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Health Data: Hosting Patient Records and Medical Data in Switzerland

Health Data: Hosting Patient Records and Medical Data in Switzerland

Increasing digitalization in the healthcare sector

The importance of digitalization in the healthcare sector is undeniable. Organizations seek to optimize their processes, improve the quality of care, and enhance the confidentiality of medical information. The growing integration of artificial intelligence in healthcare also opens up new perspectives, with the collection of data from a multitude of medical devices. These data, valuable nuggets of information, allow for refining diagnoses and patient profiles, bringing medicine closer to a personalized approach.

Significant legal challenges in Switzerland

However, these technological advances, whether in telemedicine, connected devices (IoT), or business applications, software, or computerized patient records, raise legal questions, especially regarding the hosting of health data. Many providers of telemonitoring devices, patient record digitization, or custom application and software developers opt for storage on cloud servers. This raises questions about the legitimacy of outsourcing this data, whether hosting can be done in Switzerland or abroad, and also raises questions about security and regulatory compliance more generally.

In this article, we will explore what Swiss law says and what the best practices are for managing and hosting patient and health data. We will also address crucial points for securing a server intended to host sensitive data in Switzerland. Examples of secure digitizations carried out by our teams will also be provided.

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Respect for medical confidentiality and data protection (LPD)

Article 10a, paragraph 1 of the Swiss Data Protection Act (LPD) authorizes the processing of personal data by a third party under certain conditions. However, the question arises regarding compliance with medical confidentiality (art. 321 CP) in the transfer of data to third parties, especially to IT service providers.

The majority doctrine considers IT service providers as “auxiliaries” of healthcare professionals, allowing them to subcontract data processing without violating professional secrecy. However, this qualification poses a problem when the provider hosts the data abroad.

Hosting health data abroad (Azure cloud, AWS, etc.): A legal puzzle

Article 6, paragraph 1 of the LPD prohibits the transfer of personal data abroad if the personalities of the individuals concerned are seriously threatened due to the absence of legislation ensuring an adequate level of protection. However, the transfer may be authorized under certain conditions, such as sufficient contractual guarantees.

However, doctrine emphasizes that hosting medical data abroad may result in a breach of professional secrecy. The risk is exacerbated by the uncertainty regarding the applicability of art. 321 CP abroad and the possibility that a foreign authority may request the disclosure of this data.

This is one of the reasons why cloud services offered by web giants such as Amazon and Google such as Azure, AWS, Digital Ocean, Linode, etc., are generally to be avoided for hosting such sensitive data. Although some of these giants are starting to establish data centers in Switzerland, they are still controlled by foreign parent companies. From a purely ethical point of view, it remains safer to turn to a completely Swiss provider.

Our customized solution for Filinea and its data management

As experts in custom business software development and digital transformation, we have assisted various Swiss companies in storing and handling patient data and sensitive data as well as increasing their profitability and optimizing their operations.

Filinea is a company mandated by the state of Geneva to support young people in difficult situations. To optimize the daily work of its thirty or so employees, the company entrusted us with the development of a custom internal software. The management and storage of sensitive data (including medical data) were included, all of which are stored on a secure server located in Switzerland that our engineers deployed and manage according to appropriate security standards.

Discover the Filinea case study

Create your own secure digital ecosystem

In the following sections of this article, we will provide various technical and administrative recommendations regarding the protection of health data that we apply when designing our projects handling patient and health data in Switzerland.

Recommendations from our experts for prudent management of patients and medical data in Switzerland

Faced with these challenges, recommendations emerge to ensure the security of health data:

1. Prefer hosting in Switzerland

Opt for hosting providers in Switzerland as much as possible, benefiting from a strong reputation for data protection.

2. Ensure anonymization of health data

In case hosting in Switzerland is not possible, ensure that data is anonymized end-to-end, with the private key held by the data controller.

3. Obtain patient consent

If transfer abroad is unavoidable, obtain explicit consent from the patient for the transfer, thus lifting medical confidentiality.

4. Risk assessment

If transferring to a provider outside of countries recognized as offering adequate protection is the only option, carefully assess the risks and obtain explicit consent from the patient as well as lifting medical confidentiality.

5. Avoid violating medical confidentiality at all costs

If none of the previous options are possible (or in case of patient refusal), refrain from transferring data to avoid a breach of medical confidentiality.

Contact our experts to discuss your digitalization in complete safety

How to secure a server to host sensitive data such as patient data?

Hosting a server within a Swiss data center is not enough. Securing such a machine intended to host medical data is a crucial task that requires a rigorous and attentive approach. Confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data must be guaranteed to comply with security standards and protect sensitive information in the medical field. Here are some recommendations for securing a web server hosting medical data:

1. Encryption of communications

Use the HTTPS protocol (SSL/TLS) to encrypt all communications between the web server and users. This ensures the confidentiality of data transmitted between the server and users’ browsers. Be sure to use advanced encryption protocols and avoid weak encryption such as 128-bit whenever possible. Also, use a recognized and reliable certification entity.

2. Regular update of the operating system (OS) and software

Regularly apply security updates to the operating system, web servers, databases, and any third-party software installed on the server. Known vulnerabilities are often addressed by these updates.

3. Firewall and packet filters (Firewall)

Set up a firewall to filter incoming and outgoing network traffic. Limit server access to authorized IP addresses and block any unnecessary traffic.

4. Strict access control

Implement rigorous access control mechanisms. Limit access to medical data only to authorized users. Use individual user accounts with appropriate privileges.

