Finlandia Group, a wealth management company, had a client reporting portal that no longer met their needs in terms of user experience and appearance. Finlandia Group decided to implement a revamp project aimed at creating a modern user experience, a fresh design, and a solid foundation for future development. “All of these goals were achieved – we got exactly what we hoped for,” summarizes Antti Viinikka, Head of IT of Finlandia Group.
The project began with the visual design phase in collaboration with a design agency. After this groundwork, a competitive bidding process was launched for technical vendors. From the very beginning, it was clear that the new design and the desired user experience required a revamped architecture in the background. This also ensured future development opportunities.
“The selection of the technical vendor emphasized overall capabilities, expertise, and quality. Pareto stood out by convincingly demonstrating its ability to manage the project comprehensively in the best possible ways,” Viinikka explains.
“The key themes emphasized in the bidding process carried through the entire project: from Pareto, we got experienced and skilled professionals. Although industry-specific knowledge was initially limited, the experts learned quickly and got up to speed well,” Viinikka praises. This is also confirmed by Pareto’s Senior Software Developer, Valtteri Luoma, who was involved in the project: “Our broad and strong expertise in software development, combined with the client’s domain knowledge, provides an excellent foundation for a successful project.”
Agile Development, Proactiveness, and Interaction as Key Factors in the Project's Success
The revamped portal received positive feedback immediately after its launch, both from customers and from the internal customer interface teams using it.
Viinikka highlights the key cornerstones of the project’s success: a well-managed overall approach, open communication, skilled professionals, and a proactive mindset. “These fundamentals are unlikely to change. When selecting a vendor, it is crucial to understand what is being done and why the vendor is needed – this ensures that you invest in the right expertise,” Viinikka explains.
The project was carried out in an agile manner with two-weeks sprints, ensuring continuous communication and keeping the project on track. Additionally, Viinikka praises Pareto’s team for their proactive approach to communication: “ We had a highly engaged team that actively reached out to product owners whenever questions arose. I truly appreciate that kind of agility – not just retreating into a corner to work in isolation.”
Luoma also praises the communication and genuine collaboration: “In many ways, this has been a really enjoyable project. We have been able to challenge ideas when needed and help the client clarify essential aspects. The collaboration and dialogue have worked exceptionally well throughout the project.”
“There are many good vendors in Finland, but seamless collaboration is just as crucial. I especially appreciate how Pareto understood the client’s challenges and genuinely sought the best solutions. This provides a great foundation for continuing our collaboration now that the technology in the background is in place,” Viinikka summarizes.
Want to learn more? Get in touch!
Juho Jokiniitty
juho.jokiniitty@paretosoftware.fi
+358 50 320 6857