As we delve into the application of Universal Design principles within health systems, it’s essential to understand why this approach matters so profoundly. Universal Design aims to create environments that are accessible, usable, and beneficial for everyone, regardless of age, ability, or background. When applied to health systems, these principles can transform the patient experience, enhance healthcare outcomes, and foster inclusivity. This blog post will explore the critical importance of Universal Design in health systems and its far-reaching impact.

Enhancing Inclusivity and Accessibility

Equal Access to Care

• • Barrier-Free Environments: Universal Design eliminates physical and cognitive barriers, ensuring that all patients can access healthcare facilities and services.
  • Diverse Needs: By considering the needs of individuals with various disabilities, Universal Design creates an inclusive environment that accommodates everyone.

Comprehensive Accessibility

• • Mobility Impairments: Wide doorways, ramps, and accessible examination tables make it easier for individuals with mobility impairments to navigate healthcare facilities.
  • Sensory Impairments: Clear signage, visual aids, and auditory signals help patients with visual and auditory impairments move through spaces and understand their surroundings.

Improving Patient Experience

Comfort and Dignity

• • Respectful Environments: Thoughtful design enhances the comfort and dignity of patients, making healthcare visits less stressful and more welcoming.
  • Privacy and Safety: Accessible restrooms, private consultation areas, and safe navigation paths contribute to a dignified and secure patient experience.

Efficiency and Clarity

• • Intuitive Navigation: Clear, consistent signage and logical layouts reduce confusion and make it easier for patients to find their way, leading to a smoother and less stressful experience.
  • Streamlined Processes: Accessible and user-friendly interfaces for check-in systems, patient portals, and telehealth platforms streamline the patient journey and improve overall efficiency.

Enhancing Health Outcomes

Preventive Care

• • Encouraging Visits: Accessible healthcare environments encourage individuals to seek preventive care and routine check-ups, which can lead to early detection and better management of health conditions.
  • Reduced Barriers: By minimizing physical and cognitive barriers, Universal Design ensures that all patients have equal opportunities to access preventive care services.

Patient Engagement

• • Empowered Patients: When patients can easily access and understand their care options, they are more likely to engage actively in their treatment plans, improving adherence and health outcomes.
  • Health Literacy: Clear, accessible communication and educational materials enhance health literacy, enabling patients to make informed decisions about their care.

Economic and Social Impact

Cost-Effective Care

• • Reduced Readmissions: Improved accessibility and patient engagement can lead to better health outcomes and reduced hospital readmissions, ultimately lowering healthcare costs.
  • Efficient Use of Resources: Accessible design optimizes the use of healthcare resources, improving efficiency and reducing waste.

Social Inclusion

• • Community Health: By making healthcare accessible to all, Universal Design promotes community health and well-being, reducing health disparities and fostering social inclusion.
  • Aging Population: As the population ages, Universal Design ensures that healthcare facilities can meet the needs of older adults, supporting their health and independence.

Future-Proofing Healthcare

Adapting to Change

• • Technological Advances: Universal Design principles can be applied to new technologies, ensuring that innovations in healthcare are accessible and beneficial to all users.
  • Evolving Needs: As patient needs evolve, Universal Design provides a flexible framework that can adapt to changing demographics and health challenges.

Sustainable Design

• • Long-Term Benefits: Investing in Universal Design from the outset can lead to long-term benefits, including improved patient satisfaction, better health outcomes, and lower operational costs.
  • Holistic Approach: Universal Design encourages a holistic approach to healthcare, integrating physical, cognitive, and emotional accessibility into the overall design process.

The importance of Universal Design in health systems cannot be overstated. By prioritizing inclusivity, accessibility, and usability, we can create healthcare environments that serve all individuals effectively and equitably. The benefits are far-reaching, from enhancing patient experience and health outcomes to fostering social inclusion and future-proofing healthcare facilities.

As we continue this series, we will explore specific applications of Universal Design in health systems, highlighting best practices, success stories, and practical strategies. Together, we can advocate for and implement design principles that make healthcare accessible, dignified, and effective for everyone. Stay tuned for our next installment, where we will delve into the practical aspects of designing accessible healthcare environments.

I am thrilled to announce the launch of our new blog series focused on Universal Design and its application in health systems. This series will explore how Universal Design principles can revolutionize healthcare environments, making them more accessible, inclusive, and efficient for everyone. From hospitals to clinics, and digital health tools to patient interactions, we will delve into the myriad ways that thoughtful design can enhance the health and well-being of all individuals.

Why Universal Design in Health Systems Matters

Inclusivity and Accessibility:

• • Equal Access: Universal Design ensures that healthcare facilities and services are accessible to all individuals, regardless of their physical abilities, age, or background.
  • Diverse Needs: By considering a wide range of needs, from mobility impairments to sensory limitations, Universal Design fosters an inclusive environment where everyone can receive the care they need.

Improved Patient Experience:

• • Comfort and Dignity: Thoughtful design enhances patient comfort and dignity, creating a welcoming and respectful atmosphere for all.
  • Efficiency and Clarity: Clear signage, intuitive layouts, and accessible interfaces streamline the patient journey, reducing stress and confusion.

Enhanced Health Outcomes:

• • Preventive Care: Accessible healthcare environments encourage individuals to seek preventive care and routine check-ups, leading to better long-term health outcomes.
  • Patient Engagement: When patients can easily access and understand their care options, they are more likely to engage actively in their treatment plans, improving adherence and outcomes.

