of concern and fear. With good reason. Businesses in place for decades are suddenly being put on the brink of extinction because of a forced government shutdown. Employees working in those restaurants are out of jobs during the “quarantine”.

In trying to think of a way to help, we naturally turned to technology, but it was a bit of over-thinking. “How do we use our team’s technology talent to help solve the problem? Apps? Web Portals? “

Then, we stumbled upon an idea through our involvement and expansion into Wilmington, NC. We’ve had an office there for a couple of years now. And while it is doing well and growing, one of the unintended side effects of being in another state, in another region of the country, is the chance to see different ideas and different perspectives.

We were introduced by Wilmington friend and fellow Penn State Grad (We Are!) Lisa Leath to a Facebook page where the Wilmington community was bringing together restaurants trying to get out the word that they were open for pick up/delivery with customers, concerned citizens and, frankly, hungry people who wanted to both help and eat. They had 7500+ followers.

So, we created the Altoona / Blair County Take Out & Delivery Facebook page and asked our employees to take some time out of their regular workday to help build, grow and promote it. The trick is to get enough people interested to join the page in order to then encourage restaurants, bars or food trucks to take the time to post.

It seems to be working. In about 8 hours, the group has over 1800 members and continues to grow. Restaurants and bars are posting and hopefully people are dialing the phones and ordering food. It certainly won’t be the savior but hopefully it’s helping in some small way.

We have no idea where this quarantine/pandemic is going to go. Sadly, much of it is beyond our control. But there’s a fundamental life lesson that should be reinforced through all of this.

You can’t always control what happens to you, but you can control how you react to it. We can be creative and find ways to respond that help everyone.

We can learn and be inspired by friends and neighbors. We can even learn from small southern towns about simple things we can do to help our neighbors. We’re all in this together.

Thank you, Wilmington.
Wash your hands.

Data of over 267 Million Facebook Users Exposed

Fri, 20 Dec 2019 12:21:13 GMT

Data of over 267 Million Facebook

Users Exposed

By Wayne Hippo

December 20, 2019

The private information of more than 267 Million Facebook users (mostly living in the U.S.) was exposed for more than two weeks in an unsecured database on the dark web. According to published reports by the cybersecurity firm Comparitech and security researcher Bob Diachenko, Facebook IDs, phone numbers and names were exposed online for anyone to see for a two-week period before access to the server was shutdown.

It is still unclear how the ID’s and phone numbers were obtained, but the likely possibilities are that they were obtained by scraping and abuse of Facebook’s developer API. Scraping is when automated bots copy large amounts of data from websites and stores the info in a database for analysis. There remains a possibility that the data was stolen from API before the company restricted access to users’ phone numbers back in 2018.

What should you do???

Several thoughts:

• Adjust your profile privacy settings in Facebook. (1. In Facebook, go to “Settings” and select “Privacy”. 2. Change the setting for all appropriate fiels to either “Friends” or “Only me”. 3 Under the question: “Do you want search engines outside of Facebook to link to your profile?” – Make sure you select “No”.
• Use messaging apps with end-to-end encryption. Always use secure passwords and regularly review permission settings on Mobile apps.
• Be very wary (as you always should be anyway) of any suspicious text messages. Even if it seems clear as to whom you are speaking, keep an eye out for anything out of the normal that makes you question the texters’ identity. The more you know someone, the more you understand their communication nuances. Don’t be afraid to ask or challenge if you pick up an indication that something is off.

Ultimately, it’s important to realize that if your data and information is out there somewhere, anywhere, on the internet, there’s a realistic chance that it has been or will be exposed. Anytime you turn over information, even to large, powerful companies with plenty of resources, know that someone is trying to get to it. Regularly and responsibly changing passwords, updating security settings, and taking advantage of newly released privacy and security measures is just common sense and good practice.

