Challenge:
With the introduction of new privacy legislation in states like Virginia and Connecticut, Ahold Delhaize USA had to quickly make customer data transparent, secure, and compliant. The absence of a centralized system inventory and limited documentation of older systems added complexity. Additionally, tight deadlines and the need for collaboration among twelve teams required swift action.

Approach:
The Data Integration Team established a central integration layer using MuleSoft, enabling secure data exchange between internal and external systems. By effectively utilizing existing APIs and adopting an Agile approach, privacy compliance was achieved swiftly and scalably. The first MVP, integrated with OneTrust, was delivered within months.

Result:
In just four months, thirty APIs were developed, the majority of which leveraged existing solutions. This approach saved time, reduced costs, and minimized technical risks. Real-time dashboards provided business, legal, and IT teams with insights into data flows. The strategy demonstrated that integration not only facilitates compliance but also offers a strategic advantage for the future.

Lessons Learned:

• Design APIs thoughtfully: This investment pays off in the long run.
• Reuse promotes speed and stability: Leveraging existing components accelerates development and ensures consistency.
• Monitoring is essential for control and trust: Continuous oversight of data flows enhances reliability.
• Collaboration between IT, legal, and business is indispensable: Cross-functional teamwork is crucial for success.
• Think scalable from day one: Anticipate future growth and design solutions that can expand accordingly.

SPECTR – We get IT done!