Thredd’s Unique Approach to Innovation

AtThredd, innovation goes beyond creating cutting-edge technology. We continuously refine how we build and deliver software to ensure speed, efficiency, and reliability. In the fast-paced fintech sector, success requires more than great ideas — it demands effective execution. To meet this challenge, we’ve developed a tailored software delivery lifecycle (SDLC) combining Feature-Driven Development (FDD), Outcome-Driven Development (ODD), and Behavior-Driven Development (BDD). This approach enables us to deliver robust solutions swiftly and consistently to our global clients.

How We Work: A Step-by-Step Process

Our software delivery process is built on a structured, five-step workflow designed to keep teams organized, uphold high standards, and deliver exceptional value:

• Backlog: Features begin with a prioritized list that includes clear goals, expected behaviors, and measurable outcomes. This step ensures alignment with business objectives and establishes a shared understanding among stakeholders.
• In Design: Detailed plans are crafted using FDD and BDD principles. This phase identifies potential challenges, refines solutions, and ensures alignment with technical and business needs.
• In Build: Engineers develop features with a focus on delivering tangible value. Collaboration tools, pair programming, and optimization discussions ensure high-quality results.
• In Review: Code undergoes rigorous peer reviews and automated testing. This feedback loop maintains quality and detects issues early.
• Ready for Release: Features are released to production with comprehensive monitoring and stakeholder updates. Performance metrics are tracked in real-time to ensure reliability.

This workflow fosters efficiency, transparency, and a proactive approach to addressing potential issues.

Leveraging Automation for Speed and Consistency

Automation is a cornerstone of our SDLC. Using tools like the Atlassian suite and Bitbucket Pipelines, we’ve significantly enhanced efficiency and reliability:

• Faster Updates: Automated pipelines eliminate manual bottlenecks, accelerating delivery.
• Consistent Results: Uniform processes reduce errors and build trust among teams and clients.
• Scalability: Our serverless AWS architecture integrates seamlessly with automation, enabling us to scale effortlessly as demand grows.

Organizing Teams Around Domain-Driven Design

We’ve adopted Domain-Driven Design (DDD) to align our architecture with six core domains, each supported by a dedicated team:

• Client Access
• Client Lifecycle
• Payment Integration
• Instrument Issuance
• Customer Account
• Data & AI

This alignment reflects Conway’s Law, which asserts that systems mirror organizational structures. By structuring teams around these domains, we achieve:

• Faster Decision-Making: Teams operate independently, minimizing delays.
• Clear Ownership: Each team’s responsibilities are well-defined, improving communication and accountability.
• Higher Quality: Domain-specific expertise enables teams to deliver tailored, high-quality solutions.

The Advantages of a Monorepo

Our monorepo approach — a single codebase for all teams — delivers significant benefits:

• Improved Collaboration: Shared components reduce duplication and encourage cross-team innovation.
• Consistent Standards: Unified coding practices and tools ensure reliability.
• Efficient Dependency Management: Centralized libraries simplify updates and compatibility checks.
• Enhanced Visibility: Teams gain a clear view of the system, enabling faster issue resolution.
• Streamlined Development: Parallel feature development and robust branching strategies keep workflows smooth.
• Accelerated Onboarding: Standardized structures help new developers integrate quickly and contribute effectively.

Staying Ahead with Modern Practices

Our commitment to modern engineering practices ensures continuous improvement and resilience:

• Shift Left: Early testing and security measures catch issues before they escalate.
• DevSecOps: Security is embedded throughout the development lifecycle, not treated as an afterthought.
• Continuous Feedback: Regular retrospectives and analytics refine our processes.
• Open Communication: Frequent team syncs and cross-functional updates keep everyone aligned.

Delivering Tangible Results

Our optimized delivery process has transformed how we develop software, resulting in:

• Faster Time-to-Market: Features are deployed swiftly, delivering immediate value to clients.
• Enhanced Collaboration: Teams share resources and knowledge seamlessly.
• Reliable Systems: Automation ensures consistency and reduces errors.
• Improved Client Outcomes: Efficient processes empower our clients to achieve their goals quickly and effectively.

At Thredd, we have designed software delivery to be more than just a process — it’s a key driver of innovation. As we push the boundaries of the technology evolution, we remain dedicated to continuous improvement and sharing insights from our journey. Together, we’re shaping the future of financial technology.