Encino Energy, an oil and gas company, needed to implement a new land system to enhance their operational capabilities. They faced the challenge of integrating critical master data sets across multiple vendor systems before going live. AIM Consulting delivered a comprehensive solution, combining technical expertise in API development and cloud architecture with a strong focus on knowledge transfer to ensure a successful system transition.
Case Study Contents:
- Business Challenge: Modernizing Legacy Systems with Limited Resources
- Approach: Building a Scalable Integration Framework
- Results: Delivering Technical Excellence and Business Value
What AIM Consulting Did:
- Developed custom integrations using Azure cloud services for seamless data flow between systems
- Created comprehensive API validation tests using Postman for the new land system API
- Designed and implemented solution architecture aligned with the client’s existing patterns
- Provided customized knowledge transfer covering Python development and other topics by leveraging strong documentation, training sessions and pair programming.
- Established standards for source code management practices for the Encino project team.
Business Challenge: Modernizing Legacy Systems with Limited Resources
Encino Energy embarked on a strategic initiative to transition to a new land system, seeking to leverage its enhanced features and functionality. This migration necessitated the integration of multiple master data sets from their existing systems. The implementation posed several complex challenges, including navigating a product and API that was still under development, which introduced technical uncertainties. Furthermore, the project’s success was dependent on the new system’s vendor’s support for the needed data migration and product updates, all within a constrained timeline. Compounding these factors, Encino’s internal technical engineering resources were limited, making it impossible to complete the complex integration on their own within the desired timeframe.
Facing these complex integration challenges, Encino Energy needed a partner with specialized expertise in both oil and gas operations and vendor system integration. AIM Consulting’s experience with similar migrations in the energy sector, combined with their technical capabilities in API development and cloud architecture, aligned perfectly with the project requirements. Their local presence enabled rapid response times and hands-on collaboration, while their detailed technical analysis demonstrated a clear understanding of both the integration complexities and Encino’s resource constraints. This partnership allowed Encino to maintain focus on their core business operations while leveraging AIM’s technical expertise for the system transition.
Approach: Building a Scalable Integration Framework
AIM initiated the project with a thorough requirements analysis and a round of API validation testing to identify potential risks and issues that might impact delivery early. Leveraging our deep expertise to establish a prioritized integration roadmap. The technical solution centered on Azure cloud services, initially designing a serverless architecture with Azure Functions, Logic Apps, Key Vault, and Monitor. However, based on client preferences, we adapted the architecture to align with Encino’s existing patterns, demonstrating our commitment to delivering a solution that was both practical and maintainable by Encino’s team.
We implemented one-week sprint cycles to manage risks and maintain agility. This proved particularly valuable when addressing challenges with the new land system’s evolving API. A dedicated AIM team worked closely with Encino’s technical leads, conducting regular knowledge transfer sessions that included some Python development training, VS Code implementation, and Git workflow coaching. The solution included comprehensive API validation tests using Postman, custom software integrations, and deployment practices tailored to Encino’s operational requirements.
“AIM was an exceptional partner from start to finish. Their blend of technical expertise, industry knowledge, and project management acumen was crucial to the successful delivery of our project. AIM tailored a solution to our specific needs and consistently demonstrated a commitment to our best interests during key decisions. They navigated numerous challenges, including resource constraints, immature vendor APIs, and various technical and resource issues. Ultimately, AIM delivered a robust solution that met all business requirements and can be fully supported by Encino’s team.”
– Ryan Webernick, System Architect – Land and Accounting
Results: Delivering Technical Excellence and Business Value
The implementation successfully achieved all project objectives within the planned timeframe. Key technical accomplishments included:
- Seamless integration across targeted systems
- Solution architecture consistent with Encino’s established cloud posture and utilization patterns
- Comprehensive solution documentation and knowledge transfer
- Reusable Postman collection of API endpoint request tests
- Established Git-based source code management practices
Beyond the technical implementation, the project contributed business value by enabling Encino’s further progress towards QA testing of the new land system prior to a final transition. The new system is expected to provide enhanced capabilities for handling increased process volumes while reducing operational overhead.
The knowledge transfer component was noted by Encino as being particularly successful. Their team felt fully empowered to maintain and enhance the solutions we developed as a result of concerted efforts to build:
- Proficiency in Python development using VS Code
- Mastery of modern source code management practices with Git
- Deep understanding of the API integration architecture
- Capability to implement future enhancements to the solution
Insights By
Transform Your Integration Challenges into Strategic Advantages
Is your organization facing complex system integration challenges or planning a major platform transition?
Contact AIM Consulting today to discuss how we can help transform your technical challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation.
