Our Clients: Provincial Government

In 2019, a provincial government scientist who had been developing a field data collection application hit the limits of his FileMaker knowledge. He pushed back from his keyboard, and Oak Bay Softrends got a phone call.

The scientist had originally planned simply to hire a company to finish the software. However, during the initial conversations with Oak Bay, Steven Barer suggested a different approach: produce the software but treat the project as an opportunity to learn, using the Agile development method. Barer’s proposed collaborative work process would result in both a finished software product and give the scientist the skills to continue developing and maintaining the software long after Oak Bay’s role ends.

Moreover, the scientist said, Barer didn’t do what some of the other companies he’d contacted did —  shut down the conversation early because the scope was hard to define, or warn gloomily that “this could get really expensive.” Instead, Barer listened to the scientist’s needs and goals and proposed a couple of different solutions, one of which turned into the agile development path.

Key tenets of agile software development are collaboration and incremental development called “sprints” that produce iterated, functional versions of the software. Agile development is focused on speedy adaptation and a commitment to keeping the focus on the end users’ goals and needs.

Using this methodology, the scientist worked collaboratively with Oak Bay Softrends developer Allen Poole. The two met regularly throughout the project to coordinate the work together. This approach not only produced effective results, but also provided structure for the scientist to improve his FileMaker skills — a huge long-term benefit to the project and the employer.

“We got everything we wanted and more,” says the scientist. “It had the feel of genuine service — working with a company that you feel has your interests in mind rather than their own.”

The resulting software is being used across the province for field data collection. It simplifies the management of the data being recorded, making it more efficient for field use. It also makes it possible to quickly highlight an abnormal reading, reducing the need for repeated field visits. With a relatively minor investment, the scientist and Oak Bay achieved enormous benefit.

The software is likely to be used for many years and grow in ways that can’t be predicted today. Oak Bay’s process and attitude will allow the software to evolve and researchers to collect and manage key data for future provincial land management. One of FileMaker’s strengths is the ability to go on adapting to expanding needs and desires over the years.

*Government rules regarding endorsements mean the scientist can’t be identified by name.