The basic features that a digital platform must have

It should be a user friendly application:

The application must have a user friendly configuration with simple rule-sets that are easy to comprehend. The flexible program should have features that can be turned on or turned of as and when the work-flow demands.

The application platforms should be web-based:
The advantage of using web-based platforms is that remote location work force can be contracted, including labor from low wage countries. The operational costs and overheads reduce to a great extent, without the need for setting up an infrastructure.

The application should be free of proprietary obligations:
The application should be without any proprietary commitments, such applications are expensive and contract terms are set on a long-term basis, requiring the user to pay monthly subscriptions, with monthly maintenance fees added. In many cases the company rents the equipment on a long term contract, that is not only expensive, it may also require the user to compensate the vendor company in case of pre-closure of the contract. It is important to choose a product that can operate on standard equipments using standard servers, without the need for a tie-up with a company that sells proprietary programs.

Choosing a one-piece application:
There are many companies that sell applications with bits and piece plug-ins, these should be avoided and single applications only should be chosen.

Minimal hardware investments:
Most digital platforms do not require investments on equipment, except for palm held digital voice recorders. The servers used by the platforms are either remote located or shared. The need for buying and maintaining a server arises only when the volume of documentations are very large running into thousands every hour, and necessitating the need for hiring technical staff to run and maintain the equipment.

HIPAA compliant Platforms :

The reputed companies that build digital platforms may principally comply with HIPAA regulations, the compliance however is not observed by some companies that have built their own applications and are dependent on email and FTP for data transfer and which does not use the 128 bit encryption or the data transfer is not password protected.

A simple setup & training process:

The application platforms should have a simple set-up and training process, requiring minimal efforts in operating it and being able to use it with just an hour of training, generally what determines the simplicity of the program is that can be setup over the phone.

An application that has a free trial and demo:

It is wise to opt for a platform that has a free trial period and the support staff is able to provide a demo of the product. The seller must also offer an after sales service.

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