Sunline Technology, an industry leader, has played a pivotal role in China Guangfa Bank’s groundbreaking journey towards digital transformation. Their collaborative project, the Distributed Core Banking System, spanned 28 months, culminating in a highly satisfactory outcome for the client. Sunline Technology, dedicated to supporting financial institutions, continues to embark on new ventures with clients.

The digital transformation journey in the banking sector is akin to a grand voyage across the open seas. While the prospects are promising, challenges and obstacles are inevitable. These hurdles, however, serve as catalysts, propelling us towards greater achievements. Sunline Technology stands as a reliable pillar, supporting China Guangfa Bank’s journey towards system transformation and advancement.

Sunline Technology commenced its partnership with China Guangfa Bank in 2018, with the successful implementation of a significant big data project. This laid the foundation for future collaborations in various business domains.

By the end of 2020, China Guangfa Bank, a national joint-stock commercial bank, was committed to comprehensive digital transformation. They embarked on building a Distributed Core Banking System to ensure autonomy over core systems and contribute to independent and controllable financial technology. This endeavor was supported by a high-concurrency, scalable, secure, and reliable system built on a distributed technology platform and microservices architecture. Sunline Technology played a crucial role in ensuring the stable delivery of every phase of this extensive project.

Sailing with Determination

A successful project results from effective collaboration between clients and vendors. Clients provide direction through their needs and expectations, while vendors, equipped with technical expertise and professional product design, assume the responsibility of offering optimal solutions. The ultimate product delivery represents the presentation of a high-quality project.

Throughout the project, Sunline Technology primarily undertook the design and development of functions related to fixed deposits, transaction limits management, interbank placements, internal account transactions, margin and retail loans, corporate loans, and real-time online transactions. The 28-month implementation process involved rigorous testing and validation, resulting in a highly satisfactory outcome delivered to the client.

Executing the blueprint is paramount. The design and development of each sub-application within the project followed meticulous steps, including rigorous requirement analysis, functional design, coding implementation, and testing validation. At every step, Sunline Technology maintained a laser focus on technology. Throughout the project’s implementation, Sunline Technology leveraged its extensive experience in financial technology and business practices, consistently optimizing products and enhancing functionalities to ensure the high-quality realization of the project.

Shouldering the Responsibility

“Through a thousand trials and tribulations, we conquer difficulties and unveil the gold.” Following the implementation of a new architectural system, China Guangfa Bank’s Distributed Core Banking System achieves an online transaction response time of 70 milliseconds and reduces the batch processing time from 220 minutes to 130 minutes.

This significant enhancement in business processing capability effectively mitigates the impact of batch processing on related business operations, ensuring high-quality services for nearly a hundred million deposit and loan accounts across the bank. Since its launch, the application services have remained normal, the infrastructure runs steadily, and critical channel systems maintain a 100% transaction success rate.

Achieving Autonomy and Compliance in Core Systems

● Built on a distributed technology platform and microservices architecture to ensure high-concurrency, scalability, security, and reliable business processing.

● Supports automatic upgrade and downgrade of deposit hot accounts.

● Actively supports the application of domestic distributed database products in the banking core business field, ensuring comprehensive data security.

● Offers 24/7 business support to ensure continuous operation of loan services and supports non-stop program releases.

Empowering Bank’s Digital Transformation

• Standardization of business processes: The formulation of nearly a hundred database development specifications, custom scanning rules, independent research and development of business table comparison, traffic replay, business double-sending comparison, code coverage statistics, and standardized execution of business processes and research specifications to achieve rapid iteration of products.

• Refinement of business areas: Precise division of business domain functions to achieve rapid response to business needs. The architecture mainly divides into nine business centers, including the operation center, deposit center, and loan center, as well as five business support sub-applications, such as secondary gateways and distributed transaction coordination centers.

