Tracker Systems, Inc.

Section 8 Housing Application System

Tracker Systems, Inc. is a Massachusetts-based software company that specializes in the computing needs of public housing authorities and non-profit agencies who provide subsidized housing services. Tracker has successfully served this market niche for over 20 years.

Challenge

The state of Massachusetts had decided to modernize its application submittal process for Section 8 housing by moving to a web-based system.  Currently, housing applicants can only apply by calling or mailing their applications to the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).  Agency employees then manually create an application within an internal system and update the status throughout the entire approval process.  The agency wanted to make this process more efficient by allowing applicants to apply online, which would not only provide better customer service but would also cut down on the data entry required by agency employees, thereby enabling them to focus on other activities.  The agency also wanted to make sure that the web tool would provide a modern user experience for both applicant and employee users, and would protect the applicants’ financial and identity data as securely as possible.  All of this needed to be done in a cost-effective manner.

Solution

Tracker turned to Mertech to provide technical expertise in designing and developing the DHCD web application.  Mertech worked with Tracker to gather and analyze the agency’s requirements and develop extensive specifications, which included the strict security policy guidelines required by the State of Massachusetts for all their websites.  As part of the specification process, Mertech offered advice on the proposed database structure and feature set, iterated on the layout and design, and worked with the JavaScript framework and DataFlex code to create a seamless integration with the agency’s back-end office systems.

With the new, consumer-facing web application, housing benefit applicants will now be able to initiate and complete their entire application process electronically.   Mertech also implemented the latest techniques in web encryption methodologies, and the look and feel of the site is consistent with modern user experience expectations.  All of this was made possible by Mertech’s experienced team of technical and design professionals.

Technologies Used

The web application uses VDF and Web App 17 on the back-end, and Ajax and Dojo for the front-end.  Mertech chose Dojo due to its rich selection of user interface elements and a focus on functionality that allows for rapid development within the JavaScript framework.

Impact

Although the new system is not yet live at the time this case study is being written, Tracker anticipates that it will enable their client to more efficiently process applications.  Steve Vigeant, CEO of Tracker Systems, says “Mertech was wonderful because they delivered on time and on budget. The quality of what they delivered far outpaced what we have seen from other vendors in the space.  Our client is thrilled with the results and looks forward to being able to redeploy its customer service representatives to more value-added activities!”

Company Information

Tracker Systems, Inc.
180 Main Street
P.O. Box 57
Marlborough, MA 01752
Phone:  (508) 485-4160
Email:  support@trackersys.com