Case Study: Seamless Integration of Banking Systems and Services in the Consolidation Process

 

Introduction

A leading French bank was faced with the challenge of consolidating with another bank, requiring the complex integration of a diverse systems infrastructure and separate discount services. The entire process had to be planned and executed in a way that minimized disruption and downtime, ensuring a smooth and timely resumption of the bank’s operations.

Our Achievements

 

• Consolidation of Two Banks: The project successfully supported the merger of two banks by integrating internal applications, which allowed the client-facing teams to continue offering seamless support to customers.
• Deployment of Separate Discount Services: The team identified and executed the need to develop and manage two distinct discount services for clients, despite the complexity of the existing system.
• Seamless Data Migration: Executed a complex data migration process that involved restructuring the database to separate corporate and private client data, ensuring data integrity and compliance throughout the merger.
• Infrastructure Adaptation: Managed the integration of a C# and .NET Framework application within a predominantly Java and Unix-based environment, showcasing the team’s ability to work across diverse technology stacks and ensuring that the solution was fully operational within the bank’s existing infrastructure.

 

Client Benefits

 

• Enhanced Customer Experience: By developing specialized services for different client segments, the project significantly improved the bank’s ability to cater to corporate and long-term customers, resulting in higher levels of satisfaction and retention.
• Minimized Disruption During Merger: The project’s careful planning and execution minimized downtime during the critical merger process, ensuring that the bank’s operations resumed smoothly and on schedule.
• Long-Term Operational Efficiency: The solutions provided, including the dual-instance discount services and the Kanban project management approach, equipped the bank with a scalable and maintainable framework for ongoing and future operations, delivering sustained value.

 

The Problem

The primary challenge was the consolidation of the two banks, which required a comprehensive integration of different systems and services. The existing infrastructure was primarily designed for Java applications, but the project required extensive work with C# and the .NET Framework.

• Technology Stack Mismatch: The team had to operate within a predominantly Unix and Java environment, which presented challenges for the C# and .NET-based solutions.
• Agile Methodology Constraints: The initial use of the Scrum framework proved to be limiting due to the unpredictable nature of the project’s requirements, necessitating a shift to Kanban for better adaptability.

 

Our Solution

The project involved the successful integration of internal systems to support the newly merged bank’s customer-facing operations. This included the development of dual discount services and the implementation of a flexible project management approach. While implementing the process, we used technologies such as: C# and .NET Framework 4.8, Windows Servers, Kanban methodology, database structure redesign.

Path to Success

 

• Initial Phase: Data collection and requirement gathering, which involved close collaboration with the bank’s internal teams.
• Analysis and Planning: A detailed analysis phase, where the team assessed the feasibility of splitting services and developed a strategic plan.
• Development and Testing: Ongoing development of new features and services, alongside continuous testing to ensure alignment with the bank’s needs.
• Final Deployment: The integrated solution was successfully deployed during a planned 72-hour window, ensuring minimal disruption to bank operations.

 

Results and Benefits

The project fostered close collaboration with the client’s internal teams, allowing for the continuous gathering of requirements and feedback. This engagement was critical in adapting the project to meet the evolving needs of the bank’s consolidation process. The integration of systems and services not only facilitated the merger of the two banks but also enhanced the overall efficiency of customer support operations. The dual- service architecture provided tailored solutions to corporate and long-term clients, which directly contributed to improved customer satisfaction. The solutions implemented during the project, particularly the dual-instance discount services and the shift to a more adaptive Kanban methodology, provided the client with a scalable and maintainable framework for future projects and potential further integrations. The project culminated in the successful integration of systems from the two merging banks, the development of specialized services for different client segments, and the adoption of a more flexible project management approach. The client expressed high satisfaction with the project’s outcome, particularly noting the smooth transition and minimal disruption during the critical integration period.

Conclusion

The project was a significant success, demonstrating the team’s ability to manage complex integrations, adapt to changing requirements, and deliver high-value solutions that aligned with the client’s business goals. The success was evident when the entire integration and consolidation process was completed over a critical long weekend, minimizing downtime and ensuring that the bank’s operations resumed smoothly on the following business day.

The methodologies and solutions implemented during this project have set a new standard for future initiatives within the bank, ensuring that the client is well-positioned to handle further integrations and system enhancements with minimal risk.

What Pragmile Offers

As Pragmile continues to push the boundaries of innovation, businesses that partner with us can expect to benefit from our deep expertise, cutting-edge technologies, and commitment to delivering bespoke solutions. By harnessing the power of AI, Computer Vision, and Machine Learning, Pragmile empowers organizations to build a future where ideas meet expertise, driving transformative results across industries.

• Empowering projects with our High-Performance Developer Teams.
• Harnessing the power of AI, Computer Vision, and Machine Learning to craft pioneering solutions.
• Utilizing our Infrasenses technology to make tech solutions smart, intuitive, and predictive.
• Creating robust AI-driven platforms and developing bespoke tech solutions tailored to your needs.

Contact us directly at contact@pragmile.com and let’s discuss how innovative technologies and processes can transform your business.