In 2022-23, the company has progressed in refining the architecture of both the PAAM (Personnel, Application, Administration and Management) system and its accompanying PAAM Onsite Cloud App.
During this period, Hotbox Studios has dedicated its efforts to enhance the underlying structure of the PAAM system, particularly focusing on optimising the architecture and code base that powers the API. The PAAM Onsite Cloud App, designed as a standalone software application, operates on a bespoke software stack, to ensure a tailored and efficient user experience is has its data layer now powered by the same API.
By prioritising the API, Hotbox Studios aims to enhance the flexibility and interoperability of its software, reduce data response times, and ensure seamless integration with other systems and applications.
Hotbox Studios is working to transition the code base into service based containers. This approach not only facilitates efficient code management but also promotes the development of a more modular, injectable, and testable code base.
As part of this process Hotbox Studios has endeavoured to increase its code test coverage aiming for 80% of core functionality whilst also reducing response time for typical requests to under 0.1s.
In 2021-22 during the ongoing global pandemic, we've moved forward with developing the underlying architecture of PAAM and PAAM's companion application the PAAM Onsite Cloud App; a standalone software application running on a bespoke software stack.
The overall aim of development has been to continue the work started in the previous year; looking to incorporate the varied technological advances in hardware and software that have become available. We have tested and developed new ways of decreasing the TTFB (time to first byte) of both applications whilst increasing the number of simultaneous connections. We have also reduced CLS (content layout shift) in our metrics.
To try to achieve this goal we are continuing to move PAAM to a Single Page Application (SPA) using a JavaScript front end and a REST-based API.
With PAAM Cloud we have been working to reduce the latency between data being entered by the end-user; it saving in the database correctly; and indicating to the end-user this has been achieved. We are aiming to reduce this entire process to under 0.2 seconds.
In 2020-21 despite the global pandemic we continued to develop the underlying architecture of PAAM and PAAM's companion application the PAAM Onsite Cloud App - a standalone software application running on a bespoke software stack.
The overall aim has been to look at existing technological advances in both software and hardware that have become available, using that as a starting point to test and develop new ways of decreasing TTFB (time to first byte) of the applications and increasing the number of simultaneous users.
To try to achieve this goal we are moving PAAM to a Single Page Application (SPA) using a JavaScript front end and a REST based API.
With PAAM Cloud we have been working to increase the number of simultaneous connections available. Increasing the current limitation of 50 shift supervisors and other staff able to simultaneously input and administer the app at the same time.
In 2019-20 we've continued to develop PAAM and PAAM's companion applications the PAAM Onsite App - a standalone software application running on a bespoke software and hardware stack, and the PAAM Onsite Cloud App - a standalone software application running on a bespoke software stack.
Following research, testing, and user feedback, in 2019-20 we've further developed the PAAM Onsite App; adding additional data management functionality whilst minimising administrative workload with a focus on UI refinements targeted at speeding up user interaction. All with a goal of reducing the requirement for supplementary onsite paperwork and databases.
In 2019-20 we've progressed the rewrite of the PAAM codebase to a Single Page Application (SPA) architecture using the React JavaScript framework. We’ve developed both a user and an admin side REST based API. Throughout development of the React JavaScript framework-based SPA and both REST based APIs; key components have been split into a micro architecture framework. Alongside the development of the React JavaScript framework-based SPA and both REST based APIs we are updating and optimising the user interface (GUI) and user experience (UX) of PAAM.
For the PAAM Offsite system we have continued to move towards a micro-architecture framework, away from a single monolithic codebase for the entire app which allows each component to be more easily developed, maintained, tested and updated.
We're partway through the development of a new front-end Single Page Application (SPA) architecture using the React JavaScript framework which is now talking with the prototype user and admin side REST based APIs. This is ongoing with many components still in the development phase; each component going through rigorous testing to confirm no impact to the front-end performance, usability, and ability for system customisation.
In 2018-19 we've continued to develop PAAM and PAAM's companion applications the PAAM Onsite App - a standalone software application running on a bespoke software and hardware stack, and the PAAM Onsite Cloud App - a standalone software application running on a bespoke software stack.
Following research, testing, and user feedback, we've further developed the PAAM Onsite App, adding additional functionality and data logging of staff and volunteer teams in an effort to further reduce the requirement for supplementary onsite paperwork and databases, and gave more focus to UI refinements targeted at speeding up user interaction with the software.
We've continued to progress the rewrite of the PAAM codebase; moving PAAM Offsite towards an MVC application with REST based API, whilst also splitting key components out into a micro-architecture framework, away from a single monolithic codebase for the entire app which allows each component to be more easily developed, maintained, tested and updated.
