Why do you need Custom Interfaces?

July 10, 2024

Why are Custom interfaces important? What's wrong with generic clients?

As implementors, we’re constantly focused on delivering the best possible experience for our customers. A tool like OnBase provides outstanding functionality for the core requirements – secure document storage, powerful and flexible workflow, case management (data) functionality and so much more – but does the use of a generic “one-size-fits-all” client really lead to the applications the users want to do their every job in?

I’d argue not. Of course, all the functionality is there but is it easy to get to?  Does it create a tool that aids an individual’s job or frustrates it?  How much is in the client that this individual user doesn’t ever need and forms a distraction, even if other users withing their company does?

That’s why I feel the right approach is to prioritise building custom interfaces over generic client solutions.

I remember a situation when I was in Australia working with a customer. At lunch, I sat down at a table, wearing my company polo shirt and by chance the lady already at the table said “OnBase!  I use OnBase”.  Nice to hear of course and we started to chat even though we’d not met before.  She explained that she managed all internal insurance policies for the organisation from company cars to facilities and the like.  She said “I love OnBase, it makes things so much better for me. It’s annoying in the morning though.  I have to logon, click here, choose that, search for this, select this and about 10 minutes later I can start to get things done.” 

I changed for my plans for the day and went and looked at what she did. Within 3 hours we had a system built just for her. She logged on, using her existing OnBase username and password, and immediately her needs where there on one screen – her to do list, incoming communications, decisions to make. The portal was only for her and one other colleague, but she could not have been happier.

What benefits does a custom User Experience (UX) bring?

Tailored for your needs

The OnBase clients are powerful but not very adaptable.  Of course, features will appear and disappear based on licensing but beyond that customisation is limited. A custom interface is designed around your unique workflows, data points, and user needs. It puts the power of our platform directly into the hands of your team, streamlining their processes and maximising efficiency.

Enhanced User Experience with Consistent Branding

Imagine an interface that speaks your company’s language, literally and visually. Custom interfaces can be branded to reflect your company’s colours, logos, and overall design aesthetic. Even terminology used within organisations changes – some might talk about “Suppliers” while others use the term “Vendors”.

This creates a seamless user experience for the users, fostering familiarity and reducing the learning curve when interacting with the platform. It also reinforces your corporate branding within the platform, further solidifying your brand identity for both internal and external users who may interact with the system.

Mobile Ready from the Start

The way we work is constantly evolving, and mobile access is no longer a perk, it’s a necessity.  Anyone with kids will know a laptop is not the first place they go to for information or apps, it’s to the phone that has become moulded to their body!  These “kids” are today’s new workforce, and everything needs to be adapted to support them.  Custom interfaces can be designed to be mobile-responsive from the ground up. This ensures your team has secure and easy access to the platform, no matter where they are.

More than one User application

why have something generic that we expect to be used by the team in Accounts Payable, Human Resources, Legal and every other audience to the OnBase system.  Based on a single platform, as many different views can be built as are needed to meet their varied needs and if low-code tools are the base, built quickly.

Think of it this way: a generic client is like a pre-built house. It might have the basic necessities, but it won’t have the custom touches or perfect layout that makes it truly your own.  A custom interface is like building a dream home – it’s designed for your specific needs and provides the most comfortable and efficient environment to work in, all while maintaining a consistent look and feel that reflects your brand identity.

By prioritising custom interfaces, you empower your users to leverage the full potential of the OnBase platform, ultimately achieving their business goals faster and more effectively, with a user experience that reinforces their brand identity.