Wayne can be reached at whippo@pssolutions.net

Microsoft Announces 500 new Jobs in Morrisville, NC

Tue, 17 Dec 2019 12:17:24 GMT

Microsoft Announces 500 new Jobs

in Morrisville, NC

By Wayne Hippo

December 17, 2019

What that means for smaller companies in Raleigh seeking Technology Talent

Today Microsoft announced they will be adding 500 new technology jobs (paying an average of $125,000 per year) into the Raleigh suburb of Morrisville, NC. In exchange, the state of NC is offering Microsoft an incentive package valued at $14.8 million.

It’s definitely great news for the Raleigh, NC area overall, but what does it mean for smaller companies trying to compete for technology talent?

The reality is that a concentrated influx of these types of high-paying jobs, especially when they are coming from such a high-profile employer like Microsoft will wind up raising a business’ costs for employees, increases the demand and decreases the supply of talent. Certainly, some market forces will play a role in increasing the talent supply through relocation and new training/education opportunities as supply tries again to catch up with demand in the technology industry.

And though the market undoubtedly will go to work on this balance, inevitably there is a significant lag as the talent supply tries to catch up with the demand for technology talent. Keep in mind, we are speaking about an understaffed industry that is constantly struggling to add more people to the mix. Even huge technology markets like Raleigh struggle to get supply to keep up with demand.

For PS Solutions, we see this as both an opportunity to help technology customers in need of talent and also a potential threat.

The opportunity: we supply software solutions to help companies deal with the talent gap in technology. Our developers are all US based and we keep costs down by keeping our development centers in lower cost areas away from immediate economic pressures caused by a big influx of demand by some huge conglomerate. Our software development centers are located and designed on the premise that your zip code does not equate with your intelligence. In other words, the software developer sitting in Altoona or Wilmington is just as capable as the higher-priced person sitting in more expensive office space in a major metropolis.

The threat: unfortunately, sometimes companies facing a talent shortage and increased costs react by shipping projects off-shore to some company (or somebody sitting in a basement office) halfway across the globe promising software development at a lower cost. Why take the risk? Why worry about where your code is going, if it’s coming back or if it is being sent somewhere else? Why wonder about quality, reliability, time zone issues, cultural diffences? Sure, you have a “low” bill rate, but what’s the quality of the work and who is keeping track of the hours?

We deal with the threat of off-shoring by pointing out that our work is done in America, at competitive rates with talented, experienced developers who understand the culture in which your business is running. We will constantly work to get the word out that when things are getting tough (even as a result of good news like a major employer moving into a market), there are smart affordable options to solve your software development problems. It just takes a little bit of creative thought and the solutions become pretty obvious.

Wayne Hippo is an owner and managing partner of PS Solutions, a custom software development and consulting business with development centers in Wilmington, NC, Altoona, PA and Forest Hills (Pittsburgh), PA.

Wayne can be reached at whippo@pssolutions.net.

Pittsburgh's 3 Rivers Arts Festival Benefits from Volunteers

Tue, 04 Jun 2019 12:43:35 GMT

Pittsburgh's 3 Rivers Arts Festival

Benefits from Volunteers

By Wayne Hippo

June 4, 2019

It’s free. One of the biggest and ostensibly most creative music and arts fests in the country, and still… it’s free. From day one – that’s June 7th this year – and for ten straight days, the Three Rivers Arts Festival will entertain hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the globe. And in case you missed it, it’s free!

This year, stars like India.Arie will be added to the long list of those who performed or presented at Three Rivers. Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles, Wilco and the Black Keys are in the books alongside Allen Ginsberg, Spalding Gray, Keith Haring and Nam June Paik as those who helped make it the festival it is today. As a matter of fact, #TRAF has been delivering world-class visual and performing art since 1960.

How can Pittsburgh do that? They have a lot of help. Sponsors, such as title sponsor Dollar Bank. Add donations and the government money that goes to Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. But the biggest reason they can keep it free and do such a great job?

