Empowering EV Charging Through Platform Migration
See how we migrated 9000 sockets with zero downtime
The project in short
An advanced migration to our CPMS system backed by custom development and ongoing maintenance. Migration involved 9000 charging points. A particularly complex aspect was ensuring the integration of the current EMP system, including mobile app users and the OCPI partners already connected.
Additionally, Solidstudio handled the migration of the CPMS system from AWS to Azure, conducted compatibility tests with the OCPI partners involved in the migration and ensured OCPP compatibility with the target charging station models.
OCTOBER 2023 - ONGOING
INDUSTRY: EMOBILITY
COUNTRY: UK
Client Profile
Backstory
Before we shook hands, Connected Kerb had already been using a CPMS system from a different provider.
They decided to purchase Solidstudio’s CPO Platform (via licensing model) along with custom development services to adapt the product to their specific needs and to have greater control over changes implementation and faster delivery of new features. In their decision, Connected Kerb also prioritized a smooth migration from the previous system to the new one, with zero downtime for the charging stations.
Another crucial factor, influenced by Connected Kerb’s Microsoft-oriented infrastructure, was the deployment of our solution on the Azure cloud. In order to facilitate the migration from AWS to Azure, a separate work stream was launched.
Project phases and deliverables
With Connected Kerb, our primary focus was on the effective planning and execution of the large-scale migration. Simultaneously, we’ve also handled the transition of the CPMS system from AWS to Azure.
Large-scale (9000 sockets) migration
CPMS transition from AWS to Azure
In-depth Analysis
The project began with an analysis of the client’s roadmap. This part was kicked off with Sprint 0 / Discovery Phase, during which the Tech Lead and Project Manager worked closely with the client to define the scope of changes. This included an in-depth inspection of what are the key differences between the client’s previous CPMS and our solution in order to fill any potential gaps. At this stage, architectural details of the solution were established. These discussions took place in a workshop format, with the our team meeting the client’s team in a series of online sessions
Development process
The client’s roadmap divided the project into three phases for implementing new functionalities, with each phase concluding with the migration of a portion of the charging stations to production.
- Phase 1: Production deployment of the initial additional functionalities, aimed at launching a few selected stations as a pilot rollout in controlled conditions. During this deployment in May 2024, the first four EVSEs were migrated.
- Phase 2: Delivery of most critical functionalities, enabling the migration of additional stations. This phase ended in July 2024, after which a gradual process of migrating more.
- Phase 3: Delivery of the remaining functionalities and completion of the migration.
Ongoing maintenance
Now, since the initial production deployment in May 2024, Solidstudio has provided ongoing monitoring and maintenance of the client’s production environment, in line with the agreed SLA. Additionally, Solidstudio handled the migration of the CPMS system from AWS to Azure, conducted compatibility tests with the OCPI partners involved in the migration and ensured OCPP compatibility with the target charging station models.
Throughout the collaboration, the Solidstudio team fully integrated into the client’s working methods:
- Daily communication was conducted through the client’s Teams platform.
- The project was tracked within the client’s DevOps system.
Our approach
The primary challenge in the project was creating a migration plan that accommodated the client’s existing infrastructure. A particularly complex aspect was ensuring the integration of the current EMP system, including mobile app users and the OCPI partners already connected. Our focus was on optimizing the system to enhance the efficiency of the customer care department. As part of the MVP, we addressed key pain points that had caused frustration for employees working with the previous system. This was aimed at validating the decision to switch to our solution and demonstrating the agility of the new team.
Another big factor behind the successful collaboration was the great sense of partnership that we have established with the client’s team.
As Solidstudio, we also supported Connected Kerb in various side initiatives, including:
- Supporting the integration of OCPI with CK’s EMP system
- The migration of charging stations to the new system and ongoing monitoring
- Migrating external OCPI connections with EMSP partners
Exploring new solutions but migration seems overwhelming?
In our ebook, we uncover migration details including the product-based and business-strategic arguments in favour of software migration & key elements of success behind the matter. Additionally, we share a completed checklist of OCPP acceptance testing procedures.
