BCM Inks / MyInkIQ

Description:

Generated proposal for migrating MyInkIQ Flash app to a React.js app, while keeping the Java Springboot backend intact. Migrated software to AWS ec2 and RDS. Launched Mexican version and managed conversion of US app to React app. Deployed US and Mexican versions of Windows desktop software (Adobe AIR app). Developed Lab Request feature for React.js app.

Case Study:

BCM Inks came to Lampros Labs in August 2018 as they were ending their relationship with their former development team. They needed a new frontend interface for their proprietary software because it was written in Adobe Flash. They wanted a new frontend without replacing their existing Java Spring Boot REST API.

We were awarded the project after my careful consideration of all the complexities in their business as well as the existing Flash and Java backend code. We worked with their previous development team to migrate the existing software to AWS. While I personally launched the Mexican version of their desktop software written in Adobe AIR. This gave me a good understanding of the backend and how it was interacting with Flash. The desktop software is used with a color reading device to test formulas and keeps track of every test to provide historical data to customers.

Our team worked for about 5 months converting their web application into a new React.js app. We were able to use the old app as a prototype, while addressing some functional concerns of the client along the way. We first released the Mexican version of the web app for their Mexican location, where they started with fresh data, entering all their customers and processing orders daily.

The US production app orders dashboard

While the Mexican version was sort-of a trial run; the release of the new US app proved challenging. They have customers using the web app to place orders every day, while BCM's lab technicians use it to spec formula requests sent by customers. So there were obviously quite a few differences to the interface for everyone to get used to. As well as a few bugs which were only uncovered after the real usage started.

After the US launch, I went on-site to BCM Inks to provide support and discuss all the issues we needed to address post-launch. Afterwards, I was able to develop the improved lab request workflow which uses React state management to update data about the formula without closing the form, while returning documents from the BIRT reporting system. This made the lab technicians' lives easier while increasing productivity!