Series Outline: What to Expect

Introduction to Universal Design in Health Systems:

• • Overview: Understanding the basics of Universal Design and its relevance to healthcare.
  • Key Principles: Exploring the core principles of Universal Design and how they apply to health systems.

Physical Accessibility in Healthcare Facilities:

• • Hospital Design: Designing hospitals that are navigable and comfortable for all patients, including those with mobility impairments.
  • Clinic Layouts: Creating clinic environments that cater to diverse patient needs and preferences.

Digital Health and Universal Design:

• • Telehealth Platforms: Ensuring telehealth platforms are accessible and user-friendly for all patients, including those with disabilities.
  • Health Apps: Designing mobile health apps that are intuitive and inclusive, promoting widespread usage and engagement.

Patient-Provider Interactions:

• • Communication: Enhancing communication between patients and providers through accessible information and clear dialogue.
  • Empathy and Respect: Fostering a culture of empathy and respect within healthcare settings through Universal Design principles.

Case Studies and Real-World Examples:

• • Success Stories: Highlighting real-world examples of Universal Design in action within healthcare environments.
  • Lessons Learned: Sharing lessons and insights from successful implementations to inspire and guide future efforts.

Future Trends in Universal Design and Healthcare:

• • Innovation: Exploring emerging trends and innovations in Universal Design that are shaping the future of healthcare.
  • Policy and Advocacy: Discussing the role of policy and advocacy in promoting and supporting Universal Design in health systems.

 Join the Journey

As we embark on this exciting journey into Universal Design and health systems, I invite you to join us in exploring how thoughtful, inclusive design can transform healthcare environments. Whether you are a healthcare professional, a designer, a patient, or simply someone interested in the intersection of design and health, this series will offer valuable insights and inspiration.

Together, we can advocate for and implement Universal Design principles that ensure healthcare is accessible, dignified, and effective for everyone. Stay tuned for our first installment, where we will dive into the foundational concepts of Universal Design and its critical role in creating inclusive health systems. Let’s make healthcare better for all, one design at a time.

Our colleagues at Perficient are incredibly talented, compassionate, and committed to accelerating innovation and making meaningful connections around the world. We recently sat down with Bilahari (Hari) Appukuttan Nair, HCM manager, to discover how he utilizes his Human Resources expertise to drive growth for Perficient and our global teams.  

Located in Bangalore, India, Hari is a key contributor for the coordination of office-wide activities and events, as well as a project leader for Perficient’s Global Compliance Training Program. Every colleague has a responsibility to protect our business, safeguard the integrity of client data, and foster a support work environment for all people.

Through annual compliance training, we’re ensuring Perficient remains a supportive and safe workplace. Continue reading to learn about the incredible insight Hari brings to our India team, the difference his contributions are making, and how he exemplifies Perficient’s vision and mission.  

What is your role? Describe a typical day in the life. 

Hari celebrating Holi with colleagues in Perficient’s Bangalore office.

I joined Perficient in May 2022, and have been here for two years. In my role, I am responsible for the Bangalore business unit’s Human Resources functions, ensuring seamless operations and addressing employee needs effectively. I generate comprehensive Management Information System (MIS) reports to support informed decision-making. I plan and execute engagement activities and corporate events to cultivate a positive work environment.

Additionally, I conduct and analyze employee surveys to gain valuable insights and drive continuous improvement. Conducting performance review discussions is an important part of my responsibilities, and I also play a key role in the monthly payroll process. 

Relating to the Global Compliance Training Program, I am responsible for tracking colleague completion status, providing biweekly updates to senior leadership, coordinating efforts with global points of contact, and assisting with any issues related to the compliance training platform, Percipio.  

How do you explain your job to family, friends, or children? 

I help the people who work at my company. I plan events to boost employee morale by solving problems, motivating colleagues, planning and executing reward programs, and providing essential training to new team members.

Also, I track progress and continuously improve initiatives, processes, and policies. Ultimately, my role involves organization, support, and creating a positive environment for everyone to thrive.

Whether big or small, how do you make a difference for our clients, colleagues, communities, or teams? 

Hari participating in an event supporting Wish Tree.

The goal of my job is to motivate skilled, engaged consultants and technologists to complete great work for our clients. As a compliance training lead, I ensure everyone is equipped with the necessary knowledge of our data security and workplace integrity policies. I help create a positive work environment through engagement activities, prompt issue resolution, and being there for our colleagues. I also organize corporate social responsibility initiatives that contribute to societal well-being.

What are your proudest accomplishments, personally and professionally? Any milestone moments at Perficient? 

I created an HR dashboard for our Bangalore office, which has earned appreciation from Perficient leadership. Following the guidance of our vice president, I expanded this initiative to our Chennai and Hyderabad locations. I am responsible for leading a team that successfully launched Perficient’s 2024 Compliance Training globally. Through a series of engagement initiatives, I have contributed to improving the employee engagement score for our Bangalore location. 

Colleagues at Perficient celebrating Hari’s birthday.

What advice would you give to colleagues who are starting their career with Perficient? 

Embrace learning, build trust, and take ownership. Seek feedback, stay flexible, and always strive for growth. 

How do you shatter boundaries?  

