GAMMA upgrade at CWB
We have recently finished a remote GAMMA upgrade at one of our oldest clients, Canadian Western Bank. In the frame of this, CWB switched from version 2.4.2 to version 2.5.1. The underlying new GAMMA developments have helped the Bank save both time and resources.
Challenges of the upgrade
The teams of CWB and ABRIS conducted the GAMMA upgrade online, via Webex. Due to the difference between time zones, the working hours did not overlap extensively. Despite this difficulty, commitment to success on both sides made the cooperation work.
As a pre-requisite of the version upgrade, we needed to modify the Bank’s existing GAMMA database structure. This was necessary due to the database changes between versions.
In the frame of the upgrade, CWB extended the use of GAMMA to almost all of their T24 environments.
Automation beyond T24
As standard procedure, we helped the Bank automate their core banking processes with GAMMA. This task, however, included new automation types that required additional development efforts.
We have extended the above-mentioned automation functions to system components beyond T24. For instance, with the help of GAMMA, CWB can now parse incoming emails and run commands on the basis of the information found. Another novelty is that GAMMA can be triggered by alerts to perform specific actions. These greatly improve the efficiency and speed of operation on the whole, saving the Bank both time and resources.
Moreover, we also automated the processes necessary for the creation of test and development environments from production environments. On one hand, this makes said processes faster and more convenient. On the other hand, this eliminates a number of possible human errors that might have resulted from the previously used complex procedure.
Go-live without a hitch
Teams from CWB and ABRIS conducted the go-live online. Thanks to thorough preparations and the lessons learned from the test upgrade, we completed the task successfully and on time. The Bank is satisfied with both the cooperation and the benefits of the upgrade. As CWB’s Kris Wood put it,
“Our recent Gamma upgrade was successful with the robust and flexible support provided by ABRIS; who were readily available before, during and after our upgrade. The new GAMMA enhancements with the upgrade had an immediate positive impact in our process automation initiatives right away!”
About CWB: CWB Financial Group is a diversified financial services organization providing specialized service in banking, trust and wealth management across Canada. Since 1984, we’ve grown from a single branch operating in Edmonton, Alberta, to a western-based, federally regulated financial institution with a national presence.