Case Study: Transforming Housing Inspection Software for Future Readiness

Client Background

The client, a leading inspection service provider based in Columbus, Ohio, specializes in conducting housing inspections across the United States. With a focus on ensuring compliance with housing safety standards, the client has been using a proprietary software system, NSPECT3, to manage and document inspection activities. However, the system was becoming outdated, presenting significant technical challenges that hindered its effectiveness.

Challenge

The existing NSPECT3 system, built on a legacy .NET 2.0 framework with Caliburn Micro, faced multiple issues:

• • Obsolete Technology: The framework was no longer supported by Microsoft, raising security concerns and compatibility issues with the latest Windows 11 updates.

• • Functionality Gaps: Inspectors encountered limitations in using camera functionalities, essential for capturing and documenting inspection defects, due to conflicts with the Caliburn framework.

• • Scalability Issues: The existing system lacked scalability, making it difficult to adapt to the growing needs of the client’s operations.

• • New Protocol Compliance: The introduction of HUD’s new NSPIRE inspection protocol required significant changes to the existing scoring algorithm and inspection standards.

The need to modernize the software was urgent to ensure that it could continue to support the client’s operations effectively while complying with new regulatory requirements.

Objectives

• • Modernize the Technology Stack: Rebuild the NSPECT3 system using a modern, supported technology stack to eliminate security vulnerabilities and compatibility issues.

• • Enhance Functionality: Restore and enhance key functionalities, such as camera support, to improve the efficiency of inspections.

• • Ensure Scalability: Design a system architecture that can scale with the client’s growing needs and handle increased data loads.

• • Integrate NSPIRE Protocol: Implement the new HUD NSPIRE standards, ensuring compliance with updated inspection protocols and scoring models.

Solution

Our team proposed a complete rewrite of the NSPECT3 system, creating a future-proof solution that addresses the client’s immediate and long-term needs.

Technical Highlights:

• • New Technology Stack: The system was rebuilt using .NET Core 7.0, ensuring compatibility with the latest Windows updates and future-proofing the application. The local database was upgraded to SQL Lite, while the online portal was developed using .NET Core 7.0 for API development and Quasar/VueJS for the user interface.

• • Dual-System Approach: The new system consists of a standalone Windows application for inspectors to use offline during field inspections and a cloud-based online portal for administrators to manage users, licenses, and master data.

• • Comprehensive Features:
    
    • • Windows Application: Enables inspectors to create, edit, and manage inspections, including the ability to generate and download reports in various formats (Excel, PDF). The application also includes robust import/export functionalities.
    • • Online Portal: Provides a centralized platform for administrators to manage users, licenses, and system settings, ensuring that all operations are streamlined and efficient.

• • NSPIRE Protocol Integration: The new system incorporates the NSPIRE protocol, with a complete overhaul of the scoring algorithm and inspection standards to comply with HUD’s updated requirements.

Implementation Process

The project was executed over a carefully planned timeline, spanning approximately 16 weeks, with dedicated phases for requirement analysis, development, testing, and deployment.

Timeline Breakdown

• • Requirement Analysis: 2 weeks to gather detailed requirements and design the system architecture.

• • Development: 10 weeks for the development of the Windows application, scoring algorithm, and online portal.

• • Testing: 5 weeks for unit and system testing, followed by user acceptance testing (UAT).

• • Deployment and Postproduction Support: 5 weeks, including 4 weeks of costless postproduction support to ensure a smooth transition.

Technologies Used

• • Windows Application: .NET Core 7.0, SQL Lite

• • Online Portal: .NET Core 7.0 for API development, Quasar/VueJS for the UI, iTextSharp for PDF generation, Azure Cloud SQL Database for online data management

Results

The rewritten NSPECT3 system delivered significant improvements across the board:

• • Security and Compatibility: By upgrading to a modern technology stack, the system eliminated previous security risks and ensured full compatibility with Windows 11 and future updates.

• • Enhanced Functionality: Inspectors regained full camera functionality, along with other critical features, allowing them to conduct inspections more efficiently.

• • Scalability: The new system architecture supports increased data loads and user volumes, preparing the client for future growth.

• Regulatory Compliance: The integration of HUD’s NSPIRE protocol ensures that all inspections meet the latest regulatory standards, positioning the client as a leader in housing safety inspections.

Client Feedback:

The client expressed high satisfaction with the new system, particularly praising its modern interface, improved performance, and the seamless integration of the NSPIRE protocol. The ability to efficiently manage inspections and generate accurate reports has enhanced their operational efficiency and service delivery.

Conclusion

This project showcases our ability to deliver complex software rewrites that not only address immediate technical challenges but also prepare clients for future demands. By modernizing the NSPECT3 system and integrating essential new functionalities, we helped our client maintain their competitive edge in the housing inspection industry.