Appaway
Discover how Appaway rolled out its SaaS platform despite an expertise gap in the in-house team.
Simplifying IT
for a complex world.
- Services
Adapting to changing workload with scalable development capacity
29
days from onboarding to production
5
developers placed
10+
healthcare projects in the client’s portfolio
6
years of ongoing collaboration
Adapting to changing workload with scalable development capacity
29
days from onboarding to production
5
developers placed
10+
healthcare projects in the client’s portfolio
6
years of ongoing collaboration
Table of contents
Project details
Client: Solhea
Location: Italy
Industry: Healthcare digital solutions
Duration: 2019 – present time
Tech Talent Placed: 5
Tech Stack:
Frontend: Ionic / Angular, TypeScript, HTML5 / CSS3
Backend / Cloud: Node.js / Express.js, Firebase (Auth, Firestore, Cloud Functions, Hosting, Messaging)
Integrations: Bluetooth LE, MQTT, Stripe / PayPal, Google Fit / Google Maps
Tools and DevOps: GitLab CI / Bitbucket CI, Sentry, Webpack
The client
Solhea is a software company developing digital solutions for healthcare organizations. Its solutions support clinical workflows, patient engagement, treatment management, and health data integration.
The challenge
Because of the limited availability of local tech talent, finding developers with the required stack expertise was challenging. With an uneven project workload, the client initially needed an option to hire a dedicated developer for a year-long engagement. However, such arrangements were complicated by local employment regulations and associated dismissal costs. To keep the project moving, the company sought a way to scale development flexibly without the overhead of local hiring.
Beyond technical skills, they wanted a developer who shared their professionalism and sense of accountability and would fit well with their team’s culture.
The project scope
UNL’s developers contributed their expertise across multiple projects.
Social network
A cross-platform social network built entirely around voice content — audio-based posts, comments, and profiles. The platform supports voice-to-text transcription for search, location-based user matching, and live streaming.
Contribution
Participated in project estimation and delivery planning
Designed the solution architecture and developed data models
Implemented authentication and optimized animations
Resolved challenges in voice-to-text, performance, and geolocation
Fixed application bugs and improved performance
Built and deployed mobile apps for Android and iOS
Estimated maintenance costs and resource needs, suggesting optimizations
Connected system for a smart pill dispenser
The solution powers a device that automatically dispenses medication on schedule. The system includes a mobile app for patients, a web app for doctors, and a cloud API that connects the device to both. Users can set dosage times, track medication history, and view usage statistics.
Contribution
Designed system architecture and data structure
Developed cloud functions and API for device interaction
Implemented medication scheduling logic with time zone handling
Created a PDF generation feature
Added real-time data updates in apps
Built and optimized mobile and web applications
Secured data with validated database access rules
Clarified requirements through diagrams and visuals
Telemedicine platform
The solution supports remote interaction between doctors and patients. It consists of a mobile app for patients and a web app for doctors, enabling health data tracking, symptom reporting, prescription requests, and video consultations.
Contribution
Designed a modular app architecture for scalability
Optimized data loading and app startup performance
Implemented video calling functionality
Integrated Google Fit, PayPal, Stripe, and HL7 devices
Migrated the mobile app from Cordova to Capacitor
Developed a custom plugin for vital sign measurement
Added interactive SVG elements and animations for UI
Contributed to reusable module development
Smoke generator control system
A mobile and web system for configuring and managing an autonomous security smoke device. The mobile app handles device setup and diagnostics, while the web app enables monitoring and configuration.
Contribution
Developed a mobile app for device setup and diagnostics
Built a web admin panel for monitoring devices, logs, and configurations
Implemented Bluetooth communication and offline functionality
Built a temporary data relay service to stabilize device communication during development
Structured a shared repository for multiple related projects
Integrated blockchain-based logging into the system
Delivered a working demo under tight deadlines
Web platform for skin condition patient management
The solution helps dermatologists manage patients with chronic skin conditions, including recording health data, monitoring progress, prescribing treatment, and scheduling follow-ups with automated patient notifications.
Contribution
Designed app architecture and data models
Developed the platform from the provided UI mockups
Configured hosting and database environments
Set up automated testing and deployment
Automated patient data analysis in the cloud
Developed interactive interface elements for patient data entry
Integrated bug tracking and testing tools
Delivered the initial version and continued feature development
Mobile app for logging operations management
A mobile app for creating and tracking logging operations. It connects via Bluetooth to an in-cabin device used by machine operators, allowing them to receive, complete, and update work orders with real-time status synchronization.
Contribution
Designed and developed the mobile app interface and user flow
Implemented Bluetooth-based data exchange and synchronization
Enabled offline task creation with two-way sync upon connection
UNL’s process
From the right fit to long-term hire
When the customer first approached UNL, the most suitable developer was already engaged on another project. Still, we presented his profile to illustrate the match and better understand the client’s expectations.
In May 2019, the first UNL developer joined the client’s team, followed later by another, with only 29 days between the initial request and the project start. The developer successfully passed the trial period and has remained on the project ever since, outlasting other team members. According to the client’s feedback, they value his contribution and consider him one of the most experienced and reliable members of the team.
In total, UNL provided five software engineers, with two of them engaged across multiple client projects for over a year, and one fully engaged for the sixth year in a row.
Full-stack expertise behind the delivery
Core technical roles placed:
Full-Stack Java Script Developer
Skills:
- Frontend: Ionic / Angular / TypeScript
- Backend / Cloud: Node.js / Express.js / Firebase
- Integrations: Bluetooth LE / MQTT / Payment and fitness APIs
- Tools and DevOps:GitLab CI / Bitbucket CI / Sentry
Responsibilities:
- Designed and developed cross-platform mobile and web applications
- Built and optimized backend services and cloud functions
- Integrated third-party APIs and connected devices
- Ensured app performance, offline functionality, and data synchronization
- Developed dashboards, charts, and PDF reporting for real-time analytics
- Set up automated testing and deployment workflows
- Collaborated with designers and clients to define and refine product functionality
Adaptability to shifting priorities
During the long-term partnership, UNL’s developers demonstrated versatility and dependability across diverse technical contexts — from simple mobile apps to complex IoT solutions — as evidenced by:
Expertise in mobile, web, and cloud solution development
Seamless integration into the client’s internal processes and tools
Strong ownership and accountability throughout each project phase
Reliable performance under tight timelines and limited technical resources
Consistent results leading to ongoing collaboration and client trust
The flexibility in having senior full-stack engineers available during shifting demand enabled the client to adjust to changing priorities on the go, keep projects on schedule, and maintain predictability in budget planning.
Talent gaps slowing delivery?
Add senior developers who fit your stack and culture
The result
Despite the local shortage of skilled tech talent, the client continued to deliver quality software development services to its customers thanks to the agile supply of senior developers and clear engagement terms. With UNL acting as an EOR, the client could scale teams as needed without the local compliance or severance burdens. This level of flexibility was unattainable with local staffing firms or traditional outsourcing companies with more rigid staffing contracts.
Since 2019, Solhea has consistently relied on UNL’s full-stack JavaScript developer for deep technical expertise and reliable delivery.
Besides technical performance, the client recognized the developer’s professionalism, accountability, and seamless cultural fit as essential to sustained collaboration.
UNL Solutions is an excellent partner for researching and sharing IT resources. A very professional partner, near to the customer’s needs and at the same time cordial and friendly.
Fast in their work, with particular attention to the quality of the service offered.
Carlo Micheluzzi
Founder & CEO
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