Client Overview
First Responder Protective Services (FRPS) is a US-based business reputed for providing off-duty police officers for diverse private sector security needs. The company is owned, operated and managed by U.S. military veterans, law enforcement executives, and corporate business professionals.
The massive experience (approx. 60 years) of business owners in protecting critical infrastructures, combating transnational criminal organizations, mitigating risks, and providing the highest level of safety and security to corporations and communities enabled FRPS to join the league of big service providers in the U.S. market.
Client Requirement
There are more than 11,000 security services businesses in the US, and the industry's market size is growing steadily. First Responder Protective Services (FRPS) wanted to tap into the increasing demand for private security services, optimize service delivery and increase operational efficiency with unified technological solutions.
The requirements can be further broken down into the points below for better understanding.
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Effective unified management of its different location-based service offerings: off-duty police security services, fire watch services, mobile surveillance camera systems and armed and unarmed security officer services
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Improve and ensure the highest level of customer service for its client.
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Enhance emergency response capabilities by integrating cutting-edge tech to streamline its operations.
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Drive technology adoption and readiness to build long-term business resilience.
Challenges
While there were similarities, the development team faced a new set of technological challenges of a complex nature. We list below the roadblocks met by our software development team and project managers.
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Resource management
As the business was operational, ensuring seamless data flow interoperability and, subsequently, the final transition without disrupting current operations was challenging. -
Handling multiple integration
We had to integrate various technologies commonly used by security personnel. It was particularly challenging to ensure real-time video surveillance through solar powered security camera trailer units, recordings, 24*7 accessibility through cellular connection, accurate and detailed incident and event logs capture, and compliance with NFPA, OSHA and local laws. -
Dynamic client requirements
As we moved ahead with project execution, client requirements added up. The development team had to rise to the challenge of incorporating them in a timely manner throughout the project phase.
Solutions
The development team at Proquantic aimed for a customised cloud-based web and app solution to comprehensively meet client’s requirements and ensure optimised service availability and delivery in all important metropolitan areas in Texas and US
We developed a robust platform using cutting-edge technologies, .Net Core Blazor, MAUI and ABP.IO Commercial Frameworks.
| Technology Layer | Technology Used |
|---|---|
| Framework | ABP.IO Commercial Framework |
| Frontend | .NET Core Blazor |
| Backend | .NET Core |
| Database | MS-SQL Server 2019 |
| Cross-Platform Development | MAUI (Multi-platform App UI) |
| Cloud Deployment | Microsoft Azure |
Let’s break down our approach to this project.
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Requirement Analysis
Our first-hand experience developing a customized software solution for a similar client in the security industry proved handy. Through repeated consultations, in-depth analysis of requirements, and meetings with all stakeholders, including business owners, security officers, and off-duty police officers, which form the key resource of FRPS, we were able to develop a well-rounded idea about the goals and objectives. -
Custom Software Development
Since the start, due to strict deadlines and new requirements adding up at each phase, we ensured not to re-invent the wheel and focus on core business logic. The components are as listed below:
- Framework: As ABP provides a mature, DDD-based approach with many pre-built features and modules we can easily integrate, ABP.IO Commercial Framework was our first choice.
- Frontend Development: Used .NET Core Blazor for the frontend which helped us create to create powerful web application, with intuitive and responsive UI Leveraged C# and .NET
- UI/UX: We used Syncfusion software suite due to its cross-platform support features
- Database: Implemented a robust MySQL database for data management and advanced data handling.
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Overcoming the Technical Challenges
- 24/7 Service Availability and Compliance: We ensured round-the-clock availability and adherence to NFPA, OSHA, local regulations. Using the ABP.IO Commercial Framework esnured the system could handle high traffic and maintain uptime. Azure's cloud infrastructure was key for deploying the application in a globally distributed environment, providing redundancy and automatic failover capabilities. This setup ensured continuous operation and compliance across all deployed instances
- Real-Time Video Surveillance Integration: We successfully integrated real-time video surveillance from solar-powered security camera trailers. Developed a real-time streaming module using .NET Core Blazor that interacted seamlessly with the video feeds. Firebase was used to manage notifications and alert systems, ensuring immediate response to critical events. The use of Azure ensured low-latency data transmission and storage of video streams, optimizing the balance between performance and cost.
- Comprehensive Incident and Event Logging: Integrated PS PDF Kit for generating detailed, tamper-proof incident reports directly from the platform. MS-SQL Server 2019 was used to manage and store all logs with high reliability. Custom logging mechanisms were built using .NET Core, ensuring that every event and incident was recorded in real-time, with robust auditing features for post-event analysis.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility and User Experience: Utilized .NET MAUI for developing cross-platform mobile applications and .NET Core Blazor for the web interface. It ensured a unified codebase across all devices and brought time and cost savings. Visual Studio 2022 and Visual Studio Code were used for collaborative development and testing, ensuring the final product was both performant and user-friendly.
- Real-Time Data Synchronization and Integration: Implemented real-time data synchronization using Firebase to manage push notifications and updates across the platform. SSMS was used for efficient database management, ensuring data integrity and performance across all services. The integration of Azure enabled seamless data flow between different system components, ensuring that all information was consistently up-to-date.
- Integrated automated compliance checks and reporting features: This was a primary concern that we solved successfully. The platform was synchronized to adhere to and comply with the latest regulatory standards, significantly reducing the administrative burden on staff.
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Testing and Quality Assurance
We focused on a robust testing and QA approach that included automated and manual testing to catch issues early and ensure seamless functionality. We also implemented continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD) pipelines to test and deploy updates automatically.
Additionally, we simulated real-world scenarios to ensure the platform could handle high traffic and diverse user interactions.
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Deployment and Training
Once the solution was rigorously tested, we deployed it with minimum disruption of business operations. To ensure smooth adoption, we provided comprehensive training to the client's resources and prompt post-launch support wherever required.
Results
The development team successfully maneuvered technical challenges to deliver a bespoke software solution to FRPS. The solution is at the core of FRPS's business operations, streamlining resource management, cost optimization, and opening new revenue channels. Today, our clients feel more in control of their operations. FRPS achieved:
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The modularity and scalability helped the FRPS meet diverse clientele needs, ranging from local communities to large-scale organizations. This has led to a 33% increase in market penetration and a significant expansion of FRPS's customer base.
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The client retention rate has improved. End-users reported enhanced response times and effectiveness, resulting in long-term contracts and customer satisfaction.
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Proquantic's tailored software solution for FRPS enhanced the latter's business competence. Each module addressed specific operational challenges, contributing to a 20% boost in overall revenue earnings, thus creating numerous opportunities for service expansion.
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FRPS achieved better operational efficiency as it utilized the integrated platform to streamline communication and coordination among emergency responders, thus solidifying its role as a significant venture in the emergency service sector.
Final Thoughts
Proquantic restructured our entire existing framework with the right technology. The solution brought measurable benefits to our clients. They no longer struggle with lagging registration, booking, and job assignments that earlier took a long time to respond to, hindering service delivery. Business is better than before, convincing our clients to expand their footprint.