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CASE STUDY : SherpaCRM

Bringing Senior Living Sales Teams Mobile with a Custom CRM App

OVERVIEW

I worked on a cross functional team, focusing on the iOS platform, for Sherpa CRM, empowering senior living sales teams to manage prospects and opportunities directly from their mobile devices. Working with Swift, I helped create an intuitive, high-performance app that delivers real-time data access and seamless user experiences in the field.

Multiple mobile screens showing the Sherpa app interface, including profile pages, login screen, and a chart with declining trend line.

Key iOS Features Developed

  • Native Swift Implementation - Built using Swift to ensure optimal performance, smooth animations, and deep iOS integration across all supported devices and screen sizes.

  • Real-Time Sales Dashboard - Implemented a dynamic dashboard providing instant access to prospect data, occupancy updates, and contact status with live synchronization.

  • Prospect Management Interface - Created intuitive screens for viewing, editing, and updating prospect details with iOS-native form controls and validation.

  • Advanced Search Functionality - Developed fast, responsive search capabilities allowing users to quickly locate prospect information with smart filtering and sorting.

Technical Challenge

The primary challenge was developing a robust iOS application while Sherpa's backend API was still in development. I needed to ensure the app would integrate seamlessly with evolving API endpoints while maintaining iOS best practices and delivering on tight deadlines.

Additionally, the app required extensive testing across various iOS devices, screen sizes, and operating system versions to ensure reliability for sales teams working in diverse environments.

SOLUTION & DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

  • Mock Data Architecture - I implemented a flexible data layer with mock contracts that allowed us to build and test iOS functionality before the final API was available, keeping development on track.

  • Swift & iOS Best Practices - Leveraged Swift's modern features including async/await for network calls, as well as RxSwift for a responsive user interface.

  • Agile Development Approach - Worked in sprint cycles, delivering functional iOS builds for stakeholder review at each iteration, incorporating feedback quickly and efficiently.

  • Comprehensive Testing Strategy - Integrated robust error handling, logging, and crash reporting tools. Conducted thorough testing across multiple iOS devices, from various manufacturers and iOS versions.

  • API Integration - Collaborated closely with the backend team to ensure smooth API integration, implementing proper error handling and reporting.

  • TestFlight Distribution - Set up TestFlight for beta testing and feedback collection, managing test releases and gathering user insights before the App Store launch.

The final iOS application provided Sherpa's sales teams with a powerful, reliable mobile tool that significantly improved their ability to track and manage prospects on the go. The app successfully launched on the App Store with positive user feedback and robust performance metrics. 

Note: Since then, SherpaCRM has been rebranded as Aline.