The client we worked with was a marketing vendor that owns a desktop-based SaaS app designed for pharmaceutical companies that help them reach the right products to the right people. They’ve become a $5 billion business covering 15 markets in Asia with over 300 clients including some of the world’s top pharma companies.
SaaS Application Modernization for a Pharma Marketing Company
Industry
Marketing Technology
Client Location
Asia
Project Duration
15 Months
Team Size
10 Engineers
Development Approach
Agile Methodology
Client Background
Project Purpose
Our task at hand was legacy application modernization for a number of key objectives – automation, performance optimization, scalability, and improved scalability. We needed to automate digital campaigns, create a multi-tenancy architecture, improve data storage and security measures, integrate scaling capabilities, and ensure the system responds promptly and efficiently to user commands.
Our Approach
The existing app, though functional, was lagging behind in terms of keeping up with the latest marketing techniques in the highly regulated healthcare industry. There was a critical demand for a more responsive, adaptable, and automated platform to address the complex requirements of pharma companies in their marketing initiatives.
So, it was time to give the best of our healthcare app development expertise. We started with an in-depth discussion to understand the pain points of the client. It was evident that we needed more than a simple upgrade. The system must have a complete transformation to enable the client to leap ahead in the market.
Another important aspect was to empower marketers with advanced analytics tools and personalized campaign management functionalities. The healthcare and pharma industry thrives on data-driven decisions, and we worked on the SaaS app development solution to do just that.
Beyond introducing new features or creating flashy interfaces, our aim was to fundamentally change how the agency handled its marketing campaigns, data, and clients.
The existing app was pretty complex and highly personalized. Building and integrating new functionalities with millions of code lines needs a special kind of talent. We had to make sure the app does not malfunction with the addition of new components.
Ravikumar Patel
Software Engineer, Radixweb
Challenges Encountered
- Upgrading and refactoring the legacy codebase and outdated technologies without disrupting the live system.
- Migrating the production units having a total footprint of 60 TB with constant vigilance to ensure data integrity.
- Designing a setup that could scale with increasing user load through containerization, load balancing, and optimized resource utilization.
- Aligning the business logic and architectural patterns of the existing system with the modernized app.
- Working under a tight deadline since the market niche is highly competitive and there was no chance for downtime.
The Redesigning Process
From the very beginning, our legacy modernization experts took on the project with an Agile approach that enabled the client to control the development process and own the execution through iterative cycles and feedback loops. We mutually decided on the refactoring strategy to get on with things in an efficient and systemic manner.
Initial Assessment
We conducted a thorough analysis of the existing system's architecture, codebase, and functionalities to identify areas for upgradation. We performed a comprehensive technology stack evaluation to determine outdated components and select modern frameworks for the revamp.
Architectural Redesign
With a new microservices-based architecture for improved scalability, flexibility, and easier maintenance, we drafted a detailed plan outlining component separation, communication protocols, and service boundaries for a modular system structure.
Code Refactoring and Optimization
By adhering to best practices and design patterns, our SaaS product development team enhanced code readability, maintainability, and performance. We employed techniques like encapsulation, abstraction, and dependency injection to decouple components and improve code quality.
Database Restructuring
We evaluated the database schema for inefficiencies and redesigned it to optimize query performance through indexing strategies, database sharding, and caching mechanisms that optimize data retrieval speed and minimize latency.
Tech Stack Enhancement
In order to leverage new features and security enhancements, we upgraded outdated libraries, frameworks, and dependencies to their latest versions. We used modern technologies and tools such as Vue.js for the front-end, Node.js for the back-end, and hosted the system on the cloud.
Whether you need to revamp an old product or create a brand new one, we’re here to help you
Standout Features
Take a look at some of the best features we integrated into the modernized SaaS application:
Automated Campaign Optimization
This feature enabled real-time adjustments and optimizations of marketing strategies based on selected criteria and performance metrics.
Personalization Engine
A sophisticated recommendation system for highly personalized marketing campaigns depending on individual customer behavior and preferences.
Marketing Automation Workflow
Intuitive and flexible automated workflows that allowed users to design, schedule, and execute complex marketing campaigns effortlessly.
Access Control
Robust security measures with RBAC protocols enable customized control of user access, protect sensitive information, and prevent unauthorized access.
Multi-Channel Marketing
An all-in-one system to support automated marketing across different channels, including email, social media, SMS, and push notifications.
65%
Increase in Data Processing
70%
User Load Boost
89%
Workflow Approval
Business Impact
Replacing the legacy system with SaaS solutions resulted in improved platform marketability and optimized cost of ownership.
Before
UX Challenges
The previous app suffered from slow response times, outdated UI/UX, and limited functionalities.
Performance Bottlenecks
Slow data processing and occasional downtime affected campaign execution and hindered real-time analytics.
Scalability Concerns
Inflexible architecture restricted the app’s ability to adapt to growing user demands and market shifts.
Client Concerns
Complaints about inefficient data handling, lack of actionable insights, and difficulty in managing marketing campaigns.
After
Enhanced User Satisfaction
Post-modernization, the system witnessed a surge in user satisfaction for its intuitive UI, faster response times, and cutting-edge features.
Optimized Performance
We addressed performance bottlenecks through optimized code that led to a 65% increase in data processing, reduced latency, and near-zero downtime.
Scalability and Flexibility
Multi-tenant architecture enabled seamless scalability and allowed the app to accommodate up to 70% increase in user loads.
Positive Feedback
Pharma companies reported improved efficiency in data handling and streamlined campaign management as acknowledged by 89% of users.
For our team, the quality of the new app has to be top-notch since we invested a lot in this revamp. We analyzed a number of vendors and ultimately went with Radixweb. And it was the best decision. Our clients are extremely satisfied, and we could not have asked for more.
Kieran Liu
Head of Product Management
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