They faced several challenges using an outdated version of the platform, including limited functionality, performance issues, and a lack of robust disaster recovery (DR) capabilities. Furthermore, performing the upgrade directly through Advent was considered too costly and time-consuming, given their extensive customization and complex IT infrastructure.
The asset manager reached out to Empaxis, investment operations experts and specialists in Advent APX, to take ownership of this comprehensive upgrade project to APX 23.1 with the latest patches. The project scope included:
Upgrade Planning and Coordination:
- A detailed project plan was created in collaboration with the client, outlining timelines, resource allocation, and key milestones.
- A dedicated project team was established, comprising certified APX consultants from Empaxis and key stakeholders from the client's IT and operations teams.
Environment Setup:
- A demo environment consisting of 2-3 servers was set up to thoroughly test the upgrade process and identify potential compatibility issues.
- Moxy, a critical component for data integration, was upgraded to ensure compatibility with the new APX version.
Database Upgrade and Failover Testing:
- A parallel upgrade approach was adopted, running both APX 20.1 and 23.1 concurrently to minimize disruption.
- Comprehensive database backups were taken on clustered servers, ensuring data integrity and facilitating quick failover in case of unexpected issues.
Disaster Recovery Implementation:
- A full-scale disaster recovery (DR) environment was established, replicating the production APX system and providing a reliable fallback option in case of system outages or data loss.
Customization and Integration:
- Extensive customizations were meticulously migrated and adapted to the new APX version, preserving the client's unique workflows and reporting requirements.
- Seamless integration with other systems, such as order management systems (OMS) and data providers, was ensured through rigorous testing.
Team Structure
To ensure a successful upgrade, Empaxis assembled an experienced team and proven experts for the project, consisting of the following resources:
- Project Manager (PM): The PM oversaw the entire project, ensuring timelines were met and resources were effectively utilized.
- Technical Lead: This person led the technical aspects of the upgrade, including environment setup, database upgrades, and customization migration.
- APX Consultants: These certified Advent APX specialists provided technical expertise and guidance throughout the upgrade process.
- QA Analysts: They conducted rigorous testing to ensure the upgraded system met all functional and performance requirements
Combining the right resources with a well-defined scope and plan of action, Empaxis helped the asset management firm successfully upgrade to APX 23.1,delivering huge benefits:
- Improved Performance: The upgraded system offered faster processing times, enhanced reporting capabilities, and improved overall system responsiveness.
- Enhanced Functionality: The latest APX version provided access to new features and functionalities, streamlining workflows and increasing operational efficiency
- Robust Disaster Recovery: The implementation of a full-scale DR environment ensured business continuity and minimized the risk of data loss in case of unexpected events.
- Cost Savings: By partnering with Empaxis, the client avoided the high costs and lengthy timelines associated with direct upgrades through Advent.
- Minimal Disruption: The parallel upgrade approach and thorough testing ensured minimal disruption to ongoing operations during the transition.
