Introduction
The Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) sought to modernize and streamline the management of incentives provided to registered companies. The ELEMENTS solution is an innovative Incentive Management System that automates the handling of various incentives and the annual progress updates submitted by companies. This system integrates multiple inbound and outbound dependencies with other applications, ensuring seamless data flow and operational efficiency. Utilizing advanced technologies, ELEMENTS enables EDB to deliver a more efficient, user-friendly, and transparent incentive management process.
Problem
The traditional process of managing incentives and collecting annual progress updates from registered companies in Singapore was manual, time-consuming, and prone to errors. Companies faced significant administrative burdens, while EDB struggled with inefficiencies and delays in processing and tracking incentives. There was a clear need for a digital solution that could automate these processes, ensure accurate data handling, and provide a more efficient and transparent system for both EDB and the companies it serves.
Solution
To address these challenges, we developed the ELEMENTS Incentive Management System using a range of modern technologies and tools. This solution was designed to be robust, scalable, and efficient, providing comprehensive automation and integration capabilities.
System Architecture:Developed using C# MVC for a scalable and maintainable architecture. Entity Framework was utilized for efficient and reliable data access. SQL Server was used as the primary database for managing all data related to incentives and progress updates.
Frontend Development:The user interface was built with HTML5, CSS, and JQuery, ensuring a responsive and user-friendly experience. Kendo UI was used for creating rich, interactive user interfaces. Muhimbi Utility and OpenXML were integrated for document handling and processing.
Testing and Quality Assurance:xUnitTest was employed for unit testing to ensure code quality and functionality. Codecept JS was used for end-to-end testing, ensuring the reliability and performance of the system. Wiremock was implemented for mocking dependencies during testing, ensuring a smooth development and testing process.
Integration and Automation:The system was designed to handle various inbound and outbound dependencies with other applications, ensuring seamless data exchange. Automated processes were implemented for managing incentives and annual progress updates, reducing manual effort and improving accuracy.
Process
To ensure the successful development and deployment of the ELEMENTS solution, we adhered to Agile methodologies and practices, incorporating the following elements:
Agile Methodology Implementation:Adopted Agile principles to foster flexibility, collaboration, and continuous improvement. This approach enabled us to respond quickly to changing requirements and deliver incremental value to stakeholders.
Scrum Ceremonies:
👉 Sprint Planning: Defined goals, prioritized tasks, and allocated resources at the start of each sprint.
👉 Daily Stand-Ups: Held daily meetings to share updates, discuss challenges, and coordinate efforts.
👉 Sprint Reviews: Demonstrated completed work to stakeholders and gathered feedback at the end of each sprint.
👉 Sprint Retrospectives: Reflected on the sprint process, identified areas for improvement, and implemented actionable insights for future sprints.
👉 Implemented a comprehensive testing strategy, including unit tests using xUnitTest and end-to-end tests using Codecept JS.
👉 Integrated automated and manual testing processes into the development pipeline to maintain high standards of quality.
By following Agile methodologies and leveraging advanced technologies, we successfully delivered the ELEMENTS solution, providing a robust and efficient Incentive Management System for the Singapore Economic Development Board. This structured process ensured timely delivery, high-quality outcomes, and the ability to adapt to evolving requirements seamlessly.
Key Functionalities
Online Loan Application:Customers can check their finance eligibility and process loans within minutes using an online application, without needing to visit a bank.
Digital Point-of-Sales Application:Sales associates at car dealerships use a digital point-of-sales application to scan customer ID cards, with OCR technology automatically updating the application with retrieved information.
Document Upload and Contract Creation:Dealers can upload required documentation and digitally trigger contract creation. Customers receive a secure message on their smartphones to validate terms and digitally sign the contract using 'click to sign' technology.
Automated Back-Office Processes:Once the contract is signed, the system triggers automated processes such as contract activation and setting up regular monthly payments from the customer's bank account. By leveraging the latest technologies and cloud infrastructure, the eContracting solution drastically reduces the time required for contract processing, enhances customer convenience, and improves operational efficiency for Mercedes-Benz dealerships
Responsibilities
Backend Development:Designed, developed, and maintained backend services using C# MVC and .NET Core, ensuring a robust and scalable architecture. Implemented RESTful APIs for seamless integration with the frontend application, facilitating efficient data exchange and communication. Optimized backend systems for performance and scalability, ensuring smooth and responsive user experiences.
Unit Testing:Developed and maintained unit tests using xUnitTest to ensure the reliability and functionality of backend services. Achieved high code coverage and contributed to the reduction of bugs and issues in production, ensuring high-quality software delivery.
Technical Leadership:Participated in and led technical discussions to identify optimal solutions and best practices for system architecture and development. Guided junior team members by providing mentorship and support, enhancing their skills and performance in backend development. Conducted thorough code reviews to ensure adherence to coding standards and best practices, improving overall code quality and maintainability.
Collaboration:Collaborated effectively with cross-functional teams to align backend services with project requirements and timelines, ensuring seamless integration and delivery. Communicated with stakeholders to understand project goals and requirements, facilitating the delivery of robust solutions that meet business needs and expectations.
Achievements:Successfully delivered backend solutions that significantly improved system performance, reliability, and user experience. Fostered a collaborative team environment, leading to enhanced productivity and knowledge sharing among team members.