AUTO UNION

One of the top global automotive suppliers. Discover how we transformed an autonomous driving system, enhanced technology, scaled IT operations and optimised the user interface for improved performance.

Industry:

Automobiles

Location:

Germany

Business size:

Medium and Large Enterprises

Problem and Solution Summary

The client faced critical challenges in their autonomous driving system project, marked by an inefficient technology stack and a demanding development schedule. The existing database and front-end technologies slowed system performance, creating obstacles that required strategic solutions. The overly complex front-end features posed a challenge, demanding simplification and optimisation for enhanced system efficiency.

Computools strategically addressed these challenges with a comprehensive set of solutions. The technology stack received a significant upgrade, improving the autonomous driving system's database and front-end performance. Our engineers optimised the front-end features, enhancing the user interface to improve overall system efficiency and performance.

About the Client

The client is a prominent automotive supplier that focuses on high-performance lighting technology and automotive electronics. It operates globally with more than 30,000 employees. The company emphasises a diverse service and product portfolio, spanning spare parts, workshops, and special-purpose vehicles through its Lifecycle Solutions business group.

Outcome

As a part of an internationally distributed team, Computools engineers used their expertise to upgrade the AI-powered autonomous driving system and ensure the precision of obstacle detection software. As a result of close collaboration, AUTO UNION Group achieved the outset development objectives.

Several key issues we solved:
  • Established and trained an AI system
  • Ensured the precision of obstacle detection software
  • Implemented functional features in the AI-powered Autonomous driving system

Business challenge

weaknesses

  • Inefficient technology stack choices for autonomous driving system’s database and front end
  • Demanding development schedule with limited time for internal IT department scaling
  • Overcomplicated front-end features that hinder system performance

strengths

  • Market-leading manufacturer with strong global demand for its products
  • Hardware and software development fusion to ensure stable and safe autonomous driving capabilities
  • A culture of consistent investment in innovation aimed at consolidating market positions
  • Structured programming approach that enhances development clarity and quality

Business challenge

Project Completion Details and Current Arrangements

Computools ensured a seamless transition upon project completion by providing comprehensive documentation and ongoing support. Current arrangements involve maintaining an open line of communication and addressing any post-implementation needs.

Business challenge

Why Computools?

Computools' industry expertise, proven track record, efficient outstaffing model, commitment to quality, and responsive communication set them apart as the preferred partner for AUTO UNION's project.

Contact Computools' experts to learn what we can do for your business!

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Story in depth

When AUTO UNION needed a contractor, they carefully considered a few options. They wanted someone with a strong background in AI and the automotive industry. After looking at different contractors, they chose Computools for the following reasons.
  • We had a good reputation and had completed similar projects.
  • We showed the technical know-how for the job.
  • We are good at creating innovative solutions.

Project Description

The AUTO UNION Group is among the world's top 40 automotive parts suppliers with over a hundred years of development and manufacturing of lighting and electronic components. AUTO UNION is at the frontier of research and development with over €7 billion in sales in the fiscal year 2017/2018, and 40,000+ staff members spread across 35 countries. The company engineers electronic solutions that increase energy efficiency, minimise CO2 emissions and enhance driver and passenger safety and comfort.

Since the client’s primary expertise lies in hardware development, testing and manufacturing, Computools experts were invited to join the distributed team working on an artificial intelligence component for an autonomous-driving system. Computools software engineers helped establish and train an AI system to increase the fidelity of pedestrian detection.

Digital Platform & Technology

Communication Framework

To ensure transparent communication and understanding among the members of the distributed team, Computools applied an established communication framework. Tasks were assigned with Jira, email was used to deliver status reports and updates, and daily meetings were held via Skype video and audio.
Skype
Jira

Team

To satisfy the client’s demand for technological expertise with AI-powered systems, as well as CouchDB, Docker and Microsoft Azure, Computools screened the talent pool and suggested a number of experienced software engineers and QA specialists to join the distributed team.

Account Manager

Grigoriy Shadara

Grigory Shadara
Grigoriy Shadara is COO at Computools, an agile business leader with 9 years of experience in digital solutions development. He is an expert in sales, marketing and strategy. Grigory helps Computools customers achieve their business goals with innovative digital solutions.
Grigory Shadara

Project Manager

Andrey Melnichenko

Andrey started working in IT in 2003, focusing on C and C++ development, and switched to Java in 2007. He is recognised for extensive expertise in application servers, software development life cycle and database architecture. He enjoys pop music as well as political and Java ecosystem podcasts.