Volunteers.

Volunteers are at the heart and soul of almost every great festival. There are parking lots to manage, guest questions to answer, artists to assist and children to entertain. But those are only some of the jobs done – during the event itself. Many, many volunteers are added to the staff throughout the planning year, helping recruit vendors and determine which food truck goes where on the site. With three locations across downtown Pittsburgh, it’s a big task.

People volunteer for a number of reasons – giving back, getting free tickets, camaraderie, experience – you name it. When organizers are looking for volunteers, there’s one kind of person that sticks out: the ones that want to do this year after year. That’s because volunteers are entrusted with a lot of information and having to retrain a new team can be costly.

Worse yet: when data leaves with the person who donated their time. It can take days or weeks to try and recreate the knowledge that departs when the person does. That’s why PS Solutions created an inexpensive system to manage the entirety of what’s happening on the back-end of a festival.

It’s called Chute Festival . And if you are a volunteer, ask the team if they use our system. It can save a lot of headaches and help them operate more efficiently. Because if you care enough to donate your time, you care enough to ensure that the festival survives and remains healthy.

The Empty Chairs: Honoring the Families of Lost Troops

Wed, 22 May 2019 12:09:41 GMT

The Empty Chairs: Honoring the

Families of Lost Troops

By Wayne Hippo

May 22, 2019

Who among us has not been deeply touched by those who fight for our country?
We asked the employees and partners at PS Solutions and found that there is hardly a single person who hasn’t had a relative who served in the Army, Navy, Air Force or Marines. There are both veterans and active-duty personnel, and family who served who have gone on before us.

With Memorial Day upon us – and indeed all of May as it is Military Appreciation Month — we at PS Solutions are taking the time to honor military men and women who’ve lost their lives. We are also looking into how the families of those who have been taken from us are being honored.

Our Armed Forces have systems in place to help the families of those we’ve lost. There is financial support available, counseling, and a series of manners in which they are honored, from gun salutes to gatherings. On behalf of American citizens, the Department of Defense has established access to a series of resources they call Families of the Fallen . Each division of the armed forces has their own set of support systems. For example, the Army has posted resources on the site created by their Chief of Army Public Affairs, including a Facebook page for the Survivor Outreach Services .

If you’re inclined to help as a part of your celebration of this upcoming holiday weekend, here are a series of resources that you can donate to, and help support the families of our lost patriots:

Snowball Express: a program of Gary Sinise Foundation , this organization finds a myriad of ways to serve the children of fallen military heroes.

Fallen Patriots: College for the children of those who lost their lives while in service can seem unattainable. The folks at the non-profit Fallen Patriots work to help families send their kids to college.

Johnny Mac: This scholarship program is in honor of a fallen soldier who graduated from West Point in 1986. By identifying Johnny Mac Scholars, children of those who have lost their heroes as they served our country have an opportunity to march on and fulfill their career goals.

TAPS: The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) offers compassionate care to all those grieving the loss of a loved one who died while serving in our Armed Forces or as a result of his or her service. Since 1994, TAPS has provided comfort and hope 24/7 through a national peer support network and connection to grief resources, all at no cost to surviving families and loved ones.

There are numerous other organizations that help families, from the Red Cross to the USO and many others. We at PS Solutions believe everyone should do what they can. In addition to our individual donations, will be joining so many other Americans by leaving an empty chair open at a table for one , honoring those we wish could be with us, and thereby honoring the families they’ve left behind through their service. We hope you will join us in some small way to honor military families this weekend.

How Smart Startups Stretch their Funding

Tue, 14 May 2019 13:45:05 GMT

How Smart Startups Stretch their

Funding

By Wayne Hippo

May 14, 2019

When startups reach the key milestone of securing Angel or Venture Capital, their new partners are looking both for a series of deliverables but also a great return on their investment. One of the many questions they ask during the pitch process is generally ‘how long before you’ll need another infusion of capital?’ They love it when the response is … “a long time.”

