Scaling Service Management: How Hitachi Vantara Leveraged Caspio for Global Impact 

Did you know that eight of the world’s top 10 banks rely on technology from Hitachi Vantara? This fact underscores the global impact of Hitachi Vantara, a leader in advancing data-driven technologies and services over the years. With a presence in over 160 countries and a workforce of over 15,000, the organization is no stranger to managing complex, large-scale operations.  

Two years ago, Hitachi Vantara sought to simplify and streamline their internal processes, which were heavily dependent on complex spreadsheet-based systems. The solution? A collaboration with Caspio’s low-code platform that would transform the way Hitachi Vantara operates internally, leading to more efficient and scalable operations across the globe.  

This is the story of how low code became the driving force behind Hitachi Vantara’s transformation, resulting in a partnership that continues to drive significant business value today.  

Ready to modernize your business with low code? Try Caspio FREE and see how you can create custom business apps with ease.    

The Challenge: Simplifying Workflow Complexities  

Hitachi Vantara’s operations are vast and varied, dealing with everything from extensive data storage to advanced AI and IoT solutions.  

Managing these operations often involves complex processes that can be difficult to scale, especially when traditional methods like spreadsheets are involved. Recognizing the need for efficiency, Hitachi Vantara looked for a way to streamline intricate processes while preserving the precision and control essential for their global operations.  

Glen Lomond, Global Partner Solutioneer and Strategist at Hitachi Vantara, explains, “Before Caspio, we developed a tool for rebate calculations that was heavily reliant on manual methods.” Initially, they converted their spreadsheets into a simple calculator app using traditional development, but it became clear they needed a more efficient and scalable alternative.  

This realization led them to explore low-code platforms.  

Why Caspio? A Strategic Recommendation  

In a recent episode of Caspio’s “Low Code/High Impact” podcast series, Lomond shared that Hitachi Vantara’s journey with Caspio began when their VP recommended trying out low-code solutions, specifically Caspio, as a way to enhance their internal tools. This suggestion came at a crucial time, as the company searched for faster, more effective ways to develop applications without the lengthy timelines associated with traditional coding.  

Watch the full interview below or listen to the podcast episode on your favorite streaming platform.   

By adopting a low-code approach, Lomond’s team seamlessly converted multiple spreadsheets into a fully operational application, cutting time and costs without requiring extensive coding.  

“The driving factor was definitely low code,” he emphasizes, adding, “The ability to quickly transform a spreadsheet into a comprehensive application was a key attraction for us. Our previous tool was basic, but with Caspio, we quickly deployed a far more robust solution, complete with workflows and diverse functionalities.”  

He calls this move a “great success,” paving the way for Hitachi Vantara to handle their operational challenges with greater efficiency.

Reinforcing Pre-Sales Processes With Low Code  

One of the most impactful applications Lomond and the team built with Caspio is an internal tool for Hitachi Vantara’s pre-sales teams. This tool consolidates multiple previously disjointed spreadsheet-based processes into a cohesive system, allowing them to successfully transition service offering details into the market. The result is a streamlined pre-sales process that enhances both accuracy and performance.  

“This application is not an end-user tool; it’s internal, used among our sales teams as part of the pre-sales effort,” he notes. The app functions as a service management tool designed to handle complex pricing and service structures in a way that is intuitive and easy to navigate.  

“We’ve built a fairly complex model in the as-a-service delivery, and having that in a matrix model was very difficult to translate into traditional tools. But with Caspio, we’ve packaged all that—about 10 spreadsheets or so—into one simple application.”  

Glen Lomond
Global Partner Solutioneer and Strategist
Hitachi Vantara

But that’s not all. The service management app has also provided them with clear oversight, which was previously challenging with separate spreadsheets. “It’s done at different layers—the users can actually utilize the application, while the management team has oversight because everything can be tracked and governed.”  

“This is something you can’t do with a spreadsheet,” he adds, pointing out the former’s limitations in handling dynamic data, ensuring real-time updates and managing complex data interactions. Unlike their new solution, spreadsheets often fall short when integrating information and providing comprehensive control.  

Rapid Development and Seamless Deployment  

The speed with which Caspio enabled Hitachi Vantara to transition from concept to deployment proved to be a major advantage. Within just a few weeks, the first version of their application was operational—a feat that is particularly impressive given the complexity of the tasks it was designed to handle.  

“The translation from the original source to the visual use of the application happened very quickly. In just three weeks, we had the first revision running,” Lomond reflects. The rapid development cycle allowed Hitachi Vantara to quickly iterate on the application, making necessary adjustments without the delays typically associated with traditional development.  

For the team, this swift transition was a significant breakthrough, or as Lomond describes it, their “aha moment.” They were impressed by how quickly they moved from definition to tangible results. He shares, “For the amount of effort I put in during the process, it wasn’t just low-code—it was low-touch, which was incredibly beneficial.”  

A Long-Term Partnership Built on Flexibility  

As Hitachi Vantara evolves, their Caspio-built application evolves with them. Their service management tool continuously integrates new features and services, expanding its capabilities and scope.  

Initially, the project focused on converting multiple spreadsheets into a robust web app. Now, it’s advancing with features like role-based governance and automated approvals, with plans to introduce additional services in future phases.  

Hitachi Vantara’s partnership with Caspio has been flexible and responsive, with Caspio’s Professional Services team playing a crucial role in their development cycles.  

“The response time has been excellent, making my job much easier,” Lomond notes. “The project management tool we use for communication keeps requirements static, and as we dynamically change them, the Professional Services team quickly implements and executes the delivery of the application.”  

He emphasizes that this smooth collaboration has been crucial in aligning the app with Hitachi Vantara’s evolving needs. “The team can easily define what I need and translate that quickly into the app with very little effort, other than some email exchanges,” he shares.   

Lomond is optimistic about the future of Hitachi Vantara’s partnership with Caspio. With the initial project baseline in place, they can now efficiently deploy new features without the usual delays. 

Harness Low Code to Transform Operational Efficiency  

For those contemplating whether to adopt a low-code platform, Lomond’s advice is straightforward: “Do it. Don’t think you must do it all yourself or spend too much time thinking it through. Take advantage of the fact that with low code, you can move very quickly.”  

Hitachi Vantara’s journey with Caspio is a powerful example of how embracing low code can enhance operational efficiency, scalability and business impact on a global scale. Their experience shows how low-code solutions can streamline complex processes and support large-scale operations with ease.  

Ready to see these benefits for yourself? Start your journey with Caspio today by signing up for a free trial and transform your challenges into opportunities.