Let's talk about you

Discover the Filinea case study

Talk with an expert

Mistakes to avoid when implementing these architectures

Many companies hesitate to adopt these architectures due to fear of initial complexity. However, by following a methodical approach, the transition is smooth, and the benefits are immediate. The key is to understand that migration should not be seen as an isolated project but as a progressive and strategic transformation of the information system.

Some common mistakes can slow down or compromise this transition. Here are the most frequent ones and how to avoid them:

1. Trying to migrate everything at once

Transitioning from a monolithic architecture to hexagonal architecture and microservices doesn’t happen overnight. A massive, abrupt migration exposes the company to technical and organizational risks.

Solution: Adopt a gradual approach. Identify critical modules and migrate them one by one, starting with those that provide an immediate gain in performance and flexibility.

2. Underestimating the importance of testing

A more modular system requires rigorous test coverage. Without robust tests, maintenance becomes complex, and regression risks increase.

Solution: Implement automated testing, including unit, integration, and load tests, to ensure system stability throughout the transition.

3. Failing to structure CI/CD from the start

Many companies implement microservices without adapting their delivery processes. Without a proper continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD) pipeline, updates become cumbersome and conflict-prone.

Solution: Structure your CI/CD pipeline from the beginning with tools like GitHub Actions, GitLab CI/CD, Jenkins, or ArgoCD. Automate builds, tests, and deployments to ensure fast and safe updates.

4. Ignoring monitoring and observability

In a distributed architecture, tracking the state of services becomes more complex. Without proper visibility, incident resolution can become a nightmare.

Solution: Set up an observability stack with tools like Prometheus, Grafana, OpenTelemetry, and Loki. Ensure that each microservice generates logs and actionable metrics.

5. Neglecting API and interservice communication management

Poorly managed communication between services can introduce latency or security risks.

Solution: Use an API Gateway like Kong or Apigee for centralized API management. Implement asynchronous messaging with Kafka or RabbitMQ to avoid direct dependencies between services.

Not involving business teams

Often, IT teams lead the transition without consulting business stakeholders, resulting in solutions that don’t meet real needs.

Solution: Involve business managers from the design phase to ensure the new architecture meets business needs, not just technical requirements.

Lacking a strategic vision

Some companies adopt these architectures just because “everyone is doing it.” Without clear long-term benefits, the project may stall.

Solution: Define clear business objectives before starting: reduced maintenance costs, faster time-to-market, improved scalability, etc.

Edana, your partner for a successful transition

At Edana, we support our clients at every step of their digital transformation by integrating these architectures pragmatically. We have helped companies avoid millions in maintenance costs and cut their service launch times in half.

Hexagonal architecture and microservices are not just technical choices; they are the foundation of an agile, high-performing, and resilient company. If you want to ensure the longevity of your IT system and accelerate your growth, adopting these architectures is imperative.

Talk with an expert

Featured-Post-ECommerce-EN Software Engineering (EN)

Why and How to Use Headless Architecture in E-Commerce

Post author By Jonathan
Post date 15 March 2025

Why and How to Use Headless Architecture in E-Commerce

Modern e-commerce demands flexibility, scalability, and execution speed—capabilities that traditional monolithic architectures struggle to deliver. Headless architecture, which decouples the front-end from the back-end, enables companies to innovate more rapidly and adapt to changing market demands.

In this article, we will explore the principles of headless commerce, demonstrate its technical advantages, and provide concrete implementation examples. We will also examine how existing solutions like SAP Commerce, Adobe Commerce (Magento), Commercetools, and BigCommerce fit into this approach. Finally, we will discuss why custom development is often the best alternative for companies looking for long-term flexibility, reduced total cost of ownership (TCO), and full control over their infrastructure.

Understanding Headless Architecture

Headless architecture is built on a strict separation between the user interface (front-end) and the e-commerce engine (back-end). Unlike monolithic architectures where both layers are tightly integrated into a single solution, headless commerce enables each component to evolve independently through APIs.

In a traditional e-commerce platform, front-end requests (such as displaying a product or adding an item to the cart) are directly managed by the back-end. In a headless setup, these interactions occur through RESTful APIs or GraphQL, which provide data in a standardized format, allowing the front-end to utilize them freely.

{CTA_BANNER_BLOG_POST}

Modularity, Flexibility, and Scalability

One of the biggest advantages of headless commerce is its modularity. In a traditional setup, any modification to the front-end often requires adjustments to the back-end, making the system rigid and difficult to scale.

With a headless architecture:

The front-end and back-end evolve independently: You can change the site design or add a new sales channel (mobile app, voice commerce) without impacting product and order management.
Microservices replace monolithic blocks: Each functionality (payments, inventory management, customer loyalty) can be decoupled and updated or replaced individually.

Example of a Microservices-Based Headless Architecture

Front-end: React, Vue.js, or Angular (user experience layer)
API Layer: GraphQL, RESTful API (data communication layer)
Commerce Engine: Custom-built with Node.js and PostgreSQL or integrated with SAP Commerce, Magento, etc.
Microservices: Payment, order management, loyalty, inventory tracking, etc.

This structure allows for maximum scalability—for example, an inventory management service can be upgraded or replaced without affecting the rest of the system.

Use Cases: Why Headless is a Strategic Choice

To better understand why this architecture was developed and what problems it solves, let’s examine various real-world scenarios where companies benefit from headless commerce.

1. Implementing an Omnichannel E-Commerce Strategy

A retailer wants to sell products across multiple channels: a website, a mobile app, and interactive kiosks in physical stores. In a traditional architecture, this would require maintaining multiple front-end versions and managing interactions with a monolithic back-end.

With a headless approach:

A single centralized back-end provides data across all platforms.
Each channel is optimized independently (e.g., mobile experience differs from desktop).
Future expansions, such as a marketplace integration, are simplified via standardized API management.

2. Industry-Focused E-Commerce with IoT and Automation

A company specializing in industrial machinery sales wants to digitize its sales and maintenance operations. Over the next five years, they anticipate:

Integrating IoT sensors to monitor equipment and trigger automatic spare part orders.
Deploying a chatbot to assist customers in product searches and troubleshooting.
Automating inventory replenishment based on stock levels and consumption forecasts.
Providing B2B distributors with a personalized portal.

With a monolithic system, implementing these changes would be costly and require major platform overhauls.

With a headless architecture:

The core e-commerce engine remains unchanged, while IoT sensors connect via APIs for real-time inventory updates.
A chatbot powered by AI can directly interact with the product API and stock management modules.
Distributors can have custom portals without modifying the main system.
A B2B marketplace can be added without rebuilding the entire back-end.

3. Optimizing Performance for High-Traffic Events

A fashion brand experiences traffic spikes during sales events and new collection launches. A monolithic architecture struggles to handle such loads, causing slow page loads and lost revenue.

By adopting a headless approach:

The front-end is served via a Content Delivery Network (CDN), reducing server load.
The back-end only responds to API calls when necessary, minimizing resource usage.
Smart caching strategies improve page speed without increasing infrastructure costs.

4. Advanced Personalization and A/B Testing

An electronics e-commerce store wants to test different UI variations to boost conversion rates.

With a monolithic system, A/B testing requires significant back-end changes and risky deployments.

With a headless commerce setup:

Each variation is handled entirely on the front-end, without disrupting core functionality.
User data is analyzed in real time through analytics APIs (Google Analytics, Amplitude).
The customer experience dynamically adapts based on segmentation and engagement metrics.