Once that infusion is safely secured, how do smart entrepreneurs make the most of it? STRETCH. Find the best value for the money on every project. And that includes custom-developed software.

In the early 2000s, the key to this savings was off-shore development. Fast and inexpensive services sprung up across Asia and Eastern Europe, putting hundreds of thousands of software engineers to work… outside of the US.

“Americans are just too expensive,” was the cry.

What we learned, however, was that it’s not really American developers that are so untouchably expensive, but the US major cities that pushed up the prices. The developers in rural areas and small cities are actually quite affordable. Plus – they speak your language, understand your culture, and live somewhat near your time zone (if not in your time zone).

The Whole

Entrepreneurs often judge the viability of outsourcing based on hourly rates they are paying. This can be misleading. When you pay for the least expensive person to do the job, you seldom get the best. Then you wind up paying more for senior team members to work through the problems created by the less-experienced.

Here are three other ways that the whole can end up bigger than the sum of its parts (ie: it’s more expensive to offshore than it looks):

Miscommunication = Time Lost: Yes, they speak English. No, they don’t understand your colloquialisms, the cultural impact of the work or how it relates to the industry as a whole. So when the project is delivered, it’s wrong or incomplete. Re-scoping, re-scheduling, re-writing. All take more time, and as a start up it could cost you that window you have to beat your competition to the market
Intellectual Property in Lost & Found: When a team of developers works on your project, they get to know your business and understand how the software gives you a competitive advantage. More profoundly, they are actually creating some of your intellectual property. It appears to us that keeping your IP in the US is pretty critical.

The Where

Where you are does make a difference. If your developers are in major cities with high cost of living, you’ll simply spend more than you will when the teams live in places where the cost of living is lower. It’s just logical. And it’s been proven out time and time again on projects we’ve delivered.

But it’s not just the cost of the developer. It’s the cost of your time. That’s why we encourage you to take advantage of our US-based developers, and keep from going:

Time Zone Zany: I’ve never met an entrepreneur that wasn’t exhausted. Burning candles at both ends, they manage their business, their product, their employees… they have a hard time managing developers who live 12 hours away.
Partner Panicked: I’ve also never met an investor who preferred that the code she just invested in be developed or stored over seas in a distant land, subject to different law and different court system.Just because you need to stretch your investment dollars, don’t cheap out on software development. Be responsible. Keep development in the US by working with rural and small city teams. Consider the whole of your investment, and give us a call.

PS Solutions Delivers Columbia Protocol App for Suicide Prevention in NC

Tue, 09 Apr 2019 12:04:03 GMT

PS Solutions Delivers Columbia

Protocol App for Suicide

Prevention in NC

By Wayne Hippo

April 9, 2019

Wilmington, NC – April 9, 2019 — PS Solutions, a software development firm with offices in Wilmington, NC, as well as Pittsburgh and Altoona, PA, last month released a new app designed to help identify those at risk for committing suicide which utilizes the renowned Columbia Protocol. This free smartphone app provides instant access to simple questions which have been successful in helping identify suicide risk. Blair County, PA was the first to develop an app using the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) and provide local contact information to nearby crisis centers. The app is now offered in North Carolina and can be customized to connect directly to local crisis centers.

“North Carolina’s suicide rate is higher than the national average,” said Wayne Hippo, co-founder of PS Solutions. “That’s one of the reasons we wanted to bring this free app to the attention of our citizens and those who serve this community. It’s a way to help members of our community who need it most.”

The free iOS and Android app provides access to the C-SSRS, which prompts a few simple questions that gauge when an individual is at risk for suicide then recommends an appropriate level of mental health support. The list of questions can be answered within a few minutes. App users are also offered contact information for crisis centers, which can be customized to include local contacts.

