Our lighthouse projects

Context: In addition to its role as a retail bank, Mercedes-Benz Bank also acts as a dealer financing bank, through which the stock of Mercedes dealers can be financed.

Project objective: Implementation of new dealer financing software and its integration into the existing IT landscape. The software was first launched on the German market and subsequently rolled out internationally.

Our role: During extensive testing phases, the software itself was first tested thoroughly, followed by the complex interaction with surrounding systems such as SAP. We also actively supported the operation of the software after go-live.

#TestManagement #FinancialManagement #SAP FI #Banks #Regulatory

Context: A major product line at Bosch is the supply of components to the automotive sector. The business processes for this are managed holistically within SAP. The SAP system landscape, which has evolved over time, is complex to maintain and support due to customisation and bespoke interfaces.

Project objective: Bosch has launched a long-term project to standardise SAP customisations. For quality assurance purposes, a test management consultancy was commissioned to specify an agile testing approach and the deployment process for all SAP implementations.

Our role: As experts in agile methodologies, we were brought in to validate the external provider’s test process specifications from a stakeholder perspective and to identify areas for improvement.

#TestManagement #SAP #Automotive

Context: Business customers are an important customerbase for banks, for whom banks are continually expanding their service portfolio.

Project objective: In this context, Commerzbank has expanded its online banking portal to include treasury and cash management software. Business customers can use the application as a Software as a Service solution to manage their master data, accounts, and current and future liquidity.

Our role: As testing experts, we oversaw the entire quality assurance process. In doing so, we ensured all activities, from defining the test strategy and planning through to the actual execution of test cases and final acceptance.

#TestManagement #FinancialManagement #Banks #Regulatory

Context: The Lufthansa Group comprises various autonomous airlines, most of which operate with individual and legacy IT system landscapes. Until now, passengers have only ever interacted with the airline relevant to them.

Project objective: The “Airline.com” project was launched to create a barrier-free booking and shopping experience for passengers. This was to be enabled by a cross-airline booking and e-commerce platform to which each airline was to migrate gradually. The technical implementation was carried out by external providers. The project planning required the drafting of contracts, quality assurance measures, the definition of concepts and processes, and the documentation of the work results.

Our role: We were brought in to develop quality assurance measures and migration strategies in collaboration with the airlines and providers. To this end, a test procedure was designed to ensure comprehensive testing with 60 testers. Additionally, we planned and coordinated the individual airline migrations. All results were incorporated into the provider contracts.

#Migration #TestManagement #E-Commerce #Aviation

Context: Since the global financial crisis of 2007, the EU has been establishing increasingly comprehensive regulations to protect investors and create greater transparency in the financial services sector. One of these regulations is the ‘Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II (MiFID II)’/‘Markets in Financial Instruments Regulation (MiFIR)’, which became binding on 3 January 2018. The implementation of this EU directive poses an enormous challenge for banks, as it affects the entire securities process.

Project objective: As a major German investment firm, dwpbank launched a project to implement all requirements under MiFID II/MiFIR.

Our role: In several phases, we managed the implementation of all investor protection measures (ex ante, target market assessment, enhanced reporting and ex post reporting). In addition to ongoing coordination with banking associations, this also involved far-reaching changes to the company’s IT landscape and the establishment of several new data delivery interfaces.

#ProjectManagement #EURegulations #FinancialManagement #Banking

Context: MaRisk is a binding set of regulations for financial services firms, which stipulates, amongst other things, that affiliated companies must use a rights management system. In particular, extensive requirements are placed on such systems regarding the allocation, control and monitoring of rights.

Project objective: At Hypovereinsbank, the existing rights management system was to be replaced. This involved not only the replacement of the software itself, but also processes such as the granting, recording, reconciliation and recertification of rights, which we also had to adapt and revise.

Our role: As part of this project, we supported test management on the one hand. We were responsible for planning the testing (scheduling test phases, organising the test team, documenting test results, etc.). On the other hand, we also took charge of managing the internal IT service provider. This encompassed everything from environment planning and ordering processes right through to regular coordination meetings.

#ProjectManagement #TestManagement #EURegulations #FinancialManagement #Banks

Context: In certain cases, BaFin orders special audits for banks, primarily to verify compliance with MaRisk. The major Bavarian bank was undergoing such an internal audit, during which various findings were identified.

Project objective: The aim of this major project (involving 300 freelancers) was to rectify these findings in time for a follow-up audit by the Bundesbank. The bank’s own IT department was particularly affected, but so were the IT departments of the service providers.

Our role: As part of the project management team, we centrally coordinated the rectification of the findings. In doing so, we actively tracked the various workstreams and their deliverables.

#EU-Regulatory #ProjectManagement #FinancialManagement #Banks