Saving millions on migration from legacy to cloud
Project overview
- Project: Legacy to Cloud Migration
- Client industry: Luxury Manufacturing
- Duration: 18 Months
Context
In luxury manufacturing, where tradition meets innovation, this client’s reliance on a two-decade-old legacy system was a significant bottleneck. The system, built on an older .Net Framework and mixed with stored procedures and C# code, was due for a modern makeover.
Migration challenge and my role
Stepping into a challenging migration scenario, the client faced tens of thousands of daily errors during their shift to cloud infrastructure. This common yet complex issue in IT was compounded by employee turnover and a lack of thorough documentation.
My role as an external consultant was not just about code and systems; it was about guiding a critical transition. With over 25 years in tech, both in leadership and hands-on roles, I was ready to tackle this head-on, bringing stability and strategic foresight to the project.
Strategic approach
My approach was methodical: prioritize and address the most critical errors first, focusing on the high-impact issues disrupting manufacturing and ERP integrations.
System mapping was a significant step – dissecting nearly a million lines of legacy code to create a clear architectural blueprint for the future. This was about understanding the past to build a better future.
Implementing the solution
The initial focus was on resolving critical post-migration errors, ensuring system uptime and stability. Streamlining data by purging old logs made an immediate impact, freeing up much-needed database space.
Collaboration with other tech teams was crucial to resolve data integrity issues from integrations. Documenting previously unrecorded business requirements, we laid the groundwork for a more resilient system. Developing API functionalities was a strategic move towards modernizing data interactions.
Results and impact
Through diligent work, we averted significant operational disruptions and potential financial losses. The new logging system brought clarity and efficiency, allowing developers to quickly identify and address critical issues.
Improved integration with external POS vendors marked a substantial enhancement in retail operations, directly impacting the client’s bottom line.
Conclusion and lasting impact
Post-intervention, the system stands more robust and reliable. ERP integrations are smoother, and internal knowledge about these critical connections has significantly improved.
The path to replacing the legacy system with a modern platform is now clear, with each step towards modernization strategically planned and executed.
Lessons learned
Continuous system modernization is not just beneficial; it’s essential. Thorough documentation should be a standard practice, ensuring longevity and adaptability of tech systems. In cases of complex legacy systems, the expertise of an external consultant can be invaluable in steering successful modernization efforts.