Persistent Systems

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We’re a mid-sized property and casualty insurance company that serves Northeast states in the US. I’m the project manager in the IT department, working primarily on developing and maintaining software that our internal employees and agents in our region use to write and administer insurance policies. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Persistent Systems?

We’re working to create an application for various insurance products we offer. They came to support a low-code process management tool that would allow people to complete the forms and submit information needed to do business with us.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Initially, they were using Appian as a low-code tool to create workflows. Over time, they came to lead that effort with expertise in that tool. With that came some web service development and database work. 

At this point, we’re transitioning away from that product but replicating the functionality as well as expanding it to other products. They’re continuing to work with us on Java web service, which is how we get data between our database and web page.  

What is the team composition?

Their team ranged from 10–20 people, including a project manager. 

How did you come to work with Persistent Systems?

They were already working with my company when I joined. However, we typically select new partners out of 3–5 vetted organizations. We likely heard of them through an RFI or insurance showcase.   

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent at least $2.5 million over the years.  

What is the status of this engagement?

We’ve been working with them since February 2016. We’ve engaged in various SOWs since.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

From a metrics perspective, we had installation requirements that needed to be delivered at a certain time, and then we could monitor and maintain the systems. They would also keep us updated on how many people were using it. All of the metrics to this point have been positive. 

More recently, we’ve been planning our daily and weekly deliverables as a team. We’re measuring, on a task-based level, what they’re able to deliver alongside the rest of our team.   

How did Persistent Systems perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re great communicators, but we partner on project management. I rely on their project manager to coordinate the work of their offshore team Everything always goes smooth on that front.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their flexibility is commendable. Many things have changed over the course of our work. We’re replacing the product they built, but they’re the team that’s helping us find our next solution. The way we work as a company is also changing. We went from a waterfall project approach to a more agile development method that they had to adapt to. Their flexibility and critical thinking skills about how to effectively solve challenges were impressive. They’re invested in our success.  

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of anything. They’re pretty solid. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Make sure their key team leads are great matches for your company. They will be your linchpin for success with them. We have a very strong team with them, and their leads are key to that success.