The client approached us in December 2019 regarding the digital transformation of their legacy systems and applications. In the past, we provided service in other areas, so we had already established a good relationship with them, which led them to ask us to respond to an RFP based on their requirements.
However, we soon realized that the requirements were lacking in context and did not have adequate domain knowledge. Furthermore, our client was short on internal resources and consequently had to outsource software development work to an external service provider. This posed a challenge, and we recommended a transition to Agile which required agile teams with strong domain knowledge and familiarity with agile practices.
In light of this, we began restructuring the existing waterfall workflow to incorporate agile principles with a view toward helping the client transition away from manual processes and tribal knowledge as the core leadership in their gas operations division retired.
This included re-imagining how teams would be structured, optimizing processes for agile delivery, introducing agile coaching sessions, and mentoring new team members.
Transitioning from an Outdated Legacy System to an Agile Product
3Ci began the agile transformation by conducting deep dives to get acquainted with subject matter experts and identify any gaps in the development process. This enabled them to build a robust product backlog that could be used for development. After planning out ten program increments (10 weeks each), the team set out to replace a legacy system developed in the 90’s, which was stressed to meet current cybersecurity standards and did not meet evolving customer needs. The existing product served over 7 million residential and 5-6 million commercial customers.
In order to accomplish this daunting task, 3Ci assembled four scrum teams (5 software developers and 1 team lead), an application architect, a development manager, and other experienced professionals who were necessary for the agile transformation. The agile methodology that 3Ci employed enabled them to develop a more agile, reliable, and customer-focused product than the
existing legacy system.
We also collaborated with another vendor to implement our agile transformation processes successfully. This collaboration has enhanced security and boosted scalability, allowing us to account for any company acquisitions our client was undergoing and the efficiency of managing them as they entered the new system. Moreover, this agile transformation process lets businesses adapt to tariff changes without manual work.
Benefits of Agile Transformation
Agile software development has enabled businesses to transform and upgrade their legacy systems, making them more secure and easier to maintain by leveraging Microsoft, .NET, and Angular technology to build browser-based solutions that can be accessed without the need for VPNs. This modernized approach makes custom applications more scalable and maintainable while resonating with clients’ high sense of urgency.
Organizations that have used an agile approach are able to rapidly deploy and receive feedback on projects, allowing them to adjust quickly to customer needs. This type of flexibility is more cost-effective and makes it easier for stakeholders to make decisions as they can see immediate results in real-time.
The agile approach also creates an environment of collaboration, allowing for more efficient use of resources and an increased capacity for creativity. This leads to improved customer service and better user experience as teams are able to identify the best solutions quickly and efficiently.
By giving organizations an alternative route to achieving development goals, agile transformations have become invaluable tools for modern businesses seeking to stay competitive in today’s ever-changing marketplace. By utilizing experienced professionals and cutting-edge technologies, 3Ci successfully transitioned the client from an outdated legacy system to an agile and customer-friendly product – ensuring its longevity in the market.