Matthew Crockett, head of Synthesis CODE, says that the company has helped businesses across multiple industries with their digital transformation by solving their unique integration challenges. “In shipping, we encountered a client struggling with siloed systems,” he explains. ”Their booking system, inventory tracker, port logistics and billing all operated independently, causing delays and errors. Customers could book containers that weren’t available and the company lacked a real-time view of operations.
“In the agricultural sector, we integrated data from 15 disparate systems into one cohesive platform. “What began as paper-based interactions with relationship managers driving to farms has evolved into a powerful 24/7 self-service platform. This transformation has drastically improved customer experience, reduced administrative overheads and provided a single customer view.”
Marsh Middleton, head of commercial at Synthesis CODE adds: “For financial services clients, we’ve overcome complex regulatory requirements while modernising legacy systems. Banks face unique challenges balancing innovation with compliance. We’ve helped institutions create secure, integrated platforms that maintain regulatory standards while enabling new digital services. Through these projects, we’ve gained valuable insights applicable across industries.”
Key insights from our experience
A critical lesson from our work is that syncing systems is essential for transformation,” contibues Middleton. “Companies often try to resolve integration challenges using pre-made API products which can lead to accumulated licensing costs and systems that don’t fully meet their needs. There are pros and cons when deciding what to buy or build, but from our experience, whether collaborating with financial services or supply chain companies, when complex systems and legacy infrastructure are involved, building a custom solution is typically best.”
A customised central API that connects all systems and presents data in a single digital platform transforms this pain point. “Once established, new digital channels − mobile apps, voice assistants or emerging technologies like VR − can be added easily without rebuilding everything. What’s exciting is the potential each business has,” explains Middleton. “Disconnected systems should never be the reason they don’t reach that potential.”
Making digital transformation real
“When approaching digital transformation, we focus on creating a clear roadmap before implementation. We start by plotting where a company wants to be and then map out how to get them there,” Crockett explains. “The magic we bring is the ability to help them chart that journey and then walk it with them.”
“It’s tempting to jump straight to exciting technologies, but this often leads to wasted resources,” Middleton notes. “A reliable digital partner will first assess your current level of complexity and maturity, using this to dictate your next steps for digitalisation. “This methodical approach ensures sustainable progress. It’s like signing up for an ocean marathon without having mastered swimming in a pool. There are fundamental skills you need before diving into the endpoint magic.”
The Synthesis process typically follows these steps:
• Assessment of business needs and current systems.
• Cloud enablement and infrastructure setup.
• System integration and modernisation.
• Targeted AI implementation where beneficial.
• Knowledge transfer and team upskilling.
“The business value unlocked from cloud isn’t just moving data, it’s the ability to innovate and build digital products more rapidly, releasing to customers at global scale,” says Crockett.
The path forward
“The secret to getting ahead, is getting started. For businesses, meaningful digital transformation isn’t about presentations or agendas, it’s about having a clear vision, a roadmap to achieve it and the creation of an integrated environment that makes digital transformation real. One piece of advice that stands out is to pick a partner prepared to share knowledge and upskill your team,” concludes Crockett. “When we hire, we look not just for high-end skills but for team members able to teach those skills, ensuring your success long after our project concludes.”
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