Case Study:
How Shinetech developers helped a large pharmacy company
achieve digital transformation
Introduction
Our client is the largest retail pharmacy company in Australia. They provide effective health solutions, advice, latest research-backed information, and consultations to their customers via several pharmacy chains.
The client’s systems were outdated and in need of a complete rehaul. However, the client also noticed that most of their employees are used to the old system and retraining them would be a considerable obstacle to their growth. The internal communication between HQ and the stores was slow and inefficient. Their after-sales process was manual, further complicating their workflow, causing massive productivity issues.
We had to keep intact most of the user experience in user interfaces when digitizing their workflow. It was essential to keep the client-facing interface the same so as to avoid any disruption in their workflows and business operations that might hinder their transformation. As for the backend, we used modern technology such as Redis and ASP.NET Core.
Upgraded internal communications and operations management
Before working with Shinetech, the client relied on several separate outdated systems to handle product registrations, inventory, and staff management. Their market reach was expanding, making it increasingly challenging to retain good communication between different branches. Also, their inter-department collaboration was suffering, so they needed an update to their systems.
After meeting with Shinetech developers and sharing that their systems were inadequate for their updated business goals, together we understood that SharePoint would be the best replacement for their systems. Since Microsoft was still developing SharePoint and adding new features, and Shinetech being a Microsoft Partner, we had deep knowledge of how to adapt the technology to suit our client.
SharePoint 2013 dashboard - used from the beginning of our cooperation with the client
Developed a new after-sales system
Another significant part of the client’s business consisted of their after-sales workflow, predominantly done by hand. As the order quantity increased, this workflow slowed the client’s growth. So, it was necessary to develop an after-sales system to complement their sales system and connect to the client’s supply chain.
We created a web-based system suitable for people with little to no technical background, making sure that the customer’s employees can easily use it. We also included various modules to ensure the system’s integrity, reliability, and security during data transmission. We also pen tested the system often through simulated cyberattacks during development and in various settings to confirm that the system can withstand penetration attempts to a certain extent.
A preview of the simplified dashboard created by Shinetech Software developers that helped client achieve complete digital transformation
After-sales custom dashboard used by account managers
Working with the client on-site
In 2017 and 2019, Qidong Lu and Erik Hua went to Melbourne, Australia, to work directly with the client on-site to ensure software updates and releases went smoothly. Erik’s trip to work with the client directly from their headquarters strengthened our relationship and allowed us to view first-hand how our software impacts their workflow. It was essential to Erik and the team that the client doesn’t have too many disturbances so they could continue with their daily processes while we deploy software in the background. Naturally, there were minor setbacks with deployment, but Erik and the team quickly eliminated these setbacks without any impact on the customer’s systems.
While on-site, Erik understood why the client wanted to develop a feature in a certain way and see what mattered the most to the client. Understanding the cultural differences resulted in a better knowledge of the client’s business and their way of work, which elevated the project and our cooperation to a new level.
While there, Erik could effectively coordinate system testing and discuss everything with the client’s team in real-time. This approach allowed us to quickly sort out numerous minor issues and improve the system’s functionality. It was also helpful we could test everything closely with the client’s team and immediately get feedback on how they interact with the transformed systems. The Shinetech team helped the client save time and resources in the long term by implementing minimal changes and solidifying the system, which is still in use today.
Erik Hua's desk while working on-site
The Qingdao team in Australia
How Shinetech developers added value
Weadded value to the client’s business from three aspects: the technical aspect, the work process, and by identifying opportunities that would help them in the future. The combined aspects are the reason why the client decided not only to keep Shinetech Software as their custom software development partner but also to expand our responsibilities.
From the technical aspect, Shinetech developers upgraded the original system with .NET and added more primary functions, such as:
- Communication management between HQ and all branches in different cities
- Inventory management module
- Label generation for labeling all products, ensuring there are no mislabeled products to impact customers negatively
We also added more components and apps to enhance system use. We developed these additional modules by ensuring they benefit all end users and are easy to use.