5. Server monitoring

Implement server monitoring tools to detect suspicious activities, intrusion attempts, or abnormal variations in traffic. Well-configured activity logs can help identify potential issues.

6. Regular backups

Regularly back up medical data. Store these backups in a secure location, ideally off-site, to ensure recovery in case of data loss or a major incident.

7. Vulnerability management

Conduct regular security scans to identify and address potential vulnerabilities. Intrusion testing and security audits help ensure system robustness.

8. Strong password policies

Implement strong password policies. Require complex passwords, encourage frequent password changes, and use two-factor authentication mechanisms.

9. Isolation of services within the secure server

Isolate services on the server as much as possible. For example, run the database on a separate server and limit access to other services only to necessary machines.

Implement a secure, customized solution to manage my patient data

In summary: managing and hosting patient records in Switzerland

In conclusion, the dilemma of hosting health data in the era of artificial intelligence and digitization of companies and organizations raises complex issues, requiring a thoughtful approach in line with Swiss legal requirements. Respect for medical confidentiality and data protection should guide healthcare professionals’ choices in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

Hosting on a server located in Swiss territory and securing this server with reinforced cybersecurity measures is imperative to comply with current legislation and protect patient data as well as any sensitive data in general.

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How to Ensure Data Security with Your Enterprise Software?

How to Ensure Data Security with Your Enterprise Software?

Data security has become a critical concern for businesses of all sizes. With the proliferation of cyber threats and the increasing value of data, it is imperative for organizations to implement robust security measures to protect their sensitive information. Enterprise software, often the guardian of valuable data such as customer information, financial data, and trade secrets, is a prime target for cybercriminals. Therefore, ensuring data security within your enterprise software becomes a top priority to ensure business continuity and maintain customer trust.

In this article, we will explore different strategies and best practices for enhancing data security with your enterprise software. From risk assessment to establishing a robust security infrastructure, managing access and permissions, data encryption, and employee awareness, we will provide practical advice to help you effectively protect your critical information. By understanding potential threats and adopting a proactive approach to security, you can reduce the risk of security incidents and ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your essential data.

Understanding Risks: Threat Assessment and Vulnerabilities

Before implementing effective security measures, it is essential to understand the risks facing your enterprise software. This involves a thorough assessment of potential threats such as phishing attacks, malware, and intrusion attempts, as well as identifying vulnerabilities in your IT infrastructure. By understanding these factors, you can better prioritize your security efforts and focus your resources where they are most needed to reduce risks and strengthen your data protection.

Once you have identified threats and vulnerabilities, you can develop a security strategy tailored to your organization. This may include implementing firewalls and intrusion detection systems, regularly updating software to address known security flaws, and continuously monitoring network activity to detect suspicious behavior. By taking a proactive approach to security and remaining vigilant against emerging threats, you can better prevent attacks and protect your data from cybercriminals.

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Notable Data Breach Example: Yahoo

Let’s look at an example that highlights the devastating impact a data breach can have on a company and underscores the crucial importance of implementing robust security measures to protect users’ sensitive information.

In 2016, Yahoo confirmed it had experienced a cyberattack in 2014, compromising data from over 500 million user accounts. This attack was considered one of the largest data breaches in history at that time.

The stolen data included sensitive information such as names, email addresses, hashed passwords, and in some cases, security questions and their associated answers. Additionally, Yahoo revealed in 2017 that another cyberattack, occurring in 2013, had affected all existing Yahoo accounts at the time, totaling around three billion accounts.

These incidents had a significant impact on Yahoo’s reputation and also had significant financial consequences for the company, including a reduction in the purchase price during the acquisition by Verizon.

Establishing a Robust Security Infrastructure

Establishing a strong security infrastructure is essential to effectively protect your data from potential threats. This involves defining clear security policies and implementing appropriate tools and technologies to monitor and control access to sensitive data. Key elements of a robust security infrastructure include firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS) and intrusion prevention systems (IPS), as well as identity and access management (IAM) solutions to ensure that only authorized individuals have access to critical information.

Additionally, careful planning for data redundancy and regular backups can ensure the availability of information in the event of a disaster or system failure. Network segmentation and securing entry and exit points are also important measures to limit the scope of damage in the event of a security breach. By adopting a multi-layered approach and combining multiple security technologies, you can strengthen the resilience of your IT infrastructure and protect your data from a variety of potential threats.

Some of Our Case Studies

Our software engineering teams are dedicated to creating robust and secure business solutions specifically designed to meet your unique needs and challenges. We are committed to providing solutions fully tailored to your use cases, with a particular emphasis on data security. Below, we present two examples illustrating our expertise in creating secure business solutions for Swiss companies that have invested in advanced digital transformation.

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Access and Authorization Management: Principle of Least Privilege

Effective access and authorization management are essential to mitigate the risks of unauthorized access to your sensitive data. The principle of least privilege, which involves granting users only the access privileges necessary to perform their specific tasks, plays a central role in this strategy. By adopting this approach, you reduce the potential attack surface by limiting the number of users with extended privileges, thus reducing the risks of misuse or compromise of sensitive information.

Furthermore, implementing granular access controls and strong authentication mechanisms, such as two-factor authentication (2FA) or biometrics, can enhance the security of your systems by adding an additional layer of protection against unauthorized access. By regularly monitoring and auditing access to sensitive data, you can quickly detect suspicious behavior and take corrective action to prevent potential security breaches. By following these best practices, you can better control access to your data and reduce the risks of security compromise.

