Database Development & Setup for Child Advocacy Center
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BI & Big Data Consulting & SI Custom Software Development
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Database Engineering
- $10,000 to $49,999
- June 2024 - Ongoing
- Quality
- 4.0
- Schedule
- 4.5
- Cost
- 5.0
- Willing to Refer
- 5.0
"What stood out most about Pontem Innovations was their strong technical expertise and commitment."
- Non-profit
- Edmonton, Alberta
- 11-50 Employees
- Online Review
- Verified
Pontem Innovations has designed and set up a database for a child advocacy center. The team's solution supports service delivery, case management, reporting, and organizational decision-making needs.
Pontem Innovations' work has improved the client's operational efficiency and decision-making capabilities. The team has strong project management skills, maintains regular communication, and provides consistent updates. Pontem Innovations' technical expertise and collaborative approach stand out.
The client submitted this review online.
BACKGROUND
Please describe your company and position.
I'm a department director at Zebra Child & Youth Advocacy Centre
Describe what your company does in a single sentence.
The Zebra Child & Youth Advocacy Centre in Edmonton supports children and youth who have experienced abuse by helping them navigate the investigation, justice, and healing process in a safe, child-friendly environment. It brings together professionals from law enforcement, child intervention, health services, and victim support so children can access the services they need in one place.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What specific goals or objectives did you hire Pontem Innovations to accomplish?
- Create a new database
- help us go paperless
SOLUTION
How did you find Pontem Innovations?
Referral
Why did you select Pontem Innovations over others?
- High ratings
- Close to my geographic location
- Pricing fit our budget
- Great culture fit
- Good value for cost
- Referred to me
- Company values aligned
How many teammates from Pontem Innovations were assigned to this project?
6-10 Employees
Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.
Pontem partnered with the Zebra Child & Youth Advocacy Centre to design, configure, and implement a modern database solution that supports the Centre's service delivery, case management, reporting, and organizational decision-making needs. The project focused on replacing and enhancing existing data management processes to improve efficiency, data quality, security, reporting capabilities, and user experience across the organization.
Key Deliverables:
- Database Design and Development Conducted business process reviews and stakeholder consultations to understand operational requirements. Designed a customized database structure aligned with the Centre's programs, client services, and reporting needs. Configured workflows, forms, and data fields to support consistent data collection and case tracking.
- Data Migration and Quality Assurance Planned and executed the migration of historical client, program, and operational data from legacy systems. Identified and resolved data quality issues to improve accuracy, consistency, and integrity. Validated migrated records through testing and user review processes.
- Reporting and Analytics Developed customized reports and dashboards to support operational, management, and board-level reporting. Enhanced the Centre's ability to track service outcomes, program metrics, referral trends, and funding-related performance indicators. Improved access to real-time data for informed decision-making.
- Integration and Workflow Optimization Streamlined data entry and case management processes to reduce duplication and administrative burden. Configured automated workflows and notifications where appropriate. Ensured the system supported collaboration across teams and programs.
- Training and Change Management Delivered training sessions for staff and system administrators. Created user guides, documentation, and support resources. Supported user adoption through testing, feedback collection, and issue resolution.
- Implementation Support Managed system configuration, testing, launch, and post-implementation support. Addressed technical issues and system refinements during deployment. Provided recommendations for future enhancements and long-term system sustainability.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
Measurable Outcomes Demonstrating Project Success Centralized Data Management Consolidated client, program, and operational information into a single database, reducing reliance on multiple spreadsheets and disconnected systems. Improved staff access to accurate and up-to-date information across programs. Improved Data Quality Standardized data entry fields and workflows, resulting in more consistent and complete data collection. Reduced duplicate records and data-entry errors through validation rules and improved system design. Enhanced Reporting Capacity Created automated reports and dashboards, significantly reducing the time required to prepare operational, funder, and board reports. Increased the organization's ability to track key indicators such as referrals, services delivered, forensic interviews, court support activities, and client outcomes. Increased Operational Efficiency Streamlined case management and reporting processes, reducing administrative burden on frontline staff. Enabled staff to spend more time supporting children, youth, and families rather than managing manual data processes. Improved Decision-Making Provided leadership with access to real-time information and trend analysis. Enhanced the Centre's ability to identify service gaps, monitor demand, allocate resources, and plan for future growth. Successful Staff Adoption Staff were trained and successfully transitioned to the new system. Increased confidence in data integrity and reporting accuracy across teams. Strengthened Accountability Improved ability to demonstrate outcomes and service impact to funders, community partners, and stakeholders.
Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?
Project Management, Timeliness, and Responsiveness Pontem demonstrated strong project management throughout the database implementation project. They established a clear project plan, maintained regular communication, and provided consistent updates on project status, milestones, and outstanding items. Their team worked collaboratively with Zebra Centre staff to understand organizational requirements and adapt the system design to meet evolving needs.
What was your primary form of communication with Pontem Innovations?
Virtual Meeting
What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?
What stood out most about Pontem Innovations was their strong technical expertise and commitment to understanding the Zebra Centre's unique operational environment. Rather than applying a standard database solution, they invested time in learning our business processes, service delivery model, reporting requirements, and the complex needs of a multidisciplinary organization supporting children, youth, and families. Their collaborative approach was particularly impressive. Pontem actively engaged staff throughout the design and implementation process, sought feedback at key stages, and translated that feedback into practical system improvements. This resulted in a solution that reflected how our teams actually work and supported both operational and strategic needs. Another unique strength was their responsiveness and flexibility. As new requirements emerged and priorities evolved, Pontem worked with us to identify solutions and adapt the system without losing sight of the overall project objectives. Their willingness to problem-solve alongside our team helped build confidence and trust throughout the implementation. Finally, Pontem demonstrated a strong focus on long-term sustainability. Beyond delivering the database itself, they prioritized knowledge transfer, staff training, and system documentation to ensure Zebra Centre could effectively manage and leverage the system well into the future. Overall, Pontem distinguished itself through its combination of technical expertise, client-centered approach, responsiveness, and commitment to delivering a solution tailored to the needs of the Zebra Child & Youth Advocacy Centre.
Are there any areas for improvement or something Pontem Innovations could have done differently?
NA
RATINGS
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Quality
4.0Service & Deliverables
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Schedule
4.5On time / deadlines
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Cost
5.0Value / within estimates
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Willing to Refer
5.0NPS