A leading African bank undertook a large-scale modernisation programme, which would include decommissioning of legacy applications and infrastructure no longer required. When implementing a modernisation programme, planning upfront for decommissioning of existing systems is critical. Failing to decommission legacy systems is like buying a new house while still paying for the old one that no one lives in. Keeping both new and legacy applications running not only escalates costs but results in the reduction of resource capacity and performance, if both systems need to be supported and maintained by the same teams.

BSG worked with the bank to identify the applications and infrastructure to be decommissioned, the business units that would be affected and the various interfaces to be modified or terminated. Using this, a prioritised view of systems across the bank was created, based on detailed insight-led scenario planning.  BSG designed a practical toolbox to support business units across the bank to make the right decommissioning decisions.

BSG was able to quickly and effectively deliver outcomes with reduced effort and on shorter time frames than initially planned by leveraging the BSG team involved in the modernisation programme for context.

By creating a clear understanding of the applications and infrastructure to be decommissioned, including constraints and dependencies, the bank will be able to proactively manage costs, and budget and allocate resources accordingly. The practical toolbox enables business units across the bank to ask the right questions and make the right decisions, based on their context, when it comes to decommissioning. 

The toolbox increases efficiency, reduces downstream costs and enables proactive forward planning of the decommissioning programme. In addition, the decommissioning programme combined with the modernisation journey, will enable the bank to secure ROI and reduce risk posed by the legacy IT estate.