I consistently strive to step out of my comfort zone and exceed expectations in my HR role. I’m proud to have successfully completed the Learning to Lead program, and I must extend my gratitude to the Talent Development team for forging this invaluable opportunity. Additionally, I am familiarizing myself with a few tools that will enhance my contributions further.  

Continuous learning remains a top priority for me, as I firmly believe that challenging the status quo is essential for achieving excellence. I believe this way I can contribute to Perficient’s ongoing success and growth.  

READ MORE: Learn How Perficient is Enabling Colleague Career Development 

Why do you think we obsess over client outcomes?  

I believe the success of our customers is a direct reflection of our own success. We understand client needs and exceed their expectations, which showcases our commitment to excellence.

This client-centric approach not only enhances our reputation and helps us build lasting relationships, but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within our organization. This is supported by our thousands of skilled strategists and technologists, ensuring we stay ahead in a competitive market. 

LEARN MORE: Perficient and Our Colleagues Are Enabling Client Success  

How do you forge our future?  

I am proud to be a part of this beautiful team dedicated to fostering an environment where every voice is heard and valued. We actively seek input from our colleagues through gathering quarterly surveys, scheduling meetings to ensure open communication, and organizing engaging events to keep spirits high. 

Celebrating the successes and achievements of our colleagues is a priority. I support leadership with insightful reports and dashboards, and I had the opportunity to take the lead in compliance training to ensure everyone is equipped with the necessary knowledge. Thus, I contribute to creating a more resilient and forward-thinking Perficient with engaged and motivated employees who are well-prepared to navigate future opportunities and challenges. 

SEE MORE PEOPLE OF PERFICIENT  

It’s no secret our success is because of our people. No matter the technology or time zone, our colleagues are committed to delivering innovative, end-to-end digital solutions for the world’s biggest brands, and we bring a collaborative spirit to every interaction. We’re always seeking the best and brightest to work with us. Join our team and experience a culture that challenges, champions, and celebrates our people.  

Visit our  Careers page  to see career opportunities and more!  

Go inside  Life at Perficient   and connect with us  on  LinkedIn,   YouTube,   Twitter,   Facebook,   TikTok, and Instagram.  

Databricks has recognized David Callaghan as a Partner Champion. As the first Perficient colleague to receive inclusion in the program, David is paving the way for others to get their footing with the partner.

Program Overview

To be a Databricks Partner champion, one must:

1. Display Thought Leadership
2. Harness Technical Expertise
3. Become Community Leader
4. Demonstrate Innovation

Individuals who show promise and interest are approached with an intensive multi-step program that leads to becoming an official Databricks Partner Champion.  This program recognizes the best and brightest on the Databricks platform and its capabilities. It helps to deepen a preexisting understanding of the platform by offering exclusive trainings and limitless growth potential for individuals daring enough to commit to the program. Those who advance through the rigor are equipped with knowledge like no other and are capable of demonstrating advanced understanding of the Lakehouse and Databricks.

How Did I Get Here?

David Callaghan, a Senior Solutions Architect, is on a mission to bring trusted data to complex regulated industries and has been deep in the Databricks weeds developing innovative solutions that are widely applicable. He participated in a Databricks Architect Panel and presented some of Perficient’s Databricks Accelerators and as a result was approached by program leadership to take the next steps to receive the Partner Champion recognition and be inducted into the program. David has since aided in the development of the Perficient Migration Factory, Databricks Brickbuilder solution and plans to leverage his expertise to shepherd a global team of Partner Champions at Perficient.

“I would like to bolster a global team of Databricks Partner Champions and establish a talent pool that brings diverse strengths to Databricks data and analytics platform to deliver value across enterprises and industries through training and mentorship by Perficient’s Databricks Center of Excellence.”

– David Callaghan, Senior Solutions Architect

What’s Next?

David is spearheading the charge of the development of a new life sciences solution related to one of Perficient’s most successful engagements with Databricks in this space. Our Migration Factory is a unique approach to migrating legacy data platforms into the Lakehouse and has set the tone for new innovative Brickbuilder solutions to be developed by Perficient’s experts.

More About our Partnership

At Perficient, we are a trusted Databricks consulting partner and our passion for creating custom data engineering, data science and advanced analytics knows no limits. With over 50 Databricks certified consultants, we build end-to-end solutions that empower our customers to gain more value from their data.

Learn more about the practice here.

Salesforce successfully pushed the next set of new feature updates, and these updates started rolling from June 7^th and was expected to complete by June 28^th. If you’re unable to see any of the below listed features, please reach out to your account executive to have additional information.

The Top 5 Feature Releases Were –

1. Automation History Dashboard

In addition to Overview, and Activities tab under Automation Studio, you should now see a new tab named “History” which would have an intuitive UI with charts, and tables for consolidated view of automations.

Automation History Dashboard

The only constraint observed as part of initial audit is, the dashboard can be viewed only with any 7-day period data.

2. Data Import / Copy Data

On various scenario’s we would have utilized file import using “Automation” or “Import” under Contact builder. But if we really look at the difference and value between these two approaches, “Import” under Contact builder is efficient for files which have larger data volume. The main reason for supporting large dataset is the elimination of “auto-kill” functionality.

Since “Import” under Contact builder was not widely utilized, Salesforce now copied the same functionality under Automation as Data Import/Copy Data, as one of its activities.

