Project Overview

To innovate an outdated paper-based contract process and accelerate business digital transformation, we developed and integrated a new contract application system seamlessly available on both PCs and tablets. The introduction of this system enables clients to complete contract procedures regardless of location or time, promoting a paperless environment and achieving a dramatic improvement in operational efficiency.

Technology Stack and Development Tools

• Programming Language: PHP
• Full-stack Framework: Laravel
• Database: Oracle
• Task Management Tool: Redmine
• Communication Tool: Slack

Client’s Challenges

Outdated Paper-Based Operations Leading to Dependency and Human Error

The conventional contracting process was entirely analog, with a series of tasks from document creation to mailing and management depending on specific personnel, leading to operational dependency. Furthermore, human errors such as data entry mistakes and processing omissions were rampant, constantly posing risks of diminished customer trust and compliance violations. This inefficient workflow significantly hampered the entire organization’s productivity.

Legacy System with Device Incompatibility Leading to Lost Business Opportunities

The old system was exclusive to a specific tablet model, with a critical limitation of being inaccessible from general-purpose PCs. This made swift in-office responses and adaptation to diverse work styles difficult, resulting in numerous lost business opportunities. Moreover, the outdated technological foundation prevented the implementation of features essential to modern business, such as electronic signatures and online payments, becoming a major factor in eroding the company’s competitive edge.

Client’s Requirements

The primary objective was the development of a cross-platform web system ensuring full compatibility with major web browsers (Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Safari) and stable operation across all operating systems (Windows, iOS, Android). For UI/UX design, a responsive design was mandatory, focusing on PC usability while providing an intuitive and stress-free experience on tablets. Functional requirements strongly demanded the implementation of features directly linked to the DX of the contract process, such as handwritten signatures, automatic address population from postal codes, PDF export of contracts, and credit card payment integration. Additionally, the client expected the rapid construction of a flexible system capable of withstanding future business expansion by leveraging insights from the existing system while proactively incorporating the latest technologies.

Our Proposal and Approach

Achieving Both Development Speed and Future System Scalability with Laravel

To address the client’s dual mandates of “shortening development time” and “ensuring future scalability,” we strongly advocated for the adoption of Laravel, a cutting-edge PHP framework, to replace the old system’s CakePHP. By fully leveraging Laravel’s high productivity and extensive features, we significantly compressed development man-hours. Simultaneously, its robust architecture established a sustainable and scalable system foundation, capable of flexibly accommodating future feature additions and third-party service integrations.

Consistent User Experience Across All Devices Through Responsive Design

Anticipating use in all business scenarios, we implemented a responsive design that provides an optimal UI/UX regardless of the access device, be it a PC or a tablet. This allows users to perform tasks seamlessly with a consistent user experience, without being conscious of device differences. This approach supports diverse work styles and has significantly enhanced the client’s operational flexibility.

Fundamentally Streamlining the Contract Process by Integrating Core Business Functions

We fully integrated multiple functions central to contract operations, such as electronic signatures, PDF output, and credit card payments, into the system. The automatic address-filling feature from postal codes, in particular, eliminates tedious manual work and eradicates input errors. By organically linking these functions, we dramatically shortened the lead time required for contract conclusion, bringing unprecedented speed and accuracy to the client’s entire business process.

Overcoming Specification Ambiguity and Ensuring Stable Project Progression with Swift Problem-Solving

Despite uncertainties where detailed specifications were not provided by the client, we proactively defined and proposed optimal specifications by thoroughly reverse-engineering the old system’s behavior. For unexpected technical challenges that arose during development, we prevented any project delays by repeatedly conducting rapid cause analysis and presenting alternative solutions. This proactive problem-solving approach enabled us to successfully deliver a high-quality, stable system on schedule, even under conditions of high uncertainty.