Link2Ink is a platform for the simple, user-friendly and manufacturer-independent provision of printer services and supplies for end customers. Customers can take out subscriptions for printer supplies on a monthly basis.
Their ink consumption is monitored and orders are automatically triggered in ALSO‘s ERP system as required.
01
The project
Creation of a platform for easy, user-friendly and above all manufacturer-independent provision of printer services.
02
The platforms
- Frontend: Angular, Typescript, NGRX, HTML5
- Backend: Java, Spring Boot, Hibernate, JHipster
- Databases: PostgreSQL, H2
- DevOps: Docker, Git, Jira, Jenkins, Azure DevOps, Azure Cloud
- Payment provider: Klarna, Stripe
- Testing: JUnit, Azure Test Plans
03
The service
- Consulting (from vision to business case)
- Project management
- Requirements engineering
- Architecture
- UI/UX
- Software development
- QM/QA
- DevOps
04
The goals
- Proof of Concept for the business case of a manufacturer-independent printer service platform
- Connection of a payment provider
- Interface to the ALSO ERP system
- Ready for use for resellers
- Hosting of the platform
05
The challenge
- Fullstack R&D project
- Reliability, performance, and scalability of the system for a large number of end customers
- Interfaces to external systems (SAP, payment provider, printer management)
- 100% remote processing
06
The solution
- Agile, iterative working method according to Scrum
- Rapid prototyping of an MVP with JHipster
- Sprint-based expansion of features
- Close coordination with the customer
- Accompanying testing and performance analysis by QA specialists
Technical details of the project
Our team’s tasks included the incremental development of the product, both in the front-end and back-end areas, as well as technical project management (sprint planning, effort estimates, scheduling, communication with the customer, suppliers, and stakeholders, etc.).
I had the pleasure of working with Kontron for two years – an extraordinary experience. From the very beginning, it was a true partnership, characterized by competence, speed, and creativity. The clear and efficient communication and attention to detail made the collaboration smooth and enjoyable. Regardless of the hierarchy, the commitment was always high and the quality of work impressive. I would be happy to work with Kontron again at any time.
Dora Varkoly, Business Development Manager for Print and Supplies at ALSO
Customer Benefits
The Link2Ink platform proved the technical feasibility of a completely new line of business for ALSO. The business case for a manufacturer-independent and package-oriented service for printer assets was developed to market maturity.
Customer key figures
- Project team size: 5 people
- Project scope: approx. 50 people
- Project duration: 08/2021 to 03/2023
About ALSO
ALSO is one of the leading technology providers for the ICT industry, currently operating in 28 countries in Europe and in a total of 143 countries worldwide via PaaS partners. The ALSO ecosystem offers around 120,000 resellers hardware, software, and IT services from more than 700 vendors in over 1,450 product categories. In the spirit of the circular economy, the company provides all services from provision to remanufacturing from a single source.