Headless E-Commerce Solutions vs. Custom Development

Several ready-to-use headless commerce solutions exist to help businesses leverage this architecture without starting from scratch:

SAP Commerce Cloud: A robust enterprise-grade solution but with high costs and implementation complexity.
Adobe Commerce (Magento Headless): Enables headless transformation for existing Magento stores but requires performance optimization.
Commercetools: A native headless-first solution, ideal for API-centric businesses.
BigCommerce Headless: A flexible option with solid integrations with CMS and modern frameworks.

These solutions provide strong foundations but often come with limitations in terms of customization, scalability, and licensing costs. For businesses looking for long-term flexibility and control, custom development is often the better choice.

Custom Headless Development: A Scalable and High-Performance Solution

Custom development allows businesses to optimize every layer of their architecture, selecting technologies tailored to business constraints and performance requirements.

Why Choose Nest.js and PostgreSQL for a Headless Back-End?

For the back-end, Nest.js is a powerful framework built on Node.js and TypeScript. It offers:

Modular structure inspired by Angular, making maintenance easier.
Built-in GraphQL, WebSockets, and microservices support for scalable API interactions.
Better performance and security compared to traditional Node.js frameworks.

Paired with PostgreSQL, one of the most advanced relational databases, it ensures:

ACID transactions for secure order processing and stock management.
Advanced querying capabilities for fast product retrieval.
JSONB support, combining the best of SQL and NoSQL for flexible data storage.

By using TypeScript, developers benefit from static typing, improved code readability, and safer refactoring.

Is Headless the Right Choice for Your Business?

Adopting headless commerce is a strategic response to the challenges of modern e-commerce. By enabling modularity, flexibility, and scalability, it helps businesses adapt quickly to market trends, improve user experience, and ensure platform resilience.

Whether through integrated headless solutions or custom development, transitioning to headless commerce is a key driver of digital transformation that offers a significant competitive advantage.

With over 15 years of experience and 100+ delivered projects, our experts at Edana are ready to support your digital transformation journey.

Looking to transition to headless commerce? Contact an expert today.

Talk with an expert

Featured-Post-About (EN) Featured-Post-HomePage-EN Software Engineering (EN)

How to Ensure Data Security with Your Enterprise Software?

Post author By Jonathan
Post date 5 March 2024

How to Ensure Data Security with Your Enterprise Software?

Data security has become a critical concern for businesses of all sizes. With the proliferation of cyber threats and the increasing value of data, it is imperative for organizations to implement robust security measures to protect their sensitive information. Enterprise software, often the guardian of valuable data such as customer information, financial data, and trade secrets, is a prime target for cybercriminals. Therefore, ensuring data security within your enterprise software becomes a top priority to ensure business continuity and maintain customer trust.

In this article, we will explore different strategies and best practices for enhancing data security with your enterprise software. From risk assessment to establishing a robust security infrastructure, managing access and permissions, data encryption, and employee awareness, we will provide practical advice to help you effectively protect your critical information. By understanding potential threats and adopting a proactive approach to security, you can reduce the risk of security incidents and ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your essential data.

Understanding Risks: Threat Assessment and Vulnerabilities

Before implementing effective security measures, it is essential to understand the risks facing your enterprise software. This involves a thorough assessment of potential threats such as phishing attacks, malware, and intrusion attempts, as well as identifying vulnerabilities in your IT infrastructure. By understanding these factors, you can better prioritize your security efforts and focus your resources where they are most needed to reduce risks and strengthen your data protection.

Once you have identified threats and vulnerabilities, you can develop a security strategy tailored to your organization. This may include implementing firewalls and intrusion detection systems, regularly updating software to address known security flaws, and continuously monitoring network activity to detect suspicious behavior. By taking a proactive approach to security and remaining vigilant against emerging threats, you can better prevent attacks and protect your data from cybercriminals.

{CTA_BANNER_BLOG_POST}

Notable Data Breach Example: Yahoo

Let’s look at an example that highlights the devastating impact a data breach can have on a company and underscores the crucial importance of implementing robust security measures to protect users’ sensitive information.

In 2016, Yahoo confirmed it had experienced a cyberattack in 2014, compromising data from over 500 million user accounts. This attack was considered one of the largest data breaches in history at that time.

The stolen data included sensitive information such as names, email addresses, hashed passwords, and in some cases, security questions and their associated answers. Additionally, Yahoo revealed in 2017 that another cyberattack, occurring in 2013, had affected all existing Yahoo accounts at the time, totaling around three billion accounts.

These incidents had a significant impact on Yahoo’s reputation and also had significant financial consequences for the company, including a reduction in the purchase price during the acquisition by Verizon.

Establishing a Robust Security Infrastructure

Establishing a strong security infrastructure is essential to effectively protect your data from potential threats. This involves defining clear security policies and implementing appropriate tools and technologies to monitor and control access to sensitive data. Key elements of a robust security infrastructure include firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS) and intrusion prevention systems (IPS), as well as identity and access management (IAM) solutions to ensure that only authorized individuals have access to critical information.

Additionally, careful planning for data redundancy and regular backups can ensure the availability of information in the event of a disaster or system failure. Network segmentation and securing entry and exit points are also important measures to limit the scope of damage in the event of a security breach. By adopting a multi-layered approach and combining multiple security technologies, you can strengthen the resilience of your IT infrastructure and protect your data from a variety of potential threats.

Some of Our Case Studies

Our software engineering teams are dedicated to creating robust and secure business solutions specifically designed to meet your unique needs and challenges. We are committed to providing solutions fully tailored to your use cases, with a particular emphasis on data security. Below, we present two examples illustrating our expertise in creating secure business solutions for Swiss companies that have invested in advanced digital transformation.

I want to discuss my needs with an expert from Edana

Access and Authorization Management: Principle of Least Privilege

Effective access and authorization management are essential to mitigate the risks of unauthorized access to your sensitive data. The principle of least privilege, which involves granting users only the access privileges necessary to perform their specific tasks, plays a central role in this strategy. By adopting this approach, you reduce the potential attack surface by limiting the number of users with extended privileges, thus reducing the risks of misuse or compromise of sensitive information.

Furthermore, implementing granular access controls and strong authentication mechanisms, such as two-factor authentication (2FA) or biometrics, can enhance the security of your systems by adding an additional layer of protection against unauthorized access. By regularly monitoring and auditing access to sensitive data, you can quickly detect suspicious behavior and take corrective action to prevent potential security breaches. By following these best practices, you can better control access to your data and reduce the risks of security compromise.

Data Encryption: Protecting Sensitive Information

By using robust encryption algorithms, you can make your data unreadable to anyone unauthorized who attempts to intercept or illicitly access it. Encryption can be applied at various levels, ranging from encrypting data at rest on servers to encrypted communications between users and servers, as well as encryption of backups and external storage devices. By adopting a holistic encryption approach, you can ensure that your data remains secure even in the event of a security breach or data theft.

Additionally, effective management of encryption keys is essential to ensure the integrity of the encryption process and prevent unauthorized access. By using secure key management practices, such as regular key rotation and separation of responsibilities, you can enhance the security of your data and minimize the risks of compromise of encryption keys. By incorporating data encryption into your overall security strategy, you can create an additional barrier against potential threats and ensure the protection of your most sensitive information.

Employee Training and Awareness: The Human Element of Security

Employees are often the weakest link in the security chain, as they can inadvertently compromise data security through human errors or negligent security practices. Therefore, it is essential to provide regular training on best security practices, including identifying threats such as phishing, malware, and social engineering attacks.

Furthermore, raising employee awareness of the importance of data security and the potential consequences of a security breach can encourage them to adopt secure behaviors in their daily use of company computer systems and data. Effective awareness programs may include phishing attack simulations, interactive training sessions, and regular reminders about company security policies. By investing in employee training and awareness, you strengthen the human factor of security and reduce the risks of security incidents related to human errors.

