Gone In A Flash: Will The End Of Adobe Flash Player Impact Your Organization?

At the end of the year, Adobe will officially end support for their Adobe Flash Player, a web browser plug-in used for embedding media, animation, video and interactive content on website browsers. You’ve likely encountered it many times while browsing the web or accessing many web-based programs, such as your staff scheduling or timekeeping system.

While it once had a large user base, today only 5% of websites utilize Flash as, over the years, it has been plagued with security problems, requiring content updates to protect users from vulnerabilities. Additionally, in this increasingly mobile world, it has been criticized for its lack of compatibility with mobile devices.

Will your scheduling or timekeeping system be affected by this change? Here’s what senior care providers need to know and what steps to take next.

Moving Away From Adobe Flash Player

In 2017, in coordination with Apple, Facebook, Google, Microsoft and Mozilla, Adobe announced it would end support for Flash by December 31, 2020. Additionally, web browsers will no longer support Adobe Flash Player.

Many vendors have already begun notifying users if they will be affected by this change, asking them to upgrade or migrate to a new version or product that does not require Flash.  

While this process may sound simple, in reality, it’s anything but. If you’ve been requested to either upgrade or migrate to a new workforce management platform, it’s essential to treat this transition as though you are evaluating a completely new solution. Because, essentially, you are.

Just because you are working with the same vendor doesn’t mean this upgrade will provide the same features and functionality your current version providers. Plus upgrading or migrating doesn’t just happen with a click of a button. The process will be just as intensive as when you initially implemented your current solution.

Evaluating Your Options

A change like this marks the perfect time to evaluate whether the vendor you’re currently using still meets your needs and supports the goals of your organization, or if another vendor partner may be a better fit.

Whether you’re evaluating software providers because you’re required to make a change, or you’re just interested in exploring what else is out there, here are a few questions to ask yourself to ensure a smooth transition.

What does the implementation process look like and what resources will my organization need to provide?

Understanding a vendor’s implementation process is a particularly important if you are looking to make a change by the end of 2020. Look for vendors that take the lead on implementation, instead of requiring resources on your end to take on the bulk of the rollout. Also, make sure they provide a clear timeline with critical milestones for rolling out, including when and how trainings will occur. 

Will this help me make an existing process more efficient?

Think about what’s working and, more importantly, what’s not working about your current solution. Are there processes that are still manual that you’d like to automate? Are there features you wish you had but don’t currently? Make sure the platform you’re evaluating can accommodate these features.

How does it benefit employees at all levels of my organization?

To maximize your investment, look for a human capital management software that not only helps you operate more efficiently but makes the lives of your employees easier. Features to consider include access for employees to view their schedule and request open shifts, auto-approval of shift requests and access to earned wages, between paychecks.

Does this technology provider understand my industry and my specific goals?

The senior care industry is ever-changing. And it’s important that any technology vendors you work with not only understand the unique staffing needs of long-term care and senior living organizations but move as the industry moves to ensure to help you meet your workforce management goals.

Will it help me stay compliant and meet my standards for care and service?

The stakes that come with staffing in senior care are much higher than in other industries. Human capital management software should help you properly staff to meet these standards. That means giving visibility into how you’re staffed on a day-to-day basis, while also boosting your recruitment, hiring and engagement efforts to ensure you have the caregivers you need not just today, but tomorrow as well.

What type of support, guidance and coaching can I expect post implementation?

The level of support you’ll receive post-implementation varies from vendor to vendor. For example, OnShift’s Customer Success team is dedicated to the senior care industry and provides ongoing consultation and guidance to ensure that providers have the best practices they need to be successful.

It’s also important to consider whether your vendor will continuously require you to upgrade your version to get the latest and greatest features—and at what cost. Some vendors, such as OnShift, never require updating. New features are automatically released to customers to ensure they have the technology they need to achieve their workforce goals as they evolve.  

Ready to make a change? See how OnShift’s innovative approach to recruitment, hiring, scheduling and engagement fosters a culture where people want to work so senior care organizations can reduce turnover rates, decrease costs and improve the quality and continuity of care.