Leading Healthcare Organization Utilizes Citizen Development Fusion Teams to Take Development Needs Into Their Own Hands

"One of the main reasons we selected Betty Blocks is that changes are applied throughout the platform including security changes and certificates. That shows us the required security measures are in place. It also helps that other customers have privacy-sensitive apps on the same platform.” - Thomas Geelkerken, Manager Business Analyst

Thomas created a fusion team within Pluryn that combines professional developers and citizen developers. When it comes to identifying Pluryn’s citizen developers, Thomas looks for tech-savvy and analytically-minded employees with a strong background in the topic that’s being addressed. They should also be enthusiastic and have an interest in learning new skills. Thomas aims for the citizen developers to independently build as much of the solution as they’re able. Then, a professional developer finishes the remaining 20%, for example, of the app development.

Meanwhile the IT department is a Center of Excellence that ensures the apps are governed and maintained. The department assigns specific roles and permissions within the platform to prevent the fusion team from accidentally creating security risks. Thomas also spends much of his time on relationship and change management. For example, coordinating with the security officer and other stakeholders from the very beginning stages of development – especially when the app requires sensitive information. With each project, he works to inspire those who will be impacted by the application to all the possibilities within the Betty Blocks platform. He also advises the fusion team on any necessary changes.

Like many organizations, Pluryn benefited tremendously from citizen development when they needed to quickly deploy tech solutions. The pandemic caused a sudden and significant increase in demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) from their frontline workers across the country. The organization’s analog process wasn’t optimized for the task. Thomas and his team used input from Pluryn staff to develop the Corona App – a digital system that streamlines equipment ordering and distribution.

Within 10 days, the team independently built the back office of the application; they finished customizing the front-end a few weeks later. After a month of development, Pluryn’s staff was using an application that works similarly to Amazon for their internal inventory. Staff can see how much PPE is already available when they order and track the shipment. Then, the logistics team uses it for deliveries.

The app delivers additional benefits for the organization. Logistics team members, who are also Pluryn clients, are gaining new digital skills. Furthermore, the purchasing department is saving money by not ordering surplus stock. The next step is to scale the app to optimize orders for the rest of Pluryn’s equipment inventory.

The Corona App is just one example of the multiple apps Pluryn’s fusion team built themselves after only training for a short time. Each app has furthered Pluryn’s digital transformation. Moreover, the solutions have resulted in a better way of working that ultimately improves client care.Thomas notices everyone is more engaged because they know their ideas have a direct and lasting impact on the entire organization. The relationship between the IT department and the organization has also strengthened after working closely together to build value-adding solutions

In 2022, Pluryn will leverage more of what Betty Blocks can improve in their processes and way of working by partnering with Betty Blocks Premium Development Support team (PDS). Using the Betty Blocks’ app factory methodology, PDS helps organizations ensure their new apps are value-adding with suitability assessments and tailored developer learning paths. The fusion team will work alongside PDS technicians to grow their capabilities on the Betty Blocks platform. For example, by being able to create more custom components.

Thomas plans to expand Pluryn’s Citizen Development community by making the Betty Blocks’ digital ideation portal accessible to everyone in the organization. Another citizen developer will join the fusion team from the beginning of the year and will be trained by PDS in low-code development.