Legacy Direct Store Delivery Software Modernization

Quick Project Facts and Key Achievements

Quick project facts

Client Industry

Agriculture & Consumer Goods

Client Location

Canada

Challenge

Legacy system bottlenecks, compatibility constraints

Solution

Legacy DSD software modernization

Team Size

3 specialists

Timeline

3+ years

Project key achievements

30%

faster performance during high-load operations

97%

customer retention rate post-modernization

40%

increase in user satisfaction

20%

faster feature development cycle

Story Behind the Numbers

CHALLENGE

A Canadian company relied on its long-standing Direct Store Delivery system, but legacy technologies slowed performance and limited scalability. The system required DSD platform modernization to remain compatible with growing data loads.

ENGAGEMENT STAGE

The CHI Software team joined during a maintenance phase to stabilize the platform and begin upgrading legacy DSD software. The main goal was to execute a direct store delivery system modernization without interrupting ongoing operations or existing workflows.

TRANSFORMATION

We upgraded the platform’s architecture to newer versions, optimized workflows, and refreshed the UI. The result is a faster, more stable, and user-friendly modern DSD solution ready for future enhancements.

SERVICES PROVIDED

Web Development
SQL Development
Custom Software Development
Software Modernization Services

DEVELOPMENT TEAM

1 Tech Lead
1 Software Developer
1 SQL Developer

Key Areas for Improvement

OUTDATED TECHNOLOGY FOUNDATION

Over the years, the platform’s legacy structure slowed down updates and limited scalability. Modernization was aimed at rebuilding the technical foundation to ensure the system could evolve easily and meet new market demands, making a true DSD digital transformation possible.

BACKWARD COMPATIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Many users continued using older platform versions, which made innovation challenging. The DSD system upgrade was prioritized to keep every client connected, providing a seamless experience while introducing new features.

HIGH-LOAD PERFORMANCE BOTTLENECKS

As the agricultural business grew, the DSD system struggled to process large data volumes in real-time. Optimization efforts improved speed and stability, allowing distributors to manage deliveries and reporting more efficiently.

USER INTERFACE & EXPERIENCE GAPS

Helping users work faster and enjoy a smoother experience is a crucial part of any DSD software improvement. Where an outdated interface made everyday tasks time-consuming and less intuitive, we proposed a redesigned UI to bring clarity and simplicity.

INTEGRATION AND DATA SYNCHRONIZATION

Disconnected systems caused manual work and data inconsistencies. Expanding integration capabilities through ERP systems and third-party APIs would enable automatic data synchronization and reduce operational friction across the supply chain.

DOCUMENTATION AND KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER

Outdated and incomplete documentation created bottlenecks for development, support, and onboarding activities. Comprehensive documentation was critical to accelerate feature development cycles and ensure sustainable maintenance for the DSD system enhancement.

Our Implementation Approach

STRATEGY

Our direct store delivery system modernization strategy balanced technological advancement with risk management. We maintained full backward compatibility, phased improvements to minimize operational disruption, and prioritized user-centric enhancements throughout the process.

DEVELOPMENT PHASES

01

Architecture and Framework Upgrades

We systematically upgraded the legacy DSD technology stack to modern alternatives. This foundation work enabled all subsequent improvements while preserving existing API contracts and data structures that customer integrations depended upon.

02

Database Optimization and Performance Tuning

SQL development focused on query optimization, indexing strategy refinement, and workflow restructuring to handle high-volume operations efficiently. These efforts dramatically reduced processing times for data-intensive operations like route calculation, inventory updates, and report generation.

03

Frontend Modernization and User Experience

We replaced legacy UI patterns with contemporary frameworks (React.js and Angular.js), implemented responsive design principles, and streamlined navigation workflows, delivering a modern DSD solution. Users can now navigate tasks more easily, work faster, and enjoy a cleaner experience across devices.

04

API Integration and System Connectivity

Custom integration layers were developed to connect with enterprise ERP systems and third-party logistics platforms. Secure, RESTful APIs enabled automatic data synchronization, eliminated manual data entry, and reduced integration errors.

05

Module Customization Framework

We implemented customizable module configurations, allowing customers to tailor the platform to their unique business processes. This flexibility helps distributors optimize workflows and maintain efficiency without relying on custom development every time.

