MetaDesign Solutions
MetaDesign SolutionsEmpowering early years education with a seamless digital experience: MetaDesign Solutions develops a robust and scalable mobile and backend solution for a digital native
Overview
MetaDesign Solutions successfully developed a comprehensive mobile and backend solution for a digital native, the leading ERP platform for nursery schools in the UK. The solution, encompassing both Android and iOS applications, supports various early learning frameworks and enables teachers to digitize observations and streamline administrative tasks. The project addressed complex challenges such as multi-framework compatibility, offline-online synchronization, and support for diverse tablet devices, ultimately enhancing the efficiency and engagement of nursery operations.
about the client
The digital native is a pioneering provider of ERP solutions tailored for nursery schools. Their platform is an all-in-one solution that assists nursery owners, managers, and practitioners in efficiently managing every aspect of their operations. From child registration and session scheduling to staff management and observation recording, the digital native offers a range of tools that reduce paperwork, save time, and improve overall operational efficiency.
The platform supports multiple early years learning frameworks, including EYFS, Montessori, and others, ensuring that nurseries can adhere to various educational standards. It also facilitates seamless communication between parents and teachers, allowing parents to stay updated on their child’s progress through a dedicated social app. The digital native mission is to empower nursery professionals by simplifying business processes and enhancing the quality of early childhood education. Over time, the digital native has become the preferred choice for childcare providers, offering an affordable and comprehensive solution that caters to the entire nursery community.
Industry Domain
Professional Services and Education
Service Category (Service-line)
Mobile App Development / Cloud Backend Development
Technologies Used
Android
IOS
YII
PHP
AWS
Challenges
Multi-Framework Compatibility: The application needed to support 15 different early years learning frameworks, requiring a flexible and adaptable backend.
Offline/Online Synchronization: Teachers needed the ability to capture and upload photos and videos during sessions, necessitating a robust offline-online sync mechanism.
Diverse Device Support: The solution had to work seamlessly across various tablet screen sizes, vendors, and operating system versions.
Scalability Across Nurseries: The platform was designed to be a common application for multiple nurseries, which required careful consideration of scalability and customization options.
Solution Scope and Services
MetaDesign Solutions undertook the challenge of developing a comprehensive solution that addressed both the frontend (mobile application) and backend (server-side) needs of the digital nat ERP platform. The project scope included developing a tablet-only application for iOS and Android that allowed teachers to digitize the observation process according to various early years frameworks. The solution also required the development of a flexible backend using the YII PHP framework to manage different learning frameworks and ensure seamless data synchronization.
The team at MetaDesign Solutions worked closely with the digital native to ensure the platform’s success across various nurseries. The solution not only streamlined observation recording and reporting but also enhanced parent-teacher communication through integrated social features. By supporting multiple frameworks and ensuring compatibility across diverse devices, the solution provided a robust and scalable platform that met the needs of nursery schools.
Mobile Application Development
The mobile application was developed using native SDKs for both Android and iOS, ensuring optimal performance and seamless integration with each platform’s specific features. The app was designed to function exclusively on tablets, providing an intuitive and user-friendly interface for teachers to record observations, track progress, and share updates with parents. The use of native technologies allowed the application to fully leverage the capabilities of both Android and iOS devices, ensuring a smooth and responsive user experience.
Backend Development
The backend was built using the YII PHP framework, chosen for its flexibility and robustness in handling complex database operations. The development team faced the challenge of designing a flexible database structure that could accommodate 15 different early learning frameworks. This was achieved by creating a modular backend architecture that allowed for easy customization and updates. The REST APIs developed for the mobile application ensured efficient data exchange between the client and server, while maintaining data integrity and security.
Offline/Online Sync
A critical component of the solution was the implementation of a reliable offline-online synchronization mechanism. This feature allowed teachers to capture photos, videos, and observations even in areas with limited internet connectivity. The system was designed to upload data in the background, supporting retries in case of failures and ensuring that no data was lost during the sync process. Special attention was given to data security during transmission and storage, ensuring compliance with relevant data protection regulations.
Results
The collaboration between MetaDesign Solutions and the digital native resulted in a state-of-the-art solution that significantly improved the operational efficiency of nursery schools. The developed mobile application and backend system not only streamlined the process of recording and sharing observations but also enhanced the overall quality of early years education by providing teachers with powerful tools to track and assess child development. The offline-online sync capability ensured that data was always up-to-date, regardless of connectivity issues, while the support for multiple learning frameworks made the platform highly adaptable to different educational settings.
As a result of this solution, the digital native has strengthened its position as the leading provider of ERP solutions for nursery schools, offering a comprehensive and scalable platform that meets the evolving needs of early years education providers. The positive impact on nursery operations, from reducing administrative burdens to fostering greater engagement between parents and educators, underscores the value of the solution developed by MetaDesign Solutions.