Front-End Engineer

Alexey Kolomoets

Alexey Kolomoets
Alexey has extensive knowledge and experience in various tools and technologies. These include Angular 4, AngularJs, JavaScript, jQuery, jQuery UI, AJAX, CSS, HTML, HTML5, CodeIgniter, CMS, PhpMyAdmin, MySQL, Photoshop, WordPress, PHP, React, Redux, and Gulp. His expertise has been endorsed by numerous colleagues from Computools and others in the field.
Alexey Kolomoets

Front-End Developer

Oleh Denisenko

Oleh Denisenko
Oleh is a versatile Front-end/React Native Developer at Computools, with experience spanning both front-end and backend development. Primarily, Oleh's tasks have revolved around server-side applications, involving database designing, request optimisation, and API design using Restify.js and Express.js. He also has valuable front-end experience, utilising technologies such as React, Redux, and SASS. Currently, he is focusing on honing his skills in React Native.
Oleh Denisenko

PHP Developer

Bogdan Dvinin

Bogdan Dvinin
A dedicated PHP Developer who combines a passion for coding with a love for problem-solving in the digital realm, when not immersed in PHP projects, Bogdan enjoys exploring new technologies and engaging in outdoor activities that fuel his creativity and inspire innovative solutions.
Bogdan Dvinin

PHP Engineer

Igor Tsurikov

Igor Tsurikov
Igor is the PHP Technical Lead at Computools. With a solid engineering background, he has over 15 years of experience in software development. Highly skilled in PHP, JavaScript, HTML and CSS, Igor is an expert in web programming, MySQL and jQuery. His leadership and technical expertise make him a highly qualified and experienced professional in leading and delivering software projects.
Igor Tsurikov

Quality assurance engineer

Mariia Boborova

Mariia Boborova
Mariia Boborova is a dedicated Quality Assurance Engineer with a keen eye for detail and a passion for ensuring software excellence. Beyond her rigorous testing and quality assurance expertise, Mariia finds solace in art and spends her free time painting captivating landscapes.
Mariia Boborova

Story of a Team Decision

The decision to form this particular team was driven by Computools' commitment to delivering high-quality solutions and their understanding that a team with a relevant background could effectively navigate the complexities of the project.

Backstage

Computools software engineers rely on an established communication framework to keep the development on schedule. Interspersed with brainstorming and feedback sessions, routine meetings keep all distributed team members in the loop, enhance understanding, and accelerate development.

Sprint Retrospective

A staple of the chosen development methodology, daily Scrums ensured all distributed team members performed their assigned tasks according to the sprint plan. Occurring impediments were promptly addressed by the Team Lead and the Scrum Master.

Planning Session

Starting sprints with planning sessions enabled the team to assess the workload, decompose large problems and assign software engineers their respective tasks. This approach allows the team to keep up with rapid development while addressing challenges.

Sprint Demo

During the sprint demo, the team presented the functionalities and features they have implemented, demonstrating the progress made within the defined time frame.

Communication Flow

All team members participated in the end-of-sprint feedback sessions and discussions. Exchanging ideas and opinions between Computools and client-side engineers inspired innovative solutions and increased development efficiency.

Project Management Methodology

The Scrum approach was chosen for this project to secure fast-paced development and cohesive collaboration across the internationally distributed team. Daily scrums were held to assess the development progress and address arising challenges. Scrum Master assigned tasks, tracked their progress and managed resources through Jira while Computools’ Project Manager enabled seamless communication and strict schedule adherence by our software engineers.

Project timeline

2 months
10 months
2 weeks
Consulting & design phase
Engineering phase
Launch
01

CONSULTING

  • Analysing client requirements and objectives in depth
  • Identifying potential challenges and opportunities
  • Planning strategy and developing roadmap
  • Recommending technology stack and project scope
  • Assessing risk and mitigation strategies
02

Product DESIGN

  • Implementing the chosen technology stack for robust development
  • Coding iteratively and programming to build the product
  • Integrating and testing for quality assurance continuously
  • Refining features based on feedback and testing results
  • Optimising the product for performance and scalability
04

Launch

  • Planning and execution of a comprehensive go-to-market strategy
  • Coordinating release activities and timelines
  • Deploying the product for public access
  • Monitoring and addressing initial user feedback
  • Supporting post-launch and ongoing optimisation efforts

Design

When working on product design, we primarily develop its architecture, as this greatly influences how the design will be built in the future and how ways of promoting and upgrading the product will be organised.

User persona → Site map → Wireframes → user interface
auto union user persona

User persona

Understanding the target audience's needs and preferences.

auto union site map

Site map

Structuring the website's layout and navigation.

auto union wireframes

Wireframes

Creating visual blueprints for web page layouts.

auto union user interface

user interface

Designing the website's user-friendly visual elements.

Production Release

Together with the client's team, we coordinated the deployment of the product, ensuring a smooth transition from development to a live environment. Our team monitored user feedback post-launch and implemented necessary adjustments to enhance user satisfaction.

ONGOING SUPPORT

After the initial release, we continued monitoring the product's performance and user feedback. If needed, we addressed any reported bugs promptly and implemented regular updates to improve functionality and security.

We provided ongoing support to end-users, addressing enquiries and offering guidance on product use. We also worked collaboratively with the client to plan for future updates and scalability as the user base grows.

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