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Optimizing Technical Strategy: Consolidating System for AMPP

Project Goals

During the digital strategy project for the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), AMPP discovered after completing their discovery phase with their Nimble AMS implementation, that they needed to take a step back and look at what they were implementing. AMPP determined they needed to consider their tech stack and digital ecosystem holistically, making sure this large investment was going to serve staff and members the best way possible. fusionSpan conducted a detailed evaluation of AMPP's current technology systems, data integration and management practices, and extensive research among stakeholders to enhance technology utilization and improve member engagement.

Our primary objective throughout this initiative was to align AMPP's technology infrastructure with its strategic goals, operational workflows, and user expectations. To achieve this, we mapped out and documented AMPP's existing digital ecosystem, identifying operational inefficiencies and areas for enhancement.

Review of Nimble Implementation Plans: The fusionSpan team reviewed the existing Nimble AMS implementation plans to ensure alignment with AMPP’s strategic objectives and operational needs. This involved conducting thorough assessments of current workflows, user feedback, and system capabilities to identify areas for enhancement and optimization.

Technology Road Mapping: We developed a detailed technology roadmap that outlined recommendations for each system within the AMPP tech stack. Recommendations prioritized consolidation into their new Nimble instance with base functionality where possible, but also included AMS or Salesforce customization recommendations, addition of best-in-breed third-party tools, and in some cases, sunsetting technologies that were no longer serving a purpose. We included data models and an integration strategy to ensure that all data was flowing seamlessly and could be used for data-driven decision-making within the organization.

Concept Design of Several Customizations: We collaborated closely with AMPP stakeholders to conceptualize and design custom solutions to enhance the functionality of Nimble AMS. This involved conducting detailed needs assessments, proposing conceptual wireframes, and outlining design implementation strategies to ensure these customizations met AMPP’s specific operational requirements and user expectations.

Services We Provided

  • Stakeholder Analysis
  • User Interviews
  • User Research Analysis
  • Process Diagrams
  • Wireframes
  • Journey Maps
  • Technology Roadmapping
  • Data Analysis and Mapping
  • Integration Strategy
  • Data Model Recommendations
Project Challenges

Merger of Two Associations:

AMPP is the result of a merger of two highly regarded but related associations. This merger prompted their AMS migration but also created challenges in aligning tech stacks, user experiences, and staff workflows.

Mid-Discovery Strategic Reassessment:

During the AMS discovery phase, AMPP felt they needed to step back and rethink their strategic approach to their AMS migration, as well as their tech stack as a whole. They wanted to ensure they were meeting their internal and external stakeholder needs while improving processes, using what Nimble had out of the box and not simply re-creating what they had before. This pause allowed us to help them redefine their tech strategy, ensuring alignment with their goals.

Understanding Audience Needs:

AMPP wanted to better understand their diverse audiences, including coating inspectors, company administrators, volunteers, and other types of valued professionals. Extensive research was required to capture the specific needs, expectations, and pain points of each audience segment. This insight was crucial in shaping our technology recommendations aimed at enhancing user experiences, such as improving course discovery processes and simplifying the certification journey.

New Data Strategy:

AMPP was aware that their large, non-integrated tech stack was not supporting the way they wanted to collect and use data optimally. AMPP’s systems collected data in silos, with only small integrations available. This posed inconveniences and frustrations to members and limited the way AMPP could use data internally. In order to be a more forward-thinking and data-driven organization, AMPP needed to ensure they were able to get a 360 view of their customers. We provided them with a robust data and integration strategy to meet their needs today and into the future.

Complex Ecosystem Management and Modernization:

Managing AMPP’s diverse digital ecosystem and manual processes required a systematic approach to modernization. We facilitated the transition by recommending system consolidations, automating manual workflows, and implementing scalable solutions aligned with AMPP’s strategic objectives. This transformation aimed to enhance operational efficiency and user experience throughout the organization.

Solutions and Outcomes

  • Comprehensive User Research:

    To address the challenge of understanding AMPP's diverse audiences and their specific needs, we conducted extensive user interviews with current members to uncover pain points and gather insights on how they envisioned the future system to better meet their needs. Following the user research phase, we synthesized both high-level and detailed findings and recommendations, along with specific UX design solutions to streamline course discovery processes, simplify the certification journey, and enhance overall usability across AMPP's digital platforms.

  • Data Integration Strategy:

    We identified that AMPP would benefit from an iPaaS solution. With so many systems collecting so much data, and the need to use this data in various ways by different stakeholders, we felt an iPaaS would be an important initial step. In the future, we recommend AMPP look into a more robust data lake to enhance data utilization even more. However, today, this approach supports AMPP's vision of leveraging data insights for informed decision-making, personalized experiences, and advanced marketing efforts.

  • Out-of-the-box Nimble Solutions:

    We recommended leveraging out-of-the-box functionalities of Nimble AMS as much as possible in order to expedite implementation and minimize customizations. By utilizing standard features, AMPP could focus resources on strategic enhancements rather than extensive customization.

  • Design Strategies and Customization:

    For specific requirements, we proposed customizations tailored to enhance user experience and system efficiency. We provided detailed design concepts of several member-portal wireframes and process diagrams to align custom development with AMPP’s unique workflows and organizational goals.

  • Best-in-Breed Integrated System:

    Where needed, recommended integrating best-in-breed systems that complement Nimble AMS’s core functionalities. This strategy aimed to enhance system performance and user experience by integrating specialized solutions such as event management, abstract management,  instructor management, and certification system. By leveraging industry-leading technologies, AMPP could achieve operational excellence without building tools in house.

  • Design Assets and Recommendations:


    Our designers provided new wireframes and mockups to ensure consistent branding and user experience across AMPP’s digital platforms. These assets serve as foundational tools to guide design and development efforts, aligning with AMPP’s branding guidelines and enhancing usability for members and stakeholders alike.

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