Managed Services

Australian Financial Institution

Case Study

Development

Service Name

Challenge

Our client was confronted with a pressing issue regarding the management of their website. Originally developed by an external company, their website struggled to accommodate essential updates and technical improvements in a timely manner. This situation presented a significant impediment to meeting evolving business and member needs swiftly and efficiently.
The primary challenges faced by the institution included the need for more regular, timely updates and feature enhancements, as well as a technical debt within their development team as they migrated to newer platforms.

Solution

The focus of development for the Financial Institution was across three key areas: Its website portal, member app, and legacy system integration. All three areas were to be developed concurrently due to the project timelines and to ensure that member needs were met regardless of channel. Requirements were determined based on employee and customer feedback, and the new features were broken down into stories to be developed by one of three development teams. 9X5 Consulting assembled the two development teams in consultation with the client, with internal staff comprising the integration team.

Both streams were scoped by our Solution Architect and then broken into tasks by our Business Analyst/Scrum Master. Both project streams were run utilising SAFe Agile, which suited the project due to the flexibility required. Development was broken into fortnightly sprints, with 9X5’s Business Analyst also acting as the scrum master/ sprint planner.
The Member Portal Team is comprised of .NET developers, along with an Analyst and Functional Tester. The mobile team comprised a Xamerin developer, an analyst, and quality assurance professionals. Over the course of 12 months, enhancements were made to both streams which included: Monthly Investment Snapshot and Portfolio Metrics, Investor Statements and Income Taxation Statements.

Impact

The enhancements made to both the member portal and the member app have led to a greatly reduced customer churn rate, and a much improved customer experience. Prior to this development, many new member tasks still required PDF forms to complete (signing up to the portal for example) where now these tasks are handled within the app or website itself, reducing wait times.
Customer and member feedback scores are greatly improved and these feed-back mechanisms will continue to drive feature enhancements moving forward with the new digital platforms.

Client Overview

Our client is one of Australia’s best- known and most trusted alternative asset managers.

With over $19 billion in assets under management across almost 100,000 investors, including some of the world’s largest financial institutions, they are a market leading financial management institution.

by Michael Williamson

Multinational Fast Food Corporation: Analytics Technical Architecture

Case Study

Development

Service Name

Challenge

To meet the reporting needs of restaurant management and franchisees, our client has invested heavily in data and analytics platforms. In 2023 they made the decision to shift their main analytics platform from MicroStrategy to Domo, to improve response times, reduce development costs and improve user experience.
As Domo’s premier integrations partner in Australia, 9X5 Consulting was approached to support this uplift.

Solution

The Fast Food Corporation’s existing reporting dashboards had grown from an original number of 250 cards, to well over 2000. Many of these reports had been created to solve ad-hoc issues, and were not known or shared outside of departmental teams.

9X5 Consulting initially conducted an audit of these reports, which looked at metrics used, data sources required, ETL requirements, report usage, sharing and privacy, and business requirements, creating a matrix of reports with an estimated effort to recreate per dashboard. This formed the basis of our scope of works, which was then presented to the client.

With a strong understanding of the business requirements and the capabilities of Domo, 9X5’s Architect started with an assessment of the current solution including data sources, ETL processes, data warehouses, BI tools, and reporting mechanisms.

9X5 identified technical debts and performance issues around the utilisation of Snowflake as a data store, so upgrading this was also included in scope.
Once this was completed, 9X5 then defined the target data architecture, data pipelines and ingestion methods as well as user access controls.

Impact

With the initial approach agreed upon, 9X5 have assmebled a large team of Domo and Snowflake Developers to undertake the large task of moving reporting Dashboards across to the Domo platform. Work is being conducted in sprints with dashboards and cards being validated before redeveloped, ensuring that we only redevelop cards being used, and ensure that only the right users have access.

Concurrently 9X5 is involved in establishing and conducting Domo training for staff across both head office, regional offices and stores and will continue these activities throughout 2024/25.

Client Overview

Our client has become one of the leading multinational companies in the restaurant industry, managing a vast network of franchisees worldwide.

They have achieved success through a mix of well-established brand identities, coupled with the implementation of unified global systems and support services.

by Michael Williamson

The Art of UX Services: Designing Engaging User Experiences that Delight Customers

The importance of user experience (UX) design has never been greater, as companies seek to create engaging and memorable digital products that delight customers. UX design is the art of designing digital products, websites, and applications that are easy to use, intuitive, and enjoyable to interact with. In this blog post, we’ll explore the latest trends in UX design, from mobile-first approaches to the use of voice interfaces and chatbots, and provide tips for creating intuitive and user-friendly interfaces.

Why User Experience (UX) Design Matters for Digital Products

User experience (UX) design is crucial for creating engaging and memorable digital products that delight customers. It involves understanding user needs and preferences and designing digital products that meet those needs in a seamless and intuitive way. Good UX design can drive customer loyalty, increase user satisfaction, and improve business outcomes.

