Case Study: Zeren Software’s Oracle FLEXCUBE Implementation Project for a Major Banking Client

Posted: July 9, 2024 | In: Case study, IT Project Management

In today’s fast-paced financial landscape, maintaining cutting-edge technology is crucial for banks to stay competitive. Recognizing this, one of the largest banks in the Nordics embarked on an ambitious project to upgrade its core banking system as part of its Core Banking Transformation program. The goal was to enhance business agility, streamline connectivity, and optimize operations through the implementation of Oracle FLEXCUBE. Zeren Software was entrusted with this critical project, providing a team of skilled project managers to ensure its success.

Project Background

Our client, a prominent Nordic bank, launched a comprehensive transformation initiative encompassing four major streams:

FLEXCUBE Transformation
Non-production Platform Delivery
Pan-Regional Integration Platform
Infrastructure and Network Strategy Implementation (Data Center Move)

The FLEXCUBE Transformation project is a cornerstone of this initiative, involving the upgrade of FLEXCUBE from version 8 to 13, integration with over 40 satellite systems, and ensuring robust business intelligence (BI) and data warehousing (DWH) reporting.

Project Scope and Objectives

The specific role Zeren Software played focuses on the BI/DWH stream within the FLEXCUBE Transformation project. Key objectives included:

Clarifying Business Requirements: Ensuring business requirements are clearly defined and accepted by stakeholders.
System Upgrade: Upgrading FLEXCUBE from version 8 to 13.
Integration: Seamlessly integrating FLEXCUBE with over 40 satellite systems and a data warehouse.
BI and DWH Reporting: Ensuring uninterrupted BI and DWH reporting during the system transition.

Role of Zeren Software’s Project Managers

Our team of project managers was tasked with overseeing the BI/DWH stream, managing the end-to-end project lifecycle. Their responsibilities include:

Project Lifecycle Management: Leading the BI/DWH stream from initiation to completion, ensuring all milestones were met.
Stakeholder Coordination: Working closely with various stakeholders to define and document product and process requirements.
Migration Strategy: Developing and executing a comprehensive migration strategy, ensuring business and operational readiness.
Training and Testing: Facilitating end-user training and ensuring comprehensive test case documentation.
Integration Management: Managing the integration and configuration of FLEXCUBE with existing systems to maintain reporting accuracy and compliance.
Dependency and Risk Management: Identifying and managing risks, ensuring effective communication and coordination across all project streams.

Challenges and Solutions

The project presented several challenges, including managing dependencies across four major streams and ensuring minimal disruption to daily operations. Our project managers addressed these challenges through:

Proactive Risk Management.
Effective Communication.
Robust Testing Protocols.

Results and Impact

The successful upgrade of FLEXCUBE will result in significant improvements for the bank:

Enhanced Business Agility: The upgraded system will allow the bank to respond more swiftly to market changes and customer needs.
Streamlined Connectivity: Improved integration with other systems will optimize processes and data flow.
Operational Efficiency: Automation of routine tasks and enhanced data management will reduce operational costs and improve efficiency.

Conclusion

Zeren Software’s involvement in this critical project underscores our commitment to delivering high-quality solutions that drive business success. The successful implementation of Oracle FLEXCUBE for one of the largest banks in the Nordics will not only enhance their operational capabilities but also position them at the forefront of digital banking transformation. As the financial industry continues to evolve, Zeren Software remains dedicated to supporting our clients in navigating their digital journeys, ensuring they remain competitive and innovative in a rapidly changing market.

Case study: Zeren Software’s Cloud Cost Optimization Project for a Major Media Client

Posted: April 30, 2024 | In: Case study

Client Overview

We collaborate with a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate, representing approximately 2400 companies within the marketing sector. The client conglomerate spans various sectors including Media, Data, Public Relations, Brand Consulting, Production, Health & Wellness, and Integrated Networks. Headquartered in the UK, the client embarked on a significant cloud transformation journey, migrating hundreds of applications from on-premises infrastructure to leading cloud platforms such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform.

Challenge

The client faced the challenge of efficiently managing the cloud transformation of its entire group, encompassing a diverse range of applications across multiple business verticals. With the migration to cloud platforms, there was a pressing need to optimize cloud costs without compromising application performance and quality. The client sought a partner with expertise in cloud cost optimization to ensure the success of this transformation initiative.

Solution

Zeren Software deployed a specialized team of experts comprising roles such as Team Lead, Senior Cloud Engineer, FinOps Specialist, and Project Manager to address the client’s cloud cost optimization needs. Leveraging their experience with tools such as IBM Turbonomic and CloudHealth, the team meticulously analyzed the client’s cloud usage and performance metrics. By closely collaborating with the client’s DevOps and technical teams, Zeren Software team developed tailored cost optimization strategies while ensuring the continued quality and performance of applications.

Implementation

The Zeren Software team employed a proactive approach, engaging with client stakeholders including heads of operations in the respective companies and application owners. Through effective communication and collaboration, they gained insights into the specific requirements and challenges of each application. Utilizing their planning and execution skills, the team implemented targeted cost optimization solutions, leveraging intelligent automation and AI-powered insights provided by IBM Turbonomic.

Results

Within just three months of project initiation, the client witnessed a significant reduction in cloud costs across a subset of applications, marked by a notable 2.7 mil USD decrease in expenditure. This initial success validated the effectiveness of Zeren Software’s approach and solidified their partnership with the client. Encouraged by these results, the client expressed intent to expand the optimization efforts to encompass the remaining applications slated for cloud migration.

Key Takeaways:

Zeren Software’s collaborative approach, coupled with deep expertise in cloud cost optimization, enabled the client to achieve tangible results within a short timeframe.
Effective communication and engagement with client stakeholders were instrumental in understanding unique requirements and driving successful outcomes.
Leveraging advanced tools such as IBM Turbonomic and CloudHealth empowered the team to develop tailored optimization strategies, balancing cost efficiency with application performance.

Future Outlook

As the client’s cloud transformation journey continues, Zeren Software remains committed to optimizing costs and maximizing the value of cloud investments. With ongoing collaboration and innovation, the partnership between Zeren Software and the client is poised for further success in achieving cloud cost optimization objectives across the entire application portfolio.

At Zeren Software, we understand the complexities of migrating to leading cloud platforms while ensuring cost efficiency and application performance. Let us tailor solutions to your specific needs and challenges, leveraging our team of experts and cutting-edge tools.

Contact us today to discuss how we can drive significant reductions in your cloud expenditure while maintaining top-notch application quality. Your optimized cloud awaits—reach out now to embark on this transformative journey with Zeren Software.