Implementation of the Central Banking System at BPS Bank carried out by Asseco

Technology transformation for the future

Bank Polskiej Spółdzielczości faced an exceptionally ambitious challenge - the need to modernize its IT systems. Dynamically changing customer expectations and increasing competition in the market required the implementation of comprehensive technological solutions that will not only meet current needs, but also enable further development.

A key problem was the Bank’s outdated core system, complex IT architecture and lack of a comprehensive mobile application for the Bank’s customers, which limited user convenience and affected the consistency of the offering. The low level of automation of payment processes, difficulties in managing distributed systems, and old integration technology (Corba) further exacerbated the challenges the Bank faced. Custom-ers expected easy access to services, speed and security of transactions, and modern payment solutions such as P2P in Blik.

Initially, the plan was to replace only the electronic banking system. However, an analysis of the clients’ expectations showed the need for much broader measures. The project has evolved into the replacement of key back-office systems, including mainly the core banking system, data warehouse and Treasury systems. In addition, the project implemented a modern API using REST technology, which allows the CSB system to communicate quickly and openly with other applications and databases. The bank opted for such a comprehensive transformation, seeing it as an opportunity to eliminate years of technology debt and gain a competitive edge. Unlike previous solutions, the Bank decided to implement the project not on-premise, but using the vendor’s infrastructure while expecting cost synergies.

The implementation of this project was entrusted to Asseco, which was favored by its experience in similar projects and a broad portfolio of solutions. The implementation required not only advanced technological knowledge, but also efficient organization of remote work. The teams worked effectively within the 13 expert groups, and success depended on smooth communication and maintaining engagement throughout the nearly four years of the project.

Integrated technology for modern banking

Asseco has developed and implemented a comprehensive technological solution that has transformed the way Bank Polskiej Spółdzielczości operates, both in the area of customer service and in the operational back office. The project included a wide range of activities - from a thorough replacement of core systems to the implementation of modern electronic and mobile banking.

The new system is built on a modular architecture that allows for flexible customization and development in response to changing market needs. Key elements of the implementation included core systems, including:

• Asseco CB (core banking).
• Asseco GL (accounting).
• Asseco CLL (handling of the credit collateral register).
• Asseco UF (implementation of mass printouts).
• And Asseco CS (reporting credit data to the BIK).

A state-of-the-art electronic banking platform for individual clients, Asseco CBP, and corporate clients, Asseco EBP, was also commissioned, along with a mobile application.

Additionally:

• The data warehouse, Asseco DWH, was modernized.
• Asseco TR system was implemented, supporting the management of financial assets.

Work stages

The implementation process was divided into eight precisely planned stages that ensured a smooth transition from the old solutions to the new system. At the initial stage, a detailed analysis of the requirements was carried out, which made it possible to tailor solutions to the Bank’s specific needs. Test and production environments were then prepared, applications were installed and configured, and functionality and integration tests were conducted. Special attention was paid to training employees so that they can now take full advantage of the new system’s potential. The data migration, which involved more than 50,000 customers and 140,000 accounts, was completed in one weekend, minimizing disruption to the Bank’s operations. Successful execution of the migration in such a short period of time was made possible by months of preparation beforehand and multiple attempts to perform the migration.

The project lasted 34 months and was one of the largest technological undertakings in Polish banking in recent years. More than 400 people participated in its implementation - both on the side of Asseco and Bank BPS. A particular difficulty was the organization of work in 13 expert groups, which required precise coordination and effective communication, especially since some activities were carried out remotely.

The result of the project is a modern, client-centric system that has significantly improved the user experience of banking services. With the new solutions, customers can manage their finances more conveniently and intuitively using the mobile app and online banking. Branch and back-office service processes have been simplified, allowing for faster account creation. The use of cloud solutions has made the system flexible and scalable, paving the way for the Bank to innovate further in the future.