“We need to get everyone in our communities asking these questions,” said Dr. Kelly Posner, Director of the Columbia Lighthouse Project, “Just think of how many lives we can save if every parent, police officer, teacher and neighbor downloaded and used this app.”

More than 20 years of research validates relevance and effectiveness of the C-SSRS. Seen as the gold standard in assessing suicide risk, it is globally. For people who have thought about suicide, simply being asked these questions can come as a relief. One study found that asking the questions reduced distress in depressed respondents.

According to a March 2019 study conducted for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the increase in the national suicide rate from 2016 to 2017 was the largest annual increase in nearly 20 years. Suicides rose by 4% from 2016 to 2017 and 22% from 2008 to 2017. Worldwide, almost 1 million people die by suicide each year; one life lost every 40 seconds.

The idea for the app came from Blair County Pennsylvania, and it is the first county to offer customized local information. Other regions are encouraged to provide local crisis centers contact information, which is based on a user’s phone location. Information on app customization is available through email: info@PSSolutions.net.

PS Solutions is a software development firm headquartered in Altoona, Pennsylvania, with offices in Pittsburgh and Wilmington, North Carolina. PS Solutions takes a creative approach to solving companies’ technology problems, employing a diverse group of software and project management professionals to develop software in the U.S.

Want help to teach kids to code? Go Ask Alice

Tue, 26 Mar 2019 12:40:42 GMT

Want help to teach kids to code?

Go Ask Alice

By Wayne Hippo

March 26, 2019

When you own a software development company and you lead a foundation that encourages young girls to learn to code, you’re often asked about how we can get enough coders among our population. In fact, it seems that at most dinner parties we attend there’s at least one parent in the room that asks about how to help teach their children to develop technology skills. One team at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) must have been asked the same thing, as they’ve come up with one option. They call it Alice.

According to their website, Alice is designed to teach logical and computational thinking skills, fundamental principles of programming and to be a first exposure to object-oriented programming. It’s used by teachers but can easily be led by parents-as-teachers as well. Most start at middle school level, although it has regularly been used with younger children – and even those at university level.

Designed to provide the basics coding and software design, it includes game development but is also used to expand understanding of both logical and creative thinking. Studies done at CMU found proven benefits in engaging and retaining diverse and under-served groups in computer science education.

In and of itself, Alice is a fabulous teaching environment. The Alice Project as a whole, however, also provides supplemental tools and materials for teaching using Alice across a spectrum of ages and subject matter. They have established an active community, wherein teachers of all sorts interact to provide ideas and applications and talk through concerns or questions.

Alice starts with a simple drag-and-drop approach, to make the concept of programming less daunting. Students (and teachers!) progress quickly to develop stories through animation and sound, and ultimately even build games.

Why is it called Alice?

If you’ve ever had to name a product or a company in the past 20 years, you know how difficult it is to settle on something that’s not already taken. While many girls could be Alice Smith, there’s only one alicesmith.com, and acquiring the registered trademark is a complex process.

As the creative folk at CMU tried to express this program, they thought, of course, of storytelling. Who better to embody the idea of Alice in Lewis Carroll’s The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland. Carroll, a mathematician, novelist, and photographer, could do intellectually difficult things but also realized the most powerful thing was to be able to communicate clearly and in an entertaining way. This inspired CMU’s efforts to make something complex (programming) easy and fun.

As they describe on their site, the name is also a very practical choice. The artwork associated with the Alice books is now in the public domain, its copyright having lapsed. Also, the name “Alice” has several other advantages: easy to spell and pronounce, it shows up at the top of alphabetized lists. Great marketing forethought!

What does it cost?

It’s so important to offer programming as a key still today that CMU has found a way to make this project a gift. In other words, it may cost you in time and energy, but there is no financial outlay. It’s free.

So, no matter the age of your children, go take a look at Alice. There may be a great storyteller inside your child’s mind, once they have the tools. You’ll find a link to it on our Foundation website, under Classroom Materials.

