Challenge
Urgently sought: Contemporary and functional application platform
Since there are no self-developed solutions in the single tenant and neither test, dev nor prod concepts exist, a stable, secure and high-performance application platform had to be evaluated and found to which the internal SharePoint developers could be retrained promptly.
Consulting
The way: proof of concept speaks a clear language
Datalynx performed a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis for Migros Luzern of the migration options using Microsoft's .NET and Power Platform technologies and the SAAS platform OutSystems, examining areas including rapid implementation and flexible customization, user-friendliness, scalable solutions, deployment process and costs.
The solution with OutSystems emerged as the clear technology comparison winner in all points examined. Datalynx was subsequently able to quickly and successfully implement two Migros applications on the OutSystems platform as a proof of concept (PoC).
With comprehensive consulting, a clear definition of the individual process steps, competent clarification of all questions and concerns that arose, efficient communication and a very good price-performance ratio, Datalynx was able to convince the Migros managers that their project was in the best hands with them as a partner.
Datalynx was able to score with these advantages:
- comprehensive consulting and clear definition of process steps
- efficient communication and very fast implementation
- good price-performance ratio
- compliance with all Migros data protection requirements
Solution
Top: The OutSystems platform proves its potential
In 2022, the Datalynx team set up the OutSystems platform for Migros Luzern in the cloud. A total of 25 applications, 3 of which were added during the course of the project, were redeveloped there within the planned timeframe and existing data was successfully migrated from the onPrem SharePoint platform.
The applications developed are used in very different areas, both internally and externally, in a wide range of functions:
One app, for example, actively supports HR in the onboarding of new employees, e.g. with user registration and other administrative processes, and another ensures that in-house meat production runs smoothly. In doing so, the app calculates exactly the right amount of ingredients for in-house meat products, such as grilled specialties or cordon bleus, to ensure the usual taste and consistently good quality for all stores. In addition, the app also manages information on suppliers and order quantities and provides information on allergens and additives in the finished products.
Datalynx AG supported the customer in the implementation of all measures and also took over the project management - starting with the development of the detailed requirements in cooperation with the respective application managers, through the creation of the solution design, the development of the applications in the company's own Digital Factory, including testing and acceptance, to the final go-live. Learn more about OutSystems..
Success
Seamlessly migrated: cost-effective, uncomplicated and efficient
The migrated, or newly developed, 25 applications run flawlessly. Users are extremely satisfied with both speed and functionality. The modular flexibility and scalability of the OutSystems platform enable uncomplicated, efficient and cost-effective creation and adaptation of applications, so that the innovative Migros can react quickly and precisely in the market.
Application adaptations can be implemented quickly even after go-live. With an integrated module, users can easily report errors to the application owner, who processes the messages and forwards them in compressed form to the service desk. This reduces the workload of the service desk by preventing users from repeatedly contacting the service desk directly.
Due to the international orientation of the Datalynx Group, four developers from the Portugal branch could be used for this project, which had a positive effect on the overall costs. The contact person and project management always remained centrally in Switzerland.
The project from the customer's point of view
We asked Mr. Rastedter and Mr. Imboden from Migros Luzern some questions about the project. Here are their answers:
How did you feel about Datalynx's consulting services during project definition and development?
Stefan Heer and Paulo Bastos from Datalynx provided us with comprehensive advice right from the start and discussed and defined all the important process steps with us. This enabled us to successfully implement a comprehensive POC. Our concerns and questions were always clarified very competently and the results always met our expectations.
What was particularly important for you when choosing Datalynx as a project partner?
It is important to us that the cooperation with a partner can take place in a spirit of partnership, reliably and with a good price-performance ratio. In addition, the partner should be able to understand the processes and provide us with optimal support. Communication with the business is also of central importance.
What were the biggest challenges in this project?
From 0 to 100 and to implement the migration of 25 applications with a new low-code platform in just one year and to involve the internal developers and the business in the process. Finding an application owner and deputy for each application at the business to actively support the migration. Establishing new roles such as application manager. Datalynx supported us very well here.
How would you describe the project management and collaboration with Datalynx?
Datalynx has supported us from proof of concept to today with very good project management and enabled us to migrate all 25 applications in just one year. This track record speaks for itself. In addition, Datalynx was able to support us optimally with its development resources in the project. The uncomplicated, transparent and professional way of working contributed significantly to the success of the project. In addition, the OutSystems platform should be mentioned, which worked without any problems at any time and where we never encountered any technical hurdles or problems.
Which aspects of the solution implied by Datalynx will bring Migros Luzern the greatest benefits in the future? What are these?
- Datalynx provided us with the basis for starting the migration with a ramp-up program, the modular structure and the StyleGuide. All applications could be migrated cleanly on this basis. Adaptations can be implemented easily and quickly even after the go-live.
- With the integrated module «Report messages and improvements», the user can easily formulate errors and adjustments and forward them to the owner of the application. The owner processes the messages and can forward errors to the service desk for resolution. With these integrated processes (for all applications) we relieve the service desk and prevent users from contacting the service desk directly.
- The ease of creating applications with modules and StyleGuide gives us the ability to quickly provide a solution to the business. Thanks to the StyleGuide and the consistently very good user interface, operation is simple and intuitive. The easy-to-integrate workflows are another advantage. In addition, all applications can be controlled so that they are available via the Internet or only on the internal network. In addition, all applications run on all devices (mobile, tablet, desktop).
- Connectivity via Graph API to our central Azure AD or SharePoint online, API interfaces to other systems and certified connectors to SAP, ServiceNow and many others, help us to implement business requirements extensively. Likewise data can be easily passed on to others via an interface (API, etc.).
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