AAAS faced challenges meeting diverse data management and workflow requirements across multiple functional teams.
The AAAS Fellowships program required improved stakeholder management to cater to its extensive network. With more than 3,400 stakeholders and over 100 scientists and engineers, they sought streamlined data management solutions to enhance engagement opportunities for staff and fellows.
AAAS was responsible for meeting the unique data management and workflow requirements of various functional teams within the organization. They needed a member portal with robust functionality, including activity history, event registration, PTO and travel requests, and more.
The project involved updating the Science & Technology Policy Fellowship Program’s “Fellows Central” website from Drupal 7 to Drupal 8 while maintaining its complex Salesforce integration, allowing fellows to access a user-friendly online directory and self-service tools.
To address the client’s needs, Fíonta conducted an in-depth discovery process to understand the requirements of each team within AAAS. Major customizations were implemented in Salesforce Enterprise CRM, establishing it as the system of record and source of truth.
The development team focused on building a comprehensive Salesforce integration with key platforms like FellowsCentral, Trellis, and the Application Portal, ensuring data synchronization and enhanced functionality.
Custom modules and components were migrated from Drupal 7 to Drupal 8, with the Drupal 7 Bootstrap theme adjusted to work with the pre-purchased Drupal 8 premium theme.
AAAS implemented Single Sign-On (SSO) using the OpenID Connect module in Drupal 8, allowing users to log in with IDP credentials. Fíonta performed regular updates, code audits, and optimization measures to improve the overall performance and security of the Drupal platform.
Salesforce was implemented as a centralized repository, improving information maintenance for staff.
Drupal 8 customization enabled fellows to access of self-service tools and networking features.
Custom modules and components successfully transferred, preserving existing appearance while leveraging new theme functionality.
Fíonta built customized solutions on a foundation of trusted platforms. Using an in-depth discovery process to uncover requirements of each team and major customization of the Salesforce Enterprise CRM.
The implementation of SSO with the OpenID Connect module in Drupal 8 allows users to sign on with IDP credentials.
Additionally, installation and configuration of Drupal core, module, and theme updates, including periodic code audits and optimization to discover unnecessary redundancy, bottlenecks, and security issues.
A project manager oversees all aspects of a project, including budget, schedule, scope, and risk management. They work closely with the technical lead to manage and escalate risk and act as the main point of contact with clients and internally, providing regular updates on the project’s progress.
Technical architects are senior advisors specializing in functional, platform, and integration architecture. They communicate technical solutions and design tradeoffs to clients, provide a delivery framework, and oversee the design and development of complex solutions, ensuring the technical soundness and integrity of the final product.
The technical lead is responsible for implementing the project solution and coordinating technical processes with clients and the project team. They manage the design, internal and external testing, and deployment activities to ensure deliverables are on schedule and meet quality standards. They may also serve as a solution architect. The technical lead works closely with project managers to manage and escalate risk and is one of the primary contact points with the client.
A Salesforce developer builds and customizes applications with Salesforce-specific features, including Apex, Visualforce, and the Lightning Component Framework. They also use Salesforce APIs to integrate with other systems.
A business analyst works to understand a client’s business processes, identify needs, and translate requirements into user stories. They document current processes, create requirements, and collaborate with the technical lead or solution architect.
A configuration specialist configures a client’s Salesforce instance based on a technical lead’s solutions to client requirements. They can specialize in different areas and are responsible for building functionality, configuring standard and custom Objects, creating automations, customizing layouts and permissions, implementing apps, and performing low-complexity data import/export.