National Australia Group (NAG) Case Study
Real financial benefits in terms of both time and resource savings.
The National Australia Group is an international financial services organisation that provides a comprehensive and integrated range of financial products and services. Its history traces back to the establishment of The National Bank of Australasia in 1858.
The Group is organised around three regional businesses: Australia, UK/Europe and New Zealand. These regions include the retail bank brands, wealth management services and the transactional and custodial operations of the former Corporate & Institutional Banking division. In addition, the Group has a global business in Institutional Markets & Services, which focuses on debt, risk management and investment products for corporate and institutional customers.
The UK operation comprises two banking brands: Clydesdale Bank and Yorkshire Bank.
The Project
National Australia Group (NAG) had invested in a new software programme, which required UK wide implementation. Following structural change within the organisation, a significant knowledge gap had resulted particularly within the testing domain.
NAG was concerned that if the new software was not thoroughly tested before integration into the existing system, it would be exposed to poorly performing critical applications and potential systems failure. SDLC Solutions was appointed to define and implement a full testing strategy, which would ensure that the new software was effectively, and efficiently implemented with minimal risk to business performance.
Ken McGaw, Test Manager, National Australia Group comments:
“SDLC reacted quickly to our project brief and produced a practical, structured and flexible plan to test and implement the software. This demonstrated their commitment to meet our requirements and their understanding of our business. In addition SDLC introduced a raft of new skills to our business unit, which they were happy to do through on the job mentoring. This skills transition not only encouraged team work but was also appreciated as a value add by the business.”
SDLC effectively tested and implemented the new software onsite at NAG over a period of three months. Liaising directly with the software vendor, the SDLC team initially prepared a plan and strategy which confirmed the required functionality and integration. Following this a comprehensive test preparation process and test plan were developed. The plan enabled the team to prioritise testing and the management of defects and their reporting, ensuring that delivery was efficient and within deadline.
A key objective of this project was for SDLC to develop a testing methodology that NAG could adopt and incorporate which showed visibility and traceability of tests against regulatory requirements. The resulting strategy effectively provided a roadmap for testing across the project lifecycle including test processes and procedures.
Key Benefits
- Real financial benefits in terms of both time and resource savings.
- Tangible operational efficiencies.
- Creation of a reliable, proven strategy.
- Reduced strain on internal resources.