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As a custom software product development company, Stone Labs is always on the lookout for the best tools to help you build complicated IT startups on demand. One tool that has captured our attention recently is Webflow, a powerful web design and development platform that makes it easy to create prototypes for web and mobile applications.

What is Webflow?

Webflow is a web design and development platform that allows users to create and publish responsive websites and applications without having to write any code. It offers an intuitive visual interface that makes it easy to design and develop complex web and mobile applications.

Possible applications

Webflow is a versatile tool that can be used for a wide range of applications. It can be used for prototyping new products and features, creating landing pages and marketing websites, as well as building complex web and mobile applications.

How Stone Labs uses Webflow for startup prototypes development

At Stone Labs, we use Webflow for prototyping new product ideas and features. We find that the visual interface makes it easy to quickly create wireframes and mockups that can be shared with clients and stakeholders. Webflow’s ability to quickly create responsive layouts and animated interactions also allows us to create realistic and dynamic prototypes that can be used for user testing and validation.

Advantages and disadvantages

One of the main advantages of Webflow is its intuitive visual interface, which makes it easy to create complex designs without any coding. It also offers a wide range of templates and widgets that can speed up the prototyping process.

However, Webflow’s drag-and-drop interface can also be limiting for more experienced developers who prefer more control over the code. Additionally, Webflow’s pricing plans can be costly for larger teams.

Overall, Webflow is an excellent tool for prototyping web and mobile applications. Its visual interface and responsive design capabilities make it ideal for creating realistic and dynamic prototypes that can be used for user testing and validation.

The Laravel team has recently released version 10.9 with several new features and enhancements, which Stone Labs is excited to explore.

One of the significant changes introduced in Laravel 10.9 is named static methods for middleware. This update allows developers to define route middleware in a more “PHPish” way. Additionally, James Hulse contributed an update to the queue:prune-batches, allowing developers to prune all unfinished and canceled batches with the –infinished=0 and –cancelled=0 flags.

Another significant change in Laravel 10.9 is the ability to configure Ignition IDE links with the artisan serve command. Developers can now pass-through IGNITION_LOCAL_SITES_PATH to the artisan serve command, enabling them to open files in their IDE by clicking on the filename displayed on an Ignition error page.

Laravel 10.9 also adds new HTTP status assertions and allows separate directories for locks on file storage. Additionally, developers can now use the whereMorphedTo method with a null model and use pivot model fromDateTime instead of assuming Carbon in the Illuminate/Database/Eloquent/Relations/Concerns/InteractsWithPivotTable::addTimestampsToAttachment() method.

Other changes in Laravel 10.9 include making the rules method in FormRequest optional, throwing a LogicException when calling FileFactory@image() if mimetype is not supported, improving the job release method to accept a date instance, and using foreignUlid if the model uses HasUlids trait when calling foreignIdFor.

Stone Labs is excited about the new features and enhancements introduced in Laravel 10.9. These updates will help development teams build better and more efficient software products for the end clients.

Laravel is an excellent framework for web application development and provides numerous features and tools to help developers create high-quality, scalable, and secure web applications. With the release of Laravel 10.9, the framework has become even more robust and feature-rich, making it an ideal choice for custom software development.

startup ideas: Keep track of business for oil field business

Stone Labs is exploring various channels, including the marketplace, where very interior ideas for startups often appear. We want to tell you about one of these ideas.

We found that in United States was an idea to build a software to keep track of business for oil field business.

Scope of Possible Software Solution:

The proposed software solution for the small oil field company would have the following features:

• Integration with Quickbooks for easy bookkeeping and accounting
• Sales tracking to keep track of revenue and customer purchasing patterns
• Ticketing system with e-signature capabilities to handle customer requirements and work orders
• Inventory management to keep track of equipment and materials
• Reporting system to analyze business performance and identify areas for improvement
• Mobile app accessibility to allow field workers to access data on-the-go

Advantages:

• Efficient and accurate bookkeeping and accounting
• Streamlined customer requirement handling and work order management
• Detailed reporting capabilities for informed decision making
• Improved inventory management for cost savings and improved productivity
• Mobile app accessibility for convenience and accessibility on-the-go

Possible Business Model:
The business model for this software solution could be a subscription-based model where the oil field company pays a monthly or annual fee for access to the software. There could also be value-added services offered such as data analysis and personalized support.