The Latest Trends in UX Design

  1. Mobile-First Design
    Mobile-first design is an approach that prioritises the design of mobile interfaces over desktop interfaces. As more users access digital products and services through mobile devices, it’s essential to design interfaces that are optimised for mobile use. This means using responsive design techniques to ensure that interfaces are easy to use on smaller screens, as well as designing interfaces that prioritise the most important content and features.
  2. Voice Interfaces and Chatbots
    Voice interfaces and chatbots are becoming increasingly popular in UX design, as they allow users to interact with digital products in a more natural and intuitive way. Voice interfaces, such as Amazon’s Alexa and Apple’s Siri, allowing users to control devices and access information through spoken commands. Chatbots, on the other hand, are automated conversational agents that can be used to provide customer support, answer questions, and even facilitate purchases.
  3. Minimalism
    Minimalism is a design trend that involves simplifying interfaces by removing unnecessary elements and focusing on the most important content and features. This approach can make interfaces easier to use and more intuitive, as users are not overwhelmed with too much information or too many options.

Tips for Creating Intuitive and User-Friendly Interfaces

  1. Understand User Needs
    To create intuitive and user-friendly interfaces, it’s essential to understand user needs and preferences. This involves conducting user research, gathering feedback, and analysing user behaviour data to identify pain points and areas for improvement.
  2. Simplify Navigation
    Navigation is a critical component of UX design, as it allows users to find the information and features they need quickly and easily. To simplify navigation, it’s essential to use clear and concise language, create logical hierarchies of information, and provide easy-to-use menus and controls.
  3. Use Consistent Design Patterns
    Consistency is key to creating intuitive and user-friendly interfaces. To achieve consistency, it’s essential to use the same design patterns, colours, and typography throughout the interface. This helps users understand how to interact with the product and reduces cognitive load.

Conclusion

User experience (UX) design is the art of creating digital products, websites, and applications that are easy to use, intuitive, and enjoyable to interact with. By understanding user needs and preferences, and using the latest trends in UX design, such as mobile-first approaches, voice interfaces, and chatbots, companies can create engaging and memorable digital products that delight customers. By simplifying navigation, using consistent design patterns, and prioritising the most important content and features, companies can create intuitive and user-friendly interfaces that drive customer loyalty and business outcomes.

by Michael Williamson

The Power of Mobile Development: Building Apps that Drive Business Growth

In today’s business landscape, mobile development has become an essential component of driving growth and staying competitive. With the increasing use of mobile devices, companies must have a mobile strategy that includes building apps to engage with customers and increase employee productivity. In this blog post, we’ll explore the power of mobile development in driving business growth and provide tips for building successful mobile apps.

The Importance of Mobile Development for Business Growth

Mobile development is crucial for driving business growth for several reasons. First, mobile apps allow companies to engage with customers on the go, providing them with convenient access to products and services. Mobile apps also enable companies to collect valuable customer data, which can be used to personalise marketing and sales efforts.

Additionally, mobile apps can help companies increase employee productivity. By providing employees with mobile tools and apps, they can work more efficiently and effectively, regardless of their location. This leads to increased collaboration, improved communication, and higher levels of employee satisfaction.

Tips for Building Successful Mobile Apps

  1. Design Intuitive User Interfaces
    The user interface is a critical component of any mobile app. It’s essential to design an intuitive and user-friendly interface that makes it easy for customers to navigate and interact with the app. This includes using clear and concise language, creating an attractive visual design, and providing easy-to-use navigation and controls.
  2. Optimise Performance
    Mobile apps must be optimised for performance to ensure that they run smoothly and quickly. This includes minimising app load times, reducing battery drain, and optimising memory usage. It’s also essential to test the app thoroughly to identify and address any performance issues before release.
  3. Ensure Security
    Mobile apps must be secure to protect user data and prevent unauthorised access. This includes using encryption to protect data in transit and at rest, implementing strong authentication and authorisation protocols, and ensuring that the app is regularly updated with security patches and bug fixes.
  4. Test and Iterate
    Finally, it’s crucial to test and iterate the mobile app to ensure that it meets the needs of users and business goals. This includes gathering feedback from users, analysing app usage data, and making iterative improvements to the app over time.

Conclusion

Mobile development is a critical component of driving business growth in today’s landscape. By building mobile apps that engage customers and increase employee productivity, companies can stay competitive and meet the needs of their clients. By designing intuitive user interfaces, optimising performance, ensuring security, and testing and iterating, companies can create successful mobile apps that drive business growth. So, get started with mobile development today and unlock the power of mobile apps for your business!

by Michael Williamson

The Importance of Collaboration in Development: How to Build Better Software with a Team

In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving technology landscape, collaboration is essential for creating successful software. With the increasing complexity of software development projects, it’s more important than ever to have a cohesive team working together towards a common goal. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of collaboration in development and provide strategies for building better software with a team.

Why Collaboration is Important in Development

Collaboration is essential in development for several reasons. First, software development projects are complex, requiring a diverse set of skills and expertise. By collaborating, team members can leverage their collective knowledge and skills to create better software. Additionally, collaboration fosters a sense of ownership and accountability, leading to higher levels of engagement and motivation.