Data Encryption: Protecting Sensitive Information

By using robust encryption algorithms, you can make your data unreadable to anyone unauthorized who attempts to intercept or illicitly access it. Encryption can be applied at various levels, ranging from encrypting data at rest on servers to encrypted communications between users and servers, as well as encryption of backups and external storage devices. By adopting a holistic encryption approach, you can ensure that your data remains secure even in the event of a security breach or data theft.

Additionally, effective management of encryption keys is essential to ensure the integrity of the encryption process and prevent unauthorized access. By using secure key management practices, such as regular key rotation and separation of responsibilities, you can enhance the security of your data and minimize the risks of compromise of encryption keys. By incorporating data encryption into your overall security strategy, you can create an additional barrier against potential threats and ensure the protection of your most sensitive information.

Employee Training and Awareness: The Human Element of Security

Employees are often the weakest link in the security chain, as they can inadvertently compromise data security through human errors or negligent security practices. Therefore, it is essential to provide regular training on best security practices, including identifying threats such as phishing, malware, and social engineering attacks.

Furthermore, raising employee awareness of the importance of data security and the potential consequences of a security breach can encourage them to adopt secure behaviors in their daily use of company computer systems and data. Effective awareness programs may include phishing attack simulations, interactive training sessions, and regular reminders about company security policies. By investing in employee training and awareness, you strengthen the human factor of security and reduce the risks of security incidents related to human errors.

Conclusion

If you are looking to ensure the security of your data, our Swiss team specializing in strategic consulting and custom development is ready to support you in this endeavor.

Edana provides expertise to design personalized solutions that go beyond conventional standards in data security. By integrating security at every stage of managing your complex projects, our goal is to create memorable and secure experiences, surpassing simple business interactions.

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How to Digitize Your Business in Switzerland? Step-by-Step Guide

How to Digitize Your Business in Switzerland? Step-by-Step Guide

Digitalization, much more than just modernization, represents a significant opportunity for Swiss businesses, whether they are SMEs, as emphasized by the Swiss Confederation, or large corporations. In this article, we will review the advantages it provides to those who implement it and detail the steps to fully take advantage of this transition, without falling into its most common pitfalls that hinder innovation, leading to significant losses to competitors who have undertaken their digitization the right way.

Swiss Context and the Importance of Digitization

Switzerland, with its robust economy and booming technological sector, stands at the dawn of a digital revolution. A recent study conducted by Deloitte revealed that over 70% of Swiss companies have integrated digital strategies into their long-term planning, demonstrating the increasing relevance of digitization in the country’s economic fabric. From industry giants to innovative startups, digital transformation has shown its potential to propel businesses to new heights.

Advantages of Digitization for Businesses

By embracing digitization, Swiss businesses can benefit from increased agility, medium to long-term reduction in operational costs, and better understanding of their data for more informed strategic decision-making.

Digitization also often translates to workplace well-being, increased quality and quantity of output, and talent retention. Digital transformation also offers the opportunity to remain competitive in a constantly evolving commercial landscape, paving the way for sustained growth and a leadership position in the market.

By investing in digitization, your business can not only keep pace but also anticipate and shape the future with confidence.

Challenges of Digital Transformation

The transition to digitization in Switzerland involves specific challenges, particularly in regulatory, data security, and organizational change management areas.

Swiss Regulations: Compliance with local laws, such as the Federal Data Protection Act, is crucial. Companies must adopt compliance management systems and seek regular legal advice to navigate this complex environment.

Cybersecurity: Faced with increasing cyberattacks, enhancing data security becomes imperative. Companies must consider data encryption, regular security audits, and employee training in cybersecurity best practices.

Change Resistance: Digital transformation may encounter internal resistance. To overcome this, it is recommended to conduct internal communication campaigns, involve employees in decisions, and designate change ambassadors to guide and reassure teams.

By addressing these areas proactively, Swiss companies can fully leverage the opportunities offered by digitization while minimizing risks and obstacles.

Now let’s look at the steps to digitize your SME or large company, as well as some concrete examples of companies that our team has supported in their digital transformation in Switzerland.

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Steps to Digitize Your SME or Large Swiss Corporation

To initiate a digital transition process and seize the opportunities that the digital realm offers to a business, several steps must be taken. The Swiss Confederation briefly outlines some of these steps on this page. We will delve further into them below:

1. Needs Assessment

By carefully scrutinizing repetitive tasks to automate, you concretely free up time for your teams, allowing them to focus on more value-added missions. Digitalization thus becomes the lever that accelerates data management, reducing input errors and optimizing workflow. By automating, for example, the invoicing process, you eliminate the risks of human errors, ensuring maximum accuracy and overall increased productivity.

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2. Strategic Planning

A rigorously defined digital strategy functions as a compass, concretely guiding technology toward achieving your business objectives. Imagine, for example, a targeted improvement in internal communication, introducing collaborative tools. This goes beyond mere modernization as it transforms your way of working. Optimized internal communication channels stimulate collaboration within your team, enhancing efficiency and creativity. This approach can also translate into more proactive external communication, leading to closer collaborations with customers and partners, thereby strengthening your market positioning. In short, a well-thought-out digital strategy becomes the concrete engine that propels your business to success. Once your objectives and their solutions are well established, it will be essential to prioritize properly to arrive at a clear and intelligent digitization roadmap.

3. Custom Application, Website, and Software Development

Custom solutions offer a user experience and functionality without any limits. Going far beyond off-the-shelf software and solutions, fully custom-built enterprise applications are powerful and provide considerable added value. Consider the creation of a custom automated billing system. Every step of the user interface (UI) development is meticulously crafted to ensure an intuitive and seamless user experience (UX). Visual elements are carefully selected to reflect simplicity and remain in line with the company’s identity, offering smooth and enjoyable navigation. The coding process supporting this is also precisely tailored, ensuring optimal performance of the functionalities and processes thus digitized. Thus, every line of code contributes to an exceptional user experience, making your automated billing system not only functional but also enjoyable to use. All of this takes time, and typically, it takes between 3 and 12 months to arrive at a finished product, sometimes more. The result is often a game-changer for a business.

