The Hidden Costs of DIY Device Integration: Why Validic is the Smart Choice

In the world of digital health, the allure of building your own device integration system can be strong. After all, many device manufacturers offer free API access and developer tool kits. So why pay for a service like Validic when you could potentially build it yourself? Let's dive into the complexities of device integration and why partnering with Validic is not just a choice, but a strategic advantage.

The Iceberg of Device Integration

What seems simple on the surface – connecting to a few APIs – is a complex, resource-intensive process that goes far beyond the initial setup. Here's what lurks beneath the surface:

Constant Vigilance
Manufacturers frequently update their APIs, release new devices, and introduce new data types. Keeping up with these changes is a full-time job. At Validic, we have a dedicated product manager for each manufacturer, ensuring we're always ahead of the curve.

Data Normalization Nightmare
Each manufacturer has their own proprietary data model. Normalizing this data into a standard, easily consumable format is a Herculean task. Validic has spent years perfecting our data model to support billions of transactions and millions of connected users.

The BLE Maze
Staying connected to updates in Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) specifications is crucial. Validic doesn't just keep up; we help guide BLE standards decision-making.

Support and Scalability
When issues arise (and they will), can your team provide 24/7 support? Validic offers SLAs for response time and downtime, with support ticket responses within 24 hours. We can also escalate critical issues directly to device manufacturers. Our team specializes in building connections to device manufacturers, so your team does have to. 

The True Cost of DIY

While building your own integration might seem cost-effective initially, consider the ongoing costs, which over time will far out-pace the initial expense:

Engineering Resources
Your talented engineers will spend countless hours managing infrastructure and investigating data issues instead of creating value for your customers.

Missed Opportunities
While you're busy maintaining integrations, you're not focusing on your core business – empowering customers, setting personal health goals, or turning metrics into education and rewards.

Limited Device Support
Can you justify the cost of integrating with smaller, niche device manufacturers? With Validic, you get access to 570+ devices, including those from lesser-known brands, ensuring you never have to turn away a user.

Scalability Challenges
As your user base grows, can your system handle billions of transactions? Validic's scalable data model is built for growth.

The Validic Advantage

By choosing Validic, you're not just buying a product; you're gaining a partner with years of experience and technical expertise:

Continuous Optimization
Our team is constantly improving integrations, adding new devices, and enhancing our API – so you don't have to.

Comprehensive Testing
We've tested every supported data field, providing best-in-class documentation.

Shield from Changes
When a data source is updated, Validic absorbs the pains of scoping, testing, and rebuilding connections. Most of the time, you won’t even know anything changed!

End-to-End Support
From advantaged pricing on device purchases to warehouse storage and a compassionate 1-800 support team for device connectivity issues, Validic offers comprehensive support that would be prohibitively expensive to replicate in-house.

Risk-Free Innovation
Easy access to a wide range of devices allows you to  test new features and expand into new markets without significant upfront investment.

The Bottom Line

While building your own integration system might seem attractive, the ongoing costs in time, resources, and missed opportunities far outweigh the initial savings. By partnering with Validic, you free your team to focus on what truly matters – creating value for your customers and growing your business.

In the fast-paced world of digital health, staying ahead means focusing on your core competencies. Let Validic handle the complexities of device integration so you can focus on what you do best – innovating and improving health outcomes.

Choose Validic and turn device data into your competitive advantage.