How Stone Labs can help:
Stone Labs can help by developing a customized software solution tailored to the specific needs of the small oil field company. We have experience in developing similar software solutions for other businesses and can provide expert guidance and support throughout the development process. Additionally, Stone Labs can provide ongoing maintenance and support to ensure the software solution continues to meet the evolving needs of the business.

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the impact that businesses have on the environment and society. As a result, many startups are now focusing on developing sustainable and green products and services that have a positive impact on the world. At Stone Labs, we are committed to supporting these innovative companies through sustainable software development.

What are Sustainable and Green Startups?
Sustainable and green startups are businesses that prioritize environmental and social responsibility in their products and services. These companies aim to reduce their impact on the environment, promote social equity, and create a sustainable future.

What is Sustainable Software Development?
Sustainable software development is the process of creating software products that are environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and economically viable. This includes using eco-friendly materials, reducing energy consumption, and minimizing waste. Sustainable software development also involves considering the long-term impact of software products on the environment and society.

• 5 Examples of the Most Interesting Green Startups in Germany
• Ecoligo – A company that provides solar energy solutions for businesses in emerging markets.
• Share – A car-sharing service that uses electric vehicles to reduce carbon emissions.
• ForestFinance – A company that allows individuals to invest in sustainable forestry projects.
• Too Good To Go – An app that helps restaurants and grocery stores reduce food waste by selling surplus food.
• Green City Solutions – A company that develops urban infrastructure solutions to improve air quality.

How Stone Labs is Applying Sustainable Software Development Principles
At Stone Labs, we are committed to applying sustainable software development principles in every project we undertake. For example, we use virtual meetings and remote collaboration tools to reduce travel expenses and minimize our carbon footprint. We also prioritize using energy-efficient hardware and cloud-based solutions that reduce energy consumption.

In conclusion, sustainable and green startups are paving the way for a more sustainable future. At Stone, we innovative companies through sustainable software. By applying sustainable software development principles in every project we undertake, we can help our clients reduce their environmental impact while improving their bottom line. Together, we can create a better future for our planet and society.

As the world becomes increasingly digital, businesses are continuously seeking ways to optimize their processes and improve efficiency. One area of focus has been HR process automation, which involves automating routine HR tasks such as recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and employee engagement.

HR process automation has several benefits, including reducing manual errors, improving compliance, and freeing up HR personnel to focus on higher-value tasks. With the help of technology, companies can transform their HR processes and facilitate a more seamless employee experience.

What HR processes can be automated

Recruitment: Automation can help streamline the recruitment process by automating job postings, resume screening, and scheduling interviews.
Onboarding: By automating onboarding tasks, new hires can receive all necessary documentation and training automatically, allowing them to begin working faster.

Performance Management: Automation can make it easier to track employee performance, receive feedback from managers, and provide coaching.
Employee Engagement: Automation can facilitate employee engagement by automating surveys and feedback requests.

Example of startups which are working in the HR automation space

One example is Glint, which offers an employee engagement platform that uses real-time data to analyze employee engagement and provide personalized recommendations to improve engagement.
Another startup is Textio, which offers a platform that uses AI to help companies write effective job postings and other recruitment materials.

Usage of the AI in the HR processes automation

AI Chats, such as ChatGPT, can also be utilized to automate HR processes. AI Chats can interact with employees to provide assistance with HR inquiries and offer automated solutions.