Conclusion

If you are looking to ensure the security of your data, our Swiss team specializing in strategic consulting and custom development is ready to support you in this endeavor.

Edana provides expertise to design personalized solutions that go beyond conventional standards in data security. By integrating security at every stage of managing your complex projects, our goal is to create memorable and secure experiences, surpassing simple business interactions.

Discuss with an expert

Digital Consultancy & Business (EN) Software Engineering (EN)

How to Solve Performance or Bug Issues in Your Enterprise Software

Post author By Jonathan
Post date 5 March 2024

How to Solve Performance or Bug Issues in Your Enterprise Software

When the performance of your enterprise software begins to degrade or bugs disrupt the smooth flow of your operations, it’s essential to act quickly and effectively to maintain productivity and user satisfaction.

In this article, we will explore strategies and best practices for identifying, analyzing, and resolving performance and bug issues in your enterprise software. From data collection to analyzing underlying causes, to developing and validating solutions, discover how to implement a systematic and rigorous approach to problem-solving and optimize the performance of your enterprise software.

Performance Issue Analysis

In any enterprise IT environment, performance issues or software bugs can have a significant impact on daily operations and employee productivity. That’s why a thorough analysis of these issues is essential to identify underlying causes and develop effective solutions to ensure smooth operation and productivity within your organization.

Identifying Symptoms: The first step in the analysis is to identify the symptoms of performance issues. This may include delays in task execution, frequent software crashes, or slow response from the user interface. These symptoms can be reported by end-users or detected using performance monitoring tools.
Data Collection: Once symptoms are identified, it’s crucial to collect detailed data on system performance. This may include measurements such as response times, system resource usage (CPU, memory, etc.), database queries, and application transactions. This data provides an objective basis for problem analysis.
Analyzing Underlying Causes: Using the collected data, software engineers can begin to analyze the underlying causes of performance issues. This may involve identifying bottlenecks in the code, architectural design errors, server configuration issues, or defects in integrations with other systems.

Advanced Debugging Strategies

Once the analysis of performance issues is done, it’s time to implement advanced debugging strategies, essential for effectively identifying and correcting bug issues.

An advanced debugging strategy involves using sophisticated techniques and specialized tools to identify, analyze, and resolve bugs in enterprise software. This typically includes using powerful debugging tools that allow developers to examine code behavior in real-time, trace variables, monitor call stacks, and visualize execution flows.

An advanced debugging strategy often involves in-depth analysis of trace data to detect errors and unhandled exceptions, as well as code profiling to pinpoint performance bottlenecks and optimize them. Additionally, the use of advanced automated testing can be integrated into this strategy to expedite issue resolution and minimize operational disruptions.

By fostering collaboration among development team members and establishing structured debugging processes, organizations can maximize the effectiveness of their debugging efforts. Once this step is completed, it’s essential to move on to code and resource optimization to ensure optimal software performance.

{CTA_BANNER_BLOG_POST}

Code and Resource Optimization in Enterprise Software

Code and resource optimization are crucial aspects of enterprise software development, aiming to improve the performance and efficiency of IT systems. One of the key strategies to achieve this is to identify and eliminate inefficiencies in the source code, which can result in significant gains in terms of execution speed and hardware resource utilization. For example, regular code reviews help identify sections that may cause slowdowns or resource overuse, enabling developers to make targeted optimizations to improve overall system performance.

Furthermore, optimizing hardware resources is also essential to ensure efficient use of IT infrastructure. This may involve implementing memory and CPU management mechanisms to optimize resource allocation or using techniques such as caching to reduce data access times. For example, caching techniques can temporarily store frequently used data in memory, thereby reducing loading times and improving application responsiveness.

By adopting a proactive approach to code and resource optimization, organizations can not only improve the performance of their enterprise software but also reduce costs associated with IT infrastructure by maximizing the use of available resources. Ultimately, this optimization contributes to strengthening the competitiveness of the business by providing fast, efficient, and cost-effective software solutions.

Rigorous Testing and Validation

Rigorous testing and validation ensure the reliability, quality, and compliance with software functional requirements. A systematic testing approach involves several phases, from unit tests to integration and functional validation tests.

Unit Tests: Unit tests verify the proper operation of individual software components by isolating each part of the code to ensure it produces the expected results. For example, in a stock management system, a unit test could verify the accuracy of stock level calculations for a given product.
Integration Tests: Integration tests examine how different modules or components of the software interact with each other. This ensures that different elements work correctly together and that data is transmitted consistently between different parts of the system. For example, in an ERP system, an integration test could verify that accounting and human resources modules correctly share employee data.
Functional Validation Tests: Functional validation tests assess whether the software meets the requirements specified by end-users. This involves testing software features under real usage conditions to verify that it produces the expected results. For example, in an online booking system, functional validation tests could verify that users can book tickets without encountering errors.
Performance and Load Tests: Finally, performance and load tests evaluate the software’s ability to handle heavy workloads and maintain acceptable response times under maximum load conditions. This ensures that the software operates reliably even under high demand. For example, in an online banking system, performance tests could simulate thousands of users accessing the system simultaneously to verify its stability and responsiveness.

By implementing rigorous testing and validation at each stage of development, companies can minimize the risks of errors and malfunctions in their enterprise software, ensuring a smooth user experience and maximum customer satisfaction.

Continuous Improvement Process

Continuous improvement is a fundamental principle in enterprise software development, aiming to constantly optimize the performance, quality, and value of the final product. This process relies on a series of iterative and evolutionary activities, allowing for the identification of improvement opportunities, implementation of changes, and evaluation of their impact on the product and development processes.

User Feedback Collection: A key component of continuous improvement is the regular collection of user feedback, allowing for an understanding of the needs and preferences of end-users. This can be done through surveys, usage data analysis, or direct feedback sessions with customers. For example, in a project management software, users might express the need for additional features to better track task progress.
Performance Data Analysis: In-depth analysis of software performance data helps identify potential improvement areas and recurring issues. This may include examining performance metrics, error reports, and usage data. For example, analysis of system response times may reveal code bottlenecks requiring optimization.
Change Planning and Implementation: Based on user feedback and performance analysis, development teams plan and implement changes to improve the software. This may involve feature updates, bug fixes, or performance optimizations. For example, a development team might decide to add real-time collaboration features to a word processing software in response to user requests.
Results Evaluation: Once changes are implemented, it’s essential to evaluate their impact on the product and development processes. This can be done through validation testing, post-implementation performance analysis, or additional user feedback. For example, after adding real-time collaboration features to the word processing software, users could be asked to provide feedback on its usefulness and usability.

By adopting a continuous improvement approach, organizations can ensure that their enterprise software remains competitive, scalable, and aligned with the changing needs of users and the market. This iterative process continuously optimizes the performance, quality, and value of the product, ensuring maximum customer satisfaction and sustainable competitive advantage.

Conclusion

By analyzing these concrete examples and exploring recommended best practices, you can gain valuable insights into effectively solving performance or bug issues in your enterprise software. If you need personalized support and solutions tailored to your specific needs, don’t hesitate to contact our digital agency specialized in software development. With our recognized expertise in the field, we are here to help you optimize the performance and reliability of your enterprise software, ensuring the success of your IT operations.

Digital Consultancy & Business (EN) Featured-Post-Software-EN Software Engineering (EN)

Software Reengineering – When and Why to Resort to It

Post author By Benjamin
Post date 4 March 2024

Software Reengineering – When and Why to Resort to It

Software reengineering has become an essential element in the modern technological landscape. With the rapid evolution of user needs, technological advancements, and market requirements, many custom software systems are faced with challenges of obsolescence, inadequate performance, and incompatibility with new technologies. In this context, software reengineering emerges as an essential strategy to revitalize and modernize existing systems.

