nVisti
nVisti, an essential software and hardware development partner for Applied Ballistics, specializes in creating advanced ballistics applications for both commercial and governmental use. From January 2020 to March 2022, I had the opportunity to collaborate closely with nVisti, focusing on developing commercial ballistics applications for long-range shooting enthusiasts, hunters, and competitors and investigating potential solutions for governmental projects.
My role involved leading and directing contracting peers, managing project scope, and driving code quality improvements. By leveraging my knowledge in software development and quickly adapting to customer-specific requirements, I delivered tailored solutions that enhanced the functionality and user experience of nVisti's products.
One of the significant focus areas was integrating mobile applications with Bluetooth peripherals, enhancing usability, and expanding the functional capabilities of the apps. Additionally, I worked on e-commerce solutions by integrating Shopify to streamline device upgrades and improve customer interactions. A significant part of my contribution was introducing DevOps practices to the organization, automating build and deployment processes, and ensuring that applications maintained high levels of quality through extensive testing.
Throughout my tenure, I maintained and improved multiple legacy systems, ensured operational continuity and reliability, and provided solutions that allowed nVisti's clients to integrate license management into their businesses seamlessly. These efforts dramatically improved operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Mastering Ballistics Technology with nVisti
Native Mobile Applications with Bluetooth Integrations
iOS Ballistic App for Superior Optics
Project Overview
Developed an iOS ballistic app for Superior Optics, integrating it with Shopify for device license upgrades. This project spanned from inception to delivery, resulting in a high-quality product tailored to Superior Optics' needs.
Technologies and Applications:
- iOS Development: Swift
- Networking Protocols: Bluetooth
- Backend: Python Flask
- E-commerce Integration: Shopify API
Outcomes
The ballistic app provided Superior Optics with a powerful tool for their customers, facilitating seamless device license upgrades and enhancing user experience. Worked closely with their design team to match high-quality expectations and updated the Bluetooth communication protocol to allow various license levels, increasing functionality and capabilities of the laser rangefinder and application.
Mobile App Integration with Garmin Watch
Project Overview
Completed a mobile app (iOS/Android) integrated with Garmin watch using a custom communications protocol. This project involved inception and delivery phases, resulting in a seamless integration that enhanced user functionality.
Technologies and Applications:
- Mobile Development: iOS (Swift), Android (Java)
- Networking Protocols: Bluetooth
Outcomes
The Garmin watch integration provided users advanced functionality, leveraging the custom communications protocol to deliver precise and reliable performance. I updated the Bluetooth communication in iOS and Android to function as a peripheral instead of a central device, leading to a successful rollout of a brand-new physical product while maintaining existing functionality with other Garmin devices.
Device Setup Workflow for Sig Sauer
Project Overview
Worked with the Sig Sauer team to create a device setup workflow, significantly reducing customer calls related to setup issues. This streamlined process improved customer satisfaction and reduced support overhead.
Technologies and Applications:
- Mobile Development: iOS (Swift), Android (Java)
- Networking Protocols: Bluetooth
Outcomes
This was a complicated scenario as the mobile application facilitated the connection of digital scopes, rangefinders, and wind speed devices. It was critical to ensure things were done in the correct order because the rangefinder was the primary device the mobile app connected to. The application facilitated connecting the additional peripherals to the rangefinder by implementing a "wizard" interface, which replaced the previously complicated GUI, dramatically reducing related customer support calls.
Mobile App with Thermal Scope Integration for Sig Sauer
Project Overview
Developed a mobile app (iOS/Android) that integrated with a thermal scope for Sig Sauer. This application utilized TCP/UDP to download assets and live stream video, enhancing the capabilities of the thermal scope.
Technologies and Applications:
- Mobile Development: iOS (Swift), Android (Java)
- Networking Protocols: TCP/UDP, Bluetooth
Outcomes
This was a challenging project as a separate company developed the rangefinder device. I worked directly with their team to implement streaming functionality using UDP. I accounted for lost frames and variable frame rates in the application and optimized Android and iOS applications. Ultimately, the customer was extremely pleased with the result. Additionally, through HTTP connections to the device, users could download videos and images from the thermal rangefinder locally to their phones.
Android App with Laser Rangefinder Integration for Government Project
Project Overview
I created an Android app integrated with a laser rangefinder for a federal government project. This application provided precise rangefinding capabilities tailored to the client's needs.
Technologies and Applications:
- Mobile Development: Android (Java)
- Networking Protocols: Bluetooth
Outcomes
The Android app met a high level of scrutiny as it was through a government vendor. I created various levels of unit testing around the ballistics calculator and app functionality, which were then leveraged in other applications as we developed. This led to a much higher quality product in all applications moving forward. Minor inconsistencies with features like bullet twist were discovered and addressed, resulting in an exceptionally accurate and reliable application.
Management of Mobile Applications
Project Overview
Managed multiple iOS and Android applications, overseeing coding, building, and releases to respective stores.
Technologies and Applications:
- Mobile Development: iOS (Swift), Android (Java)
- Networking Protocols: Bluetooth
Outcomes
The role involved maintaining and updating all other mobile applications, ensuring that users received the latest features and enhancements while maintaining high levels of user satisfaction.
