Modernizing a Legacy Excel Tool into a Scalable Web Application

Case Study

Modernizing a Legacy Excel Tool
into a Scalable Web Application

The Customer

And Their Challenge

Pratt & Whitney is a renowned aerospace manufacturer specializing in the design, production, and service of aircraft engines, including both commercial and military applications. They are known for their cutting- edge technology and innovation in the aviation industry, providing reliable and high-performance propulsion systems for a wide range of aircraft. Despite their cutting-edge technology and market leadership, Pratt & Whitney faced a critical challenge: an outdated Proposal/ROM Valuation Tool (PRVT) that relied on cumbersome Excel spreadsheets.

As the data volume and complexity continued to grow, the limitations of this tool became frustrating for their teams. Teams struggled with version control, inconsistent calculations, and limited visibility into the latest data, resulting in delays, errors, and rework across departments. They recognized the urgent need to transform this outdated system into a modern, web-based solution.

The Solution

A Web-enabled Proposal/ROM Valuation Tool (PRVT)

To address these challenges, Pratt & Whitney partnered with i3solutions, a trusted Excel to web application development firm, to modernize and streamline their internal estimating tool. Our team led the transformation of their Proposal/ROM Valuation Tool (PRVT), migrating it from a complex, spreadsheet-driven Excel application into a scalable, web-based solution. The goal was not simply to digitize the process but to completely rethink and rebuild it to deliver a modern platform that would improve collaboration, eliminate manual inefficiencies, and scale with evolving business needs.

Our engagement began with a strategic discovery phase, consistent with our approach to delivering tailored Excel workflow modernization solutions. We conducted in-depth stakeholder interviews and a comprehensive assessment of PRVT’s underlying logic, workflows, and pain points. This allowed us to design a roadmap tailored to Pratt & Whitney’s specific requirements to preserve the value of their existing models while positioning the new system for long-term agility and growth.

As part of our end-to-end Excel to web development services, we engineered a custom solution using the Microsoft technology stack. The resulting web application offers secure access from any internet-enabled device and features real-time updates, centralized data handling, and seamless integration with other enterprise tools. The application replaced Excel with a scalable web application that streamlines operations and significantly enhances user experience. A thoughtfully designed interface, intuitive dashboards, and flexible configuration options empower users to complete tasks with greater accuracy and speed.

By replacing Excel with a scalable web application, Pratt & Whitney eliminated the limitations that once hindered performance and decision-making. Updates to the tool can be rolled out quickly, without the need for downloads or version tracking. Customization is simple, allowing the platform to evolve in lockstep with business priorities. With their new web-enabled PRVT, Pratt & Whitney now benefits from a flexible, centralized solution that turns data into action and spreadsheets into strategic assets.

Key Features

Enhanced
Accessibility

The new web application provides secure access from any device with an internet connection, ensuring that Pratt & Whitney’s teams can collaborate effortlessly and share vital information anytime, anywhere.

Improved
Accuracy

Transitioning from spreadsheets to a web-based tool enhances accuracy by reducing the risk of version control issues and human errors, while also providing automated validation and data integrity checks.

Seamless
Integration

The new PRVT seamlessly integrates with other web-based tools and services resulting in streamlined workflow processes and a reduction in manual tasks.

Flexibility and
Customization

Unlike the Excel-based system, this web application is highly flexible, allowing easy customization and updates. Users no longer needed to download or install new versions to stay up-to-date, making it far more adaptable to Pratt & Whitney’s evolving needs.

User-Friendly
Dashboard

The intuitive dashboard provids the ability to add, view, edit, compare, and approve estimates in real-time. It also features a reporting capability for role-based standard or custom reports that improve real-time decision making capabilities.

Technologies

Used in the Solution

i3solutions harnessed a set of cutting-edge technologies
to deliver the web-enabled PRVT:

ASP.NET is the foundation of the application, ensuring robustness and reliability.

Razor Application using MVC provides a modern and efficient structure for web development.

Entity Framework streamlines data access and management.

jQuery enhances the user interface and interactivity.

Power BI provides interactive dashboards and cross-proposal reporting for smarter decision-making.

SQL Server 2022 provides a secure and efficient database solution.

i3solutions Followed an Agile
Development Process

i3solutions adopted an Agile approach to develop the PRVT which allowed us to adapt to changing requirements and priorities swiftly, fostering greater flexibility and responsiveness to Pratt & Whitney’s needs. With a focus on frequent collaboration, enhanced communication, and faster iterations, isolutions delivered a solution tailored to Pratt & Whitney’s exact business needs.

Measurable Benefits
and Business Impact

i3solutions’ modernization of Pratt & Whitney’s Proposal/ROM Valuation Tool has eliminated Pratt & Whitney’s challenges in several key areas:

Streamlined
Estimating Process

The web-enabled PRVT significantly streamlined Pratt & Whitney’s estimating process, reducing manual work and enhancing overall efficiency.

Improved
Productivity

The advanced features and user-friendly interface improved overall productivity. Teams can collaborate seamlessly, leading to faster and more accurate results.

Increased
Adaptability

The flexibility of the new system allows Pratt & Whitney to quickly adapt and make changes without disrupting daily operations.

Enhanced
User Experience

With a more intuitive interface and real-time updates, users have experienced a substantial improvement in their work environment.