This article delves deep into the domain of software reengineering, examining the motivations, methods, and best practices associated with this crucial process. We will delve into the nuances of software reengineering, highlighting the telltale signs indicating the need for such an approach, the tangible benefits it can bring, as well as the challenges and strategies to overcome them.

Through concrete examples and case studies, we will illustrate how software reengineering can transform outdated systems into robust solutions tailored to contemporary requirements. Whether you are an IT professional, a business decision-maker, or simply curious, this article will provide valuable insights into software reengineering and its crucial role in maintaining the relevance and competitiveness of computer systems in an ever-changing world.

Understanding Software Reengineering

Software reengineering is a strategic approach aimed at revitalizing existing computer systems to improve their performance, efficiency, and maintainability. Unlike traditional software development, which involves creating new systems from scratch, software reengineering focuses on transforming existing systems to meet evolving needs and changing technological requirements. This approach is often motivated by factors such as technological obsolescence, the accumulation of defects and bugs, and the inability of systems to adapt to new business requirements.

Software reengineering encompasses a wide range of activities, from thorough analysis of existing systems to redesigning and reconstructing essential software components. This approach may also involve migrating to new technological platforms, integrating modern features, and optimizing performance. By understanding the ins and outs of software reengineering, organizations can make informed decisions regarding the allocation of resources and the planning of their computer system modernization initiatives.

{CTA_BANNER_BLOG_POST}

Indicators of the Need for Software Reengineering

When custom software begins to show signs of fatigue or inefficiency, several revealing indicators may emerge, thus indicating the need for reengineering.

Impact on system performance and productivity

A stock management application might experience increased loading times, resulting in delays in order processing and customer dissatisfaction. Similarly, a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system might suffer from an increased frequency of failures, leading to reduced productivity for sales and customer service teams.

2. Increasing complexity and maintenance difficulties

The increasing complexity of the software structure can make system maintenance and scalability difficult, as in the case of a project management software where adding new features becomes cumbersome due to outdated and poorly documented code.

3. Technological obsolescence and vulnerabilities

Technological obsolescence may manifest itself through the use of outdated programming languages or obsolete software libraries, making the software vulnerable to security breaches and limiting its ability to integrate new features and technologies. These examples illustrate the critical importance of carefully monitoring the health and performance of custom software and proactively engaging in reengineering initiatives when necessary to maintain their long-term competitiveness and usefulness.

Advantages and Outcomes of Software Reengineering

Software reengineering offers a multitude of advantages and significant outcomes for organizations engaging in this modernization process.

Optimization of performance and responsiveness

Software reengineering improves the overall performance of computer systems by identifying and eliminating bottlenecks, code redundancies, and inefficient processes. For example, by optimizing data processing algorithms or migrating to more powerful cloud infrastructures, organizations can significantly reduce processing times and improve the responsiveness of their applications.

2. Long-term maintenance cost reduction

Software reengineering also reduces long-term maintenance costs by streamlining development processes, simplifying software architecture, and eliminating costly dependencies on obsolete technologies. For example, by replacing aging software components with modern and scalable solutions, organizations can reduce expenses related to bug resolution and corrective maintenance.

3. Fostering innovation and competitiveness

Furthermore, software reengineering fosters innovation by enabling organizations to quickly adopt new technologies and respond to market developments in an agile manner. For example, by modernizing user interfaces and integrating innovative features such as artificial intelligence or the Internet of Things (IoT), organizations can offer differentiated user experiences and remain competitive in the market.

In summary, software reengineering offers considerable potential to strengthen the competitiveness, efficiency, and agility of organizations in an ever-evolving technological environment.

Challenges and Strategies of Software Reengineering

While promising in terms of improving existing systems, software reengineering is not without its challenges and complexities. One of the main challenges is change management, as reengineering often involves substantial modifications to software processes, architecture, and operation, which can provoke resistance among teams and stakeholders. Additionally, reengineering may face budgetary and time constraints, especially in organizations where resources are limited and justifying necessary investments is challenging.

To address these challenges, organizations must adopt effective and pragmatic reengineering strategies. This includes establishing strong governance to oversee the reengineering process, clearly defining objectives, priorities, and necessary resources. Moreover, transparent communication and effective stakeholder management are essential to minimize resistance to change and ensure the buy-in of affected teams.

Furthermore, it is crucial to adopt an iterative and incremental approach in the reengineering process, identifying and prioritizing improvements in stages. This helps mitigate the risks associated with reengineering by limiting the impact of changes on ongoing operations and enabling gradual adaptation to new architectures and technologies. Finally, training and developing team skills are essential to ensure the long-term success of software reengineering, facilitating effective adoption of new practices, tools, and technologies. By adopting these strategies and overcoming these challenges, organizations can maximize the benefits of software reengineering and maintain their competitiveness in a digitally evolving environment.

Case Studies and Best Practices in Software Reengineering

Case studies and best practices in software reengineering provide concrete insights into how organizations can successfully modernize their existing systems to meet contemporary challenges and changing business requirements. For example, a case study of a large e-commerce company facing slow loading times and poor user experience revealed that reengineering their software platform by adopting a cloud-based architecture and optimizing database queries significantly reduced loading times and improved user satisfaction.

Similarly, applying best practices such as using agile methodologies, such as Scrum or Kanban, can facilitate effective project management in reengineering projects by enabling close collaboration between development teams and stakeholders, as well as flexibility in managing priorities and changes. Additionally, adopting emerging technologies such as test automation and continuous deployment can accelerate the reengineering process by reducing development lead times and improving code quality.

By analyzing these case studies and leveraging these best practices, organizations can develop effective strategies to successfully carry out their own software reengineering initiatives, maximizing benefits while minimizing risks and potential obstacles. Ultimately, case studies and best practices in software reengineering offer valuable guidance for organizations seeking to modernize their computer systems and maintain their competitiveness in an ever-evolving digital world.

Conclusion

By examining these inspiring case studies and exploring recommended best practices, organizations can gain valuable insights for their own software reengineering projects. For tailored support and solutions to your specific needs, do not hesitate to contact our digital agency, Edana, specialized in software reengineering. With our proven expertise in the field, we are here to help you realize your digital transformation ambitions and ensure the success of your software modernization projects.

Digital Consultancy & Business (EN) Software Engineering (EN)

How to Successfully Upgrade Your Obsolete Enterprise Software?

Post author By Benjamin
Post date 21 February 2024

How to Successfully Upgrade Your Obsolete Enterprise Software?

Is your enterprise software system showing signs of aging, causing more problems than it solves? Obsolete software can quickly become a burden for businesses, manifesting as increasing sluggishness, security gaps, and an inability to adapt to modern technologies and your company’s growth. Fortunately, this situation is not a dead end.

In this article, we will explore the essential steps to effectively update obsolete enterprise software, focusing on best practices and strategies to adopt. Our digital agency, Edana, specialized in software engineering, is here to guide you through this process. Leveraging our expertise, we can assist you in assessing the obsolescence of your software, planning the update, selecting the most suitable solutions, managing associated risks, and implementing techniques such as re-factoring or re-engineering to modernize your system.

Assessment of software obsolescence

Before undertaking any update, it is crucial to assess the extent of the software’s obsolescence. This involves identifying obsolete or inefficient features, potential security issues, and gaps compared to new technologies. A thorough analysis will determine whether a simple update is sufficient or if more radical measures like re-factoring or re-engineering are needed.