Offshore USA: 7 Reasons to Outsource in America

Mon, 04 Mar 2019 12:03:51 GMT

Offshore USA: 7 Reasons to

Outsource in America

By Wayne Hippo

March 4, 2019

Every growing company needs software. Technology is what drives efficiencies that lead to greater profit, and therefore most corporations will turn to create proprietary software to sharpen their cutting edge.

But when software is not your core competency, you look to outsource the development of your grand ideas. This is what has worked for millions of firms the world over. Often, sacrifices are made when it comes to saving money by shipping development overseas. Some of the sacrifices are clear; others are discovered when you are waist high in the project.

Let’s take a serious look at the top reasons we hear from our clients that have off-shored overseas, then do a u-turn and offshore to the small-town USA:

Cost

While it may appear at the outset that you’re saving significantly when you compare a $20/hour coder in Asia to a $150/hour coder in the US, you can bet you’ll be getting what you paid for. Many of our clients have pointed out that other non-price issues added so significantly to the
the overall cost of the project that they would have been better off just keeping the project on- shore and perhaps paying a bit more in wages.

Security

Offshoring development overseas can expose companies to data leaks. Some reports show that 30% of companies that have offshored development have security breach incidents. Even those with NDAs suffered IP loss. Your company’s USP could be littered with more than just bugs – and the resulting court and litigation costs could put your balance sheet at risk.

Language

Someone once described software development to me as a complex social process where people share complicated ideas and abstract concepts. While many eastern Europeans and Asians speak excellent English, there can still be a lost-in-translation opportunity that is further heightened by electronic communication. Intermingling development-speak with English and a third language can spell disaster.

Culture

The industry your business targets might be a particularly perplexing one for those outside of the American culture to truly understand. Take healthcare, for example. The American system is unique and comes with a plethora of acronyms and processes that most could never understand. How, then, could they possibly write code that enables the American healthcare system to work better? You can apply that concept to other industries as well – finance, law, and insurance spring to mind.

Time

It’s not just the time zone that will get in your way, but the approach to both time management and length of time to complete a project that could make the difference between a successful outsource and a complete failure.

Impact on Jobs

The more we offshore tech jobs, the more our economy takes a hit. “But I’m not responsible for our economy; I’m responsible for my company’s bottom line.” Fine, but don’t take a short-term approach to saving a few bucks. As we noted above, sending your development to Asia is going
to cost you more than you expect it to. And that’s just the money. Imagine to whom your company will sell its products when the highly experienced American developers are out of work…

The Investor’s Perspective

Developing your competitive advantage is the real reason behind owning your own software instead of relying on off-the-shelf systems. We’ve heard of late that many angel investors and venture capitalists will not invest in entrepreneurial endeavors that have off-shored their software development. Certainly, that is not true in all cases. But do you need to make that the factor that determines your ability to secure funding?

It’s critical to find a partner that works with you to determine the feasibility of key features, to create a timeline that works for you and your project, that delivers and is easy to communicate with. It’s also important to take a longer look at the impacts on your business and your community. Over the next few months this blog will dive more deeply into the above reasons. Keep your eyes on this blog, and if you have questions in the meantime, don’t wait a single minute to give us a call. We’d be happy to explain how PS Solutions addresses each of the above concerns – right from the USA.

Outsourcing While Onshoring: A Better Option for Software Solutions

Mon, 26 Nov 2018 11:56:44 GMT

Outsourcing While Onshoring: A

Better Option for Software

Solutions

By Wayne Hippo

November 26, 2018

Hiring programmers a world away has long been a desperate option for those looking to fill their need for tech talent. The argument was simply that American programmers weren’t available or affordable, and going off-shore promised lower costs and a tech team who worked while you slept.

Over time, American C-suites learned that there were hidden costs to the overseas solution. The time zone differential left small windows for communication and problem-solving. And English fluency, together with other cultural understandings, have grown from “nice-to-haves” to essential factors. These ‘soft’ attributes had a major impact on internal project management.

