Key Deliverables:
– Azure Integration Services Platform implementation.
– Analysis, design and implementation of data integration between Student Record System and Student Case Management System.
– Implementation of StuTalk Data Integration Capability – API and event-based messaging.

Technologies/Systems Used:
Tribal SITS, StuTalk, Azure Integration Services: Logic Apps, Data Factory, Service Bus, API Management Gateway, Storage accounts/data lake. Bicep/ARM for infrastructure as code deployment.

Compliance:
– Worked closely with the architecture team to define solution and data architecture and technology choices. Presenting options analysis to project board detailing cost, delivery and maintenance considerations of choices evaluated and presenting recommendations agreed with architecture team.

– Working with in-house SITS team to configure StuTalk services and monitors.
– Liaising with supplier development team to ensure synchronisation of application and data solution and testing.
– Worked with PMO and architecture to ensure all works were compliant with data protection impact assessment and assisting with submission of a new assessment to ensure PACT Solutions and the university remain compliant whilst providing assistance during the cutover and transition period.

Skills and Knowledge Demonstrated:
– Requirements definition, Data Modelling, Data Mapping, Requirements Analysis,
– Stakeholder Management
– Solution Design, Solution and Cloud Architecture, unit testing Delivery, StuTalk development, SITS development, Test Management, Test data management, Defect Management

Challenges Overcome:
– SITS Environment Issues: University of Bradford did not use StuTalk prior to this project so our consultants were required to work with systems teams at the university to enable a StuTalk capability for the on-premises solution.
– Supplier delivery delays: an SFTP-based integration method was recommended by the supplier to reduce timescales for initial delivery and an API-based approach recommended for future development. Prior to implementation, PACT Solutions had conducted an options analysis for both options and agreed with the supplier recommendation based on delivery estimates. When the project hit unanticipated delays due to stakeholder availability, PACT Solutions was able to raise the risk to
timescales and mitigate via an API based approach.

Documentation Provided:
Architecture Diagrams, Data Models, Data Mappings, Training Guides/How-To’s, Requirements Specifications, Technical Specifications, Options and Decisions Papers, Release Manuals/Notes, Test Plan, Test Reports

Outcomes:
– The university now has a cloud-first approach to data migration. Built on best practice StuTalk implementation and modern event-streaming principles.
– The solution provided is designed to be the most maintainable for the university, favouring low/no-code solutions and reducing StuTalk expertise requirement to a minimum.

Sustainability:
PACT Solutions provided the University of Bradford with a simple, consistent integration with the student record system. This will reduce efforts for future integration requirements and reduce overall support and maintenance costs. By engaging closely with both the architecture and SITS development teams, we ensure that the university is left with an in-house capability to deliver future integrations, without being reliant upon consultants for further delivery and enhancement.