Implemented DevOps practices to the organization, including creating FastLane deploys for iOS and Android projects and automatically pushing builds to beta and TestFlight stores. Subsequently, I set up GitLab pipelines to automate the deployment process, significantly enhancing the efficiency of the build and release processes. These pipelines included unit testing at the application layer and extensive testing at the ballistics calculator level. As projects required updates and for all new projects moving forward, these pipeline changes were incorporated, leading to higher quality and more maintainable applications.
Shopify and E-commerce Integration
Shopify Storefront and Integration
Project Overview
Created a Shopify storefront and integrated e-commerce platform webhooks to facilitate device upgrades. This project streamlined the upgrade process, enhancing the overall e-commerce experience.
Technologies and Applications:
- E-commerce Development: Shopify
- Integration: Webhooks
- Backend: Python Flask
Outcomes
The Shopify storefront and e-commerce integration provided a seamless device upgrade process, improving operational efficiency and user satisfaction. This setup allowed nVisti's clients to integrate license management into their business without setting up custom stores and purchasing processes. End users could purchase licenses and unlock features and capabilities in real-time.
Other Projects
Maintenance and Bug Fixes for Legacy PHP Applications
Project Overview
Maintained and provided bug fixes for legacy PHP applications, ensuring continued functionality and reliability.
Technologies and Applications:
- Web Development: PHP
Outcomes
The maintenance and bug fixes extended the lifecycle of legacy applications, supporting the operational stability of nVisti's solutions. This ranged from license management applications to creating a dashboard for purchase and usage statistics and customer license counts (availability and usage). Additionally, the primary bullet library, Applied Ballistics' leading intellectual property, was managed through these PHP applications. As I touched these applications, I ensured they were under source control and that the update process aligned more with DevOps principles.
Impact and Practices
Agile and Extreme Programming Practices
Throughout my tenure at nVisti, I consistently emphasized using Test Driven Development (TDD) and Extreme Programming (XP) practices. By integrating TDD, we ensured that the codebase remained highly reliable, maintainable, and covered by comprehensive tests. This practice improved code quality and facilitated continuous integration and delivery.
DevOps Integration
Introducing DevOps practices was crucial in transforming how nVisti managed its build and deployment processes. I implemented FastLane deploys for iOS and Android projects, pushing builds to beta and TestFlight stores automatically. This was followed by setting up GitLab pipelines to automate the deployment process, ensuring all applications included unit testing at both the application and ballistics calculator levels. This automation significantly enhanced the efficiency and reliability of the build and release processes.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Working closely with various teams, including development, design, and operational teams, fostered a culture of collaboration and shared responsibility. This cross-functional engagement was crucial in understanding the unique needs of different stakeholders and delivering solutions that efficiently met their requirements.
Real-Time Data Management Enhancement
The bullet data pipeline and Dropbox integration project revolutionized how Applied Ballistics managed real-time data from their scientific lab, dramatically improving data processing and publication. This real-time capability was particularly beneficial during shooting competitions, where accurate and immediate data was essential.
Integration with Third-Party Services
Projects like the Bluetooth peripheral proof of concept and Shopify integration showcased the ability to extend nVisti's ecosystem through third-party integrations, enhancing the versatility and interoperability of their solutions.
Continuous Improvement and Technical Excellence
The use of TDD and agile methodologies instilled a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence within the development teams. Regular code reviews, paired programming, and iterative development cycles ensured that the software solutions developed were of the highest quality and met the evolving needs of the users.
Outcomes and Reflections
The impactful solutions delivered through these engagements have consistently:
- Improved operational efficiencies for nVisti.
- Enhanced user experiences and satisfaction.
- Supported nVisti in achieving its strategic objectives by integrating seamless licensing management and advanced functionality into its products.
These contributions align with the mission of Dev3loper.ai, which focuses on leveraging cutting-edge technologies to drive transformative change. During my time at nVisti, I reinforced the importance of collaborative, agile methodologies and the power of real-time data management in shaping the future of ballistics technology.
Conclusion
Partnering with nVisti over the course of two years was a transformative experience. By leveraging advanced software development practices and DevOps methodologies, we delivered high-impact solutions resonating with commercial and governmental clients.
Key achievements included the successful integration of mobile applications with Bluetooth peripherals, which significantly enhanced the functionality and usability of nVisti's products. Notable projects like the iOS ballistic app for Superior Optics, Garmin watch integration, and the device setup workflow for Sig Sauer showcased our ability to meet stringent requirements and exceed client expectations.
Introducing DevOps practices revolutionized nVisti's build and deployment processes. Automation through FastLane and GitLab pipelines reduced manual overhead, improved software release reliability, and ensured higher-quality applications. Real-time data management enhancements and seamless third-party service integration further solidified nVisti's position as a leader in ballistics technology, particularly during competitive shooting events.
Maintaining and extending legacy PHP applications ensured operational continuity and stability. These efforts aligned with DevOps principles, enhancing the reliability and maintainability of crucial systems like the primary bullet library.
The work at nVisti underscored the value of applying cutting-edge software practices to advance precision technology. These projects improved client product capabilities and efficiencies and built a strong foundation for future innovations. This engagement exemplifies the critical role of agile methodologies, continuous improvement, and collaborative effort in delivering exceptional software solutions.
The successful outcomes at nVisti align seamlessly with the mission of Dev3loper.ai—to harness the power of technology to drive transformative change. This journey of innovation and excellence drives impactful solutions in precision ballistics and beyond.
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