Such real-world lessons now collide with a growing concern of American jobs versus foreign jobs, and the real possibility that bad actors could comprise your offshore team and compromise your software integrity.

Indeed, when offshoring one loses certain control of the project which frequently translates into losing control of the money spent on that project; some companies spend millions without reaching a satisfactory solution. We’ve all heard those nightmares.

While acknowledging the cost savings companies cite for offshoring entire IT departments, what about the occasional, but necessary project updates, system and deliverable alignments that in-house software development teams inevitably face?

Because hiring a full-time developer — or team — requires an extended search, considerable overhead and the moral fiber (or lack thereof) to eliminate staff when the project is complete, companies look to what seems to be the easier and cost-sensitive solution of outsourcing via offshoring.

The alternative is onshore outsourcing. Assembling a stateside team to support and solve urgent software solutions invites creative collaboration, assures accessible control and eliminates the angst that comes with the “long-term commitment” of a new employee.

At PS Solutions, we thrive on providing creative onshore solutions for companies hitting roadblocks with their technology. We assign skilled developers to work onsite with in-house teams, or offsite but easily accessible. Either way, you meet the designers and developers working on your project; you can see the progress they are making and engage as frequently as you like. You’re in control.

Our capacity to scale, staff and site solutions according to client projects is what distinguishes PS Solutions. We match talent to task and temperament to team, assuring project needs and corporate culture are equally considered.

The result is ten years of satisfied clients who have avoided or at least augmented the offshore approach. For major corporations or mid-sized companies alike, onshoring is a welcome alternative to the overseas and often over budget offshore solution.

Inspire Act

Fri, 19 May 2017 12:58:52 GMT

Inspire Act

By Wayne Hippo

May 19, 2017

On February 28, 2017, the President signed the “Inspiring the Next Space Pioneers, Innovators, Researchers, and Explorers (INSPIRE) Act” into law. The primary aim of the bill is to compel the director of NASA to encourage women and girls to study within the STEM fields. The purpose of this act is to support NASA and help women to consider and pursue a career in aerospace. NASA will use three initiatives to support the efforts; the NASA GIRLS AND NASA BOYS programs, Aspire to Inspire, and the Summer Institute in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Research.

The INSPIRE Act is one additional step in what needs to be a comprehensive approach to break down the glass ceiling for women in many STEM fields. We currently have a tremendous shortage of US trained personnel to fill the many opportunities in STEM fields. The US is currently losing thousands of jobs overseas, simply because we don’t have trained people to do the work required. While not anywhere near a cure for the problem INSPIRE is a step in the right direction. The fastest fix to this problem is to make sure that women are given every opportunity to go after what are often traditionally male opportunities in the STEM fields.

PS Solutions Foundation is dedicated to helping young girls get exposure to STEM opportunities, particularly software engineering in the hopes that they will be encouraged to pursue the field as they work through their educational path. PS Solutions Foundation has provided scholarships for girls participating in science camps at Penn State Altoona.

Promoting Women in Entrepreneurship Act

Fri, 19 May 2017 12:34:37 GMT

Promoting Women in

Entrepreneurship Act

By Wayne Hippo

May 19, 2017

The Promoting Women in Entrepreneurship Act was signed into law on February 28, 2017. It was one of two bills designed to encourage women to pursue careers in science and business fields. This Act allows the National Science Foundation to encourage entrepreneurial programs for women. These programs will allow women the opportunity to strive for careers in the STEM fields from the lab to the commercial world.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, while women make up 47 percent of the U.S. workforce, they only hold 25.6 percent of computer and mathematical occupations and only 15.4 percent of architecture and engineering occupations. At the college level, women only earn 18 percent of computer science degrees.

