The ACR (Application Clean-up and Retirement) programme was a priority programme for the Client, aimed at simplifying the application portfolio. The goal of the work was to achieve a simpler architecture, resulting in significant operational cost savings.
During the programme, the Customer’s application portfolio was analysed to identify which applications were not included in the long-term target architecture. In cases of functional overlap, proposals were made to move certain functions to other locations (thereby also reducing the complexity of the architecture where appropriate).
The programme launched separate projects to replace potential applications, providing financial support for decommissioning where necessary.
Challenge
The survey involved conducting interviews in the first round, which were organised by the members of the consortium of contractors performing the task. The client only provided the contact details of the participants and potential stakeholders. The client had no direct influence on the availability of resources.
In order to facilitate the work, it communicated at the director and CEO level in the relevant areas in an attempt to make the process smoother. The first round of surveys focused on target-non-target categorisation, followed by a detailed analysis in the second round: The number of systems affected changed continuously during the survey, although not significantly.
Solution
The items on the compiled application list were assessed to determine whether or not they were part of the target architecture. A brief functional description, the business and IT manager responsible, and the operating cost (OpEx), which includes platform costs, personnel costs and third-party (support) fees, were determined for each application.
A target/no target classification proposal was made, and in the latter case, a proposal was made as to where the application’s functions could be placed in the target architecture.
During the in-depth analysis, we conducted a broader survey of general information, analysed the technology and architecture, performed an operational analysis, and examined the business, portfolio and consolidation fit.
We performed a cost analysis and supplier impact analysis, as well as a criticality and risk classification.
Quantified results
- More than 50 applications examined
- In batches of 10, with a lead time of 4 weeks