This assessment can take various forms, including conducting a comprehensive functional analysis to determine if existing features still meet your business’s operational needs. You could also perform security audits to identify potential vulnerabilities and data protection gaps. Furthermore, comparing your software’s features with the latest technological advancements in the industry will help identify gaps and understand how much your system lags behind current standards. Additionally, soliciting user feedback on aspects of the software that pose problems or are out of sync with their needs can provide valuable insights.

By combining these different assessment approaches, you will be able to paint a comprehensive picture of your software’s obsolescence, which will help you make informed decisions on the best update strategy to adopt.

{CTA_BANNER_BLOG_POST}

Update planning: key steps

Meticulous planning of your enterprise software update is a crucial step to ensure business operations continuity and minimize potential interruptions. This phase encompasses various activities, including identifying the resources needed to successfully carry out the update. This may include programming skills, specialized software tools, and adequate hardware resources.

For example, if you are considering a major update requiring specific software development skills, you may need to consider recruiting additional developers or engaging external consultants. Furthermore, establishing a realistic schedule is essential to coordinate the various stages of the update and avoid unexpected delays. You will need to consider time constraints, supplier delivery times, and periods of lower activity in your business to determine the best time to perform the update.

Selection of appropriate update solutions

When it comes to selecting the best solutions to update obsolete software, it is essential to consider a variety of factors to best meet your business’s specific needs. For some software, a simple update to the latest available version may be sufficient to fix minor issues and benefit from new features. For example, if you are using outdated accounting software, regular updates might include bug fixes and minor improvements for better compliance with current tax regulations.

However, in cases where the software is significantly outdated, more radical measures such as re-factoring or re-engineering may be necessary. The choice of the appropriate strategy will depend on a careful assessment of the costs, risks, and potential benefits of each option. By carefully analyzing these factors and consulting relevant stakeholders, you can select the most suitable update solutions to ensure the long-term success of your business.

Re-factoring and re-engineering: modernizing code and architecture

Re-factoring and re-engineering are essential strategies for revitalizing obsolete software. Re-factoring involves restructuring existing code to improve readability, maintainability, and efficiency while preserving its external functionality. Consider a project management software whose source code has become complex over the years. By applying re-factoring techniques such as simplifying data structures or eliminating code duplications, it becomes possible to optimize the software’s performance without introducing new features.

On the other hand, re-engineering involves a complete redesign of the software architecture, using the latest technologies and development practices to meet current and future business needs. Using the example of project management software again: as part of a re-engineering process, the development team might opt to migrate to a cloud-based architecture, providing better scalability, enhanced security, and increased accessibility for remote users. By combining these two approaches, businesses can modernize their obsolete software and position it advantageously to tackle future challenges.

Risk management related to software update

Updating enterprise software is a crucial step, but it is not without potential risks. Among these risks are service interruptions, data losses, or compatibility issues with other systems used within the company. Effective management of these risks is therefore essential to ensure the success of the update.

This first involves proactively identifying possible risks associated with software update. For example, a major risk could be incompatibility between the new version of the software and other software used by the company. Then, it is necessary to implement appropriate mitigation measures to minimize these risks. For example, this could include conducting thorough testing before deploying the new version of the software to ensure its compatibility with other existing systems.

Finally, it is also crucial to prepare business continuity plans to address any unforeseen incidents that may occur during the update. For example, in the event of a service interruption, it is important to have procedures in place to quickly restore critical business operations to limit disruptions. By taking a proactive approach and implementing appropriate measures, companies can minimize the risks associated with updating their enterprise software and ensure that the process runs smoothly.

Conclusion

Updating obsolete enterprise software is a complex but essential process to maintain competitiveness and security in an ever-evolving business environment. By carefully assessing software obsolescence, meticulously planning the update, selecting appropriate solutions, effectively managing risks, and using techniques such as re-factoring and re-engineering, businesses can modernize their computer systems efficiently and effectively.

At Edana, our digital agency specialized in software engineering, we recognize the fundamental importance of each aspect discussed in this article to meet our clients’ needs. Our commitment to customer satisfaction is reflected in our constant willingness to apply these principles to advise, design, and develop innovative software solutions. We strive to provide high-quality services that meet our clients’ specific requirements, using proven methods such as re-factoring and re-engineering to modernize their enterprise software.

Featured-Post-ConsultingAudit-EN Software Engineering (EN)

The Best Database Systems for Swiss Companies

Post author By Jonathan
Post date 9 February 2024

The Best Database Systems for Swiss Companies

Tags application d'entreprise, bases de données, gestion des données, intranet, MongoDB, MySQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL

The transition to digitization is a crucial step for Swiss companies wishing to remain competitive in the current landscape. One of the fundamental decisions in this journey is the choice of the database system. At Edana, we understand that a robust database is reliable and is the pivot around which modern data management revolves. In this article, we explore the best database systems, reviewing their respective advantages and disadvantages, while emphasizing the importance of business applications in the digitization of companies and the secure processing of sensitive data in Switzerland.

MySQL : Reliability and performance

Advantages of MySQL: As an open-source database management system, MySQL offers maximum flexibility and is supported by an active community, ensuring frequent updates and responsive support.

Disadvantages of MySQL: However, it has limitations for complex queries and can use table locking, impacting performance in concurrent environments. Despite this, its high performance, ease of use, and replication features make it a solid option, although scalability may depend on adding hardware resources. MySQL’s efficiency for managing unstructured data may also be lower compared to other specialized solutions.

In summary, MySQL is a robust choice to consider based on the specific needs of each project.

PostgreSQL : Scalability and advanced transaction management

Advantages of PostgreSQL: PostgreSQL, as an open-source database management system, offers high power and flexibility. Known for its compliance with SQL standards, PostgreSQL excels in managing complex transactions and handling varied workloads. Its robust replication and partitioning architecture, combined with an active community, ensure high availability and regular updates.

Disadvantages of PostgreSQL: However, PostgreSQL may have a steeper learning curve due to its rich functionality, which can be challenging for less experienced users. Although it offers excellent transaction management, it may be less performant than other systems in scenarios requiring extremely high processing speed.

Despite these considerations, PostgreSQL remains a solid option for applications requiring advanced data management and strict SQL compliance.

MongoDB: Flexibility for Unstructured Data

Advantages of MongoDB: MongoDB, as a NoSQL database, shines with its flexibility and scalability. Its document-oriented data structure allows for storing unstructured data, offering exceptional adaptability for scalable and dynamic applications. MongoDB’s high performance in handling large amounts of data and horizontal scalability make it a preferred choice for applications requiring maximum agility and scalability. Its easy replication and management of geospatial data make it a versatile tool.

Disadvantages of MongoDB: However, MongoDB may pose challenges in terms of data consistency, given its eventual consistency model. Additionally, its indexing may sometimes require special attention to optimize performance. Although flexibility is an asset, it can make managing data structure more complex in environments requiring strict schemas.

In summary, MongoDB stands out for its flexibility and high performance, but its consistency model and indexing considerations require careful evaluation based on the specific requirements of each project.

{CTA_BANNER_BLOG_POST}

Oracle Database: Proven Power for Large Enterprises

Advantages of Oracle: Oracle Database, an industry leader, offers exceptional power and reliability. Its ability to handle complex transactions and ensure high availability makes it a solid choice for large enterprises.

Disadvantages of Oracle: However, high costs, both in licenses and infrastructure, as well as management complexity, can pose challenges, especially for small businesses. A thorough assessment of specific needs is recommended before opting for Oracle Database.

