DotNet Core
Steamatic and CMARIX: Collaborating for a Cleaner, Restored Future
Steamatic, a leader in restoration and cleaning services, partnered with CMARIX to elevate its digital presence and streamline its workload management. With a focus on creating a robust Workload Management System (WMS), the collaboration aimed to provide a seamless experience for both Steamatic's sub-offices and their clients. The WMS, developed by CMARIX, is a comprehensive solution that handles various aspects of Steamatic's operations, from claim assignments and invoicing to financial tracking and reporting. The system is designed to be fully API-compliant and operates efficiently on both iOS and Android platforms.
Technology
Built For
Web Users
Industry
Insurance
Access
Canada
Steamatic's Quest for Innovation: Addressing the Gaps in the U.S. Restoration Industry
Labor Shortages:
May not be suitable for small or regular transactions due to higher fees.
Regulatory Compliance:
Navigating complex regulations from agencies like OSHA and LEED, affecting service quality and costs.
Vendor Fragmentation:
The inconvenience of dealing with multiple vendors for different services, affecting operational efficiency.
Technological Gaps:
Lack of advanced technologies for efficient and effective cleaning and restoration services.
Customer Expectations:
Rising customer expectations for quicker, more efficient, and eco-friendly services.
Environmental Concerns:
The growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly cleaning solutions.
Economic Fluctuations:
The industry is sensitive to economic downturns, affecting the demand for cleaning and restoration services.
Geographical Limitations:
The challenge of offering services across diverse locations in the U.S., each with its own set of regulations and customer expectations.
Market Competition:
Intense competition from both established players and new entrants, affecting market share and profitability.
Designing Steamatic's Future: How CMARIX Engineered a WMS Masterpiece
Consultation and Strategy
Requirement Analysis:
CMARIX kicked off the project with an in-depth requirement analysis, focusing on the unique challenges and needs of the U.S. restoration and cleaning industry.
SWOT Analysis:
Conducted a SWOT analysis to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in Steamatic's existing processes.
Technology Stack Consultation:
Recommended the use of DotNet Core and MS-SQL based on the project's scalability and performance needs.
Development
Custom DotNet Core Development:
Leveraged the power and flexibility of DotNet Core to develop custom features tailored to Steamatic's operational needs.
Database Design with MS-SQL:
Ensured data integrity and optimized performance by using MS-SQL for database design.
XA Integrations:
Seamlessly integrated cross-application functionalities to facilitate data flow between different modules and third-party services.
Deployment and Maintenance
Cloud Deployment:
Utilized cloud services to ensure the system's scalable and reliable hosting.
Real-time Monitoring:
Implemented real-time monitoring tools to keep track of system health and performance.
Ongoing Support:
Offered continuous updates, security patches, and feature enhancements to keep the system up-to-date and compliant with industry standards.
Design
UI/UX Design:
Crafted a user-centric interface aimed at enhancing both client and sub-office user engagement.
System Architecture:
Developed a robust, scalable architecture that could accommodate various modules, including claim management and XA integrations.
Quality Assurance
Testing:
Undertook rigorous testing protocols to ensure the system's reliability, security, and scalability.
Code Review:
Conducted periodic code reviews to maintain code quality and adhere to best practices.
Training and Handover
Staff Training:
Conducted training sessions for Steamatic staff to ensure effective management of the new WMS.
Documentation:
Supplied comprehensive documentation for future reference, updates, and maintenance.
Front-End Brilliance: The Technical Features that Power Steamatic's WMS
Dashboard Customization:
Widget-based Dashboard:
Developed a widget-based dashboard that allows users to customize their view based on roles and responsibilities.
Real-time Analytics:
Integrated real-time analytics to display key performance indicators (KPIs) on the dashboard.
Claim Management:
Dynamic Forms:
Implemented dynamic forms with conditional fields to capture varying types of claims.
Drag-and-Drop Interface:
Enabled a drag-and-drop interface for easy assignment and reassignment of claims.
Work Order (PO) System:
Multi-step Approval Workflow:
Designed a multi-step approval workflow for PO requests, including dual authorization checks.
Interactive Calendar:
Incorporated an interactive calendar for tracking PO statuses, start dates, and completion dates.
User Management:
Role-based Access Control (RBAC):
Implemented RBAC to define different levels of access based on user roles.
Single Sign-On (SSO):
Enabled SSO for a unified and secure login experience.
Search and Filters:
Elastic Search:
Incorporated Elastic Search for fast and accurate data retrieval.
Advanced Filters:
Added advanced filtering options for more refined search results.
Security:
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
Implemented 2FA to enhance security.
Data Encryption:
Employed SSL/TLS encryption to secure data transmission.
XA Integrations:
API-based Integrations:
Utilized RESTful APIs for seamless XA integrations, allowing data exchange between the WMS and third-party services.
Data Synchronization:
Implemented real-time data synchronization to ensure consistency across all integrated platforms.
Notifications and Alerts:
Push Notifications:
Integrated push notifications to alert users about new claims, approvals, and other updates.
