40% reduction in mobile app build times on average across iOS and Android

The challenge

Launched in 2018, the Waitrose Groceries Apps grew significantly in size and complexity reaching a point where on-premises machines began to slow down due to the major increase in build and test workloads. As they struggled to cope with the resource demands, pipeline problems were encountered, causing build/release delays. The final nail in the coffin was when they fell short of the prerequisites for updating to the latest macOS version, depriving the team of access to Apple's latest features and advancements. An answer needed to be found, and quickly!

The solution

Having partnered with Waitrose Digital on mobile app development and launch, Mindera continued to collaborate to maintain and improve them by implementing new features and keeping them in sync with the latest technology. So, when workload problems arose, the Mindera dedicated development team acted quickly. They identified that the issue lay with the continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) tool Jenkins. To remedy the problem, they helped migrate to a fully managed platform-as-a-service CI/CD platform, Bitrise, driving the following improvements:

• Infrastructure is no longer required due to Bitrise being cloud-based
• Setup is simplified with the core environment provided by default, while a user-friendly interface streamlines pipeline configuration
• Maintenance is easier with updates automated and new software selected via a single mouse click
• Cybersecurity is strengthened through secure storage of private keys, certificates and confidential information
• Resources can be scaled up or down quickly and easily as required

Loyalty was also put at the heart of the app to boost customer retention. The Loyalty Programme was flagged up on the home page, while a floating membership card button made scanning quick and easy. A Loyalty Hub was also added for faster voucher management and highlighting member benefits.

The results

Migrating to Bitrise successfully reduced Waitrose’s infrastructure overhead, minimised maintenance efforts and provided a more stable platform. Running processes with outdated software is a thing of the past, while a pool of devices are now available to choose from, all managed by Bitrise.

The retailer’s pipelines have significantly accelerated across both iOS and Android, with build times cut by 40%. Plus computing power is enhanced thanks to Apple silicon processor inclusion in Bitrise machines. Bitrise's robust security features have also eliminated key manual steps in the mobile app release process, moving Waitrose closer to fully automated CI/CD.

Meanwhile, testing revealed an uplift in conversion, confirming loyalty as a key buying factor, with enhanced features driving increased engagement across all loyalty events, including an almost 6% rise in voucher use. We’re now working on growing members of Waitrose AND John Lewis by showcasing each brand’s vouchers across the membership of both loyalty schemes.

6% rise in loyalty voucher use

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About Waitrose

Founded in 1904 in Acton, London, supermarket chain Waitrose has 329 shops across Great Britain and the Channel Islands. Its 5.1% share of the grocery market makes it the 12th largest retailer in the UK in its sector.