Summary
Making the switch from pen and paper to a bespoke app can feel like traversing a gulf. But, with a transparent development partner that guarantees delivery, that gulf becomes a manageable step. Our work with the DVA leveraged a range of technologies to create a transformational solution for examiners.
Challenge brief [Service description]
The Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) of Northern Ireland had been using a manual system to record the results of the driving test. But it was cumbersome, error-prone, and inefficient. It relied heavily on paper-based records, manual data entry, and little centralised oversight. It was time for a modern solution.
Preparation
In discovery sessions with Cranmore, a number of issues were found that impeded the work of examiners and the DVA.
Examiners were spending significant time manually recording and processing data. This reduced productivity and meant driving test candidates experienced longer waiting times.
Manual recording results was prone to error. This had an impact on the fairness and consistency of driving test results.
Compounding the difficulties was a lack of centralised data. This made it difficult for DVA to gain insights into driving examiner performance and identify areas for improvement.
Execution
Cranmore worked with the DVA to develop a comprehensive digital solution, the Driving Examiner Digital Solution (DEDS) and Compliance System. This leveraged Cranmore’s LiveQ Case Management platform and implemented a range of modern technologies.
DevOps and ASSURED0 Agile development practices: This ensured rapid development, continuous testing, and seamless integration with existing systems.
Active Directory integration: This enabled single sign-on for examiners, streamlining the login process and enhancing security.
Integration with IT Assist Blackberry BES platform: This ensured compatibility with examiners’ mobile devices, allowing them to access the system remotely.
LiveQ Mobile Agility Application: This provided examiners with a user-friendly mobile app for managing their driving test schedules, reviewing test results, and uploading documents.
Web Portal for Enforcement Officers: This provided enforcement officers with a dedicated portal for managing driving test bookings and resolving issues.
Data Integration API: This enabled seamless data exchange between DEDS and other DVA systems, providing centralised data management. This also created detailed reporting capabilities.
Hangfire Background job and scheduling for DCN communications: This ensured efficient scheduling and processing of background tasks, such as test results notifications and data synchronisation.
Continuous Data Replication for Data Warehousing and BI reporting: This provided real-time data replication to data warehouses, enabling the DVA to gain insights into examiner performance and driving test trends.
Results
The DEDS and Compliance System brought about a transformative impact for the DVA’s driving examiner processes.
Streamlined workflow and increased productivity: Examiners can now manage driving test information electronically, reducing administrative tasks and enhancing their efficiency.
Improved data accuracy and consistency: The centralised data management and automated data entry reduced the risk of errors and ensured consistent test outcomes.
Enhanced oversight and data visibility: The DVA can now gain real-time insights into examiner performance, identify areas for improvement, and make informed decisions to optimise driving test processes.
Improved candidate experience: The digital system has streamlined the driving test booking process, reduced wait times, and improved candidate satisfaction.
As a result of these benefits, the Driving Examiner Digital Solution and Compliance System has been recognised as a significant achievement in the UK IT Awards, receiving the prestigious IT Transformation Project of the Year award in 2018. This accolade highlights the transformative impact of the solution on the DVA’s operations and its commitment to digital transformation.
Overall, the DEDS and Compliance System has proven to be a valuable tool for the DVA, streamlining driving examiner processes, enhancing data accuracy, improving decision-making, and, ultimately, improving the driving test experience for candidates.