Global Logistics Leader's Analytics Platform Modernization

A Fortune 500 global logistics and freight forwarding company with operations across more than 100 countries needed to modernize their advanced analytics platform supporting their supply chain division. The company provides comprehensive supply chain management and analytics services to global enterprises, requiring robust data processing capabilities to deliver near real-time insights to their customers.

The client was running their business-critical analytics on SAS Viya 3, which needed to be upgraded to the more powerful and containerized SAS Viya 4 platform. This modernization effort required:

• Complete infrastructure redesign in Microsoft Azure to support containerized applications
• Development of secure data pipelines to ingest customer logistics data from diverse sources
• Implementation of a modern customer portal with enhanced security and identity management
• Migration of existing data without service disruption to customers
• Meeting stringent corporate security and compliance requirements
• Streamlining data transformation processes that previously required manual intervention

CONVX was selected through the client's IT integrator partner for our specialized expertise in:

1. Cloud Infrastructure Automation

• Implemented Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) to host the SAS Viya 4 platform
• Developed Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) using Terraform for consistent, repeatable deployments
• Configured Azure networking components, firewalls, and load balancers to support secure access
• Integrated with existing Active Directory environment for unified authentication
• Established proper backup and security procedures compliant with corporate requirements

2. Data Pipeline Modernization

• Architected a comprehensive data pipeline design for secure file transfer from customers
• Implemented Azure Data Factory for automated data transformation and loading
• Created a framework for dynamically mapping diverse input formats to standardized schemas
• Developed SQL-based transformation routines to standardize customer data
• Eliminated manual data handling processes through automation

3. Customer Portal Development

• Designed and implemented a modern web application using Vue.js with serverless Azure Functions backend
• Integrated Auth0 for secure customer identity management and authentication
• Implemented Azure Defender for Storage to provide malware scanning for uploaded files
• Added self-service capabilities for customers to upload data and monitor processing status
• Deployed Web Application Firewall (WAF) protection for additional security

The project was executed through multiple phases:

1. Assessment and Design

• Workshops to understand business requirements and technical constraints
• Architecture design sessions for infrastructure, security, and data flows
• Security reviews to ensure compliance with corporate standards
• User interface design collaboration for customer portal

2. Infrastructure Deployment

• Customization of SAS-provided Terraform scripts for client environment
• Deployment of underlying Azure components for Viya 4
• Coordination with SAS for application installation
• Implementation of security controls and network configuration

3. Data Pipeline Development

• Construction of automated data transfer mechanisms
• Development of transformation framework for diverse data formats
• Testing with production data formats from multiple customers
• Validation of data quality and transformation accuracy

4. Customer Portal Implementation

• Front-end development with Vue.js for responsive user experience
• Backend API development with Azure Functions
• Integration with Auth0 for identity management
• Deployment of security controls including WAF protection

The modernization initiative delivered significant business outcomes:

• Enhanced Analytics Capabilities: Migration to SAS Viya 4 provided advanced analytics features and improved performance for the client's Supply Chain Solutions division
• Improved Customer Experience: Self-service portal eliminated delays in data uploads and provided visibility into processing status
• Operational Efficiency: Automated data pipelines reduced manual intervention, eliminating error-prone processes and improving staff productivity
• Enhanced Security: Implementation of modern identity management, WAF protection, and malware scanning improved the security posture
• Scalability: Containerized infrastructure can easily scale to accommodate growing data volumes and customer base
• Future-Ready Platform: Modernized architecture provides foundation for future enhancements and integrations

This project showcased CONVX's core strengths:

• Multi-Cloud Infrastructure Expertise: Seamless implementation of complex Azure-based infrastructure using modern containerization
• End-to-End Data Platform Development: From data ingestion to transformation and analysis
• Business-Focused Technology Strategy: Solutions aligned with client's business objectives for customer experience and operational efficiency
• Mature Methodology: Structured approach from assessment through design, implementation, and knowledge transfer
• Advanced Automation: IaC and automated pipelines for consistent, repeatable operations
• Security Focus: Implementation of multiple security layers for comprehensive protection

The ongoing relationship with this client spans nearly a decade, with multiple successful projects demonstrating CONVX's ability to deliver consistent value as a trusted technology partner.