Email Notifications:
Configured automated email notifications for specific triggers like claim assignment and PO approval.
Visual Design
Architecting Steamatic's WMS: A Technical Odyssey
System Architecture:
Microservices Architecture:
The system is designed using a microservices architecture pattern, allowing each functional module to operate independently. This ensures scalability and makes it easier to update individual components.
API Gateway:
An API Gateway is used as the entry point for all client requests, routing them to appropriate microservices. This adds an extra layer of security and enables load balancing.
Database Architecture:
MS-SQL Database:
The system uses MS-SQL as its primary database, optimized for ACID compliance and high-performance queries.
Database Sharding:
To handle large volumes of data, the database is sharded based on claim types, improving query performance and scalability.
Front-End Architecture:
Single Page Application (SPA):
The front-end is designed as an SPA using ReactJS, reducing page reloads and enhancing user experience.
Component-based Design:
A component-based design approach is used for UI elements, making it easier to maintain and update the front-end.
Back-End Architecture:
DotNet Core:
The back-end is developed using DotNet Core, offering high performance and cross-platform support.
RESTful APIs:
The system exposes RESTful APIs for communication between the front-end and back-end, as well as for XA integrations.
XA Integrations:
Middleware Layer:
A middleware layer is introduced to handle XA integrations, ensuring seamless data flow between different modules and third-party services.
Message Queue:
A message queue is implemented for asynchronous processing of tasks like sending notifications and syncing data.
Security Measures:
JWT Authentication:
JSON Web Tokens (JWT) are used for secure authentication.
Firewalls and Rate Limiting:
Firewalls are set up at both the API Gateway and individual microservices, along with rate limiting to prevent abuse.
Deployment:
Docker Containers:
The application is containerized using Docker, allowing for easy deployment and scaling.
Cloud Deployment:
The system is deployed on a cloud platform, taking advantage of auto-scaling and disaster recovery features.
Revolutionizing Restoration: Key Features of Steamatic's WMS Developed by CMARIX
For End Customers:
Claim Submission
User-friendly Interface:
A simple and intuitive interface for customers to submit claims.
Dynamic Forms:
Forms adapt based on the type of claim, capturing all necessary details.
Claim Tracking
Real-time Status Updates:
Customers can track the status of their claims in real-time.
Notification System:
Automated notifications keep customers informed at every stage of the claim process.
Payment and Invoicing
Secure Payment Gateway:
Integrated secure payment options for service charges.
Digital Invoices:
Customers receive digital invoices with detailed breakdowns of services rendered.
Feedback and Reviews
Rating System:
Customers can rate and review the services they received.
Feedback Loop:
Customer feedback is analyzed for continuous improvement.
For Super Admins:
User Management
Role-based Access Control:
Define roles and permissions for different types of users within the system.
User Audit Trails:
Keep track of user activities for compliance and auditing purposes.
Claim Management
Claim Dashboard:
A comprehensive dashboard displaying all claims, their statuses, and other key metrics.
Bulk Actions:
Ability to approve, reject, or reassign claims in bulk.
Reporting and Analytics
Custom Reports:
Generate custom reports based on various parameters like claim type, region, and time period.
Data Visualization:
Advanced data visualization tools for better insights.
Notifications and Alerts
Automated Alerts:
Set up automated alerts for specific triggers, such as a high volume of claims or payment failures.
Manual Notifications:
Ability to send manual notifications to customers or internal teams.
System Configuration
Settings Management:
Super Admins can configure system settings, including notification templates and payment gateway options.
XA Integration Management:
Manage and configure XA integrations directly from the admin panel.
Behind the Scenes: Backend Features Engineered by CMARIX for Steamatic's WMS
Backend Features for Super Admin:
User Role Management:
Allows the super admin to define roles and permissions for different types of users, such as project managers, technicians, and end customers.
Data Analytics Dashboard:
Provides real-time analytics and KPIs to help the super admin make data-driven decisions.
Inventory Management:
Enables the tracking and management of all cleaning and restoration equipment and materials.
Project Workflow Automation:
Automates various stages of a project, from initiation to completion, ensuring a streamlined process.
Billing and Invoicing:
Integrated billing and invoicing system that supports multiple payment gateways.
Document Management:
Allows for the secure storage and retrieval of all project-related documents.
API Management:
Facilitates the integration of third-party services and tools through well-documented APIs.
Security Protocols:
Implements advanced security measures, including data encryption and two-factor authentication, to protect sensitive information.
Audit Trails:
Keeps a detailed log of all activities performed in the backend, aiding in accountability and transparency.
XA Integrations:
Backend support for specialized XA integrations, enhancing the system's capabilities and functionalities.
Server Monitoring and Maintenance:
Tools for monitoring server health, performance, and security, ensuring uninterrupted service.
Database Optimization:
Techniques for optimizing the MS-SQL database for faster query processing and better performance.
Technology Stack:
Backend:
DotNet Core
Web Server:
IIS
Cloud Services:
Microsoft Azure
Authentication:
OAuth 2.0
Database:
MS-SQL:
Version Control:
Git
API Protocols:
RESTful APIs