06

Reporting and Analytics Enhancement

Advanced reporting capabilities were developed using Telerik and Crystal Reports, enabling stakeholders to generate comprehensive insights into delivery operations, product movement, and financial performance. Real-time dashboards provided visibility into critical business metrics of the modern DSD solution.

07

Documentation Standardization

Complete documentation overhaul established best practices for technical specifications, user guides, API documentation, and maintenance procedures. Structured knowledge transfer accelerated onboarding and enabled customized development practices of the DSD platform modernization.

08

Testing and Gradual Rollout

A phased rollout strategy minimized risks during the transition. Customers experienced a smooth switch to the modernized platform with no downtime or data loss.

Technology Stack

C#
VB
CSS
HTML
JS
jQuery
React.js
Angular.js
Telerik Reporting
Crystal Reports
Firebase Cloud Messaging
.Net Framework 2.0, 3.5, 4.8

Visual Highlights

Product Features

01

Intelligent Route Management

Sophisticated functionality ensures creating, scheduling, staging, and optimizing direct store delivery with real-time adaptation to operational changes and traffic conditions.

02

Comprehensive Order Processing

Flexible order management was created with support for complex pricing models and diverse billing scenarios specific to agricultural product distribution via a direct store delivery software upgrade.

03

Advanced Inventory Control

Agricultural product management made with granular status tracking (sold, damaged, returned, etc.), inventory allocation, and product lifecycle management.

04

Flexible Customization Framework

Platform configuration options enable customers to tailor functionality to their specific business processes and modernize direct store delivery solutions.

05

Enterprise Reporting Capabilities

Reporting tools generate comprehensive documentation on product delivery, financial transactions, inventory movements, and operational performance metrics.

06

Seamless System Integration

API-based connectors enable automatic data synchronization with customer ERP systems, reducing manual data entry and improving information consistency across organizational systems.

07

Advanced Price Management

Dynamic pricing supporting tier-based calculations, volume discounts, tax structures, and promotional conditions specific to agricultural product distribution.

08

Financial Management Tools

Comprehensive debit and credit functionality providing precise financial control, payment tracking, and reconciliation capabilities for distributor operations.

Measurable Improvements

30% ENHANCED SYSTEM PERFORMANCE

Platform responsiveness improved during high-load operations, enabling distributors to manage larger order volumes and more complex logistics scenarios without performance loss.

97% EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOMER RETENTION

Retention rates after our overhaul and modernization demonstrate that DSD process optimization successfully balanced innovation with customer compatibility.

40% ACCELERATED USER SATISFACTION

Overall user satisfaction increased, with improved platform responsiveness, intuitive UI, and enhanced functionality – all core benefits of DSD software improvement.

20% DEVELOPMENT VELOCITY IMPROVEMENT

Structured documentation and a modernized codebase reduced new feature development time by 20%, enabling the company to respond faster to its market requirements and customer feedback while maintaining code quality.

OPERATIONAL WORKFLOW OPTIMIZATION

Streamlined processes and optimized database operations reduced routine task completion times, allowing distributors to allocate resources toward strategic activities rather than administrative overhead.

IMPROVED DATA CONSISTENCY

API-based system integration eliminated manual data entry errors and synchronization delays through DSD system enhancement, providing real-time information for decision-making.

Interested in Similar Enhancements?

If your company is planning a DSD system upgrade or considering how to modernize a legacy direct store delivery platform, CHI Software can help you achieve a smooth, scalable transformation.

Our experts bring together years of experience in DSD platform modernization, logistics automation, and ERP integration, creating intelligent solutions that simplify delivery workflows, boost performance, and drive measurable business results.

WHAT WE SPECIALIZE IN

Direct Store Delivery system modernization and legacy DSD software upgrade for improved scalability and speed
AI-powered assistants for ERP systems to automate reporting, billing, and workflow management
Intelligent logistics platforms that optimize routes, tracking, and documentation processing
CRM modernization and integration to strengthen customer management and distributor relationships
Traffic and supply chain data processing solutions for real-time visibility and analytics

INDUSTRIES WE SUPPORT

Retail and Distribution
IT Solutions for Logistics and Transportation
Agriculture
Manufacturing and Supply Chain
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) providers