Sensitive Data Processing: Security at the Heart of Digitization

Protecting sensitive data is a major concern. Just as doctors and healthcare professionals can use Health Info Net AG (HIN) to secure their email communications and share documents, intranet databases and business applications designed by Edana incorporate advanced security measures, such as data encryption, strict access mechanisms, and regular audits, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with regulations.

Need an Interactive Database? Think Business Application!

Beyond databases, custom business applications are essential for complete digitization. They centralize and streamline processes, providing a single point for storing, manipulating, and analyzing data efficiently. From automated workflows to interactive dashboards, business applications designed by Edana are tailored to meet the specific needs of each Swiss company.

Examples of business applications we have developed for these Swiss companies

Our team of software engineers and database experts has designed several data management systems and business tools that allow our clients to digitize their processes, automate their operations, and enhance the security of their data.

Learn more about business applications

Develop my own business application

At Edana, we understand that digitization goes hand in hand with robust databases and smart business applications. Our team of experts works closely with each client to create tailored solutions that drive digitization while ensuring efficient data management. Make your digital transition a success with Edana, your partner in custom software development. Contact us now to discuss your needs and goals. An expert will be happy to advise you.

Featured-Post-HomePage-EN Featured-Post-Software-EN Software Engineering (EN)

Custom Business Application: Pricing, Timeline, and Steps to Create Your Enterprise Software

Post author By Jonathan
Post date 9 February 2024

Custom Business Application: Pricing, Timeline, and Steps to Create Your Enterprise Software

Tags Business application, Business software, digitalization, tailored software

Digital transformation has reshaped how Swiss businesses operate, compelling them to rethink their processes and adopt innovative solutions to remain competitive. Among these solutions, custom business applications stand out as essential tools to meet the specific needs of each company or organization. In this article, we will explore what a business application is, why it is crucial for the growth and survival of your business in the Swiss and international markets, how much it can cost, and how a custom software development provider like our agency, Edana, can help you create a business application tailored to your needs.

What is a business application (or business software)?

A business application, also known as business software, is a software solution specifically designed to meet the unique requirements of a company or organization. It can be a comprehensive suite for managing all of its business operations or a solution dedicated to a single or multiple tasks (CRM, invoicing, warehouse management, time-sheeting, accounting, etc.). Unlike generic software that can be sold on the market (so-called “off-the-shelf” solutions), a custom business application is developed taking into account the internal processes, workflows, and specific needs of the company or organization. It has no limits in terms of possibilities, and its functions and user interface are perfectly tailored to the precise needs of the business activity.

Examples of business applications designed by us

You can see examples of business applications that we have custom designed for Swiss companies such as Filinea (intervention management software, emails, calendars, human resources, and other custom functions) and Goteck (customer management, project management, and invoicing). These two enterprise applications constitute real digitized ecosystems since everything the employees need is centralized there, all in an ergonomic and secure manner.

Develop my own business application

Business applications can be developed using web, native, or a combination of both languages. Often hosted on a secure and dedicated server, they offer significant flexibility, allowing employees to connect from various locations (office, home, field) and devices (mobile phones, tablets, computers) or facilitating data backups or updates to their features and deployment.

Why opt for a custom business application?

A business application tailored to a company’s needs can lead to various benefits such as task automation, reduced payroll costs, increased employee happiness (often measured through the Net Promoter Score), increased customer satisfaction (also measured via NPS), as well as increased productivity, etc.

Here are the main advantages of custom business software:

Maximum customization

Custom business applications offer unparalleled customization, allowing companies to easily adapt to changes and evolutions in their industry. Indeed, each company or organization has different specificities (employee profile, management or project management method adopted, products and services sold, customer typology, etc.). So many parameters make a company unique and turn preconceived solutions into inadequate burdens and often unnecessary expenses for a company believing to do well by digitizing itself but paying for an inadequate solution that will not be adopted by its employees.

Process optimization

Delving into the heart of operational mechanisms is the promise of a custom business application developed by Edana. Understanding every nuance, every interaction within your company enables us to tailor solutions that transcend the ordinary. From streamlining workflows to automating repetitive tasks, a meticulous approach ensures maximum operational efficiency. With a well-designed custom business software, process optimization becomes more than an aspiration; it becomes the reality that propels your company towards operational excellence.

Enhanced security

Customized solutions offer a higher level of security tailored to the specific needs of the company, ensuring the protection of sensitive data. They take into account the types of data stored and the working mechanisms, thus being developed accordingly to protect your data against threats related to your activity.

Centralization & ecosystem

In general, digitizing through business software simplifies many processes and centralizes key tools (having emails, contacts, and business tools centralized in one place ergonomically changes the game and simplifies many things). This avoids, for example, opening several different programs and juggling with them to perform a task.

Unmatched scalability of a custom-built enterprise application

A well-designed business application is scalable, capable of adapting to the company’s growth without compromising performance. It can be gradually improved and become everything you need to achieve and maintain operational excellence, without any limits!

Let’s talk about your digitization

How long does it take to develop a business application?

The time required to create a business application can vary considerably depending on several factors. These factors include the complexity of the application, the required features, customization requirements, the size of the development team, the development methodologies used, and many others.

It is essential to note that each project is unique. Some projects can be completed more quickly using frameworks and pre-existing tools, while others require more customized and in-depth development. In general, the creation of custom business software involves several stages, from needs analysis to design, development, testing, and finally deployment.

As an indication, the complete cycle can last from 2 to 3 months for an MVP (minimum viable product), 6 to 8 months for a complete software, and over a year for a complex complete software. Some very important and highly complex projects may even see their development last for several years.

To obtain a more precise estimate, it is recommended to consult a custom software development agency in Switzerland, such as ours, which can assess your specific needs and provide you with an estimate based on the scope of your project.

Get an estimate of the timeline tailored to your company

Budget for developing custom business software in Switzerland

Budget for developing custom business software in Switzerland The cost of a custom business application in Switzerland can vary considerably depending on several factors. Like the development time, some of the main elements that influence the cost are also the complexity of the application, the number of features, the level of customization required, the technology used, the degree of security required, the size of the development team, and other specific project requirements.

In general, developing a custom application in Switzerland can cost from tens of thousands to several hundreds of thousands of Swiss francs, or even more for very complex projects.

It is recommended to have a thorough discussion with a custom software development agency in Switzerland to obtain an accurate estimate based on the specific needs of your company. A detailed analysis of your requirements will determine the costs associated with each phase of the development of the custom business application.

Get a cost estimate tailored to your company

{CTA_BANNER_BLOG_POST}

Steps to create a business application for your company

1. Needs assessment

Before starting the development process, it is essential to understand the specific needs of the company. At Edana, our experts work closely with clients to identify essential features and goals. Our enterprise architects, software engineers, UX designers, product owners, and digital strategists accompany you from this first step in your strategic thinking and advise you on the best solutions for your company or organization.

2. Design and planning

Once the needs are identified, the development team at Edana creates a detailed plan and architecture for the application. This includes designing the user interface, planning features, and identifying necessary technologies.

3. Development

The development process begins, with particular attention to code quality, security, and scalability. Clients are regularly updated on progress, and adjustments are made based on feedback.

4. Testing and validation

Before deployment in production, the application undergoes rigorous testing to ensure its proper functioning, security, and compliance with client requirements. Our project management and QA engineering teams conduct a battery of tests and adjustments necessary to meet our very high quality standards.

5. Deployment and maintenance

Once testing is successful, the application is deployed. Edana also ensures continuous maintenance, ensuring that the application remains up-to-date and functions smoothly. Our cybersecurity specialists also ensure that your system remains protected against threats and cyber-attacks (firewall management, anti-virus, software security patches, source code fixes, 24/7 monitoring, as well as backups and restorations).

