Driving Digital Transformation in a Renewable Energy Platform with a 10-Day Mobile MVP

Business Requirement

A renewable energy provider, serving key markets such as New York and Pennsylvania, partnered with Rails Factory to modernize its digital customer-facing platform. The client faced challenges with legacy systems (outdated platform version), competition from other energy providers with superior digital platforms, and an inability to track critical user behavior metrics which eventually led to lower conversions.

They needed a robust, scalable solution that could:

• Revamp the web platform and deliver a mobile-friendly platform catering to the 40% of users accessing the platform via mobile

• Enhance real-time plan and pricing visibility with regularly updated pricing in the market. from utility partners

• Prepare the system for future automation including digital enrollment, channel partner tracking, and e-document signing

• Improve lead capture and user journey by enhancing UI/UX to boost customer acquisition

• Upgrade backend infrastructure to ensure scalability and maintainability

The overall objective was to create a modern digital platform that strengthens market competitiveness, enhances lead capture efficiency, and lays the groundwork for a fully digitalized enrollment process in the future.

Involvement

Rails Factory, a trusted partner in digital transformation and modernization, employed an Agile methodology with a SCRUM framework during the project’s discovery phase. Our approach included:

• Collecting detailed requirements to assess the platform’s scale and complexity.
• Refining user stories and developing a comprehensive product roadmap.
• Collaborating closely with different stakeholders to align with business objectives and user expectations.

Our remote development team collaborated seamlessly with the client, bringing together expertise in software development, UI/UX design, and cloud infrastructure. To support a fast go-to-market strategy, we developed and launched a lightweight mobile MVP in just 10 days. This allowed the client to start engaging users early, especially on mobile, which accounts for 40% of the platform’s traffic. Meanwhile, the full-featured website and mobile versions are being developed in parallel, with a simultaneous launch planned to maximize accessibility and user reach.

Challenges Faced by the Client

The digital transformation of the client’s digital platform addressed several technical and operational hurdles:

• Aging Technical Foundation: The existing infrastructure, reliant on PL/SQL and on-premises hosting, was plagued by bugs and lacked scalability.
• Manual Processes: Pricing updates via Excel/csv and channel partner specific enrolment tracking required manual effort.
• Fragmented User Journey: Mobile responsiveness issues (40% of traffic) and inconsistent state-specific legal terms.
• Inefficient Lead Capture Process: Low conversion rates due to a complex and outdated user flow.
• Complex Pricing Management: Prices, updated twice weekly via Excel sheets, lacked real-time integration and varied by utility provider and channel partner discounts.

Solutions Delivered

RailsFactory delivered a comprehensive solution tailored to the client's needs:

Core Platform Transformation

UI/UX Redesign: Enhanced overall user experience and simplified the lead capture process

Database Migration: Successfully migrated from PL/SQL to MySQL for improved performance

Mobile Optimization: Designed both web and mobile versions to cater to 40% of traffic originating from mobile devices

Multi-state Compliance: Implemented dynamic, location-specific Terms & Conditions tailored to the selected plans of respective utility providers, ensuring compliance with varying state regulations.

Foundation for Future Digitalization: Established infrastructure to support upcoming features like electronic document signing and dynamic pricing

Azure Cloud Implementation: Ensured scalability, security, and reliability through full Azure cloud deployment

Data Accuracy & Reduced Manual Interventions

Account Number Validation and Masking: Implemented real-time feedback for invalid account numbers, significantly reducing the need for manual corrections

Smart Error Prompts: Guided users to enter all required details (POD ID, service point ID, UAN details), resulting in cleaner, more reliable data

Operational Efficiency Improvements

Dedicated Fields for Order Details: Created a clear order confirmation layout helping internal teams quickly understand customer data

Simplified Customer Journey: Allowed customers to edit masked account numbers without restarting the enrollment process, reducing abandonment rates

Dynamic Terms and Conditions: Implemented terms that adjust based on selected plans and utilities

Automated Pricing Integration

Auto-Ingestion of Pricing Files: Automated pulling of files from Convergence into the platform, eliminating manual downloading and uploading

Enhanced Plan Information: Implemented enriched data fields allowing more informative plan displays for customers

Channel Partner Enablement

Personalized File Access: Developed unique Channel Partner URLs providing direct access to partner-specific pricing information, eliminating email-based file sharing

Partner Performance Tracking: Implemented unique partner IDs to track partner-led enrollment data

Streamlined Frontend Access: Created a simple, secure interface giving partners access to only what they need, reducing dependency on the client's internal team

API Enablement for Partner Ecosystem

Real-Time Data via Export APIs: Enabled partners to connect directly to data using APIs, bringing pricing details straight into their systems

Tools and Technologies

• Backend: Microsoft .NET
• Frontend: React
• Database: MySQL
• Cloud Infrastructure: Microsoft Azure

Benefits to the Client

The modernized digital platform delivers significant improvements in performance, user experience, and business outcomes:

Business Impact:

Operational Efficiency: Automation in pricing and enrollment workflows saves time and supports future digital initiatives.

Stronger Partnerships: Personalized tracking for channel partners fostering better collaboration.

Improved Decision-Making: Cleaner data flows enable more effective reporting and strategic decisions.

Higher Revenue Potential: Improved customer acquisition funnel contributes to revenue growth

Enhanced Market Competitiveness: Dynamic pricing integration and a modern platform helps the client stand out

User Experience:

Simplified Navigation: Intuitive workflows and a responsive design make it easy for users to explore plans and submit information.

Smooth Customer Journey: Reduced steps and accurate data capture minimize friction, enhancing satisfaction and reducing follow-ups.

Enhanced Accessibility: Location-based plan visibility and transparent pricing increase trust and service accessibility.

Future Roadmap

The project continues to evolve with plans to enhance operational efficiency and user experience through innovative digital solutions. Key upcoming features include:

Built-in Margin Calculations: This enhancement will automate the calculation of CPG’s internal margins, removing the need for manual edits. Once implemented, it will ensure that data shared with partners is consistently accurate and up to date, streamlining collaboration.

DocuSign Integration: This feature will enable electronic contract capturing through DocuSign, delivering a seamless, paperless enrollment process for customers. Signed documents will be securely stored, supporting audit-ready record-keeping, legal compliance, and efficient internal tracking.

These enhancements will create a seamless experience for customers and utility partners while supporting the platform’s growth in an unregulated market.

About RailsFactory

RailsFactory is a leading provider of end-to-end digital transformation solutions, specializing in modernizing outdated systems and building scalable, high-performing applications. With expertise in technologies like .NET Core, React, MySQL, and Azure, we empower businesses to achieve their digital goals through innovative solutions. Our Agile development approach and industry-specific insights enable us to deliver impactful results that drive business growth and customer satisfaction.