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4. Implementation and Training

Transparent implementation and tailored training are the pillars of smooth adoption, particularly crucial in the field of software and mobile application development. When considering the implementation of a new custom CRM, for example, every element of the interface is seamlessly integrated, ensuring a consistent user experience (UX). The accompanying training goes beyond basic tool usage to encompass a thorough understanding of the system, thus optimizing its potential. This transcends mere coding to create a synergy between functionality and usability. Quickly, this custom CRM becomes an indispensable tool, boosting the efficiency of sales teams and redefining customer relationship management. From the design phase to production deployment through coding, implementation, and internal team training must be consistent, clear, and transparent to ensure maximum solution adoption rates.

5. Scalability and Ongoing Support: :

The sustainability of digital solutions lies in a rigorous development approach that goes beyond mere coding. Consider a custom-built platform designed for scalability: every component is meticulously structured to allow easy integration of new functionalities in the future. This scalability is not simply a matter of programming but rather the creation of a flexible architecture capable of adapting to changes. Thus, your platform can easily evolve to incorporate new strategic features in the future, supporting the continued growth of your business. Ongoing support then comes in to ensure a seamless transition, facilitating the smooth adoption of these innovations. This is how technical development translates into operational agility without sacrificing stability.

Examples of digitalizations of Swiss companies carried out by our experts

As specialists in digital transition, we have accompanied several clients in their transformation. Here are two examples, which are two case studies:

For the Filinea project, our team developed a custom web application to optimize the management of wastewater treatment processes. This innovative solution allows for effective monitoring and control, contributing to better environmental management.

In the case of Gottofrey Electricité, we created a customized business application to digitize and streamline operational processes. This application improves productivity and efficiency by automating tasks and facilitating project and resource management.


Learn more about digitalization solutions

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The importance of preparing for future innovations

The digital age is evolving rapidly, driven by significant advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing. AI is transforming Swiss companies’ operations, improving efficiency and providing unprecedented insights through advanced data analysis. Meanwhile, cloud computing democratizes access to powerful computing resources, enabling businesses of all sizes to adapt quickly and cost-effectively. These technologies pave the way for new opportunities for growth and innovation but also require constant adaptation and a commitment to ongoing training and cybersecurity to protect vital digital assets. Swiss companies embracing these changes position themselves for success in an increasingly competitive and globalized market.

To embrace these technological changes, companies must adopt a culture of open innovation, invest in training and developing their employees’ skills, and implement robust data security strategies. It is also crucial to establish strategic partnerships with technology providers and research institutions to remain at the forefront of innovation.

Get support from our experts

To navigate successfully through your digitization journey and fully leverage your potential, get support from our experts. Our team, specializing in tailored digital solutions, guides you through every step, from strategy to execution, to turn your challenges into opportunities.

At Edana, our commitment focuses on building long-term partnerships because we understand that mutual success relies on close and enduring collaboration. Our goal is to provide you with solutions that truly catalyze your growth by closely accompanying you to identify and implement the most suitable digital strategies for your specific needs.

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Custom Business Application: Pricing, Timeline, and Steps to Create Your Enterprise Software

Custom Business Application: Pricing, Timeline, and Steps to Create Your Enterprise Software

Digital transformation has reshaped how Swiss businesses operate, compelling them to rethink their processes and adopt innovative solutions to remain competitive. Among these solutions, custom business applications stand out as essential tools to meet the specific needs of each company or organization. In this article, we will explore what a business application is, why it is crucial for the growth and survival of your business in the Swiss and international markets, how much it can cost, and how a custom software development provider like our agency, Edana, can help you create a business application tailored to your needs.

What is a business application (or business software)?

A business application, also known as business software, is a software solution specifically designed to meet the unique requirements of a company or organization. It can be a comprehensive suite for managing all of its business operations or a solution dedicated to a single or multiple tasks (CRM, invoicing, warehouse management, time-sheeting, accounting, etc.). Unlike generic software that can be sold on the market (so-called “off-the-shelf” solutions), a custom business application is developed taking into account the internal processes, workflows, and specific needs of the company or organization. It has no limits in terms of possibilities, and its functions and user interface are perfectly tailored to the precise needs of the business activity.

Examples of business applications designed by us

You can see examples of business applications that we have custom designed for Swiss companies such as Filinea (intervention management software, emails, calendars, human resources, and other custom functions) and Goteck (customer management, project management, and invoicing). These two enterprise applications constitute real digitized ecosystems since everything the employees need is centralized there, all in an ergonomic and secure manner.


Develop my own business application

Business applications can be developed using web, native, or a combination of both languages. Often hosted on a secure and dedicated server, they offer significant flexibility, allowing employees to connect from various locations (office, home, field) and devices (mobile phones, tablets, computers) or facilitating data backups or updates to their features and deployment.

Why opt for a custom business application?

A business application tailored to a company’s needs can lead to various benefits such as task automation, reduced payroll costs, increased employee happiness (often measured through the Net Promoter Score), increased customer satisfaction (also measured via NPS), as well as increased productivity, etc.

Here are the main advantages of custom business software:

Maximum customization

Custom business applications offer unparalleled customization, allowing companies to easily adapt to changes and evolutions in their industry. Indeed, each company or organization has different specificities (employee profile, management or project management method adopted, products and services sold, customer typology, etc.). So many parameters make a company unique and turn preconceived solutions into inadequate burdens and often unnecessary expenses for a company believing to do well by digitizing itself but paying for an inadequate solution that will not be adopted by its employees.

Process optimization

Delving into the heart of operational mechanisms is the promise of a custom business application developed by Edana. Understanding every nuance, every interaction within your company enables us to tailor solutions that transcend the ordinary. From streamlining workflows to automating repetitive tasks, a meticulous approach ensures maximum operational efficiency. With a well-designed custom business software, process optimization becomes more than an aspiration; it becomes the reality that propels your company towards operational excellence.

Enhanced security

Customized solutions offer a higher level of security tailored to the specific needs of the company, ensuring the protection of sensitive data. They take into account the types of data stored and the working mechanisms, thus being developed accordingly to protect your data against threats related to your activity.

Centralization & ecosystem

In general, digitizing through business software simplifies many processes and centralizes key tools (having emails, contacts, and business tools centralized in one place ergonomically changes the game and simplifies many things). This avoids, for example, opening several different programs and juggling with them to perform a task.

Unmatched scalability of a custom-built enterprise application

A well-designed business application is scalable, capable of adapting to the company’s growth without compromising performance. It can be gradually improved and become everything you need to achieve and maintain operational excellence, without any limits!

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How long does it take to develop a business application?

The time required to create a business application can vary considerably depending on several factors. These factors include the complexity of the application, the required features, customization requirements, the size of the development team, the development methodologies used, and many others.

It is essential to note that each project is unique. Some projects can be completed more quickly using frameworks and pre-existing tools, while others require more customized and in-depth development. In general, the creation of custom business software involves several stages, from needs analysis to design, development, testing, and finally deployment.

As an indication, the complete cycle can last from 2 to 3 months for an MVP (minimum viable product), 6 to 8 months for a complete software, and over a year for a complex complete software. Some very important and highly complex projects may even see their development last for several years.

To obtain a more precise estimate, it is recommended to consult a custom software development agency in Switzerland, such as ours, which can assess your specific needs and provide you with an estimate based on the scope of your project.

Get an estimate of the timeline tailored to your company

Budget for developing custom business software in Switzerland

Budget for developing custom business software in Switzerland The cost of a custom business application in Switzerland can vary considerably depending on several factors. Like the development time, some of the main elements that influence the cost are also the complexity of the application, the number of features, the level of customization required, the technology used, the degree of security required, the size of the development team, and other specific project requirements.

In general, developing a custom application in Switzerland can cost from tens of thousands to several hundreds of thousands of Swiss francs, or even more for very complex projects.

It is recommended to have a thorough discussion with a custom software development agency in Switzerland to obtain an accurate estimate based on the specific needs of your company. A detailed analysis of your requirements will determine the costs associated with each phase of the development of the custom business application.

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Steps to create a business application for your company

1. Needs assessment

Before starting the development process, it is essential to understand the specific needs of the company. At Edana, our experts work closely with clients to identify essential features and goals. Our enterprise architects, software engineers, UX designers, product owners, and digital strategists accompany you from this first step in your strategic thinking and advise you on the best solutions for your company or organization.

2. Design and planning

Once the needs are identified, the development team at Edana creates a detailed plan and architecture for the application. This includes designing the user interface, planning features, and identifying necessary technologies.

3. Development

The development process begins, with particular attention to code quality, security, and scalability. Clients are regularly updated on progress, and adjustments are made based on feedback.

4. Testing and validation

Before deployment in production, the application undergoes rigorous testing to ensure its proper functioning, security, and compliance with client requirements. Our project management and QA engineering teams conduct a battery of tests and adjustments necessary to meet our very high quality standards.

5. Deployment and maintenance

Once testing is successful, the application is deployed. Edana also ensures continuous maintenance, ensuring that the application remains up-to-date and functions smoothly. Our cybersecurity specialists also ensure that your system remains protected against threats and cyber-attacks (firewall management, anti-virus, software security patches, source code fixes, 24/7 monitoring, as well as backups and restorations).

What technologies to use to design custom software?

It is possible to build a business application with various technologies, which can also vary depending on the unique requirements of each project. Nevertheless, web technologies are increasingly used as they allow applications to be deployed in server environments without any limits and to be easily and quickly maintained and improved (these technologies are widespread, widely mastered, and their community is strong). It would be too long to list all the languages and technologies that can be mobilized to build a business application. So, we will talk about our approach. At Edana, we embrace technological diversity to create custom business applications that perfectly meet your specific needs. Our flexible approach includes the following technologies:

Powerful backend with Laravel, Symfony, or pure PHP for robust business applications

Laravel, the most powerful PHP framework, ensures a solid structure and easy maintenance. It also shortens development times thanks to its php artisan which makes life easier for backend developers or thanks to its packages.

Interactive frontend with React, Angular, or pure markup

We use React for dynamic components and Angular for business applications requiring a solid architecture. Our front-end developers also code in pure JS and HTML when necessary, depending on the project.

High-performance database with MySQL (or PostgreSQL) and Node.js

MySQL or PostgreSQL, recognized relational databases for their performance, are used, as well as Node.js for server-side operations. We carefully select the best technologies to handle and manipulate your data according to your needs. To learn more, you can read our article on different database systems for Swiss companies.

Hosting in Swiss territory with Infomaniak and other Swiss data centers

Swiss hosting guarantees stability and security, in compliance with Swiss data protection standards. This is notably a prerequisite for organizations and companies processing sensitive data such as patient (medical) or financial data (banks, insurance companies, investment funds, family offices, etc.).

Agile deployment with Docker, Kubernetes, and others

When necessary, Docker ensures smooth containerization, while Kubernetes orchestrates deployment, offering exceptional flexibility and scalability necessary for robust and responsive business applications.

Source control with GitLab

We use GitLab but also other collaboration and repository systems for efficient source code management, ensuring precise tracking of changes and fostering transparent collaboration.

Flexibility and specialization in multiple languages and technologies

At Edana, we are aware that each project is unique. That is why we specialize in a multitude of technologies including Python, C++, PHP, Kotlin, JSON, Rubis, Node.js, etc. We are open to all technologies and adapt our choices according to the specific needs of each client.

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Conclusion : a business application makes all the difference

Investing in a custom business application is a strategic step towards operational efficiency and sustainable growth. Edana, as a Swiss custom software development agency, offers its expertise to design solutions tailored to your specific needs and allows you to adapt to the constantly evolving digital world while automating and improving your internal processes.

A custom business application can have a very significant impact on your company (increased employee happiness, reduced lead times, increased yield rate, automation of tasks and positions, increased operational transparency, improved customer experience, protection against cyber threats, etc.). Contact us today to start your journey towards digital transformation and maximize the potential of your business.

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Optimizing Operational Efficiency: Workflow Automation Guide for Swiss Businesses

Optimizing Operational Efficiency: Workflow Automation Guide for Swiss Businesses

At Edana, we observe this within our digital transformation engagements with our Swiss clients, ranging from SMEs to large enterprises seeking operational efficiency or effectiveness: automating workflows is a crucial aspect of a company’s development, especially in Switzerland, as it significantly enhances competitiveness on multiple fronts.

We also note that many business leaders struggle to navigate the various solutions available in the market, whether in terms of digital consulting, ready-to-use solutions, or custom business tool development. However, it is certain that there is a suitable solution for each practical case of workflow automation, and finding it is imperative for the success of a digital transformation project, where many other Swiss companies fail.

As experts in digital consulting and execution in Switzerland, providing tailored solutions, especially in software and application development for businesses, we have decided to create this practical guide to help local businesses get started in this area. It serves as an introduction to the subject. In this guide, we will explore the powerful lever that workflow automation represents, its key role in optimizing the operational efficiency of businesses, and most importantly, how it can be successfully implemented within a Swiss company, including a review of common pitfalls to avoid and the steps to take for a successful transition.

Understanding Workflow Automation

Workflow automation is much more than a simple application of technology. It is a strategic approach aimed at streamlining internal processes, eliminating repetitive tasks, and increasing productivity. In this section, we will detail the tangible benefits of automation, supported by concrete examples of solutions that enable companies to transform their operations through this innovative approach.

What is Workflow Automation?

At Edana, we typically distinguish four main aspects of workflow automation:

  1. Process Streamlining: Workflow automation involves identifying, assessing, and streamlining an organization’s internal processes. This often includes reducing manual steps and simplifying procedures, enabling faster and more efficient task execution. Auditing work frameworks and task organization is imperative to ensure an optimal work architecture and identify existing optimization opportunities.
  2. Elimination of Repetitive Tasks: It aims to eliminate repetitive and administrative tasks that can be automated. By freeing employees from these routine activities, the company promotes a more judicious use of their skills and time, contributing to increased job satisfaction by reducing the tediousness of tasks.
  3. System Integration: Workflow automation often involves integrating different software systems within the company. This enables smooth communication between applications, eliminating information silos and improving data consistency.
  4. Adaptability and Scalability: A well-designed workflow automation solution is adaptable and scalable. It can adjust to organizational changes and evolving needs, ensuring continued relevance over time. It provides flexibility in operations and often aligns working methods across teams within a company or organization.

Benefits of Workflow Automation for Swiss Businesses

Here are the main benefits that Swiss businesses, undergoing digitalization with our guidance, derive from properly executed workflow automation:

  1. Time and Efficiency Gain: By automating repetitive tasks, workflows become more efficient, allowing employees to devote their time to higher-value activities.
  2. Error Reduction: Automation reduces the risk of human errors, ensuring increased precision in process execution.
  3. Improved Traceability: Automation solutions often provide complete traceability of processes, allowing businesses to track and analyze each step of the workflow.
  4. Enhanced Collaboration: By integrating systems, automation promotes collaboration between teams, enabling more effective information sharing and transparent communication. See our article on intranets and custom collaboration tools that greatly enhance team efficiency.

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Key Steps in Workflow Automation

To embark on this operational revolution, it is essential to understand the key steps of workflow automation. In this section of our guide, we will present the important stages of this process, some examples of business operations automation, and the tools that our consultants and experts use in the field in Switzerland to digitize our client companies.

Successfully Achieve Your Automation in 10 Phases

Workflow automation involves several key steps to ensure successful implementation and seamless integration within the company. Here is a list of important steps to consider:

  1. Analysis of Existing Processes:
    • Identify key company processes.
    • Evaluate the complexity and frequency of tasks involved.
    • Identify friction points, delays, and inefficiencies.
  2. Definition of Goals:
    • Establish clear goals for workflow automation (e‧g., reduction of deadlines, improvement of accuracy).
    • Involve stakeholders to understand specific needs.
  3. Design of Automated Workflows:
    • Map current processes and design automated workflows.
    • Define rules and conditions for triggering automation.
    • Integrate exception and error management.
  4. Selection of Tools and Technologies:
    • Choose suitable automation tools and platforms.
    • Consider integration with existing systems (ERP, CRM, etc.).
    • Evaluate user-friendliness and flexibility of proposed solutions.
  5. Custom Solution Development:
    • Engage developers to create custom solutions if necessary.
    • Ensure modular design for future scalability.
    • Integrate reporting and analysis features.
  6. Thorough Testing:
    • Conduct thorough testing to ensure proper functioning.
    • Validate automation on real cases to detect any issues.
    • Involve end-users in the testing phase.
  7. User Training:
    • Provide comprehensive training on using new automated workflows.
    • Raise awareness among employees about the benefits and impact of automation.
    • Establish support resources if needed.
  8. Continuous Integration:
    • Ensure continuous integration with operational teams.
    • Gather regular feedback to adjust workflows over time.
    • Implement mechanisms for continuous improvement.
  9. Performance Measurement:
    • Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate effectiveness.
    • Monitor time savings, error reduction, and other benefits.
    • Adapt workflows based on achieved results.
  10. Change Management:
    • Proactively communicate upcoming changes.
    • Involve teams in the automation process to foster adoption.
    • Evaluate and adjust the change management strategy as needed.

Concrete Examples of Workflow Automation

There are many ways to automate workflows within a company, both because there are numerous different tasks and various ways to solve a problem. Here are some examples of workflow automation that a company in Switzerland can implement:

  1. Automated Invoicing Processes: An enterprise can automate the generation and sending of invoices, reducing payment delays and improving cash flow.
  2. Leave Request Management: An automated system can process employee leave requests, check availabilities, and automatically inform relevant teams.
  3. Project Tracking: Workflow automation can be applied to track and automatically update the progress of projects, ensuring real-time visibility for all team members. See our feature on custom project management software.
  4. Customer Request Processing: An automated solution can classify, prioritize, and automatically redirect customer requests, thereby improving customer satisfaction and responsiveness.

Workflow Automation Software Designed for Swiss Businesses

Our consultants, software engineers, application developers, and UX designers create tailor-made solutions for each business, enabling them to control their internal processes without relying on external software (high licensing costs, low adaptation to company-specific needs, insufficient data security, etc.). Here are two case studies of projects led by our teams in this area:

Automate my workflows with Edana

Tools Used by Our Consultants and Experts in These 10 Key Steps

In the realm of workflow automation, our teams use a range of technological tools at different stages to facilitate an efficient transition to automated and optimized workflows. It is interesting to note that this depends on each digitization journey, as the specific conditions of each company involve the use of different tools, methods, and technologies to ensure automation truly tailored to its situation.

During the analysis of existing processes, modeling tools such as Lucidchart or Microsoft Visio can be used to map and understand existing business processes.

To define project objectives and track progress, Edana leverages project management platforms such as Jira or Asana.

The design of automated workflows is carried out using workflow management systems such as Kissflow or Nintex, allowing the definition of rules and the integration of specific conditions for each project.

The crucial step of evaluating automation tools is performed through in-depth analyses using tools like Zapier, Integromat, or Microsoft Power Automate to select the most suitable solutions.

Custom solution development takes place in integrated development environments such as Visual Studio Code or Eclipse, tailored to the specific needs of each project.

Thorough testing is automated using tools like Selenium or JUnit, ensuring the proper functioning of workflows in various scenarios.

For user training, online learning platforms such as Udemy or LinkedIn Learning are sometimes used (when live training is not possible or not sufficient) to ensure a smooth transition to the new automated workflows.

Continuous integration is achieved using tools such as Jenkins or GitLab CI, automating the process of integrating new features into existing workflows.

Performance measurement is ensured by analytics tools such as Google Analytics or New Relic, allowing real-time monitoring and analysis of the performance of automated workflows.

Finally, to facilitate change management, collaborative communication platforms such as Slack or Microsoft Teams are used, promoting transparent and real-time communication with all stakeholders.

The judicious use of these tools at each stage of the process enables any proficient consultant, digital transformation strategist, and specialist to offer tailor-made workflow automation solutions, adapted to the specific needs of their clients.

Overcoming Automation Challenges

Despite the considerable benefits of workflow automation, specific challenges may arise during the process. This section will delve into crucial aspects such as data security, team training, and the importance of a scalable solution. We will share our best practices with the reader to ensure a smooth and secure transition to an automated enterprise.

Data Security

Workflow automation often involves handling and transmitting sensitive data. To ensure the security of this crucial information, our teams implement strict data security protocols. This includes the use of advanced encryption, rigorous access permission management, and the implementation of firewalls and intrusion detection systems. Working closely with clients to identify vulnerable points and implementing security measures tailored to their specific needs is of paramount importance.

Best Practices for Data Security:

  1. Advanced Encryption: Implement advanced data encryption to ensure the confidentiality of sensitive information during transmission and storage.
  2. Rigorous Access Permission Management: Establish strict access control policies by assigning permissions only to necessary personnel, thus limiting the risk of unauthorized access.
  3. Firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems: Integrate robust firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor and prevent any unauthorized attempts to access data, reinforcing system security.

Team Training

Adopting new automated workflows requires a deep understanding from the involved teams. Recognizing the crucial importance of training is necessary for successful adoption. Customized training programs need to be implemented, covering both the technical aspects of workflow automation and the organizational changes that may result from this transformation. The goal is to ensure that team members feel comfortable and competent in using the new automated processes.

Best Practices for Team Training:

  1. Customized Training Programs: Develop custom training programs that cover not only the technical aspects of workflow automation but also the organizational implications, tailored to the specific context of each team.
  2. Continuous Training: Institute ongoing training sessions to keep teams informed about updates, best practices, and new features, fostering continuous and evolving adoption.
  3. Personalized Support: Implement a dedicated support system to address user-specific questions and resolve issues, reinforcing team confidence and competence.

Need for a Scalable Solution

Companies evolve, and with them, automation needs. Based on our experience, we often emphasize the design of scalable solutions from the start. This means establishing flexible and adaptable architectures capable of adjusting to future changes in the operational environment. By anticipating long-term needs, our team always assures clients that their investments in automation remain relevant and beneficial over time.

Best Practices for Scalability:

  1. Modular Design: Opt for a modular design of solutions, facilitating the addition of new features and adaptation to evolving business needs.
  2. Integration of Open APIs: Prefer the use of open APIs that allow smooth integration with other systems and applications, ensuring the necessary flexibility to adapt to technological advancements.
  3. Regular Evaluation of Needs: Schedule regular evaluations of the operational needs of the business to anticipate future changes and adjust automated solutions accordingly..

Overall, it should be noted that workflow automation is a dynamic process, and by proactively addressing these challenges, it ensures clients a successful and sustainable implementation.

Discuss Workflow Automation and Digitalization with Our Experts

Are you planning to automate the internal processes of your company? Our team of multi-experts is at your disposal to guide you through this process. Our strategy teams are here to analyze your business, propose solutions tailored to your goals and specificities, and address constraints. Our teams of software engineers and application designers are specialized in developing custom business tools.

Discuss workflow automation with an expert

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What Role Does AI Play In Marketing?

What Role Does AI Play In Marketing?

Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a huge role in our lives. It entered in many businesses and made the work easier and also managed to become a part of marketing world. AI marketing is a method that uses technology to improve the customer journey.

Benefits of AI marketing

AI has many benefits. First of all, up until now conducting analysis and discussing the data was time-consuming, but now you can have a software that does the analysis and gives you the data. This way you can generate more return on investment and your colleagues will have more time to focus on more pressing matters.

Secondly, it works on anything as long as you have a data to process. This means that you can have a good grasp of your customer behavior patterns and make decisions accordingly.

Lastly, it can reduce costs. It frees up capital and helps you use it on other company divisions to increase reliability.

15 tips to boost you AI marketing

As a marketer you can use AI to ease your workload. There are 15 tips of how you can work smarter and not harder:

  • Predict customer behavior

We can all agree that there is no business without a customer. You may ask “How can I keep my customers if I don’t know what they want?” The answer is to know how they use your product, follow small trends and you will see everything. For this you need AI. Amazon is the best example of it. With the right algorithm it checks customer behavior and offers product that they will be interested in.

  • Decrease AMPs load time

We all have been in a situation where you are trying to purchase product online, but the webpage is not loading, so you get annoyed and just leave. With the help of AI you can easily solve this issue. For example google has the fastest load time using AI algorithm.

  • Provide a personalized user experience

At some point we all have an experience with chat bots, they can be helpful when providing general information, but receiving the same answer all the time is pretty annoying and in certain situations they prove to be useless. This happens because they are not real AI and at the end if you want to address an issue you have to speak with a real human. With real AI you would naturally deliver the desired answers.

For example, Sephora is using AI to help customers in various ways including scheduling an appointment.

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  • Create a content

You can take advantage of AI and use it to create content for your brand. You can create blog posts to drive traffic to your site and boost your SEO.

  • Boost sourcing accuracy

Generating leads is one thing but checking their validity is another. AI can look at all the data you have collected from various perspectives and determine which one will lead to success.

  • Predict customer churn

Prediction helps with prevention. After analyzing all the information artificial intelligence will be able to determine the reason behind customer churn and find solution before it is too late.

  • Profitable dynamic pricing models

When you have multiple store locations it is difficult to check the performance of them all, but AI can monitor it and notify you if there is a decrease of performance and find a solution to the issue.

  • Sentiment analysis

SA helps you see how your company, product and service is perceived. This helps you fix any issue that may arise and make changes almost immediately in the process.

  • Improve website experiments

If you want to check the location that will have the best response to your website before officially releasing it, you can use AI. It can determine which location will be more receptive to new features and will give you feedback on what to improve.

  • Prioritize ad targeting and personalization

Collecting data plays a huge role in having a successful business. You can use data to determine faster and efficiently what to do with ads. AI can find patterns that you might not notice and give you an insight.

  • Relevant recommandation system

When you have a huge amount of products it is difficult to connect each customer to the right one and keep driving customer retention. AI can easily find connection between the product and a consumer and run common threads between them.

  • Smart email content curation

If you want to keep your customers, you should stop sending irrelevant mass emails. AI helps you choose the content of the email based on the thing customers care about.

  • Interpret custom loyalty card data

Above we spoke about the importance of data collecting, but exactly where does this data come from? The best way to get it is by tracking the rewards or loyalty systems. This is a great way to see the patterns and make successful business deals.

  • Computer vision for image and object recognition

AI can be used to eliminate time-consuming manual tasks. You can use computer vision algorithm to sort through thousands of pictures and videos placed in social media. It has a good accuracy and offers client’s specific product that they are interested in.

  • AI-enhanced PPC

Artificial intelligence can help you discover new channels of advertisement, what’s more, when you make AI responsible for picking keywords, your PPC campaigns will be automatically updating.

Conclusion

AI is a very powerful tool, which can reduce your workload and increase productivity. There are many companies that are successfully using AI marketing to work efficiently and gain more profits.

So are you using AI and if not, what are you waiting for?