We used a Microsoft Azure server with higher security and SharePoint for the after-sales system. Both these technologies were 100% compatible with the system’s other modules, allowing us to integrate modules further and seamlessly transfer important data through APIs.
We used AppScan for pen testing website vulnerabilities and developed solutions to fix serious exploits we found. We also used a to test cross-account and cross-permission operations, process error interfaces, and fix SQL injection and XSS attacks.
Our primary goal was to increase the system’s functionality and not disturb the client’s daily operations. We coordinated releases and updates for every sprint with the client’s teams and always notified them ahead of time. This was especially important during the later stages of our cooperation, where we had more responsibility since we worked on systems in three different countries.
Regarding Shinetech’s work process – we followed high development standards for each phase of the project. The client’s in-house teams also followed Agile methodology, so it was easy to synchronize with them.
But the most important aspect that allowed us to develop such a strong connection with the client was identifying opportunities for growth. When we started our cooperation, the client was unaware we have large development capabilities and talented people who can help them beyond the original scope of work.
The results of our collaboration
After more than 5 years of consistent development, we successfully transformed the client’s system and fully upgraded their online workflow. During this time, we effectively built, tested, and deployed more than 50 releases. The team grew from only 2 people at the beginning of the cooperation to 15 because more departments wanted to work with us to transform their systems, having seen what we are capable of.
Now, the client can efficiently communicate with all their branches, apply high standards to their work, and follow all necessary procedures. Since we transferred their business logic to the new system, the client doesn’t have additional training costs for using it.
Also, the new after-sales system now adequately captures customer feedback, resulting in improved customer satisfaction and a strong guarantee for sustainable sales. The system’s security has also greatly improved, safeguarding customer-sensitive data and the system overall for the long term.
Through our work and consistent results, Shinetech has become client’s reliable development partner for the long term. We continue to work closely with this client to explore new possibilities and develop new features, upgrades, and releases to strengthen their position in the market.
Meet the team
Qidong has over 10 years of experience in software design and project management. He has a deep understanding of software architecture, loosely coupled and multi-tier structures. Now he is the team leader to help clients with digital management and market expansion.
Will is a senior development engineer with 14 years in software development and 5 years of experience to manage projects. He has been working for CW about 4 years and helping CW to improve its SharePoint environment and other IT service.
Gary is a business analyst with over 7 years in software development and business requirement analysis. He has a deep understanding of cloud services and network technology. He is currently helping clients expand their business in China.
James has 10+ years of development experience in .NET and 5+ years in Microsoft Dynamics 365. He is a problem-solver with incredible skills in learning, researching, and excellent abilities in software architecture.
Fannie has over 10+ years of development experience in UI/UX. She has excellent problem-solving skill in front-end and HTML5. Her great communication capacity make her work very closely with team and client.
Erik is a senior developer with 11 years’ experience and a team leader/project manager with 6 years' experience. Erik has excellent abilities with software architecture, requirement analysis and management.
Qidong has over 10 years of experience in software design and project management. He has a deep understanding of software architecture, loosely coupled and multi-tier structures. Now he is the team leader to help clients with digital management and market expansion.
Will is a senior development engineer with 14 years in software development and 5 years of experience to manage projects. He has been working for CW about 4 years and helping CW to improve its SharePoint environment and other IT service.
Gary is a business analyst with over 7 years in software development and business requirement analysis. He has a deep understanding of cloud services and network technology. He is currently helping clients expand their business in China.
James has 10+ years of development experience in .NET and 5+ years in Microsoft Dynamics 365. He is a problem-solver with incredible skills in learning, researching, and excellent abilities in software architecture.
Fannie has over 10+ years of development experience in UI/UX. She has excellent problem-solving skill in front-end and HTML5. Her great communication capacity make her work very closely with team and client.
Erik is a senior developer with 11 years’ experience and a team leader/project manager with 6 years' experience. Erik has excellent abilities with software architecture, requirement analysis and management.