Global Engagement Solutions Agency
Human Resources
What would happen if key strategic decisions could lead to the successful transformation of a legacy system while also addressing the specific challenges and complexities of operations?
Our client, a leading global agency specializing in the development and execution of engagement solutions and corporate event management faced considerable challenges with its existing legacy system, a jumbled, "frankenstein" structure crafted from custom home-grown solutions.
Over time, this system had accumulated a significant amount of technical debt, limiting our client's ability to innovate and scale effectively. Along with this, they operated a complex, token-based reward system, unique for each of their clients and websites, adding another layer of complexity to their operations. The lack of cohesion and integration within this system led to inefficiencies and operational difficulties. Their previous attempts to find and implement solutions to these problems had ended in failure, creating a need for a more thoughtful and effective approach. This predicament set the stage for a significant overhaul, creating an opportunity to replace their outmoded legacy system and streamline their operations, while preserving the core functionalities they relied upon.
Solution Development
To tackle the challenges posed by our client's legacy system, a comprehensive and strategic solution was crafted. The decision was made to implement Optimizely as a commerce Content Management System (CMS), a platform known for its robust functionality and adaptability. This formed the cornerstone of the new system. In addition, two other platforms, inriver and Omnium, were integrated into the ecosystem. These were selected to leverage their specialized capabilities to better serve our clients unique needs. To address the complexity of their token-based rewards system, a custom-built pricing engine was developed. This microservices-based engine became one of the core pillars of the website, revolutionizing the way our client managed their pricing across various catalogs. Going from manually updating pricing using spreadsheets once a quarter, to now automatically updating on a daily basis. Additionally, to improve site functionality and provide a more personalized user experience, Optimizely's personalization and search capabilities were incorporated. Recognizing the need for more stability and better performance, a migration was also undertaken from an older version of Microsoft to the current .NET Core platform. This solution development phase led to an integrated, modern system that was carefully tailored to meet the specific needs of our client.
Process & Execution
The execution of the project revolved around a carefully planned, iterative approach, mirroring the principles of 'lowercase agile' methodology. The primary focus was to develop a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), with a clear definition of what must be included and why. Importantly, the process was marked by strong collaboration and effective decision-making. The right stakeholders were always present during the meetings, ensuring timely, informed decisions and preventing delays in project execution. This not only streamlined the project but also fostered a shared understanding and alignment among all parties involved. Despite the project's complexity and the numerous moving pieces, a strong internal team, along with the client's cooperation in fulfilling their part, led to the successful launch of the project in under nine months. This achievement was testament to the strategic execution, efficient process management, and the synergistic collaboration between all parties.
Outcomes & Benefits
The transformational solution devised for our client brought about substantial outcomes and benefits. Most notably, the new system ushered in an era of enhanced efficiency and intuitive operations. With the implementation of the custom-built pricing engine and the integration of Optimizely, inriver, and Omnium, our client was able to manage its intricate rewards system with significantly greater ease. They moved from updating their pricing once a quarter to daily updates, signifying a dramatic improvement in their operations. The use of modern tools facilitated easier management, providing a platform for other stakeholders to contribute effectively. The personalization features, powered by Optimizely, and the modernization brought about by the migration to .NET Core, further enhanced the website's performance. Together, these changes culminated in a more modern, responsive, and user-friendly digital platform ecosystem. This transformative journey not only met our client's immediate needs but also laid a strong foundation for future growth and innovation.