Industrial software transformation
The Challenge
NIDEC Corporation's UK division relied on motor drive control software developed in the late 1990s that had become a significant operational liability. The outdated codebase was riddled with bugs, struggled with compatibility across newer systems, and required customised versions for each client. This bespoke approach created mounting technical debt whilst making maintenance increasingly difficult and time-consuming.
Why modernisation was critical
As a global leader in electric motor manufacturing, NIDEC needed software that matched their industry position. The legacy system limited their ability to serve clients efficiently, with each customisation becoming more complex and error-prone. Without modernisation, the software risked becoming completely unsupportable as operating systems and hardware continued to evolve, threatening NIDEC's ability to deliver reliable motor control solutions.
Our Approach
Legacy System Analysis
Wolf Logic conducted thorough evaluation of NIDEC's existing software, documenting code structure, system interactions, and dependencies accumulated over decades of development. This comprehensive analysis identified critical areas requiring modernisation whilst ensuring we understood the software's functionality completely. The detailed assessment formed the foundation for a migration strategy that preserved essential capabilities whilst eliminating technical debt.
Code Modernisation
We systematically ported the existing codebase to a modern framework, transforming 1990s-era code into a maintainable, future-ready platform. This migration enhanced compatibility with current and future operating systems whilst maintaining the precise motor control functionality NIDEC's clients depended upon. The modernised code structure simplified ongoing maintenance and positioned the software for continued evolution.
API Integration
Our team developed a new API service that fundamentally changed how NIDEC delivers customised solutions. Rather than creating bespoke software versions for each client, the API enables flexible configuration through standardised interfaces. This architectural shift reduced customisation complexity whilst providing clients with precisely tailored functionality, transforming a problematic process into a competitive advantage.
Results And Impact
Platform Stabilisation
Significant bug reduction enhanced overall software performance and reliability. The modernised platform eliminated the instability that had plagued the legacy system, giving NIDEC and their clients confidence in the motor control software's dependability across diverse industrial applications.
Streamlined Client Delivery
Customised software versions are now delivered far more efficiently through the integrated API service. What once required extensive bespoke development now happens through configuration, dramatically reducing time-to-deployment whilst maintaining the precision each client requires for their specific motor control applications.
Future-Ready Architecture
The platform is positioned for ongoing evolution with operating systems and hardware. Enhanced compatibility across multiple customer environments ensures NIDEC can continue serving clients effectively whilst the modernised codebase supports future upgrades without requiring another comprehensive overhaul.