3. Reduced interval to Repeat Automations.

In the past, the least automation refresh period was an hour, and we had to wait for an hour to have the latest data within SFMC. But now, Salesforce have worked and brought down the refresh period to minutes. Going forward you should be able to refresh the data every 15 minutes, which will help you to keep data in near real-time.

Refresh time period with 15min interval

This release started rolling off from May, so this release might have reached your Org much earlier than others.

4. Automation Scheduling Recommendation

An interesting feature which should help with optimizing the infra usage by scheduling automations to have minimal overlap. Once you select your “Start Time”, you should view a new field “Recommended Time ”, whenever platform detects there is a better time slot available on the window selected.

As shown on the below, red / green circle denotes the time selected is platform recommended.

1. 5. Custom Domain for SMS Link Shortening

Whenever you create SMS templates, and you’re planning to embed a link, it is always recommended to shorten the link to keep the total SMS characters within limits. For this, you would have used bitly in the past. Now, as part of the latest release, Salesforce have released Marketing Cloud Engagement link shortener.

Marketing Cloud Engagement link shortener is enabled only for Hyperforce users for now. This utilizes AWS to shorten the URLs.

References: 

• https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=release-notes.rn_revenue.htm&release=250&type=5

In today’s ever-evolving digital landscape, a one-size-fits-all commerce solution has become obsolete. The e-commerce market is more diverse and complex than ever, with businesses facing the challenge of navigating an array of software options, from AI-powered personalization engines to blockchain-based payment systems.

As the industry continues its rapid shift towards composable commerce architectures, microservices, and API-first platforms, digital commerce vendors must not only adapt their offerings but also cultivate robust partner ecosystems to remain competitive. The rise of omnichannel retail further emphasizes the need for businesses to carefully select and integrate a variety of tools that can effectively engage customers across multiple touchpoints. In this dynamic environment, companies must strategically assemble their digital commerce stack to create seamless, personalized experiences that meet the ever-increasing expectations of modern consumers.

IDC Market Glances

That’s why we’re excited to announce that we have been included again in two IDC Market Glances – IDC Market Glance: Worldwide Digital Commerce, 2Q24, doc #US52313824, June 2024 and IDC Market Glance: Commerce Layer Software and Services, 2Q24, doc #US52313924, June 2024.

We were previously listed in the 2023 version of these reports.

Our first listing as a System Integrator Services and Consultancy is in the IDC Market Glance: Digital Commerce, 2Q24 which provides an overview of the digital commerce market: “Digital commerce consultants often look at the business as a whole – strategy, website, operations, software, products, inventory, business models, etc. – to provide insights to improve revenue and procedural efficiency.”

According to IDC, “The core of Essential Digital Commerce Applications is the specialty of this market. All other software and services are complementary parts of the digital commerce ecosystem, used to create systems for the staging, syndication, marketing, sales, payment, and fulfillment of goods or services via digital channels.”

Our second mention was for the System Integrator Services and Consultancy category in the IDC Market Glance: Commerce Layer Software and Services, 2Q24. According to the report, “Each category represents a type of software or service that can be found in commerce systems for B2B, B2C, B2B2C, or B2X digital commerce.”

According to IDC, “A systems integrator designs and implements systems for digital commerce; SI services ameliorate the need for in-house talent that can stand up and engineer often complex systems composed of various commerce systems, API, and microservices.”

Crafting Comprehensive Commerce Experiences

At Perficient, we deliver holistic, experience-driven commerce solutions encompassing every touchpoint of your customer’s journey. Our team’s extensive expertise in the digital commerce landscape and our deep understanding of cutting-edge software and services position us as leaders in crafting innovative and effective commerce strategies.

Ready to elevate your commerce capabilities and drive exceptional customer experiences? Explore how Perficient can transform your commerce strategy and execution by visiting our dedicated commerce solutions page at www.perficient.com/functions/commerce.

Let’s collaborate to unlock your business’s full potential in the digital marketplace.

This blog is the third and final post in a series about leveraging user stories to improve product outcomes. In this post we will explore how the utilization of just a few simple tips and tricks can help build a meaningful backlog of valuable user stories.

What are the “3 C’s” in Agile?

One of the key principles in Agile is the emphasis on the 3 C’s; Card, Conversation, and Confirmation. These 3 C’s play a crucial role in defining and prioritizing work for your delivery teams. Let’s explore each of these three C’s in more detail.

1. Card: Written on a physical card (or digitally in an Agile tool, or spreadsheet if nothing else) and may annotate with notes of the user’s need. This will essentially become your user story.
   1. Example: As a spouse, I want a clean garage so that I can park my car and not trip on my way to the door.
2. Conversation: Details in conversation with the Product Owner, Stakeholders, Developers, and Testers. This dialogue between the team and the user is necessary to clarify the details and assumptions of the story.
   1. Example: What about the bikes? Oh yeah, we can hang them up!
3. Confirmation: Is a set of criteria or tests that verify the story is done and meets the user’s expectations. This is your story’s acceptance criteria to confirm “correctness” of the story.
   1. Example: Tools have been put away, items are off the floor, and bikes have been hung.

This example may or may not be from a personal scenario so, I may or may not have a clean garage now and don’t have to worry about dying on my way in the door!

