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software case study

A CASE STUDY: CAL STATE UNIVERSITY

Like technology, we are constantly evolving. As problem solvers, we learn from the past. As progressive thinkers, we aim to refine the future.
 

THE CHALLENGE

The California State University System receives over 800K applications each year. The system they use to process and manage these applications was over a decade old and due for a major overhaul. CSU engaged SF AppWorks to provide ongoing improvements and optimizations while being careful not to create production issues in a heavily utilized system.
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FEATURES

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SYSTEM AUDIT

SYSTEM AUDIT

We started with an audit to assess the system state, understand the architecture, and review overall code cleanliness and organization. Our main goal: to boost CSU's platform pre-Fall registration traffic.

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IMPROVEMENTS

IMPROVEMENTS

We helped prioritize feature upgrades and bug fixes, organized a product roadmap, broke user stories into two-week sprints, and began fixing and upgrading reporting and registration tools with two-week production deployments.

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STABILITY

STABILITY

Features and upgrades were built for versatile use on all devices, then rigourously tested before deployment. Code changes were documented and knowledge was transferred back into CSU for in-house maintenance.

APPROACH

We use design-thinking and user-centric principles to think through problems and identify solutions. Then we apply Agile and Scrum processes to build, test, and iterate in a safe and predictable way. Our approach has helped build world class software for Fortune 500 companies, government organizations, startups, and non-profits. 
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WHY OUR CLIENTS LOVE US

“Their support, expertise and insight has allowed this project to flourish and create an accessible tool to those who need it the most. Not only did they guide me through the process but they also contributed exceptional ideas and feedback to cultivate a viable, user friendly product.”
NICHOLE DICKMANFounder of Auteachism
“I have worked with Andrew and his team on 4 projects spanning 3 companies and 3 platforms (iOS, Android, and Web,). They are a complete production / development team and excel in design and engineering and delivering finished products. They enable us to quickly expand our development capacity and capability beyond what we are able to staff ourselves.”
Peter-Huang-CTO
PETER HUANGCTO and Technologist for Tenor
“I’m extremely satisfied with SF AppWorks. Working with a hybrid team gives us both a local presence in our time zone and access to great developers in Romania who are very effective, very talented, who produce high quality code, and who are interested in and engaged with our team. It’s been a wonderful engagement, and I’m very pleased.”
dean
DEAN HEISTEADHead of Technology and Operations for Life Reimagined
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