Project Overview

Our client is a multinational pharmaceutical and life sciences company. They required a single platform (effortless & scalable) to build and host 2000+ sites using predefined master templates, with the flexibility for each site to be styled differently w.r.t the brand design guidelines.

We partnered with Acquia to build a multi-site & multi-lingual platform using Acquia Cloud Site Factory and Acquia Site Studio (previously known as Cohesion) to provide flexibility to site owners and brands to create unique sites independently.

Client Requirements

• Replatform numerous sites, operating in multiple markets and languages, all with their own visual identities to a single platform

• With multiple brands within its portfolio, the client wanted to create a centralized online platform for both consumers, caregivers, and healthcare providers, while also making it easier for consumers to find specialty pharmacies and local care centres

• Decoupled components - to provide flexibility on a country/market level for functional enhancements of websites

• The challenge lied in the complexity of the web state. Over 2000+ brands with distinct visual identities, multiplied by the number of markets and the languages that needed to be supported

Our Solution

Scalable, low code, self-service IT solution for the complete life-cycle of the websites, with the highest automation levels enabling the client to achieve cross-divisional business goals.

The platform was built on a Drupal 8 architecture hosted on Acquia Cloud Site Factory (ACSF) with decoupled components (Acquia Site Studio). These components helped deliver applications and interactive components tailored to the clients specific business needs. The platform enabled the client to build pages and sites using Acquia site studio components and a brand style guide.

Design system

• We created a global design system fit for a pharmaceutical giant. A single powerful platform, running all brands.

• The Design System defines the implementation of features & components that are ready to be used for any website.

• We created a configurable un-branded core set of patterns to provide the whole range of brand and content needs. Giving marketers the power to update their instances, using a drag and drop editing experience.

Decoupled components

• The decoupled components are available as Site Studio components on the websites

• Their role is to reduce overall complexity and dependency in applications and make it easier to maintain code and make changes

• The decoupled components allow each component to perform its tasks independently - it allows components to remain completely autonomous and unaware of each other. A change in one service doesn’t require a change in the other services

Architecture

• We implemented a decentralized operating model to maximize speed.

• The IT architecture was a one-stop-shop of all the required systems and for all agencies to operate under.

• We developed a self-service ecosystem, that enabled client’s divisions, brands, and countries to operate independently.

Multi-site platform

• We built a scalable, low code solution for managing websites while enabling design flexibility.

• The platform has a visually appealing UI, with a simple interface.

• It is mobile-friendly and provides easy and secure access to external and internal teams.

Other Implementations

• Performance optimization with Acquia Varnish integration for caching and AKAMAI CDN for improved site performance.

• Integrated web forms with Salesforce CRM.

• Third-party authentication.

• Access management for access and content preferences.

• Features - articles, events, landing pages, quiz, and more.