We have chosen a front-end JavaScript framework and have started testing a component based approach using the framework which will ensure the move from HTML views to Single Page Application can be accomplished without impacting the front-end performance, usability, and ability for system customisation.
In 2017-18 we've continued to develop the PAAM Offsite App, and PAAM's companion applications the PAAM Onsite App - a standalone software application running on a bespoke software and hardware stack, and the PAAM Onsite Cloud App - a standalone software application running on a bespoke software stack.
Following research, testing, and user feedback, we've further developed the PAAM Onsite Apps to enable the UI to respond and highlight errors before action is taken, to log additional data about staff and volunteer teams in an effort to further reduce the requirement for supplementary onsite paperwork and databases, and gave particular focus to UI refinements targeted at speeding up user interaction with the software.
We've progressed the PAAM codebase; moving towards an MVC application with API in preparation for smartphone and tablet development. We've initiated a scoping exercise to define how best PAAM can be transferred to mobile device applications; this exercise structuring the specification for the underlying API development allowing for the mobile device applications to be progressed.
We've continued to optimise the user interface (GUI) and user experience (UX) of PAAM, and have moved into testing a selection of front-end JavaScript frameworks in preparation for the move from HTML views to Single Page Application, and to ensure this can be accomplished without impacting the front-end performance, usability, and the ability for system customisation.
In 2016-17 we've continued to develop PAAM and PAAM’s companion application the PAAM Onsite App; a standalone software application running on a bespoke software and hardware stack.
Following research, testing, and user feedback, in 2016 we split the PAAM Onsite App into two versions; Cloud and Local. The PAAM Cloud Onsite App allowing for use in urban areas and areas with good internet connectivity; the PAAM Local Onsite App allowing for use in more rural and remote locations. The PAAM Local Onsite App offers sync capabilities for data to be updated to and from the main PAAM system when connectivity is available.
In addition, the main PAAM Offsite system, and both versions of the PAAM Onsite system, have been further developed through the addition of functionality; refinements to the user interface (GUI); user experience (UX) and underlying codebase.
In 2015-16 following a year of real-world testing and further research into user needs; we made design and development updates to the new PAAM Onsite App before it was launched to market.
The PAAM Onsite App has since been used for the management of tens of thousands of staff and volunteers across the UK!
In 2014-15 we completed beta development of what is now known as the PAAM Onsite App; a standalone software application that completely removes the requirement for spreadsheets when managing staff and volunteers at an event.
We then put the new PAAM Onsite App through a year of real-world testing where it helped companies to manage staff and volunteers onsite at events across the UK.
In 2013-14 we started research and development of the PAAM Onsite App.
The main PAAM system, now known as the PAAM Offsite App, was designed to assist with the recruitment and management of staff and volunteers before and after an event.
Users were talking with us about their work onsite, telling us that they were still using spreadsheets to check people in, allocate shifts, keep a record of resources allocated, track shifts, hours, and performance, and wondering if we could develop something like the main PAAM system but focused around working onsite.
Following the testing phase PAAM went through a full back-end and interface overhaul, before launch in 2010.
From 2010 through 2013 PAAM has grown to be used globally, through research and development helping companies and organisations with the recruitment and management of staff and volunteers at events, exhibitions, trade shows, projects, teaching, expeditions and more...
To offer a solution, in 2006 Mark and Rob worked together to create the first version of PAAM, which was launched for DC Site Services and Hotbox Events in 2007.
At this point the software was very much in it's infancy, so went through a substantial real-world beta testing phase from 2007 to 2009.
In 2004, Rob Smith joined Hotbox Studios Ltd as the company's web design and software development director.
From 2004 to 2005 both DC Site Services and Hotbox Events grew, each company expanding to work with more events thus supplying more staff and volunteers across the UK.
It became clear that both companies required a more comprehensive recruitment and management system.
The new online application system proved very popular so from 2002-03 a basic database with some rudimentary search functionality was added, plus the ability to export applicant's details into the company's payroll system.
On finishing university in 2003 Mark setup the animation, web design and software company Hotbox Studios Ltd.
Mark continued to work with event recruitment and management, both for DC Site Services and later setting up his own event volunteer recruitment and management company Hotbox Events.
The PAAM staff and volunteer recruitment and management software app has developed organically from very humble beginnings in 2001...
PAAM started life as a simple online form developed to help with event staffing.
Mark Hatchard, founder of PAAM and PAAM's parent company Hotbox Studios Ltd, worked for the event staff recruitment and management company DC Site Services (DCSS) in the summer months whilst at university. Until 2000 DCSS didn't have a website and managed all recruitment through word of mouth and posting out paper application forms.
Due to the nature of the company Mark suggested a website would be a big benefit and developed this free of charge in his spare time. Included with the new website Mark created a simple online form which allowed for staff to apply for event jobs.