A phased digital transformation programme spanning Systems Adoption, a new Umbraco website and continuous enhancement of the Academy's connected digital platform.
Summary
The Royal Academy of Engineering (RAE) partnered with Wattle to modernise its digital estate through a phased, low-risk approach. Beginning with the adoption of Microsoft Dynamics 365 before delivering a new Umbraco website, the partnership continues to evolve through new digital services, enhanced community experiences and ongoing innovation across the Academy's connected platform.
Client
The Academy is the UK's national academy for engineering, bringing together leading engineers from industry and academia to advance engineering excellence for the benefit of society. Its digital platforms support Fellows, programmes, funding activities and public engagement at national and international scale.
Challenge
The Academy was operating a complex Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM alongside an ageing Kentico website that no longer met the organisation's evolving needs. Departmental processes had developed independently over time, making the digital estate increasingly difficult to manage and enhance.
Rather than embarking on a high-risk replacement programme, the Academy wanted an experienced partner capable of modernising its technology incrementally while maintaining business continuity and reducing operational risk.
The new website has represented a quantum leap in the Academy’s ability to communicate effectively with our audiences. Wattle and IE Digital have helped turn our content, data and vision into a platform that continues to evolve.
Andy Purcell, Associate Director, Digital, Data, and Technology, Royal Academy of Engineering
Solution
Wattle began with a structured Systems Adoption programme, taking responsibility for the Academy's existing Microsoft Dynamics 365 environment and delivering incremental improvements that increased platform stability, usability and confidence across the organisation.
Building on this foundation, Wattle delivered a new Umbraco website to replace the legacy Kentico CMS. Working alongside specialist design partners, the new platform provides a modern editing experience, improved accessibility and a scalable foundation that continues to evolve alongside the Academy's wider digital ecosystem.
Following the successful launch of the new website, Wattle has continued to enhance the Academy's digital platform through ongoing improvements across Umbraco, Dynamics 365 and the MemEx Member Portal. Recent developments include new capabilities for the Awardee Excellence Community, automating business processes, enriching member data and delivering a more engaging digital experience.
Impact
Digital Foundation
Adopted and modernised a complex Dynamics 365 environment.
Modern Website
New Umbraco website aligned with the Academy's refreshed brand and strategy.
Connected Communities
Enhanced the Awardee Excellence Community through new Dynamics 365 and Member Portal functionality.
Smarter Operations
Automated key processes while improving data quality and visibility across the organisation.
Continuous Improvement
Long-term partnership and roadmap that continues to evolve the Academy's digital platform.