Building software that helps organizations thrive.

Neutron Labs recently embarked on a project with the Government of Canada, tasked with developing a Vendor Dashboard Solution to streamline the Agile Procurement Process. The primary objective was to create a platform that would assist government buyers in managing procurement activities and also provide vendors with clear insights into the process, including current statuses and expected actions.

Our team adopted a user-centered approach, delving deep into understanding the specific needs and expectations of buyers and vendors. This was crucial in designing an application that was not just functional but also intuitive and user-friendly. The goal was to create a platform where information flow was seamless and accessible, facilitating a more efficient procurement process for the Government of Canada.

Neutron Labs' technical expertise came to the forefront in the design of the VDS. The application is centered around two interfaces. For buyers, we implemented a customizable visual workflow system. This system allowed buyers to outline each key step of the procurement process, complete with deadlines, relevant documentation, and clear guidelines for vendor actions. For vendors, the interface provided a clear view of these steps, ensuring they were always informed and prepared for the upcoming requirements.

In today's mobile-first world, responsiveness and accessibility are paramount. The implementation of responsive design principles ensured that the solution was compatible across various devices - from desktops to smartphones and tablets.

A critical component of the project was compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1). We implemented features such as keyboard navigation and screen reader compatibility to ensure that users with various disabilities could navigate and use the application effortlessly.

Recognizing the importance of Canada's official bilingualism, the solution was developed with full support for both English and French, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and broad accessibility.

The development of the VDS was governed by an agile methodology that enabled our team to continually evaluate the solution's effectiveness and respond quickly to changes. Regular milestones and iterative updates ensured that the project was on track and aligned with the client's needs.

The application frontend was developed using React and Material UI, enhanced by TypeScript for improved reliability and maintainability. Similarly, TypeScript was employed in the backend, which was built on NodeJS with Express, ensuring a cohesive and streamlined development process. Hosting on Amazon Web Services (AWS) leveraged the power of EC2 for compute capacity, DynamoDB for high-performance database services, and S3 for storage. This choice of technologies ensured that the solution was not only high-performing and scalable but also secure and reliable.


The uniqueness of this project was highlighted in its competitive evaluation phase. Neutron Labs was among three software development firms contracted to build a prototype. Our prototype was assessed based on criteria such as ease of use, user satisfaction, and enterprise costs. This process tested the viability and effectiveness of each solution in real-world scenarios.

Neutron Labs is proud to announce that our prototype emerged as the highest-scoring solution in this evaluation.
Our focus on user experience, technical robustness, and cost-effectiveness was recognized, leading to our selection as the recommended solution for the pilot project.

Roundwrap partnered with Neutron Labs to develop a comprehensive cloud-based management platform. This platform was designed to streamline and oversee their entire order lifecycle - from processing multiple streams of incoming orders to tracking each piece through production stages and final delivery, culminating in efficient invoicing.

Faced with the challenge of managing a complex order lifecycle, Roundwrap needed a solution that could handle various operational facets. The platform was envisioned to be a long-term solution integral to Roundwrap's daily business operations. It was crucial that this system be highly reliable, given its central role in the company's workflow.

A key feature of this platform is its integration capability with various local software and cloud applications used in Roundwrap's operations. A standout component is the customer portal, allowing clients to input custom orders with detailed specifications. This level of integration ensures a smooth transition from customer order input to the actual production phase.

The platform automates the generation of CNC programming as orders enter manufacturing. During production, each order is tracked through touchscreen stations on the factory floor. The invoicing module handles a complex custom pricing system, accurately determining the order cost, and generating invoices that integrate with Quickbooks via an API.

The platform has become an indispensable tool for Roundwrap's office administration, enhancing quality control and ensuring timely deliveries. It offers managers clear visibility into manufacturing operations, accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. By centralizing operational data, the platform not only provides invaluable daily insights but also accumulates historical data, which is crucial for long-term performance analysis and decision-making.

The primary platform was initially built with PHP and is currently being re-written following a discovery process that identified gaps in functionality. The revamped platform is being developed as a backend REST API using Java and Spring Boot, supporting multiple frontend clients for different operational needs. These clients are being developed in React to facilitate increased flexibility and component reuse. The comprehensive tech stack includes TypeScript, React, Java, Spring, MySQL, and various AWS services like EC2, S3, RDS, and Cognito.