Enterprise Drupal Framework for over 20 Takeda websites
Initial Situation
In Germany, Takeda focuses on specific pharmaceutical specialities through a number of highly specialised units. Accordingly, Takeda operates a wide range of online platforms, comprising a multi-site architecture with a common foundation for all pages across the various subject areas.
On the one hand, this website setup was not integrated into Takeda’s technical infrastructure, meaning that no automated processes beyond online marketing could be provided. On the other hand, this setup did not allow for rapid development and content update cycles, which are fundamental to successful omnichannel marketing. Furthermore, the website loading times were too long.
For these reasons, it was not possible to benefit from the tools and services provided globally by Takeda.
The challenge
The challenge for the bitbase group was therefore to address all these existing shortcomings. All pages needed to be manageable separately, despite using a single CMS. The performance of the websites had to be improved; the pages needed to be more user-friendly and easier to customise, as well as more personalised and versatile thanks to new tools and services.
Our solution
We decided to migrate all the websites to the open-source CMS Drupal.
In doing so, we took Takeda’s global technological context into account. We also redesigned the UI/UX to create a consistent look and feel and improve usability across the more than 20 websites in Germany. Another key part of our solution was the integration of a globally standardised authentication system for Takeda, which will enable users – namely doctors – to access exclusive content in future.
But that’s not all: newly registered users will in future be linked directly to the CRM system and the central data protection systems for GDPR-compliant processing of consents via a Takeda ID for further support. Finally, with the new CMS, Takeda can offer each user individual digital services and target doctors specifically based on their specialisations – thanks to centralised user profile management across all connected digital systems.
Implementation
On time thanks to agile processes
The successful implementation of our ambitious plan was achieved with an international team of software developers, service designers, content managers and solutions architects. We used Pantheon as the hosting platform, Drupal as the CMS system, and PHP, JavaScript and CSS for the implementation. Thanks to the excellent collaboration between the various teams and the use of agile processes, we were able to complete all the planned websites on Drupal on time within 10 months, even under significant time pressure.
Result
Faster. Better. More versatile.
Not only were all objectives met, but they were even exceeded thanks to the development of new frameworks during implementation. The new CMS has reduced the time-to-market for website content by 70 per cent. Thanks to significantly leaner code, page loading times have been noticeably accelerated, and the implementation of new modules and functions, which previously took several days, can now be completed in a matter of hours.
Outlook: Moving on to the next stages
The next step for the bitbase group is to integrate all other Takeda websites into the new platform. This will be an equally exciting and even more extensive project. In addition, we are working on further cross-functional customer journeys, such as the digital processing of service requests, ordering brochures, event registration and the provision of information following sales meetings.
Achieving more together
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