Case Studies > Automotive Industry > Reducing operational and sales costs with a custom planning app

Reducing operational and sales costs with a custom planning app

Multinational Automotive Manufacturing Company | Automotive

Designing, developing and testing software solutions to replace out-dated and costly sales forecast and analysis systems.

SHARE: 5 MINUTE READ

AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY | MOBILE AND WEB APP DEVELOPMENT

The Client

While a digital system upgrade may sound like a quick fix, our client was the 2nd largest car manufacturer in the UK – meaning forecasting data for sales needed to cover the 500,000 cars they built and distributed annually. They also belong to a European division of a Japanese company, meaning all information had to be universally applicable.

The Challenge:

Understanding the challenges our clients face as a result of relying on legacy software is how we develop, innovate and create solutions based around their needs.

For this challenge, we were approached by our client to renew and improve their out-dated and expensive sales forecasting software – because they were losing money using the very tool designed to reduce costs!

To replace the Steelwedge software in use, we had to fully understand the purpose it had been serving and where it had been falling short. Once we’d established what sort (and what quantity) of data was needed, we were able to get to work.

Successful replacement of
legacy software

Creation of a complete
web app

Minimal disruption to
client workflow

The Response:

We understood the importance of striking a balance between retaining a usable model while a new solution was created, and taking time to ensure all staff members were up to speed with the new application as it was introduced.

There was no room for lags or lack of access in between due to the sheer amount of information that was being handled.

Like any software used on a daily basis, our deadline was non-negotiable: all functionality tests and operational improvements had to be kept within very specific time frames, whilst keeping work visible and well communicated.

The team took the following steps:

  • Created a web app to replace Steelwedge software by the deadline.
  • Enabled data integration from Excel to the mainframe early in development.
  • Developed an MVP sales and operational planning tool to minimize workflow disruption.

Key technologies used were Angular, Java REST (Spring), JBoss, and PostgreSQL.

56%

reduction in client
downtime

MVP

solution approved ahead of
schedule

10%

of deliverables achieved
ahead of schedule

32%

productivity
increase

Project Outcome

By taking early action to identify and address key requirements, we ensured a smooth development process that not only reduced costs but also enabled the client’s teams to align their expectations and objectives. The project focused on delivering a reliable, adaptable system, with improvements that benefitted both business leaders and service users.

The project delivered:

  • Successful replacement of outdated Steelwedge software, maintaining compliance with any data that was no longer needed.
  • Integration of a bespoke, fit-for-purpose sales and operational planning tool.
  • Incorporation of vast amounts of legacy delivery data from the original mainframe with new orders, sales, and supply volumes, while ensuring the basic functionality of the app in its early stages.
  • Delivery of a bespoke tool that enhanced operational visibility and met project deadlines, backed by over 20 years of experience.

Our software development expertise, particularly in AWS Cloud, Java, and microservices, provided the technical foundation for creating a solution tailored to the client’s needs. This project resulted in a modern, scalable platform that replaced outdated technology and drove greater efficiency across the client’s operations.

             

We were delighted with the work produced by Infotel UK, after their services were recommended to us for this specific project. Their knowledge of semantic web technologies and their practice-based knowledge of the automotive sector meant our team felt supported and in the loop throughout the process. We look forward to working with them again.

         

Development Consultant

Ready to find out how resource augmentation can reduce your costs?
Contact one of our consultants today.

Get in Touch