Project Overview
Watts, a publicly traded leading producer of pipe and pressure systems, embarked on a digital transformation journey to create smart and connected IoT platform solutions. The partnership with Akava aimed to create a proof of concept (PoC) for the Energy Star compliance program, which was a critical milestone in Watts’ multi-year digital transformation strategy.
The Challenge
Watts faced challenges in accelerating the onboarding process for acquired companies, reducing the timeframe from 2 years to 6 months. Communication discrepancies, data loss due to employee turnover and the absence of a centralized data repository further complicated their digital transformation efforts.
As a result, we encountered challenges in navigating a massive company with legacy processes into the digital native space. The existing technology stack was outdated with many applications built using technologies that are facing obsolescence or deprecated. The lack of documentation further compounded the complexity of the project.
Our Approach
To address these challenges, we devised a strategic approach:
Reverse Engineering
01Faced with uncooperative vendors who refused to produce any artifacts to help us accelerate our deliverables, we conducted an enormous amount of research to gain a baseline understanding of the environment while reverse engineering many core applications.
Meeting Cadence
02We tackled communication limitations by organizing synchronous meetings, following Agile methodologies pertaining to iteration and communication, forced asynchronous collaboration on Teams and engaged in quarterly face-to-face sprint planning and demo meetings to bridge the gap from having globally distributed teams.
Proof of Work
03Our diligent team successfully developed the Energy Star compliance Proof of Work (POW). This significant achievement not only gained the trust of our valued stakeholders, but also fostered a spirit of collaboration.
Modernization Practices
04We navigated through antiquated systems, ushering in a new era of advanced practices and cutting-edge technologies. Our innovative solutions breathed fresh life into old frameworks, revolutionizing the way Watts works.
Documentation Workflow
05We helped change the way Watts managed information by introducing a cutting-edge system for documentation. Using Coda, we helped Watts establish a regularly updated, centralized hub of knowledge and transparency, setting a new standard for best practices within the company.
Tools & Tech Selection
The selection of tools and technologies was strategic, aiming to address the specific project requirements:
Python
Utilized for its versatility and efficiency in web application development.
Coda
Chosen for creating a collaborative and structured central knowledge hub.
Azure Cloud
Primary cloud infrastructure powering all of Watts applications.
Azure DevOps
To help streamline workflow management, collaboration and releases.
Results & Outcomes
Several positive outcomes were generated through our project engagement:
Centralized Knowledge Base
Through the successful implementation of best practices, we achieved the establishment of a centralized knowledge base. This strategic initiative not only facilitated seamless information sharing but also fostered a culture of transparency within the organization. As a direct result, processes across the board experienced a marked acceleration, showcasing the transformative impact of our approach on efficiency and collaborative workflows.
Process Improvement
Obsolete frameworks were systematically replaced with modern, efficient solutions, ushering in a strategic evolution at Watts. The adoption of robust Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) models, specifically Agile and Disciplined Agile, marked a pivotal enhancement. This deliberate transition not only addressed the obsolescence of outdated frameworks but also instilled a dynamic, iterative methodology that fosters adaptability, collaboration, and efficient project delivery.
Concept Production
A robust Proof of Work was successfully delivered, ensuring compliance with Energy Star requirements. This achievement went beyond meeting regulatory standards; it played a pivotal role in debunking preconceived notions, validating critical assumptions, and establishing a guiding framework for future development initiatives. The meticulous execution of this Proof of Work not only showcased adherence to industry standards but also served as a cornerstone for informed decision-making and strategic planning in subsequent developmental endeavors.
Project Delivery
We conducted a thorough assessment of the EnergyStar field savings software, precisely implementing it to validate specific requirements. Our involvement extended beyond evaluation, as we provided strategic recommendations for the implementation of the Minimum Viable Product (MVP). Simultaneously, we took a forward-looking approach by delineating a comprehensive product roadmap for the initial version (V1), ensuring a strategic and cohesive development trajectory.
Akava is not just a development shop, they’re a team of true consultants who partnered with us on our digital transformation journey. Their team of seasoned pros brought a unique blend of tech knowledge, business acumen, and a deep understanding of the digital landscape, which was integral in shaping our transformation journey. The Proof of Work approach they took saved us tons of time, money and effort; demonstrating the potential of the new strategies and technologies in play, before fully investing in them was invaluable.
Rainya M.
Sr Manager, IoT Platform