We know that the tech industry is full of jargon, terminology and acronyms. And when you’re choosing a new piece of software, you don’t want to battle deciphering all those technicalities.
So, let’s cut through some of the jargon. In this article, we look to understand exactly what SaaS means and why it may be a good fit for your social care organisation.
What does SaaS mean?
Software as a Service (SaaS) is a delivery model where applications are accessible via the internet.
SaaS tends to work on a subscription basis, being scalable to your needs and automatically updated with new releases or fixes. Your software provider may also establish Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with you to ensure that you are receiving the right level of service and support throughout your contract.
SaaS and the cloud
SaaS applications are typically built and made accessible via the cloud. The cloud stores and manages data using the internet (rather than physical hardware), giving you on-demand access to your software no matter when or where you need it.
So, instead of having to use a dedicated device, such as a work desktop, connected to internal servers, you can log in to the system from a mobile, tablet or laptop that has an internet connection. That way, your teams can immediately update digital care plans at the point of care or amend records whilst working from home.
For more information about the cloud, take a look at our blog: How does cloud software benefit social care?
What benefits does SaaS bring to social care organisations?
Scalability
As a social care provider, you know that your needs will likely change over time, and you want to be assured that any software adoptions you take now won’t hinder you in the future. SaaS is especially helpful in this regard because it offers scalability.
Software as a Service has the advantage of being able to adapt based on your needs so, if and when your business grows, your software can easily scale up with you without the need for significant infrastructure changes.
Cost Saving
When you opt for a cloud-based SaaS solution, you eliminate the need to invest in any hardware, infrastructure or maintenance. All of which can bring some significant cost savings to your organisation.
Instead, you pay on a subscription basis, giving you access to all new updates and any ongoing support you may need. And with it, your software provider looks after all the technicalities for you, so you can focus on your service, your staff and your clients.
Automatic Updates
When a SaaS application is hosted in the cloud and managed by your software provider, all updates, new features or fixes can be seamlessly deployed without you having to worry about doing anything.
This means you get the latest version of your system with all its enhanced features instantly, having little to no impact on your day to day processes.
Centralised Data Management
With SaaS, you can efficiently manage and store your client data in a secure and centralised way. Bid farewell to the days of scattered data across multiple systems, folders, and departments. SaaS simplifies this process, ensuring that everyone within your organisation has access to accurate and up-to-date data, right at their fingertips. This helps to eliminate the need for manual record-keeping and reduces the risk of errors or data silos.
And with all your information in one place, you can better visualise your organisation holistically, with efficient business intelligence to make more informed decisions about what you need and when you need it.
Greater Accessibility
SaaS applications hosted in the cloud are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. That way, your employees can access the software using various devices, such as a laptop, tablet or smartphone, helping to provide both mobile working and enhanced efficiency for all your care employees working on or off-site.
And with this greater accessibility, your teams can collaborate with ease. No matter where your teams are based, they can share things like care plans and updates to allow for more seamless care coordination.
Compliance and Security
As a social care provider, you are frequently managing sensitive client information, and of course that means adhering to strict data protection regulations. Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions are designed with high levels of security to detect internal and external cyber threats, all of which is the responsibility of your software provider.
Regular backups to the cloud as well as data encryption helps to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your data, so you can focus on your core responsibilities without compromising data security.
At Advanced, we offer Software as a Service solutions designed specifically for your sector. Our care business management solution Care Cloud gives you complete oversight of your key business operations, providing the digital tools you need to deliver essential care and support.
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