Lone Star Credit Union · Financial Services · Houston, TX · 20 weeks
Lone Star Credit Union System Consolidation case study
Lone Star Credit Union operated four different core banking systems after three acquisitions, which blocked any unified view of their members. We merged these systems into one member data platform, cutting data costs by $1.3 million annually and delivering same-day analytics that the credit union couldn’t access before.
Challenge
After three acquisitions in five years, the credit union was stuck with four separate core banking systems and no single member view. Combining data across these systems took three days of manual work each time. Maintaining all four data environments cost $1.3 million annually. The board demanded a unified member view before approving any further acquisitions.
Approach
We created a member data platform on Azure Synapse that pulled data from all four core banking systems. We matched member identities across these systems to generate one daily-updated member record. Then, we developed a Power BI analytics layer tracking deposits, loans, product use, and member lifetime value.
Outcome
We launched the unified member platform in week 20, cutting annual data costs from $1.3 million to $310,000. We enabled same-day cross-system member analytics, which improved decision-making speed. Six weeks after launch, the board approved the next acquisition, directly referencing the unified member view as a critical factor.
How We Pulled Member Data from Four Different Systems into One Spot
Our client was dealing with four separate core banking systems, each with its own member ID format, no way to link them up easily. So, we got hands-on and built a matching method that used SSN, date of birth, and account number. When we ran the test, it matched 992 out of 1,000 records. Not flawless, but definitely solid.
How We Pulled Off Same-Day Analytics for Those Last-Minute Board Requests
The board needed quick insights to decide on their next acquisition, like, the same day quick. So, we hooked up a daily data refresh on our unified platform to keep the info coming nonstop. Six weeks in, the board gave the thumbs up to move forward with the deal.
How We Cracked the Code on Member Lifetime Value
We gathered all the member data into one easy-to-understand snapshot. Then, we noticed about 8,400 members had just one product but seemed ready to pick up more. With that in hand, marketing launched a targeted cross-sell campaign. The payoff? $2.1 million in new product sales in six months flat.
Results
- $1.3M Annual data cost savings
- 4 to 1 Core banking systems unified
- 3 days to same-day Member analytics availability
- 20 wks Full platform delivery
We were using four different systems and couldn’t see the full picture of our members. Thinklytics pulled it all together in 20 weeks, and the board approved our next acquisition the following month.