Glow Chat is a real-time communication platform designed to streamline interaction between patients and clinic staff. The system is available on both web and mobile, enabling seamless messaging, WhatsApp integration, and instant notifications through a scalable backend architecture.
System Overview
Glow Chat is built as a multi-platform solution:
- Web Application: Angular-based interface for staff and admin
- Mobile Application: Flutter-based app for on-the-go communication
- Backend: Scalable API system using NestJS
- Real-Time Layer: Socket.IO for instant messaging
- Notifications: Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM)
- External Integration: WhatsApp Business API
Core Functionality
1. Backend (NestJS API)
The backend is designed using a modular and scalable architecture.
Responsibilities:
- RESTful APIs for users, chats, messages, and appointments
- JWT-based authentication and authorization
- Chat management (one-to-one and group conversations)
- Message storage and retrieval
- Integration with Firebase and WhatsApp APIs
2. Real-Time Communication (Socket.IO)
Implemented using WebSockets to enable instant messaging.
Features:
- Live chat updates
- Typing indicators
- Message status (sent, delivered, read)
- Online/offline user presence
3. Push Notifications (Firebase Cloud Messaging)
Used for real-time alerts across mobile and web platforms.
Use Cases:
- New message notifications
- Appointment updates
- System alerts
Flow:
- Device registers and sends FCM token
- Backend stores token per user/device
- Notifications triggered via Firebase on events
4. WhatsApp API Integration
Integrated with WhatsApp Business API for external communication.
Features:
- Send messages to patients via WhatsApp
- Receive messages using webhook integration
- Sync WhatsApp conversations into Glow Chat
Use Cases:
- Appointment confirmations
- Customer support communication
- Notifications and reminders
5. Frontend – Web (Angular)
The web platform is designed for staff and admin usage.
Features:
- Real-time chat interface
- Contact and user management
- Message history tracking
- Notification system
- Admin/management panels
6. Mobile App (Flutter)
Cross-platform mobile application for Android and iOS.
Features:
- Chat interface similar to modern messaging apps
- Real-time messaging with sockets
- Push notifications via Firebase
- Media and link sharing
Key Features
- Real-time one-to-one chat
- Multi-platform support (Web + Mobile)
- WhatsApp integration
- Push notifications (FCM)
- Live user status (online/offline, typing)
- Scalable backend architecture
Challenges & Solutions
Building a unified communication system across multiple platforms required efficient synchronization and real-time handling. This was achieved using Socket.IO for instant updates and a centralized NestJS backend. Ensuring reliable notifications across devices was handled through Firebase Cloud Messaging integration.
Results
- Faster and more efficient patient communication
- Unified chat system across web and mobile
- Improved response time and engagement
- Scalable system ready for future enhancements
Our Role
- System architecture design
- Backend development using NestJS
- Real-time communication implementation (Socket.IO)
- Flutter mobile app development
- Angular web app development
- Firebase notification integration
- WhatsApp API integration