Q:  Isn’t it easier to develop an application like this ourselves?

A: It’s certainly possible to build your own system, but not especially simple.  (We speak from experience here.)

The key is to translate the requirements of the Massachusetts, Vermont and other laws into the necessary machinery and technology. It isn’t primarily an IT problem;  the hard part is mapping the provisions of the law into a workable tool and data structure. You also need to make sure the system can produce defensible evidence of compliance if you need to.  SpendTracker® does that.

The R-Squared solution has already been vetted, revised and refined many times over -- based on the real-world experience of users who deal with regulatory requirements or agreements every day. You’ll know SpendTracker® works.

Q: How long does it take to get the solution in place?

A: 60 days is a good estimate. Or even less. The actual time depends on your operations, your sales and marketing activities, the number of representatives in Massachusetts, and your current IT environment and systems and the time dedicated to reviewing the preview systems. We typically have a preview system up and running with 20-30 days.

Deploying this system will certainly be faster and more efficient than building an equivalent system from scratch. With SpendTracker®, the work is already done.

Q: How do I know the platform meets the regulatory requirements?

A: The RADS® platform -- and your specific solution -- was developed in conjunction with legal expertise and input from day one.  (Our CEO is Michael Bell, an attorney well-known for his work in regulatory affairs and business systems).

The outputs and process built into your system are configured to match directly what the specific law, regulation or arrangement requires. See "Meeting the Code with RADS"

Q: What if the regulations change?

A: R-Squared will modify your configurations accordingly.  With an R-squared system, you will receive updates and configuration changes as the law evolves or guidance changes. Keeping you current is part of the solution.

Q: What about a federal law, or other state laws?

A: On our platform, we can quickly deploy specific modules to satisfy new state or federal regulations. From what we know, the proposed Federal law will likely be similar to the Massachusetts law. We can make new modules available to you at any time.

Q: How do reps actually use this?

A: With SpendTracker®, your reps use straightforward, browser-based screens to record and document certain activities in the field.  It’s very similar -- and perhaps simpler than -- using a typical CRM system.  SpendTracker® works mostly with point-and-click entry, and doesn’t require the rep to make decisions or judgment calls on most entries.

Note: The Massachusetts Code requires you to train employees on the law.  As part of that effort, R-Squared will train your representatives and employees on using the software.

Q: How does this system integrate with my ERP, CRM and other enterprise applications?

A: Our platform allows us to quickly develop interfaces to other applications in order to allow SpendTracker® to exchange data with your existing systems.  We have already developed certain client specific integrations to Great Plains and PeopleSoft - just to name a couple.

Since SpendTracker® is built with SharePoint technology, it can be easily integrated with other SharePoint capabilities you have in place.

Q:  Where does this application actually run?  My servers?  A provider?

A: It is up to you.  Most of our clients have elected to run SpendTracker® within their own environment, but we have several clients for which we host the solution.  One of the many nice features of SpendTracker® is that it is not resource intensive.  In fact, it can be as easy as dedicating one virtual server for a medium sized company.

Q:  How does my client/physician data get into the system?

A: Data can be ported from most applications directly into SpendTracker®.  However, compliance best practices would be to enter all relevant data directly into SpendTracker®, which then automatically applies compliance rules, provides alerts and determines what needs to be reported.

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For a list of FAQs on our RADS technology, click here.