If you remember, from user story blog #1 in this series, these are all components of a user story and in Agile methodology, serve as guiding principles for effective work management. They emphasize the importance of clear, concise work items, collaborative communication, and continuous validation. This allows teams to streamline their processes, foster collaboration, and deliver customer value.

What is “INVEST” and how does it set my user story up for success?

To help ensure that your user stories are effective, they should meet the criteria of “INVEST.” This acrostic criterion is as follows:

• Independent: User stories should be independent of each other, so that they can be worked on and tested separately.
• Negotiable: User stories should be negotiable and open to discussion and change.
• Valuable: User stories should deliver value to the user and the business.
• Estimable: User stories should be estimable in terms of time and effort required.
• Small: User stories should be small enough to be completed within a single sprint.
• Testable: User stories should be testable, so that they can be validated and verified.

INVEST will help you remember a widely accepted set of criteria, or checklist, to assess the quality of a user story. If your story fails to meet one of these criteria, the team may want to reword it, or even consider a rewrite altogether. By ensuring that user stories meet the INVEST criteria, we can write more effective user stories that are focused on delivering value to the user and the business.

Are your stories “Vertically Sliced?”

Along with the INVEST criteria, it is recommended to use the “Vertical Slice” approach wherever possible within your product backlog. This means that each user story should deliver complete vertical slices of functionality across different work layers. This refers to a work item that delivers a valuable change in system behavior in which the team will probably have to touch multiple architectural layers to implement the change.

In other words, you don’t need to create a separate user story for frontend/user interface development, backend system architecture, database elements, or even testing. All these different development and quality assurance components should be worked within the same backlog work item to deliver value to the user once all “pieces of the pie” are considered done.

Conclusion

By following these Agile best practices, you will have a solid understanding of how to write effective user stories that will help development teams create high-quality products that meet user needs and deliver value to the business.

In the next blog posts we will dive into the creation and development of Features and Epics.

Adobe Experience Manager is a powerful CMS tool used by organizations or individuals to deliver personalized digital experiences. One of its highlighted features is the editable template, which allows end users for creation and management of templates that can be customized by authors. This blog provides an overview of creating and utilizing editable templates in AEM, depending on their importance and practical application. While creating a page you must select a template, which is base for creating the new page. The template defines the framework of the published page, depending on any initial content, and the components that can be used also page properties may carry the content of the parent page that is also a point to be considered.

Example of Editable Template Structure

Understanding Editable Templates

Editable templates in AEM are considered as game-changer for CMS users. They provide a flexible structure of the authoring side, that allows non-technical users to create and modify page templates without needing developer stepping in (But at the backend side developers first need to create those components). This capability of authoring to design pages that meet their specific requirements while maintaining consistency and adhering to guidelines set by the clients.

Key Features of Editable Templates:

1. Flexibility: Authors can adjust the layout, components, and design elements directly within the template editor.
2. Consistency: Ensures uniformity across pages by using predefined components and structures.
3. Ease of Use: Intuitive interface that allows users to make changes without deep technical knowledge.
4. Governance: Controlled by policies that define what components can be added and how they can be configured.

The Templates Console allows template authors to:

• Create a template and copy previously created template.
• Manage the history of the templates.

The Template Editor allows template authors to:

• Add components to the template and position them on a responsive grid.
• Define which components can be edited on pages created with the template.

The Process of Creating Editable Templates

Creating editable templates in AEM involves many steps, each ensuring that the templates are both functional and user-friendly. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you create an editable template in AEM.

Step1: Accessing the Template Console

To begin, navigate to the Templates console in AEM. This can be found under Tools > General > Templates. The Template Console is where all template-related activities are stored according to the organization’s requirements.

Step2: Creating a New Template

1. Click on “Create”: Select the option to create a new template.
2. Choose a Template Type: Select a template type that fits your requirements. AEM provides various template types, such as Blank, Content Page, or Structure Page.
3. Define the Template Structure: This involves setting up the initial structure, including header, footer, and main content areas.

Step3: Configuring the Template

1. Title and Description: Provide a meaningful title and description for the template.
2. Add Initial Content: Populate the template with initial content such as text, images, and components that will be present on all pages created from this template.
3. Define Layout: Use the layout container to define the page structure. This includes arranging components in a way that aligns with the design specifications.

Step4: Setting Policies

Policies control the components and their configurations within a template. To set policies:

1. Select the Policy Configuration: Access the policy configuration from the template editor.
2. Define Allowed Components: Specify which components can be used within the template.
3. Configure Component Policies: Set default properties and behaviors for the allowed components.

Step 5: Enable and Use the Template

Once the template is configured and reviewed, enable it for use.

1. Enable the Template: Mark the template as enabled to make it available for content authors.
2. Create Pages: Authors can now use the template to create new pages by navigating to the Sites console and selecting the template.

Benefits of Using Editable Templates

Editable templates comes with some advantages to both developers and content authors. Here are some key benefits:

1. Efficiency: Reduces the time and effort needed to create new pages, as the template provides a ready-made structure.
2. Brand Consistency: Ensures all pages adhere to branding guidelines, maintaining a uniform look and feel.
3. Empowerment: Allows non-technical users to create and manage content, reducing dependency on developers.
4. Scalability: Facilitates the easy creation of new templates as business needs evolve.

Conclusion

Editable templates in AEM are an essential tool for modern content management. They provide a robust structure to the site that balances flexibility and control, accessible to organizations to create compelling digital experiences efficiently. By following the outlined steps mentioned you can achieve the required published side.

