Tradition Meets Innovation: Codebase update of Japan Centre's Infrastructure

Strategic Upgrade for Enhanced Performance and Scalability at Japan Centre

Summary:

Client

Japan Centre

Country

United Kingdom
Project scope and technology

Codebase update, Infrastructure Optimization, Maintenance

Industry

FMCG
Tech Stack

AWS, EngineYard, RoR, Firebase, Shopify, Node.js

Work duration

Ongoing Since 2021

In today's fast-paced digital landscape, keeping technology updated is crucial for any company aiming to enhance their operational capabilities. This is particularly true for cultural hubs like Japan Centre, which not only serves as a retail outlet for Japanese goods but also as a culinary gateway to Japanese culture in the UK.

The Japan Centre is a popular retail outlet and online store known for offering a wide range of Japanese goods, including food, kitchenware, and books. Their mission is to provide an authentic Japanese shopping and dining experience to its customers, promoting Japanese culture and cuisine in the UK.

Sharing Japan Centre’s commitment to quality and innovation, Ideamotive stepped in to help. Ideamotive, a company that equally values cutting-edge solutions and cultural fidelity, proposed a project to overhaul Japan Centre’s the technological infrastructure.

Challenge:

Recognizing the need to enhance their capabilities, Japan Centre aimed to comprehensively upgrade their infrastructure to improve performance, security, and scalability. They encountered significant technological challenges with outdated versions of Ruby on Rails (RoR) and other technologies like Engine Yard, which were no longer supported by their service providers, including AWS.

Japan Centre saw an opportunity to partner with a trustworthy technology provider capable of delivering exceptional service and supporting their comprehensive technology needs.

This upgrade was critical not only for maintaining operations but also for achieving greater scalability and gaining a deeper understanding of the technological framework. Additionally, after the entire codebase was updated, there were challenges related to optimizing databases and server space due to the use of intermediary applications, highlighting the absence of holistic oversight across the entire infrastructure.

Solution

Recognizing the tech gap, the first step was to thoroughly identify these technological issues. Following this, engaging an interim CTO was crucial to develop a strong strategy for addressing these challenges effectively.

Japan Centre hands on cooperation with Ideamotive

The interim CTO conducted a comprehensive audit that identified and prioritized key areas in need of immediate repair and modernization. This audit highlighted the technological gaps and was the first crucial step in developing a strategy.

At every stage of development, an optimal number of developers worked on the project, each with a skill set precisely designed to address emerging challenges.

We consider this model to be the most efficient because the interim CTO naturally integrates into the client's business team. To identify the ideal candidate, we employ our unique Match-Making Method along with a Chemistry Check, ensuring the candidate's cultural fit is nearly perfect.

Kamil Osiecki

CEO Ideamotive

Execution

The approach involved several key steps:

Technology Audit and Planning: This crucial initial phase focused on sourcing an interim CTO who could comprehensively assess Japan Centre's existing technological framework. Upon joining, the interim CTO conducted a detailed audit to identify critical points within the infrastructure that required immediate attention. This audit allowed for a clear presentation of the most pressing issues, which were then prioritized to ensure efficient and effective resolution.

Leadership and Team Building: The interim CTO played a pivotal role in this phase by mentoring the Japan Centre's internal team, significantly enhancing their skills in agile methodologies and developer interaction. The project involved a structured approach where 10 developers, including 6 Ruby on Rails developers and 3 DevOps specialists, were sequentially integrated into the team as required.

This streamlined approach contributed to cost efficiencies by optimizing resource allocation and reducing wasteful expenditures, ensuring that the project remained within budget while still achieving high-quality outcomes.

Ongoing Development and Maintenance: The project remains under active maintenance, efficiently managed by just two specialists from Ideamotive: a Ruby on Rails Developer and a DevOps specialist.

Japan Centre process of cooperation with Ideamotive

Results

The collaboration has led to significant improvements in Japan Centre's operational capabilities:

Technology Modernization: Migrated outdated systems to the latest supported versions, improving stability and performance.

Cost Efficiency: Optimized server use and application performance, cutting unnecessary costs significantly.

Empowered Teams: The internal team at Japan Centre was trained to manage and work alongside external developers efficiently, fostering a culture of excellence and problem-solving.

Conclusion

Our partnership with Japan Centre showcases Our core values in action. Through candid communication, a problem-solving approach, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, we have not only filled the technology talent gap for Japan Centre but have also equipped them with the tools and knowledge to sustain growth and innovation. This case study is a testament to how Ideamotive stands as a brigade with their clients, supporting them through challenges and celebrating shared successes.