TCS Rapid Patcher

Overview

Appian issues platform upgrades on a quarterly schedule, subsequently releasing multiple hotfixes. While Appian manages cloud environments directly, the responsibility for overseeing on-premises environments rests with the customers. Effective management of these environments necessitates technical proficiency, as customers must manually monitor, administer, and apply hotfixes across various instances. TCS Rapid Patcher efficiently manages the application of hotfixes by utilizing Appian, workflow automation, and Appian Robotic Process Automation bots. This solution enables remote deployment of hotfixes to designated environments and provides comprehensive status monitoring for enhanced usability and tracking.

Building upon the capabilities of Appian's low-code platform, the TCS Rapid Patcher streamlines the process of identifying, packaging, and deploying critical fixes across multiple systems, reducing manual intervention and the risk of human error. Using workflow automation, teams can schedule patches, track approvals, and ensure compliance. The integration of Appian Robotic Process Automation (RPA) bots further accelerates the patching process by automatically executing repetitive tasks, such as verifying pre-requisites and validating successful installations after deployment.

Additionally, this solution offers real-time dashboards and notifications, allowing stakeholders to monitor progress, view deployment history, and address any issues promptly. By centralizing patch management and leveraging remote deployment, organizations can minimize downtime and maintain system security without requiring direct access to onsite infrastructure. Overall, TCS Rapid Patcher enhances operational efficiency, fosters collaboration between IT and business teams, and supports ongoing system reliability through its robust automation framework.

Key Features & Functionality

• Real-time dashboard : A live dashboard provides up-to-the-minute status updates and metrics, enabling effective monitoring and decision-making.
• Multi-environment patching reduces downtime : Patches can be applied across several environments, which helps prevent disruptions and ensures faster system availability.
• Hotfix installation can be handled by admin staff; no need for specialized Appian skills : Administrative personnel can manage hotfixes without requiring advanced technical expertise, streamlining operations.
• Minimal user input required during patching: The system automates most processes, so users only need to provide limited information during updates.
• Saves 40–50% in overall effort : By simplifying tasks and automating steps, the process saves significant time and resources compared to traditional methods.

Benefits & Business Impact

• Standardized approach of patching with well-defined steps, most of the manual steps and commands which have to be issued during the patching process have all been automated. This reduces a lot of time from patching process. The user operations are reduced to just configuring the environments one and selecting them for patching process and initiating the patching process. The rest is taken care by the system.
• The dashboard along with logs tab displays the full information required for tracking the patching process per environment. It displays the detailed check points during each upgrade process for users to have a clear view and the progress of the patching process.
  with minimal user role, thereby largely reducing human errors.
• Real-time tracking of all the environment status with version details for planned/scheduled version upgrades in phased manner.
• Overall efficiency gains reflect in more robust systems with improved server and environment performance. And overall increased end user satisfaction levels.