SaaS vs Traditional NEMT Software

Previously, non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) software was complex and expensive. To put it mildly, the effort required to maintain infrastructure for software on the premises was considerable. 

Now, with the evolution of software as a service (SaaS), the burdens of traditional NEMT software can be avoided.  

SaaS helps users maximize productivity in working environments by providing a diverse range of remotely maintained applications over the Internet. And because of its foundations on the internet, it is more flexible and cost-effective than traditional software.  

You no longer have to worry about cumbersome hardware and complex software. 

Now that we know more about SaaS let’s dive into the key differences between SaaS and traditional NEMT software.  

There are nine main distinguishing features that we’re going to discuss:  

• Quick Deployment 
• Flexible monitoring 
• Updates 
• Security 
• Installation and maintenance  
• Data accessibility 
• Cost-effectiveness 
• Integration 
• Scalability 

Quick Deployment 

Traditional NEMT software has a steep learning curve. It also requires a complex set-up process.  

You must get all the hardware together correctly and most likely go through training before utilizing it. 

SaaS, on the other hand, is straightforward. The learning curve is manageable, and the deployment is quick and painless.  

All you need is an internet connection and you’re good to go. 

Flexible Monitoring and Accessibility 

You’re a busy professional on the move. You can’t have software that ties you to a specific location.  

SaaS can be accessed from any device at any time if you are connected to the internet. This, of course, is advantageous because it allows you to travel while taking care of business. 

SaaS makes it possible whether you need to use your phone, tablet, laptop, or some other device. Everyone can use that level of flexibility in today’s constant on-the-go workflow. 

Updates 

Are you tired of manually installing updates? You’re not alone. 

With SaaS, it’s easier to install updates to the software since it’s hosted in a cloud environment. This means you can dispatch updates remotely without disrupting your user base. 

Traditional NEMT software requires you to play a waiting game as you try to get a hold of the latest features and upgrades. Then, you must manually install those updates while potentially disrupting users. 

Security 

Security is critical in today’s world, particularly with everything moving online.  

When it comes to SaaS, you get expert levels of service and performance. This model also provides automatic data backups and recovery. 

On the other end of the spectrum, traditional Software Licensing Model users must go through a meticulous process regarding data backup and recovery. 

Securing your data by using SaaS data centers to ensure automatic recovery and backup of information is an ingrained part of the process, giving you one less thing to worry about. 

Installation and Maintenance 

We’ve already touched on this, but traditional NEMT software is challenging to set up. Not only is there a process, but the initial fees will hurt your wallet. 

Meanwhile, SaaS is free of installation and maintenance costs.  

However, it does require a fixed monthly subscription that charges per user per month. This could be considered an advantage of traditional software because once you get past the initial set-up costs, you don’t need to pay a monthly subscription. 

However, SaaS is simpler to maintain because maintenance isn’t the same burden. With traditional software, management of IT infrastructure and hardware is a constant.  

SaaS offers freedom from these considerations because it’s founded on using services and software via the internet (e.g., no infrastructure needed). 

Data Accessibility 

Many SaaS providers deliver intuitive, self-serve data accessibility that is easy for users to glean insights from.  

Users can find the information they need quickly without a frustrating amount of effort. 

Another way to think about it is that SaaS gives increased access to entire teams so team members can procure data within the software when needed.  

Because SaaS is hosted on cloud-based servers instead of locally on a specific computer, your team can access the software from home or while working remotely. 

Cost Effectiveness 

As we’ve mentioned, the initial cost of traditional software can be pretty high, tens of thousands of dollars in many cases.  

While SaaS does require a monthly subscription, it doesn’t have the same barrier to entry. 

SaaS typically costs less per license than traditional software’s maintenance and set-up costs. And, since there aren’t licensing and physical copies of the software to maintain, there is also a lower cost of ownership. 

Integration 

SaaS allows you to quickly maximize productivity on multiple systems inside and outside your organization via streamlined integration platforms.  

This means you can connect marketing, sales, support, and other services to help you streamline your business. 

For example, Tobi’s fully documented and open API allows us to work with any partner, provider, collaborator, customer, client, vendor, or system.  

That’s a game-changer. 

Scalability 

Scalability is one of SaaS’ greatest strengths.  

It can adapt to accommodate the needs of your business. It scales quickly as your organization evolves and changes.  

If you need to add more users, you can take care of it with a few clicks. And you don’t need to worry about downloading the software onto every new hire’s computer. 

The chance to increase resources to accommodate growth is still one of the best long-term benefits of scalability in SaaS.  

Instead of changing infrastructure and retraining staff, a business can easily enlarge its cloud resources to meet demand. This has the bonus benefit of diminishing downtime and lessening the chances of clients looking to competitors. 

The ability to scale is crucial in today’s business world, making SaaS a logical choice. 

Conclusion 

SaaS is the way of the future.  

It’s an excellent option for your NEMT business because it is cost-effective and scalable. Its capabilities are expected to grow in the coming years. 

Traditional NEMT software doesn’t have the same flexibility. It will hold your business back from reaching its full potential. 

SaaS is the better choice if you want to save money, work smarter, and grow your business. 

Are you ready to adopt a new platform for your NEMT business?  

Check out Tobi to learn more about our NEMT software’s features and how our all-in-one solution can help your NEMT operations.