Collaboration also helps to ensure that software development projects are completed on time and within budget. By working together, team members can identify and address potential issues early on, avoiding costly delays and rework.

Strategies for Effective Collaboration in Development

  1. Use Agile Methodologies
    Agile methodologies are designed to facilitate collaboration and teamwork. By breaking down development projects into smaller, more manageable chunks, teams can work more efficiently and adapt to changing requirements. Additionally, Agile methodologies promote regular communication and collaboration between team members, ensuring that everyone is working towards a common goal.
  2. Conduct Code Reviews
    Code reviews are an essential part of collaboration in software development. By reviewing each other’s code, team members can identify potential issues and suggest improvements. Code reviews also help to ensure that the software is high-quality, maintainable, and meets the project’s requirements.
  3. Implement Continuous Integration
    Continuous integration is the practice of regularly merging code changes into a shared repository. By doing so, teams can identify and address issues early on, before they become larger problems. Continuous integration also promotes collaboration by ensuring that all team members are working on the same codebase.
  4. Foster a Supportive and Inclusive Environment
    Finally, it’s essential to foster a supportive and inclusive environment for collaboration in development. By creating an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas and asking questions, teams can work more effectively together. Additionally, by promoting diversity and inclusion, teams can leverage the unique perspectives and experiences of all team members, leading to better software.

Conclusion

Collaboration is essential for building better software in development. By using Agile methodologies, conducting code reviews, implementing continuous integration, and fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, teams can work more efficiently and effectively together. By leveraging the collective knowledge and skills of all team members, teams can create high-quality software that meets the needs of their clients and end-users. So, collaborate and develop better software for the world to use!

by Michael Williamson

The Importance of Training and Testing in Software Development

Training and testing are critical components of software development. Here’s why:

Ensuring High-Quality Software Development

Training helps developers acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to build high-quality software that meets the needs of end-users. This includes both technical skills and soft skills, such as communication and collaboration. By investing in training, organisations can improve the quality of their software, which can lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Identifying and Addressing Issues Early

Testing is essential for identifying issues in software before it is released to end users. It allows developers to catch bugs and other issues early on in the development process, making it easier and less expensive to fix them. This can also help organisations avoid the negative impact of releasing faulty software, such as damage to their reputation or loss of customers.

Types of Testing

There are several types of testing that organisations can use to ensure high-quality software development:

  • Unit Testing: Tests individual units or components of code to ensure that they work as expected.
  • Integration Testing: Tests how different units or components of code work together.
  • System Testing: Tests the entire system to ensure that it meets the requirements and performs as expected.
  • Acceptance Testing: Tests the software from the end user’s perspective to ensure that it meets their needs and expectations.
    Investing in Training and Testing

Organisations should invest in both training and testing to ensure that their software development process is efficient and effective. This includes providing regular training opportunities for developers and establishing effective testing processes and tools.

Conclusion

Training and testing are critical for high-quality software development. By investing in these areas, organisations can improve the quality of their software and avoid issues that can negatively impact their reputation and bottom line.

by Michael Williamson

Australian Pearling Company - MyBuy Program

Case Study

Development

Service Name

Challenge

The pearling company faced significant challenges in managing its technology infrastructure. Their existing manual approach to hardware procurement and management led to inefficiencies, longer lead times for IT hardware, and the risk of hardware obsolescence.

Solution

To address these challenges, they turned to 9X5, a trusted Technology Partner, for a comprehensive solution. 9X5 provided the client with a customised MyBuy ordering portal, an experienced client manager and offered multiple warehousing options in Melbourne, Sydney, and Darwin, significantly reducing lead times for IT hardware procurement.

By prepositioning hardware in key locations and reducing the supported SKUs to standardised environments, 9X5 reduced lead times and dramatically improved SLAs between IT and the business.
9X5 also leveraged its strong relationships with key vendors like Lenovo, Microsoft, and Apple to gain favourable pricing and availability for essential hardware.

A crucial part of the solution was hardware forecasting. The client and 9X5 closely collaborated to forecast their hardware requirements, reducing delays in procurement.

Impact

Automating hardware procurement and management resulted in increased efficiency and significantly reduced errors, saving time and enhancing the reliability of the client’s technology infrastructure.

The MyBuy portal’s reporting and visualisation capabilities empowered the company to deliver insights more effectively to their team and stakeholders, improving decision-making. By adopting this comprehensive technology management solution, they gained a competitive advantage over competitors still relying on manual processes.

Completing the initial 7-day Proof of Value project demonstrated the value of the partnership with 9X5 Consulting. This success quickly transitioned into a full-scale project, making them a long- term client. In a short period, the pearling company experienced a positive impact on its technology infrastructure, resilience, and operational efficiency, paving the way for continued success across its diverse business operations.

Client Overview

An Australian company with a rich heritage spanning over 80 years is celebrated as a trailblazer in the Australian South Sea pearling sector. Presently, the company boasts a varied portfolio encompassing pearling, retail, aviation, and agriculture. With a workforce exceeding 1,200 individuals, a significant portion is dedicated to pearling operations.

by Michael Williamson