Founded in 2012, PS Solutions Foundation focuses local efforts at encouraging young women to develop an interest in software engineering. The Foundation partners with educational providers to engage the young women so they can explore Computer Science and hopefully one day strive for a career within the field. There is a large opportunity for women within the STEM fields and this Act will hopefully be only one step in a comprehensive plan to help grow those opportunities for women.

PS Solutions Makes Recommendations in Light of Latest Cyber Attack

Fri, 19 May 2017 11:52:38 GMT

PS Solutions Makes

Recommendations in Light of Latest

Cyber Attack

By Wayne Hippo

May 19, 2017

While companies need to make the decision about investing money to upgrade legacy software, everyone should be considering the following steps to reduce the risk of downloading ransomware:

Do not open emails from someone you do not know or trust.
Never open an attachment within an email from a company or person you do not know.
Never click on a link inside of an email.
Never reply to SPAM emails.
Always use a SPAM filter/ Anti- Virus software.

Utilize these tips to protect yourselves and your technology. Cyber attacks are an increasing risk and it is better to be prepared and safe.

ps-solutions-v2

Built an App or MVP Fast? Here’s How to Know if It’s Actually Ready for Production

Quick Answers

What does production-ready software actually mean?

How can you tell if software is not ready for production?

Is AI-generated code safe to launch without a review?

When should you bring in an outside software team?

A Working Product Is Not the Same as a Production-Ready One

What Usually Needs Attention Before Launch

Security

Architecture

Scalability

Reliability

Maintainability

Why AI-Assisted Software Often Needs a Second Look

What a Professional Software Review Should Catch

When It Makes Sense to Bring in Outside Engineers

What Happens After the Review

If Your Software Is Close, But Not Quite There

Getting Started with AI: A Practical Guide for Business Leaders

Getting Started with AI: A Practical

Guide for Business Leaders

The Real Risk Isn't AI — It's Standing Still While Your Competitors Move Forward

The Real Risk Isn't AI — It's Standing

Still While Your Competitors Move

Forward

5 Practical AI Solutions for Small Businesses (Powered by PS Solutions)

5 Practical AI Solutions for Small

Businesses (Powered by PS

Solutions)

Ready to Put AI to Work for Your Business?

Building an MVP: The Key to Successful Custom Software Development

Building an MVP: The Key to

Successful Custom Software

Development

Understanding Minimum Viable Product (MVP)

What is an MVP?

Why Businesses Rely on MVPs

Importance of MVP in Reducing Development Costs and Time to Market ﻿

Faster Time-to-Market Drives Impactful Results

Reduced Costs Through Efficient Development

Minimized Risk with Data-Driven Iteration

Practical Steps to Build and Test Your MVP

Define the Core Problem You Plan to Solve

Partner With Tech Professionals for Expertise

Prioritize Features That Deliver Value

Build a Prototype

Test Your MVP With Early Adopters

Iterate Based on Real-World Feedback

Collaborate With Technology Consultant Experts

Unleash the Potential of Your Custom Software

About PS Solutions

Why User Experience (UX) Matters: Designing Intuitive Software Solutions

Why User Experience (UX) Matters:

Designing Intuitive Software

Solutions

Unveiling the Power of User Experience in Software Development

Defining User Experience

The Significance of UX in Software Development

Understanding Your Users

Principles of Good UX Design

Business Case for Investing in UX

Best Practices for Designing Intuitive Software

Incorporating UX into Agile Development

Future Trends in UX

About PS Solutions

The Power of Agile Methodology in Software Development

The Power of Agile Methodology in

Software Development

What is Agile Methodology?

Benefits of Agile Development Methodology

Enhanced Communication

Shortened Product Cycles

Improved Risk Management

Encouraged Employee Engagement

Continuous Improvement

Flexibility and Adaptability

Implementing Agile in Enterprise Software Development

Gaining Executive Buy-In

Forming Agile Teams

Importance of MVP in Reducing Development Costs and Time to Market