The facts and figures about caregivers — family members and friends who provide care and support to people with chronic health conditions, disabilities and other problems — are staggering. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of 2020, more than one in five Americans were caregivers. That worked out to about 53 million people. Out of the people who aren’t yet caregivers, one in six expects to be within the next two years. By 2030, about 73 million Americans will be 65 or older. And many of these people will need help from caregivers to maintain their quality of life.  

But numbers are only part of the story. And they can be a bit abstract if you haven’t lived the caregiver experience, as I’m doing now with my father. Family caregivers are often jolted into this experience. Like when I needed to step in and start helping my dad make some important decisions about his health and well-being. I was overwhelmed in a way statistics can’t explain. 

What I did — and what family caregivers like me do every day — is turn to healthcare organizations (HCOs) like yours. Healthcare providers, health insurers, medical device providers and more are vital resources for both the patient/member and the caregiver alike. But the experience for caregivers has been lacking at best and all too often unnavigable. 

The state of affairs for the caregiver journey means your HCO can step up and lead the way for the patients and caregivers you serve. Supporting caregivers makes sense from the business perspective, because supported caregivers: 

• Lead to more satisfied patients/members 

• Demonstrate your HCO’s value proposition, which leads to more conversions 

• Help your patients/members adhere to their care plans, which leads to healthier patients/members overall 

 In this series, we’ll go over five key areas your team needs to consider for caregivers: 

• This article, Part 1, will discuss the guided journey you can offer for caregivers 

• Part 2 will discuss how you can connect caregivers to support systems and services 

• Part 3 will discuss the logistics of caregiving 

• Part 4 will discuss caregiver types and the various permissions needed for each 

• Part 5 will discuss the importance of open and quick communication among HCOs, patients/members and caregivers 

Understand the beginning of the caregiver journey 

For most caregivers and their loved ones, the caregiver journey has a definite start. It doesn’t tend to be something you ease into over a long time. A fall, a sudden illness or injury, a new diagnosis — something happens that makes the caregiver realize their loved one needs more help. 

This is a shocking and scary time for caregiver and patient/member alike. The caregiver likely will need to familiarize themselves with their loved one’s care plan, health plan coverage, finances and other information. The patient/member, meanwhile, will be worried about a loss of autonomy, real or perceived, as well as the fear of this new unknown. 

 This is a chance for your HCO to earn trust and ease the minds of everyone involved. An empathetic presence, geared toward the new and uncertain-of-themselves caregiver, will help you start their journey on the right foot. And you can reassure your patient/member at the same time that you’ll continue to be there for them every step of the way. No one gets left out. No one gets forgotten. And everyone feels both seen and heard during this challenging time of new and uncertain beginnings. 

Make everything as easy as possible for caregivers 

New caregivers have a lot on their minds. On top of processing their loved one’s condition and fears of the unknown, there are often matters of paperwork to deal with. The patient/member has forms to fill out, documentation to provide, appointments to schedule and so on. And some or all of that is now the responsibility of the newfound caregiver. No wonder more than 60% of caregivers report experiencing symptoms of burnout. 

It’s not possible for your HCO to take all the newfound responsibilities off caregivers’ plates. But you can ease the burden a bit. For one thing, don’t make caregivers have to hunt and search for what they need to assume their newfound responsibilities. Pull together a checklist of all the documentation caregivers will need to give you to be in the caregiver role and receive communications that ordinarily would be protected under HIPAA and other patient confidentiality regulations. These may include: 

• Advance directives 

• Consent forms 

• Healthcare proxy and/or power of attorney 

• HIPAA authorization forms 

• Wills and living wills 

Provide a centralized location for caregivers to submit these documents. And for the forms your HCO requires the caregiver to fill out, make sure you have a convenient place for caregivers to access and complete them electronically. Bonus points if caregivers can complete the forms digitally on their mobile devices in addition to desktop computers. And, of course, transition away from any forms that require printing, manual entry with a pen or pencil and scanning to upload back to you. 

To go the extra mile for your patient/member’s caregiver, route them to a dedicated care coordinator, social worker or other professional within your HCO who can help guide them along the way. It can be challenging to deal with scheduling multiple appointments, often in multiple locations. And the challenges are even greater if the family caregiver doesn’t live with their loved one. If your organization has resources to ease that burden for caregivers, you’ll earn loyalty and gratitude from consumers by connecting them to people who can help navigate these complexities. 

Customize your caregivers’ portal experience 

We’re starting to see some HCOs provide basic portal functions for caregivers. However, you should consider these features as essential for caregivers who are managing aspects of the patient/member experience for their loved ones: 

• Easy access to appointment scheduling, provider search/your Find Care experience, etc. 

• Coverage details (for payer organizations) 

• Access to nurses for triage (e.g., does X need care, and if so, where should my loved one go?) 

• Explanation of facility types for care options (e.g., when to go certain places for certain types of care) 

• Integrations with services and resources specific to caregivers, such as senior-care providers (e.g., Care.com) 

By homing in on the resources they’re most likely to need, you can make the process smoother not only for the caregiver but also for the patient/member. 

Serve up content geared toward your caregivers 

People new to the caregiver role within your HCO are going to have a lot of questions. You can help them self-serve (and, simultaneously, reduce some of the burden on your staff members) by curating content that answers most or all the questions that aren’t specific to their loved ones’ care plans or coverages. 

