Modernizing Workforce Management with Risk-Free Cloud Migration
Industry
Energy & Utilities
Summary
A national utility company needed to modernize its aging HRMS, which supported 70+ dependent applications critical to workforce management. The complex, tightly integrated system required a seamless transition to a cloud-based solution under a hard deadline.
TPI’s microservices-based approach allowed the client to decouple dependencies, enabling a phased migration of all 70+ applications to a modern HRMS. The project was completed ahead of schedule and under budget, equipping the client’s team with the skills to manage the new system independently.
Key Services
Application Services, Cloud Engineering, Innovation, Platforms & Technology
The headaches that were alleviated by the work Technology Partners performed cannot be overstated and to say our workflow has improved would be an understatement.
Client Executive
About our client
A Fortune 500 energy and utilities company that employs more than 9,000 people, powering the quality of life for 2.4 million electric customers and more than 900,000 natural gas customers across a 64,000-square-mile area in Missouri and Illinois.Challenge
The client’s legacy HRMS, a cornerstone of their workforce management, posed significant challenges for modernization. More than 70 custom applications relied directly on the system for essential data and services. Any disruption during migration risked impacting critical operations across the organization.
Adding to the complexity, a "big-bang" deployment was initially considered—a high-risk strategy requiring all applications to migrate simultaneously. The potential for operational failure and downtime was unacceptable. Moreover, the client faced an external, non-negotiable deadline, further heightening the need for a strategic, agile solution to avoid disruptions and ensure a successful transition.
Solution
TPI designed a scalable, REST-based microservices architecture to address the client’s needs. This modernized approach decoupled the 70+ dependent applications from the legacy HRMS, enabling a phased migration to a cloud-based system with minimal risk.
Key elements of the solution included:
- Microservices Development: A suite of REST-based microservices provided indirect access to the HRMS, eliminating direct dependencies and allowing application teams to update systems independently.
- Parallel Systems: Secondary microservices were developed to interact with the new cloud-based HRMS, ensuring seamless switchover without operational disruptions.
- Staggered Deployment: Applications transitioned at their own pace, reducing the risks associated with a large-scale, all-at-once migration.
This architecture not only facilitated a smooth transition but also provided the client with a resilient foundation for future upgrades and system enhancements.
Results
The microservices-based solution delivered transformative results, ensuring the client achieved their modernization goals without compromising daily operations. By decoupling dependencies, TPI provided the client with the flexibility to transition each application independently while maintaining uninterrupted workforce management capabilities.
The project’s success went beyond technical execution. By fostering collaboration and offering real-time knowledge transfer, TPI empowered the client’s team to confidently manage and optimize the new system post-deployment. Completing the project under budget and ahead of a critical deadline underscored TPI’s ability to deliver high-stakes solutions efficiently and effectively.
Supporting the client through such a large-scale transition was incredibly rewarding. We were able to minimize risks and give each application team the flexibility to adapt independently. Seeing the client’s team empowered to manage the new system on their own was a testament to our collaborative approach and commitment to building long-term value.
Matt Nicolls
Service Line Manager, Technology Partners
Key Outcomes
- Seamless HRMS Transition: The decoupled architecture facilitated a smooth migration to the cloud-based HRMS, enhancing system resilience and scalability.
- Empowered Client Team: Working alongside TPI, the client’s developers gained first-hand experience with cloud-based microservices, enabling them to independently manage the new system post-deployment.
- Budget and Timeline Success: The project was completed not only under budget but also ahead of the strict deadline, a crucial factor for the client.
- Recognition of Excellence: The project leadership publicly acknowledged the dedication and expertise of TPI’s team, citing their commitment and the excellence of their work.ew cloud-based HRMS by identifying areas for streamlined workflows and increased efficiency.
