A comprehensive research distribution platform and automated publishing extranet for a global investment intelligence firm.
What we did
- End-to-end digital transformation of the research publishing workflow
- Development of a custom research distribution website
- Design and implementation of an automated extranet for financial model management
- Creation of a centralised "single source of truth" data architecture
- Bespoke ExpressionEngine CMS integration and expansion
- Long-term technical partnership and iterative system scaling
- Front-end marketing site development and maintenance
About the project
Edison Investment Research is a leading international investment research agency that provides high-quality intelligence to investors and companies globally. When they first engaged Tinderhouse, they required a technology partner capable of handling the immense complexity of financial data distribution. The goal was to build a robust ecosystem that could manage everything from company financial models to the public-facing marketing presence.
At the beginning of our 15-year partnership, we focused on a minimum viable product strategy to digitise their most critical asset: the research reports. By identifying the core features needed for a functional extranet, we allowed Edison to move away from fragmented manual systems. This MVP approach ensured that the initial platform was stable and provided immediate value, serving as a foundation for the sophisticated, enterprise-grade system it eventually became.
As a long-standing partner, our role evolved from initial web development to becoming a core part of their digital strategy. We built a platform that not only distributed research to a global audience but also managed the internal workflows that created that research. This project stands as a prime example of how bespoke technology can transform a traditional financial services firm into a digital-first industry leader.
The Challenge
Before the digital transformation, Edison faced significant operational bottlenecks that hindered their ability to scale and deliver timely research. The publishing process was almost entirely manual, relying on disconnected documents and physical hand-offs. This lack of automation created several critical pain points:
- The publishing process was not digitised, leading to slow turnaround times for time-sensitive financial intelligence.
- High risk of human error due to manual data entry across multiple financial models and report templates.
- Lack of a single data source, meaning information was often duplicated or inconsistent across different platforms.
- Difficulty in managing and distributing research to a rapidly growing global subscriber base.
- The need for a secure, restricted-access extranet that could handle proprietary financial models safely.
- A requirement for a front-end marketing site that accurately reflected their status as a premium research house.
Our Solution
Tinderhouse engineered a sophisticated, multi-layered solution that addressed the entire lifecycle of Edison's research, from initial data entry to final global distribution.
Automated Publishing Workflow
We developed a novel online publishing process that was highly advanced for its time. By digitising the workflow, we allowed analysts to input data directly into a centralised system. This system then automatically formatted and prepared the research for distribution across various channels. This automation removed the friction between research completion and publication, ensuring Edison’s clients received insights faster than ever before.
Centralised Extranet and Data Hub
To solve the issue of data fragmentation, we built a secure extranet that served as the "single source of truth" for all company financial models. By centralising this data, we ensured that any update made to a model would automatically reflect across all relevant reports and site sections. This high-level financial app development focused on precision and security, ensuring that sensitive data was handled with the rigour required by the fintech industry.
Bespoke ExpressionEngine Implementation
We utilised our deep expertise as ExpressionEngine developers to create a flexible, scalable back-end. ExpressionEngine was chosen for its ability to handle complex data relationships and its robust security features. We customised the CMS to manage not just standard website content, but also the intricate hierarchies of investment sectors, companies, and research analysts, providing Edison's team with total control over their digital output.
Long-Term Iterative Development
Recognising that Edison’s needs would grow, we didn't just deliver a static site. Over our 15-year tenure, we continuously evolved the platform. This involved regular updates to the front-end marketing site and the internal distribution tools. This commitment to business app development meant that as Edison expanded globally, their technology stack was always one step ahead, supporting new regions and more complex financial products.
The Results
The partnership between Tinderhouse and Edison Investment Research resulted in one of the most sophisticated research distribution platforms in the sector. The digital transformation of their core business processes led to measurable improvements in both efficiency and brand reputation.
- Achieved vast improvements in the publishing process, reducing the time from research finalisation to global distribution by over 70%.
- Drastically reduced human error by implementing a single-entry data system for financial models.
- Successfully maintained a 15-year technical partnership, demonstrating the scalability and longevity of the original architecture.
- Created a seamless user experience for investors, leading to increased engagement with Edison’s research reports.
- Provided a reliable, secure platform capable of handling thousands of concurrent users and high-volume data transfers.
- Established a single data source that simplified compliance and auditing for the firm’s international operations.
Technical Highlights
The Edison platform was built for reliability and scale, using a tried-and-tested stack that we maintained and modernised throughout our partnership.
CMS: Custom-configured ExpressionEngine to handle complex financial data structures.
Server-side: PHP was utilised for all bespoke automation logic and publishing workflows.
Database: MySQL served as the central repository for the "single source of truth" data architecture.
Architecture: Developed a secure extranet environment with strict access controls for internal financial model management.
Front-end: Responsive, high-performance marketing site designed for a professional global audience.
Distribution: Custom-built research distribution engine designed for high-speed delivery to subscribers.
Scale Your Business with Bespoke Technology
Need a technology partner who understands the complexities of financial data and long-term scaling? Our UK-based team specialises in transforming manual workflows into powerful, automated digital systems.