Stone Labs experience developing solution for HR process automation

Our company has developed several projects related to HR process automation.
One example is LeggUp (https://bit.ly/3u7RFQK ), an HR platform that offers personalized coaching and programs to help employees achieve their professional goals.
Another project is MyJobsStream (https://bit.ly/3H9lNyP ) – a job-matching platform that matches candidates based on their skills and experience.

How Stone Labs can help to develop a custom HR process automation solution

Stone Labs can help companies develop projects like this tailored to their specific needs. Our team of experts can help identify areas that can be automated, recommend the best tools and technologies to use, and develop and implement the solution seamlessly.
We provide different services to projects on the different state of the development process,  so we have a ready-made way of solving any issue:

Need tech-to-business advice on how to get an ideal market fit?

Product Discovery – https://startup.stone-labs.com/product-discovery

Need to get a project up in a short time?

MVP tips & tricks – https://startup.stone-labs.com/mvp-development
Low-code Development (3,000$ / 2 weeks)
Full-scope development(8,000$ / 1,5 month)

Wanna gather feedback from users/investors without any development?

UI prototype – https://startup.stone-labs.com/ui-prototype

In conclusion, automation has the potential to revolutionize HR processes and facilitate a better employee experience. Stone Labs is well-positioned to help companies develop custom HR process automation solutions that can help them achieve their business goals.

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Sportdata and Performance Forum was held in November 2018 in Hungary and brought together the sports analytics and technology community as well as leading business executives and senior representatives from the research and development sector in sports. The most ambitious and influential sports technologists presented to industry practitioners how to deal with the challenges of an analytics world with increasingly more data.

Our CEO Yauheni Kaziak attended Sportdata and Performance Forum as an invited speaker and presented our experience in using modern IT techniques and applying analytical solutions to  training system based on data-driven approach in different sports (e.g. baseball, cycling, rowing, running, etc.)

You may get acquainted with the summary of the topics discussed during the Forum including the main trends which sports won’t exist without in the nearest time.

1.Video Analysis

VA is one of the most important ways to handle effective team/athlete performance analysis. Whether you have a professional high-speed camera kit, drone or just simple action camera – that can be extremely beneficial for the technics tracking, analysis and creating athlete’s performance history. Also, that’s the easiest way to start the data-driven approach in your team if you haven’t yet.

2. Three-way approach to innovation

In order to achieve the maximum efficiency in training process 3 main points should be addressed to with the automation or specific IT solutions:

• Strategy & Tactics;
• Athlete’s decision making;
• Athlete’s performance.

Keeping the proper balance between these 3 is the main challenge for the innovation assistant in the team.

3. Beware of being “data obsessed”

There are thousands of various data sources and ways to process information in sports. However, you always need to keep in mind that not all the data is relevant and important for the athlete’s performance increase. The risk of becoming a “data-maniac” usually affects young trainers that would like to be 100% evidence based. An overabundance of irrelevant data may entail making the wrong decisions. Yet, the challenge is to find an optimal position between “practice” based and “data” based approach. IT system should not substitute the trainer, but make his/her life easier by helping to plan a training process.

A human factor is a usual thing: sometimes people can pay attention to one point, but the actual problem hides in the other one. IT solution can help the trainer to identify it.

4. Innovation Expert in the Team

Now it’s not a secret that each successful team has the IT and data scientist’s support (what could be handled inside of the team or outsourced). It is important to understand the role of these specialists:

• ongoing hypothesis tests based on the data received from the athlete’s training results;
• acting as a filter providing the trainer with relevant and objective data only;
• choosing and analyzing the hardware/software tools to be used in the training process;
• implementing the IT infrastructure at the team.

In our fast-moving world, it’s highly important to use all opportunities to go with the times and to grow as fast as possible.