What technologies to use to design custom software?

It is possible to build a business application with various technologies, which can also vary depending on the unique requirements of each project. Nevertheless, web technologies are increasingly used as they allow applications to be deployed in server environments without any limits and to be easily and quickly maintained and improved (these technologies are widespread, widely mastered, and their community is strong). It would be too long to list all the languages and technologies that can be mobilized to build a business application. So, we will talk about our approach. At Edana, we embrace technological diversity to create custom business applications that perfectly meet your specific needs. Our flexible approach includes the following technologies:

Powerful backend with Laravel, Symfony, or pure PHP for robust business applications

Laravel, the most powerful PHP framework, ensures a solid structure and easy maintenance. It also shortens development times thanks to its php artisan which makes life easier for backend developers or thanks to its packages.

Interactive frontend with React, Angular, or pure markup

We use React for dynamic components and Angular for business applications requiring a solid architecture. Our front-end developers also code in pure JS and HTML when necessary, depending on the project.

High-performance database with MySQL (or PostgreSQL) and Node.js

MySQL or PostgreSQL, recognized relational databases for their performance, are used, as well as Node.js for server-side operations. We carefully select the best technologies to handle and manipulate your data according to your needs. To learn more, you can read our article on different database systems for Swiss companies.

Hosting in Swiss territory with Infomaniak and other Swiss data centers

Swiss hosting guarantees stability and security, in compliance with Swiss data protection standards. This is notably a prerequisite for organizations and companies processing sensitive data such as patient (medical) or financial data (banks, insurance companies, investment funds, family offices, etc.).

Agile deployment with Docker, Kubernetes, and others

When necessary, Docker ensures smooth containerization, while Kubernetes orchestrates deployment, offering exceptional flexibility and scalability necessary for robust and responsive business applications.

Source control with GitLab

We use GitLab but also other collaboration and repository systems for efficient source code management, ensuring precise tracking of changes and fostering transparent collaboration.

Flexibility and specialization in multiple languages and technologies

At Edana, we are aware that each project is unique. That is why we specialize in a multitude of technologies including Python, C++, PHP, Kotlin, JSON, Rubis, Node.js, etc. We are open to all technologies and adapt our choices according to the specific needs of each client.

Conclusion : a business application makes all the difference

Investing in a custom business application is a strategic step towards operational efficiency and sustainable growth. Edana, as a Swiss custom software development agency, offers its expertise to design solutions tailored to your specific needs and allows you to adapt to the constantly evolving digital world while automating and improving your internal processes.

A custom business application can have a very significant impact on your company (increased employee happiness, reduced lead times, increased yield rate, automation of tasks and positions, increased operational transparency, improved customer experience, protection against cyber threats, etc.). Contact us today to start your journey towards digital transformation and maximize the potential of your business.

Featured-Post-About (EN) Software Engineering (EN)

Successful Agile Project Management: Fundamentals and Methods

Post author By Jonathan
Post date 8 February 2024

Successful Agile Project Management: Fundamentals and Methods

Tags agile method, kanban, project management, scrum, waterfall

In a constantly evolving digital landscape, Swiss and international companies are constantly seeking ways to improve their productivity, accelerate their delivery times, and remain competitive in the market, whether it’s for internal projects or those carried out for clients. This is where agile project management comes in, a dynamic approach that we at Edana consider crucial for the success of digital projects (such as software development, mobile application design, branding, digital transformation, or marketing).

In this article, we delve into the world of agile project management together, understanding what it is, how you can successfully get started, and why a hybrid approach can sometimes be the key.

{CTA_BANNER_BLOG_POST}

What is Agile Project Management?

Agile project management is an iterative and collaborative approach that focuses on flexibility and responsiveness to change. Agility is often a catalyst for the success of projects in general (not just for IT and digital projects). This approach promotes continuous collaboration among team members, stakeholders, and the client, ensuring a better understanding of requirements and expectations.

Fundamental principles of agility

Client-team collaboration

Agility, by placing the client at the center of the development process, promotes continuous communication and close collaboration. This dynamic approach allows for constantly adjusting priorities based on the evolving needs of the client, ensuring quick and effective adaptation to changes throughout the development cycle.

Rapid iterations (sprints)

In agile methodologies, projects are subdivided into iterations called “sprints.” Each sprint, typically of short duration, focuses on delivering a specific functional deliverable. This iterative approach offers several advantages, including the ability for stakeholders to regularly assess progress. Indeed, at the end of each sprint, a partial or complete product is delivered, providing a concrete opportunity to gather immediate feedback from stakeholders. This rapid feedback fosters close collaboration between the development team and end-users, allowing for adjustments to features along the way and ensuring constant adaptation to the changing needs of the project.

Adaptability to changes

Unlike more rigid methodologies, agility takes a proactive approach to changes. It encourages teams to remain flexible and constantly adjust their plans based on the experience gained throughout the development process. This means that agile teams are not only open to adjustments but anticipate and actively integrate them into their way of working. By relying on stakeholder feedback and staying attentive to market developments, agile teams can make informed decisions to ensure that the final product optimally meets the client’s needs. This ability to embrace change as an opportunity rather than an obstacle strengthens the resilience of agile projects, making them better suited to the realities of an ever-changing environment.

A digital project? Let’s talk about it now.

Agile frameworks: A range of options for successful projects

Within the Agile universe, several frameworks offer specific structures and guidelines to guide project management. At Edana, we advocate diversity and are ready to guide you to the framework that best suits your objectives, whether it’s agile, non-agile, or a hybrid of agile and non-agile solutions (because the world is sometimes too complex to be confined to narrow boxes). Here are the main agile frameworks.

1. Scrum

Scrum represents an Agile project management framework that relies on time-boxed iterations, called sprints. Each sprint is structured by four distinct ceremonies.

The process begins with sprint planning, which provides an overview of the work to be done. In the Scrum universe, two types of backlogs are present: the product backlog (under the responsibility of the product owner), which constitutes a prioritized list of features, and the sprint backlog, fueled by addressing items from the product backlog until reaching the capacity of the next sprint. Scrum team members are assigned specific tasks corresponding to their role in the process. Typically, a cross-functional team includes a Scrum Master, or Scrum methodology champion, the product owner representing the voice of the product, as well as other members responsible for task execution.

The four Scrum ceremonies are as follows:

Sprint planning: A team meeting to define the tasks to be accomplished during the next sprint.
Sprint demo: A sharing session during which the team presents its achievements for the current sprint.
Daily stand-up: Also called a stand-up, it’s a brief 15-minute meeting allowing the development team to coordinate their activities.
Retrospective : An evaluation where the team reviews what worked or didn’t work to improve the flow of the next sprint.

The Scrum board

A Scrum board visualizes all the work for a given sprint. During the sprint planning meeting, the team moves items from the product backlog to the sprint backlog.

Scrum boards can include multiple visible workflow stages, such as To Do, In Progress, and Done. They are an essential element to increase transparency in Agile project management.

2. Kanban

Kanban represents an Agile project management framework focused on aligning work with team capacities, aiming to promote rapid progress and increased responsiveness to changes compared to the Scrum methodology.

Unlike Scrum, Kanban typically does not employ backlogs. Tasks are instead listed in the “To Do” column. Kanban teams thus focus on continuous deliveries, achievable at any time. All work is visible, clearly defined, and ready to be undertaken. When a task is completed, the team immediately moves on to the next one. Work volume is aligned with team capacity through work-in-progress (WIP) limits, a predefined threshold for tasks that can be in one column at a time (except for the “To Do” column). The Kanban framework includes four key components: the task list (or stories), columns or lanes, WIP limits, and continuous deliveries.