Talk with caregivers and patients/members who have specified family caregivers. Ask them what kinds of content resources they either would benefit from now or would have benefited from at the beginning of the caregiving journey. And get input from provider or benefit teams within your organization. You want to make sure the content you create is valuable for them as well. 

Related: Caregiver Healthcare Content: When the Patient Isn’t Your Audience 

Unlock the power of caregiver enablement 

The surge in caregivers isn’t going away anytime soon. But by having a solid strategy in place, your HCO can differentiate itself from the competition and earn loyalty from caregivers and patients/members alike. Our caregiver enablement approach can show you how to provide the digital caregiver experience your consumers expect and deserve. Contact us to learn more or to schedule an introductory workshop. 

And don’t miss Part 2 of this series. We’ll be discussing the stress of caregiving and how your HCO can help connect caregivers to the support and resources they need during this challenging time. See you then! 

There is an untapped potential for automotive loyalty programs, and we are living in an era where customer loyalty is more fleeting than ever. Until now, the relationship between OEMs and customers has been largely transactional. A customer buys a car, and the interaction ends there until the next purchase cycle—typically five to ten years later.

But in today’s competitive landscape, this model is no longer sufficient. Customers expect ongoing engagement and value from the brands they choose.

The way forward is to build innovative loyalty programs beyond the usual incentives to create genuine brand advocates. The power of loyalty programs has proven successful in other industries, from airlines to retail. They create a sense of belonging and reward customers for their repeat business. However, the automotive industry has been slow to adopt comprehensive loyalty programs.

This needs to change, and here’s why.

Why Does Loyalty Need to Change?

Three major desires of OEMs and customers are changing the face of automotive loyalty:

1. Increased Customer Retention – It’s significantly cheaper to retain an existing customer than to acquire a new one. Loyalty programs can keep customers engaged between purchases, ensuring they return when it’s time for a new vehicle.
2. Higher Lifetime Value – Loyal customers are likely to spend more over their lifetime, not just on vehicles but on related services such as maintenance, accessories, and upgrades.
3. Enhanced Customer Experience – A well-designed loyalty program can improve the overall customer experience, leading to higher satisfaction and positive word-of-mouth.

Crafting the Ultimate Loyalty Program

To create a successful automotive loyalty program, manufacturers need to think creatively and holistically. Here are key elements to consider:

1. Tiered Rewards Systems – A tiered system encourages customers to strive for higher levels of rewards. For example, a basic tier might offer discounts on services, while higher tiers could include exclusive access to new models, VIP events, or even free maintenance packages.
2. Personalized Experiences – Leverage data to understand customer preferences and tailor rewards accordingly. Personalization can range from targeted service reminders to custom offers based on driving habits and vehicle usage.
3. Integrated Ecosystems – Create an ecosystem where customers can earn and redeem points across various touchpoints—dealerships, service centers, online stores, and partner businesses. This integration makes the program more valuable and versatile.
4. Community Engagement – Build a community around your brand. Organize events, create online forums, and encourage social media engagement. Customers who feel part of a community are more likely to remain loyal.
5. Seamless Digital Experience – Ensure your loyalty program is accessible and easy to use via a mobile app and online portal. Customers should be able to track their points, redeem rewards, and access exclusive content with just a few clicks.

Several automakers are already pioneering in this space. For example, Tesla is known for its referral program, as it rewards customers who refer new buyers with exclusive perks including early access to new models and significant discounts. The BMW Loyalty Program also offers a range of benefits, from special financing rates to personalized gifts and invitations to exclusive events. Further, Hyundai Rewards allows customers to earn points for vehicle purchases, service visits, and even test drives, which can be redeemed for future purchases and services.

The Road Ahead

The future of automotive loyalty programs is bright, but it requires a shift in mindset. OEMs must move beyond the traditional sales cycle and invest in long-term relationships with their customers. By doing so, they can turn one-time buyers into lifelong brand advocates, driving sustained growth and market leadership.

By fostering deeper connections with customers and offering meaningful rewards, OEMs can ensure that their brands remain top-of-mind and top-of-choice. The journey to loyalty starts now. Are you ready to take the wheel?

The Perficient automotive team would love to hear your thoughts and help you to build out a world class loyalty program that gives you a sustainable competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Imagine a world where planning your dream vacation feels less like a chore and more like a conversation with a travel genie who knows exactly what you crave. This isn’t science fiction, but a reality being powered by generative AI. This transformative technology is rapidly reshaping the travel and tourism landscape, offering a wealth of opportunities for airlines, hotels, cruise lines, and all the experiences that make a trip unforgettable. While the potential of generative AI is undeniable, challenges remain. These include the need for robust data sets to train AI models, ensuring transparency and explainability in AI decision-making, and navigating ethical considerations around data privacy and personalization.

Generative AI isn’t just about fancy algorithms; it’s about creating a hyper-personalized travel experience. AI can analyze your past travel behavior, social media musings, and even current weather patterns to craft bespoke itineraries that cater to your unique interests. Think virtual tours so immersive they transport you straight to the heart of a Parisian Cafe, or AI-powered chatbots that become your travel companions, recommending hidden gems and navigating language barriers. Generative AI isn’t just about the planning stages; it can personalize in-destination experiences too, suggesting restaurants that match your dietary preferences or curating cultural activities that resonate with your passions.

