VTS - Integration

VTS now manages employee physical access through third-party integration.

Overview

VTS serves as a unifying hub for Commercial Real Estate (CRE), connecting owners, operators, brokers, and tenants through its platform. This collaborative approach allows stakeholders to capitalize on property opportunities efficiently.

Ajackus partnered with VTS to make it easy to connect with any third-party provider. This collaboration has been crucial for a new product, allowing them to use third-party services seamlessly to manage physical access for employees and staff.

Problem

Challenges in Swift Contribution

VTS faced pressure to meet strict feature timelines, necessitating quick onboarding of team members who could contribute immediately. However, due to these time constraints, finding suitable individuals with the requisite skills posed a significant challenge.

Unsatisfactory Previous Collaborations

Despite working with other agencies, VTS found their contributions insufficient. This dissatisfaction prompted discussions to explore alternative solutions and expedite the onboarding process for new team members who could better meet project requirements.

Integration Complexity

Establishing seamless connections between the product and various third-party access control systems proved challenging. Each third-party provider had distinct naming conventions, entities, and APIs, complicating integration efforts and increasing the risk of errors and inconsistencies in functionality and user experience.

Solution

Adapting Swiftly to the Client’s Tech Stack

We were unfamiliar with the client’s tech stack as a new team. However, in a short amount of time, we quickly ramped up our understanding and began delivering quality features.

Facilitating Product Understanding

We proactively connected with developers from other agencies who were familiar with Integrations. This collaboration enabled us to build a comprehensive code base understanding, helping us deliver quality features on time.

Engaging with Third-Party Providers

Team Ajackus also communicated with third-party service providers, clarifying doubts regarding API structuring and workflow. This streamlined integration efforts and minimized delays caused by communication gaps.

Comprehensive Documentation and Pair Programming

We assisted VTS in creating detailed documentation, including Architecture Design Records, and scheduled proactive pair programming sessions with senior team members. These initiatives facilitated knowledge transfer and skill development, ensuring efficient feature delivery.

Optimizing Pull Request Review Process

Team Ajackus provided additional expertise to address the challenge of limited reviewers for each Pull Request. This support expedited the review process, reducing bottlenecks and enhancing collaboration.

Managing Service Dependencies and Easing QA Challenges

We collaborated with VTS to manage dependencies on other services and guided the QA team, which was new to the product. These efforts minimized disruptions and streamlined the testing process, improving overall product quality.

Results

Implementing VTS’s new product feature successfully converted building administrators from third-party systems, granting them enhanced control over access management within the building. This transition empowered employees and staff with convenient access to building amenities through their Apple Wallet, eliminating the requirement for physical access cards and enhancing overall operational efficiency.