5. Tech trends

Today various trackers and sensors, including specific speed cameras, don’t surprize specialists anymore. However, still there are several important tech trends expected to further develop in 2019:

• wearables will become more sophisticated and autonomous, and providing biometric data monitoring in realtime with its simultaneous processing;
• virtualization will allow athletes to practice in ‘real’ conditions. That can be achieved with help of Virtual Reality (VR) and haptics;
• athlete will get realtime advice from the trainer using cloud tools and Augmented Reality (AR);
• smart Helmets and Equipment will allow reducing the injury risk dramatically.

It’s very important to keep these trends in mind and be ready, that in a very close future VR, AR and Internet of Things will be necessary to succeed in sports.

6. Scouting

Scouting domain has always been in needs for new and effective solutions – now it is impossible to imagine this process without high-quality data analysis and automation. Lots of data aggregators provide a certain level of the analysis (http://instatsport.com/en/, https://wyscout.com/), yet detailed number crunching is still required. Data aggregators may benefit from the partnerships with the training systems as well as vice versa – the most effective training programs can be done only understanding prior athlete performance history.

7. Talent detection

In continuing the previous point, the promising young athletes identification takes important part at the scouting. Though it’s hard to predict the probability of success among children, some projects in Belgium and Qatar already do this.

Identification of future champions usually consists of several steps:

• questionnaire & testing; that is the first step that helps to get information about child’s physical abilities and features, maybe some traits of character, anything that can influence sports behavior.
• data-driven profiling and sports preferences recognizing; based on questionnaire & testing results, data-driven approach and analysis can help to identify and recognize child’s sports preferences.
• child profiling; the main step that includes the creation of clear child’s profile according to which the decisions can be made and the training plan be prepared.
• ongoing tracking; used to control all achievements and failures of an athlete and to improve results in time.

8. IT solutions in sports

When you are working with the team in the realtime it is important to provide the solutions for the trainer based on his/her main needs, which means that the solutions should be:

• quickly developed and deployed;
• simple for both users and analysts;
• precise and definite from the stakeholders` viewpoint.

These aims can be achieved both by technically and organizationally, yet definitely should be addressed to on the planning stage.

9. Government investment

Government plays a decisive role in sports development – it’s hard to implement serious projects without support and investments. In real life sports performance can’t be increased immediately – it’s a long-term process that brings results in the future. However, that definitely works.

An example can be the case of Great Britain, wherein 2012 they’ve made a decision to significantly increase the investments in IT sports projects. In 2012 Great Britain took 24 Medals at London Olympiad. Then during next 4 years 61 innovation projects were implemented at sports sector, and Rio Olympic Games brought 42 medals for the country.

10. Innovation hubs

Intention to be on the edge of new technologies and apply these to gain competitive advantage at sports forms the necessity to create centers for promoting this specific ecosystem, which are usually called Innovation Hubs. These hubs are created by commercial companies (e.g. Adidas Future Team), government organizations and even separate teams (e.g. Barça Innovation Hub). Applying to these hubs may be extremely beneficial for startups and sports tech companies.

11. Blockchain utilization

Blockchain technology grows in popularity not only in the finance sector but also among large and successful football clubs. Paris Saint Germain (PSG) and Juventus have announced creating of their own cryptocurrency and launching a Fan Token Offering (FTO). It can give fans access to branded clothes, interesting content, receive VIP status and/or get other interesting things for crypto coins. Fans also would be able to make clubs’ decisions, such as choose stadium music, the color of clothes. You may agree that any football fan will be incredibly happy to get a chance to participate in the club’s life.

Being new to sports blockchain is considered to be a promising trend.

Like any human activity, sports evolve over time. Modern science and technology make these changes possible, providing improvements in data generation and analysis that help widen the limitations of athletic capability.

These days the world of sports is becoming more comfortable with things like augmented reality and virtual reality, which leads into that being adopted more and more into day-by-day life.

Individualized training is becoming one of the main training approaches in many sports as there’s no one single perfect training plan that works for every athlete.

We at Stone Labs are keeping track of these developments and will do our best to provide our customers with professional guidance in applying new technologies to their sports environment.