Buckle up, because we’re about to explore how generative AI is taking the travel industry to new heights.

A Windfall for Airlines and Travelers

For airlines, generative AI can revolutionize the booking process. Imagine chatbots that understand complex travel needs, offering real-time flight recommendations based on budget, layovers, and desired travel time. AI can personalize in-flight experiences too, suggesting on-demand entertainment tailored to your preferences or even dynamically adjusting meal options based on dietary restrictions gleaned from your booking profile. Generative AI can also optimize pricing strategies, allowing airlines to offer targeted promotions and deals that resonate with specific customer segments. 

Hotels Transformed: From Booking to Butler with Generative AI

Hotels stand to gain significantly from generative AI. AI-powered chatbots can handle routine inquiries, freeing up staff for more personalized guest interactions. Generative AI can create dynamic room recommendations based on past preferences and real-time occupancy, ensuring guests get the perfect space for their needs. Imagine virtual room tours so realistic you can practically smell the ocean breeze from your oceanfront suite. Hotels can leverage AI to curate personalized amenities, from suggesting nearby restaurants that match dietary restrictions to pre-stocking minibars with your favorite beverages. 

Impacting Every Aspect of Travel

The transformative power of generative AI extends far beyond airlines and hotels. Cruise lines can utilize AI to personalize onboard activities, recommending shows and excursions that align with passenger interests. AI-powered virtual assistants on cruise ships can answer questions, translate languages, and even help navigate unfamiliar surroundings. In the realm of dining and entertainment, generative AI can curate restaurant recommendations based on past preferences and dietary restrictions. Imagine having a virtual concierge at your fingertips, suggesting hidden attractions and cultural experiences that perfectly capture your travel spirit. 

Perficient: Your Navigator in the New World of Generative AI Travel

At Perficient, we understand the transformative power of generative AI for the travel and tourism industry. We offer a comprehensive suite of services to help companies navigate this exciting new landscape, and our team of experts in foundational platforms & technologies can help you develop and implement AI-powered solutions that personalize the travel experience, optimize operations, and ultimately drive customer satisfaction and revenue growth. From developing systems that craft hyper-personalized itineraries to building intelligent concierge experiences, Perficient empowers you to leverage the power of generative AI and unlock the full potential of travel reimagined.

The future of travel is intelligent, personalized, and powered by generative AI. Tap into our travel and hospitality expertise to embark on this incredible journey together.

OpenCV and Tesseract can be associated with Artificial Intelligence due to their involvement in tasks that often fall under the AI umbrella, such as computer vision and text recognition. To automate solving image CAPTCHAs using Java, you will typically need several dependencies for tasks such as image processing, machine learning, and possibly computer vision.

OpenCV: A powerful library for computer vision and image processing. You can use the Java bindings for OpenCV.

Tesseract OCR: Tesseract OCR is an optical character recognition library that extracts text from images.

OpenCV (Open-Source Computer Vision Library)

• Category: AI Toolkit for Computer Vision and Image Processing.
• Purpose: Provides comprehensive tools for image and video processing, essential for many AI applications.
• Capabilities: Includes image transformation, filtering, feature detection, object detection, and support for machine learning and deep learning.
• Usage: Commonly used in AI projects for tasks like object detection, face recognition, and image classification.

Tesseract

• Category: AI Toolkit for Optical Character Recognition (OCR)
• Purpose: Converts images of text into machine-readable text using machine learning techniques.
• Capabilities: Recognizes and extracts text from images, supporting multiple languages and fonts.
• Usage: Utilized in AI projects for tasks such as document digitization, data extraction from scanned documents, and integrating text recognition into applications.

Step 1: Set up Dependencies

First, add the necessary dependencies to your pom.xml file:

Step 2: Write the Java Code

Create a Java class to preprocess the CAPTCHA image and extract the text using Tesseract.

Step 3: Set up Tesseract Data

You must create your Tesseract data files and place them in a project directory (e.g., tessdata). but you do need at least the data file for the language used in the CAPTCHA. Tesseract uses trained data files (often referred to as “language data” or “Tessdata”) to recognize text in different languages.

For example, you only need the English-trained data file if your CAPTCHA contains English text. If contains text in another language, you’ll need the corresponding trained data file.

Step 4: Run the code

Ensure you have an image CAPTCHA in your project directory(e.g.,captcha//captcha.png) and adjust the paths in the code accordingly.

Then, run the CaptchaSolver class.

Final Console Output of Extracted Image Text

Explanation

1. Image Preprocessing:
   • Load the image in grayscale mode.
   • Apply a binary threshold to convert the image to black and white.
   • Save the preprocessed image to disk.
2. Text Extraction with Tesseract:
   • Initialize Tesseract and point it to the tessdata directory.
   • Process the preprocessed image with Tesseract to extract the text.

By running this code, you should be able to automate the solving of simple image CAPTCHAs. Adjust the preprocessing steps as necessary for more complex CAPTCHAs.

Summary

Referring to OpenCV and Tesseract as components of an “AI toolkit” accurately reflects their roles in enabling and enhancing AI applications, particularly in the domains of computer vision and text recognition. They are essential tools for implementing AI-driven solutions, making them integral parts of the AI development ecosystem.