Staying current with the latest version of IBM TRIRIGA helps leverage enhanced feature functionality while improving operational efficiency and user experience.

About the Client

The client is an American multinational mass media and entertainment conglomerate. With a focus on creating exceptional entertainment experiences, the client has executed a global strategy to deliver the best experience to consumers across the globe. The client has a physical presence in more than 30 countries, reaching out to the audience that amounts to more than 130 countries.

The Background

The Client was using an older version of IBM TRIRIGA (Application version 10.5.2 and Platform version 3.6). The most current version at that time was Application version 10.8 and Platform version 3.8.

The Challenge

The client was facing challenges with getting maximum value from the existing system’s functionalities. There were challenges fixing defects and also due to the high level of effort to support an older version of the product, a lot of time had to be dedicated to that.

Outdated functionalities did not provide easy access to the application’s newer features. The existing user interface on the system was not user-friendly and did not help the client with obtaining intuitive insights based on data.

Quantum Strides was engaged to help the client with application upgrade from version 10.5.2 to version 10.8 (Quantum Strides is currently working with the client in evaluating the possibilities to upgrade them to the latest IBM TRIRIGA version 11.2/4.2). The client used an IBM SaaS version of IBM TRIRIGA, and the platform upgrade was performed by IBM.

Additionally, the client had a heavily customized their IBM TRIRIGA application which made the system slow, error prone and complex. Quantum Strides offered to provide its signature service “Health Check and Customization Reversal” that allows organizations to unravel complex customizations and move towards using functionality that is provided Out of the Box (OOB) and allows for improved performance and better user experience.

The Solution

Quantum Strides team of IBM TRIRIGA subject matter experts deployed a proprietary upgrade methodology to upgrade the client’s IBM TRIRIGA application from 10.5.2 to 10.8.

Quantum Strides adheres to the two general methodologies for upgrading IBM TRIRIGA.

Method1:

This methodology involves retaining the data in place and upgrading/merging the metadata along with bringing the version of the existing IBM TRIRIGA system to the latest version of IBM TRIRIGA through incremental upgrade packages. The method is faster and involves lower risks. Therefore, it is the preferred method of upgrade.

Method2:

This upgrade method involves installing a clean, out-of-the-box IBM TRIRIGA environment that already exists in the latest version. The data and metadata are then bought together after this step. The risk involved in this method is that there are chances that the data may not get “wired” back to appropriately in the new environment. This particular method is best-suited when most existing customizations are being reverted to OOB and the data is simple. Also, this methodology is suitable if there are overwhelming issues with the existing install that cannot be identified and fixed through other methods.

Furthermore, Quantum Strides’ proprietary upgrade and merge approach is designed to work around the client’s existing data customizations. Our upgrade approach stands out because we merge customizations with the upgraded code. This helps to maintain the client’s customizations along with obtaining the upgraded code.

Additionally, Quantum Strides IBM TRIRIGA functional and technical experts conducted an in-depth analysis of the Client’s customizations to determine which customizations and configurations where available as features in the then latest version of IBM TRIRIGA (Application version 10.8 / Platform version 3.8). Based on this analysis Quantum Strides provided recommendation reports to the client detailing the customizations that can be reversed as the Quantum Strides upgrade team helped with the upgrade. This approach allowed the client to harness the benefits of the features and enhanced functionality of the most recent IBM TRIRIGA application and platform (at that time) but also removed complex customizations that was not conducive to system performance and user experience.

The following aspects were implemented for the client:

• Application Upgrade: A comprehensive analysis of the upgrade process was conducted by the Quantum Strides’ IBM TRIRIGA experts. This included a merge of the customized code with upgrade code. The Quantum Strides team also executed the performance of unit and system testing.
• IBM TRIRIGA OOB feasibility: A detailed feasibility study was conducted that provided information to the client about customized, added, and enhanced items in the later versions up to 10.8/3.8. The Quantum Strides team also added value to the client’s existing system by providing recommendations based on industry best practices. This included a detailed analysis of the client’s key functional processes along with recommendations provided by Quantum Strides per industry best practices.

From our IBM TRIRIGA Expert:

“As a part of the upgrade and reversion out of the box, our team was able to identify and remove a considerable amount of custom code that was causing instabilities in the system. Along with the upgrade, this greatly enhances the customer’s user experience.”

Ray Pader Project Manager/IBM TRIRIGA Architect

The Results

Primarily, the upgrade to IBM TRIRIGA 10.8, IBM TRIRIGA CAD Integrator/Publisher 12.8, and the IBM TRIRIGA Connector for BIM 3.8.0 helped the client to add value to the functionalities, fix defects, and reduce the effort to use and implement the upgraded product.

An enhanced side navigation providing an IBM Carbon Design user experience delivered optimized access to application functionality. Existing navigation structures were supported and configurations to navigation structures continued to be supported through use of the Navigation Builder tool within IBM TRIRIGA.

To add on, enhanced space management information architecture delivered an optimized navigation experience for space management users in conjunction with the new navigation user experience delivered with IBM TRIRIGA Application Platform 3.8.0.

IBM TRIRIGA Reporting included the following enhancements:

The client was therefore able to experience better business outcomes by gaining the maximum benefits from updated, user-friendly functionalities on the upgraded IBM TRIRIGA 10.8/3.8.

• An updated user interface based on carbon framework delivered a new layout for creating graphs, sharing graphs with the team and quick access side panel for editing graphs
• Enhanced customization capabilities enabled formatting on data labels, axis labels and tooltip labels, application of filtering on time and date fields, and ability to show graph measure totals