The task list, or stories, is detailed as tickets or tasks to be completed. Columns or lanes are used in a Kanban board to differentiate tasks according to different workflows, users, projects, etc. WIP limits are rules governing the volume of work based on team capacity. The team manages stories within WIP limits and can make deliveries at any time.

The Kanban board

A Kanban board visualizes all completed work. It also serves to plan resources, providing project managers with a view of the work and the ability to schedule accordingly.

The Kanban board is organized into columns and lanes, representing the passage of stories to completion. Stories start in the “To Do” column until the WIP limit allows for the next task. The work list must be subdivided into relatively small tickets and organized by priority.

3. Extreme Programming (XP)

Extreme Programming focuses on continuous improvement of the development process. It promotes practices such as test-driven development (TDD), pair programming, and frequent releases. XP aims to ensure optimal quality throughout the development process.

4. Lean Agile

Inspired by Lean principles, Lean Agile seeks to maximize value while minimizing waste. It emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and customer satisfaction. By eliminating non-essential processes, Lean Agile aims to create an efficient value chain.

5. Crystal

Crystal is a family of Agile methodologies, each tailored to specific contexts. The different Crystal methods share a philosophy focused on individuals, collaboration, and adaptability, while adjusting based on project size and complexity.

Balancing Agile and Waterfall: A hybrid approach

Although Agile and waterfall approaches have their distinct advantages, it is crucial to recognize that each project has its own unique requirements. A too rigid approach can sometimes be counterproductive. Too much agility can lead to constant instability. This is where the hybrid approach comes in, combining the best of both worlds.

The hybrid approach allows for a more structured initial planning while maintaining the flexibility needed to adapt to inevitable changes. Edana specializes in creating tailored approaches, skillfully combining elements of Agile and waterfall methodologies to meet the specific needs of each project.

Example of the Swiss HERMES method

The HERMES project management method, developed in Switzerland, is characterized by a structured and standardized approach. It divides the process into clear phases, emphasizing detailed documentation and rigorous governance. HERMES offers modular flexibility while maintaining a solid methodological foundation, allowing for adaptation to different projects. Unlike agility, which favors maximum flexibility, HERMES relies on planned processes but can also integrate agile elements based on the specific needs of the project and organizational preferences.

More information on the hybrid project management method HERMES on the admin.ch website.

Discuss your project with our software development, mobile, branding, and strategy experts

At Edana, we believe that success lies in flexibility and adaptability. Agile project management, enriched by the diversity of available frameworks, offers a flexible and adaptable approach. However, the hybrid approach can often be the key to getting the most out of each method, thus creating an optimal balance between initial structure and responsiveness to changes. With our experts by your side, explore the best solutions that apply to your project and make it a success.

Let’s talk about your project and its specifics

Featured-Post-Software-FR Software Engineering (EN)

ERP Software: How to Choose an Enterprise Solution for Your Business?

Post author By Jonathan
Post date 7 February 2024

ERP Software: How to Choose an Enterprise Solution for Your Business?

Tags Business application, ERP, software package

The business world is evolving at lightning speed, and Swiss companies that do not digitize are at great risk. Effective management of resources and processes is crucial for business success. The same goes for process automation. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software plays a central role in this quest for efficiency. However, with a plethora of options available on the market, choosing the right ERP software for your business can be a significant challenge.

In this article, we will explore the essential aspects to consider when selecting an ERP, whether it is an off-the-shelf solution or a custom-developed one tailored entirely to your needs, as our engineers are accustomed to creating for our clients in Switzerland.

{CTA_BANNER_BLOG_POST}

Choosing the Right Software: Evaluating the Specific Needs of Your Business

Before diving into the world of ERPs, it is imperative to understand the specific needs of your business. Each organization is unique, and software that suits one company may not be suitable for another. Identify the key processes of your business, areas where improvements are needed, and essential features to drive growth. A thorough assessment of these needs will enable you to define clear criteria for choosing your ERP.

Scalability and Flexibility for an ERP that Fits Your Development

Your business is not static; it evolves. Therefore, an ERP must be able to grow with it. Scalability and flexibility are essential elements to consider when choosing software. Opt for a solution that can adapt to changes in the size, structure, and needs of your business without compromising performance. Specifically, your software should be able to add new functions, resize existing ones based on user needs, increase storage capacity, maintain the same performance in case of increased load (number of simultaneous users), etc.

Integration with Existing Systems for an ERP that Participates in Your Digital Ecosystem

An effective ERP does not operate in isolation. Ensure that the chosen software can seamlessly integrate with the systems already in place within your organization. Seamless integration with existing applications ensures a smooth transition and maximizes operational efficiency.

It is also possible to design a custom ERP that includes all your various tools (emails, cloud storage, customer files, invoicing, etc.). For this, it is best to engage a team of specialized engineers.

Discuss your needs and goals with one of our dedicated experts

Data Security within Your Software

Data security is a major concern in today’s digital world, whether it’s protecting your trade secrets, health data, or complying with regulations such as LPD or GDPR. Make sure that the ERP you choose offers robust security standards to protect sensitive information from your business because many are not strong from this point of view. At Edana, as a custom software development agency, we place particular emphasis on data security and can assist you in implementing advanced protection solutions.

Support and Maintenance to Avoid Downtime

Choosing an ERP is not limited to the implementation phase. It is crucial to consider long-term support and maintenance. Opt for a provider that offers continuous support and regular updates to ensure the smooth operation of your ERP system over time.

The Pitfalls of Standard ERPs & Review of the Most Popular Ones

It can be tempting to turn to a ready-made solution, but this often comes at the expense of the company’s development. Although this depends on various specific conditions. Here are some of the most well-known standard ERPs on the market, along with some general limitations:

SAP ERP:

Weaknesses :
- High implementation and maintenance costs.
- Complexity, which may require extensive training for users.
- Time required to customize and adapt features to specific business needs.

Oracle ERP Cloud:

Weaknesses:
- Significant initial cost with licensing and implementation fees.
- Limited customization compared to a custom ERP.
- Time required to implement additional features.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 :

Weaknesses:
- High acquisition cost, especially for small businesses.
- Limitations in terms of flexibility to adapt to unique business processes.
- Need to rely on specialized consultants for extensive customizations.

Infor ERP :

Weaknesses:
- User interface sometimes criticized for its complexity.
- Dependence on the provider for updates and adding new features.
- License and maintenance fees that may be prohibitive for some companies.

It is crucial to note that these weaknesses are not absolute and may vary depending on the specific needs of each company. Standard ERPs are designed to meet a wide range of needs, but their rigidity can be a challenge for companies with very specific or constantly evolving business processes. This is where a custom ERP can offer a more suitable solution by overcoming these limitations through personalized and flexible design.

Choosing between a Standard ERP and a Custom ERP: How to Decide?

The standard ERP meets the essential needs of a company based on generic criteria. It generally integrates traditional modules such as accounting, marketing, or invoicing. Although effective in its field, it exhibits a certain rigidity over time, lacking real flexibility. Standard ERPs often lack adaptability, a crucial characteristic given that a company’s trajectory is not always linear.

This is why software publishers now offer an increasing variety of custom solutions. These solutions are designed to adjust to the real issues and specific evolutions of each company. With fully dedicated and specialized interfaces and features, custom ERP offers increased adaptability to the business tool.

Examples of ERPs that our engineers have custom designed for our Swiss clients

Developing custom business software to enable Swiss companies and organizations to digitize their business processes, gain efficiency, transparency, and increase profitability is our expertise. Here are two case studies of fully tailored software development: