Risks and challenges
Given the volume of data involved, complexity of functional variations per user and the sheer expanse of users requiring access to this system, Etain had to ensure that the needs of the users, both internal and external were robust enough to meet with the utmost scrutiny.
With security being of paramount importance to HRI given the sensitive nature of the information, and the media profile of Horse Racing Ireland clients, we implemented a security framework based on industry best practise in line with OWASP principles. Extensive application level security measures were implemented, including SSL encryption, SSL authentication, secure login with password encryption, user invoked password management, secure session management and session timeout.
With horse racing a year round sport, it was essential that there would be minimal disruption to the administration of the sport both internally and externally on going ‘live’. While the system was designed to be as intuitive as possible and easy to follow regardless of technical ability, it was decided that a range of supporting items be created to mitigate the risk of the transition affecting the entries and management of pre-existing administration.
The supporting collateral included an interactive PowerPoint presentation for use in roadshows prior to going ‘live’, and an in-depth user manual. The User Manual was commissioned to take external users (Owners, Trainers, Jockeys and more) through each possible action on desktop, tablet and mobile devices, ensuring a smooth transition from old system into new.
Featuring over 200 detailed and illustrated pages, the External User Manual features step by step instructions on the full range of capabilities from how to Return a Horse in Training to calculating potential prize money and processing payments. Additionally a series of walk-through videos were commissioned that demonstrated working examples of 10 key processes.
Outcome & Benefits
Etain adopted a user-centred design approach, placing the goals of the user at the centre of the design process rather than merely attempting to satisfy a features checklist. This resulted in the efficient development of an easy to use, responsively designed web application built on ASP.net the racing administration system delivers value and delights the people who use it.
Following over half a million lines of code, 100 wireframe designs, 13 technical documents, 13 functional specifications documents, 2 Technical Architects, 2 Business Analysts, 6 Developers and 17 months of design and development, HRI’s Racing Administration System (RÁS) was born servicing approximately 16,000 users.
Do you need a custom software solution? Is your organisation ready to undertake a Digital Transformation? If you’d like to discuss a custom project or simply want to know more feel free to call us on 028 90 87 2222 or drop us an email using the contact form below.