IAG Cargo AI-Assisted Legacy System Modernisation
BTM worked with IAG Cargo to explore the use of generative AI in modernising a legacy enterprise software application.
The challenge
Large organisations often depend on legacy software that has evolved over many years and continues to support important business processes. Modernising these systems is challenging because business logic, technical dependencies and years of incremental development are embedded within the existing application. IAG Cargo worked with BTM to explore how generative AI could support this modernisation challenge, while maintaining the engineering oversight and validation required when working with complex enterprise software.
The solution
BTM formed a student development team supported by academic experts to explore and implement an AI-assisted modernisation approach. The team combined generative AI with established software engineering practices to understand the existing application, support the migration of legacy components and progressively develop a modernised version of the system. The work followed an iterative approach, with development, review and validation taking place throughout the project rather than treating AI-generated code as a finished output.
The outcome
The project delivered a modernised version of the application and demonstrated how a student development team, supported by academic expertise, can work on a complex enterprise software challenge. It also provided a valuable environment for exploring the practical use of generative AI in legacy modernisation, generating experience and knowledge that continues to inform BTM's work in AI-assisted software engineering and modernisation projects.
