The Software Intake Process (SIP): Requesting a New Software-Based Solution

For the purposes of this process, software is considered any of the following types of technology:

• Applications (e.g., office suites, database management programs, communication platforms)
• System software (e.g., firmware, language translators, system utilities)
• Driver software (i.e., software that enables standard hardware to function properly)
• Programming (i.e., allows developers to develop, write, and test other software)
• Middleware (i.e., mediates between application and system software or two different types of applications, like allowing Excel and Word to work together)

  1. New software  

  a. Regardless of price
  b. For entire department/ hospital/ enterprise  

  2. New services/content (excluding new education content in existing system, ex: Krames) 

  a. Even with existing contract or existing vendor  
  b. Training content
  c. Professional services agreements associated with a new software or IT implementation  

  3. Software embedded with a device that requires patient data or any kind of integration should be reviewed 

  4. Existing software, if: 

  a. Expanding footprint 

  1. Additional module/application (Epic’s Compass Rose) 
  2. Additional functionality
  3. Additional sites, departments, uses (Adding Beaker at ACH) 

  b. Major change 

  1. Integration to an existing application 
  2. Platform change: Sunsetting old solution, replacing with new (Kronos -> UKG) 
  3. Delivery module: SAAS, on premise, hosted

1. New requests for:
   • Individual software requests such as individual desktop software
   • Devices with NO software component 
2. Existing software:
   • Contract renewal/termination/amendments, without expansion of products or services 
   • Consulting agreements for staff augmentation 
   • Standard upgrades to existing software with no new lines of service 
3. Software that is embedded within a device that DOES NOT require patient data or any kind of integration

Central IT@JH, working under the direction of JHM leadership, developed the SIP form to collect and streamline software-based solution requests from all Johns Hopkins Medicine entities and departments — including individuals from The Johns Hopkins Health System Corporation, affiliated hospitals, joint ventures, and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. This process allows IT to review requests, assign an IT project manager to each project, and guide you through the technology review process, which includes recommendations and connections to different departments (e.g., supply chain, finance, legal, and others). Our goal is to help you get the support you need throughout the process, to make sure the technology is a sound investment that can integrate (when appropriate) with existing Johns Hopkins solutions, and help prepare the request for leadership review and budget alignment. Ensuring these steps are followed will lead to a higher rate of successful acquisitions and implementation of IT systems and reduce risk in the IT environment, either from a cyber security or business operations perspective.

The software intake process supports Johns Hopkins Medicine’s Innovation 2023 Strategic Plan to Make Johns Hopkins Easy and Work Like One Organization.  

No, this process is the first step before the contracting process. Going through the SIP and receiving approval will streamline and simplify the procurement/legal contract process.

The SIP Team meets regularly with representatives from Finance, Supply Chain, IT, Legal, etc. to ensure projects are evaluated appropriately including, but not limited to the following:

• Business Case
  • Risks to business and clinical operations identified
  • Validation of workflow and integration requirements
  • Business case and total cost of ownership development
• Finance
  • Budget process coordination
  • Identification of upfront and ongoing support resources
• IT
  • IT infrastructure requirements
  • Confirm cybersecurity checklist is completed and approved
  • IT policies on testing standards, cloud standards, medical device standards, web application security requirements, and RFP development
• Supply Chain/ Legal
  • Determine if RFP already is, or needs to be, completed
  • Determine if negotiation has taken place, or if Supply Chain needs to be involved
  • Initial review of SOW / Contract & determination if legal needs to be involved