Client Background
A leading Dubai-based payment solutions provider faced significant challenges in upgrading its card systems for its most valuable client in GCC. The transition from a legacy platform to an advanced solution was complicated by gaps in scope finalization and a lack of understanding of functional and technical capabilities between the client and the solution provider . Further complexities arose from the intricate product offerings of the client and a strict mandate from the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) to complete the pilot upgrade within a specified timeframe in Saudi Arabia, before commencing upgrade for larger card portfolio in UAE.
Cedar’s Strategic Approach
Cedar strategically engaged to win over the go-ahead for the pilot upgrade for the bank’s Saudi Arabian cards portfolio. Cedar further engaged to design extensive program plan, assisted in conducting discovery, while providing governance, and workstream coordination across teams from the UAE and KSA. A pre-discovery workshop was conducted to gauge the high-level platform capabilities and challenges inherent in the core stacks of the bank and the solution provider.
Detailed Execution Strategy
- Discovery Assistance: Cedar organized and led month-long discovery workshops that meticulously reviewed functional features, API, Interfaces, and Reports. A thorough gap analysis was performed, followed by the development of a high-level Build strategy for the product.
- Planning & Governance: A detailed program charter was established, outlining the project objectives, plan with key milestones, governance framework, escalation matrix, key stakeholders, and critical success factors. Cedar engaged actively with key stakeholders and monitored the program’s progress against the planned timelines, escalating significant deviations and managing dependency factors.
- Quality and Risk Management: Throughout the project, Cedar ensured close monitoring of quality standards conformance and risk impact, maintaining the project’s integrity and compliance.
Benefits and Outcomes
Cedar’s expertise and proactive involvement enabled the payment solutions provider to successfully navigate the upgrade process, ultimately retaining its most valuable client. The discovery phase led to effective consolidation and prioritization of business requirements and scope, ensuring all client and regulatory requirements were met. This strategic intervention not only safeguarded the client relationship but also enhanced the provider’s capacity to manage complex payment systems upgrades under stringent regulatory conditions.