A Case Study on Performance Optimization and Email Migration for Building Material Delivery Service Platform

Disclaimer: The client’s name and details have not been mentioned in this case study to protect confidentiality.

The client is a B2B and B2C construction supply company based in Riyadh. The client offers construction materials to contractors and homeowners from over 100 leading hardware store brands and ensures a 99% quality pick rate with same-day delivery.

This B2B and B2C building material delivery service platform originated from a founder’s personal experience of frustration and time-consuming challenges in sourcing materials for a home project.

The client developed this platform from an external software development company for web, Android, and iOS mobile platforms. The work carried out by the external team was not to the point. So, the client was looking for a reliable software development company to enhance and optimize their eCommerce website and mobile application.

Challenges Faced With the Website and Mobile App

The challenges faced with the website and mobile app were:

• Authentication Errors: The initial challenge faced was authentication errors since the platform displayed technical issues during the user registration procedure. This issue led to an increased user dropout rate during registration and login, reducing the platform’s user retention.
• Navigational Complexity: Users needed help navigating the platform due to design inconsistencies, unresponsive elements, and confusing user flows. This complexity resulted in a decreased average session duration and the number of pages visited per session.
• Software Errors and Irregularities: Critical issues were faced in administrative interfaces and user-facing functionality like faulty search features that returned incorrect or irrelevant results. Such irregularities resulted in increased exit rates on product search pages.
• Email Security Threats: The client’s email system was hosted on local servers, which posed notable security risks like vulnerability to data breaches and compromised confidentiality.

Solutions We Provided

To solve all of these challenges and issues, the client approached Space-O Technologies. We assigned a team to understand the challenges the clients faced. To address these challenges, the solution we provided to the client involved integrating software testing at every step for a holistic solution:

1. Performance Optimization for Building Material Delivery Service Platform

   • Code Analysis and Bug Resolution: We conducted a thorough analysis of the beta version code, addressing any bugs present before updating the live version with the help of the Mantis tool. This process contributed to website speed improvement and load time reduction.
   • Design Integration and Responsiveness Enhancements: For user experience improvement, we aligned the website design with the mobile app, fixing design issues and enhancing responsiveness. We also improved the navigation to ensure smooth interaction across different devices.
   • Admin Panel and Authentication Refinement: We focused on refining the admin panel and authentication processes by addressing bugs and optimizing access control mechanisms to ensure platform security and streamline user access.
   • Regression Testing: We checked for unwanted issues that do not adversely affect the existing functionality of the platform, verified that bug fixes are effective, and validated that new features work as expected.
   • White Box Testing: Our team conducted this manual testing to identify and rectify issues like inefficient code paths in the authentication process and logical errors that lead to data inconsistency and reduced system performance.
   • User Acceptance Testing (UAT): We conducted user acceptance testing to make sure the updated interface and the move to ZOHO Mail for email services met both the users’ needs and the project’s goals.

   Along with these services, we also provide clients with email platform transition to solve security risks like data breaches. We recommended the client migrate their emails to ZOHO Mail, which is one of the best cloud email solutions. Check out the process we followed to migrate these emails.

2. Email Migration for Building Material Delivery Service Platform

   • Prepared and Planned Email Setups: Our team reviewed the email setups for the five accounts to gauge the volume and special configurations. We then informed the users about the migration process and selected a migration window during a low-activity period.
   • Carried Out Initial Sync and Setup: We created new Zoho Mail accounts for each of the users and initiated the transfer of existing emails through Zoho’s migration tools. Our team also set up dual delivery to ensure continuity during the transition.
   • Executed Testing and Training: Our team completely tested the new Zoho Mail accounts to confirm their functionality like sending, receiving, and integrating with other applications. We also provided targeted training for the users.
   • Completed Final Migration and Switch: We completed the migration by transferring the remaining emails to Zoho Mail and updated the MX records to direct all incoming emails to the new system.
   • Conducted Post-migration Activities: Once the final migration was done, our team started the process of shutting down the old email system.

This platform provided enhanced email management and data security beyond the initial project scope, prioritizing client security and satisfaction.

Technology Stack Used

• Frontend: Angular
• Backend: .NET
• Mobile App Development: React Native
• Server: Microsoft Azure
• Testing Tools: Mantis
• Testing Methodologies: Regression testing, White box testing, and UAT
• Payment Gateway: MADA

Results

The collaborative efforts of our dedicated development team and technical experts resulted in notable improvements to this platform. Customers now experience a smooth platform with responsive design, streamlined user navigation, and enhanced functionality.

The resolution of bugs and security vulnerabilities has boosted the platform’s reliability and user trust. With these improvements, this platform has become a reliable construction material provider, offering unmatched convenience and service to users.