• Standardization of business data: Comprehensive business data compliance with the DAMA root is ensured through metadata, enabling accurate, complete, real-time, and efficient registration and distribution of business data, laying the foundation for data business and intelligent services.

The successful operation of the new Distributed Core Banking System is a testament to the convergence of technological innovation and business practice. Sunline Technology continually breaks through technological barriers, adhering to a customer-centric service philosophy. We inject formidable momentum into China Guangfa Bank’s business development, actively exploring new trends in financial technology through customer practice, ultimately achieving resonance with our clients.

In Conclusion

Over the past two years, the digital transformation of the banking industry has evolved significantly. The core banking system, as the brain of the bank, demands higher standards of openness, robustness, and scalability. The successful verification by joint-stock banks has marked a new starting point for Sunline Technology. It has bolstered our confidence in advancing boldly, and we pledge to always carry the responsibility, refine our technology and products, make them adaptable to various application scenarios, meet different business needs, and journey to new horizons with more clients.

In the realm of Digital China, data stands as the paramount production element and the cornerstone of the digital economy. Effective data governance plays a pivotal role in ensuring data standardization and security, thereby enabling seamless data circulation, sharing, and igniting innovative collaborative data utilization. It serves as a crucial driver and safeguard for the Digital China initiative.

On August 11th, the 2023 Platform Economy Development and Data Governance Forum, jointly hosted by the Platform Economy Innovation Committee of the China Communications Industry Association, the Industry Integration Work Committee of the China Technology Market Association, and the China International Brand Strategy Research Center of the University of International Business and Economics, convened in Beijing. Esteemed guests, including Academician Wu Hequan of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Wang Bingke, President of the China Communications Industry Association, Lin Changle, Deputy Dean of the Cross-Information Core Technology Research Institute, and top executives from financial institutions such as Guotai Junan Securities, Everbright Securities, China Merchants Bank, Guangfa Bank, China CITIC Bank, and Xiamen International Bank, graced the event with their presence.

A highlight of the forum was the official announcement of the “2023 Platform Economy Development and Data Governance Innovation Achievements (Case Studies) Recommended Catalog,” where Sunline Technology emerged as a formidable player.

Sunline Technology’s Unified Regulatory Reporting Platform

This robust product offers financial institutions a comprehensive, all-in-one regulatory reporting service. It encompasses data collection, processing, verification, message handling, analysis, alerting, and system management, ensuring the quality and efficiency of regulatory reporting. The platform seamlessly integrates all the regulatory modules required by mainstream regulatory agencies, including 1104, People’s Bank of China Data Centralization, EAST, PISA, customer risk statistics, standardized deposit and loan, new interest rate reporting, deposit insurance, financial basic data reporting, payment settlement reporting, centralized bank accounts, and overseas bank card transactions, among others.

Sunline Technology’s Data Asset Management Platform

This platform empowers financial institutions to achieve unified inventory, management, operation, and application of enterprise data assets. It enhances data quality, ensures data security and compliance, and provides an uninterrupted source of energy for enterprise digital transformation. The platform offers functionalities such as metadata management, data standard management, data quality management, data model management, data security management, data lifecycle management, data demand management, data asset catalog management, and data asset application.

With 21 years of experience in the big data industry, Sunline Technology has honed its product offerings to provide a comprehensive data solution, fostering the full potential of data elements and constructing an integrated data value loop. Our extensive capabilities have enabled us to serve over 200 financial clients worldwide, with remarkable achievements in policy banks, state-owned banks, and joint-stock banks, as well as deep collaborations with non-bank entities in sectors such as securities, financial companies, trusts, and financial holding companies.

As we move forward, Sunline Technology remains steadfast in driving the financial industry’s digital transformation and high-quality development through a data-driven approach, unlocking productivity and innovation.

Editor’s Note:

In the age of digital transformation, the commodification of data elements, and the pursuit of high-quality data, the value of data has surged. Whether it’s financial institutions or fintech companies, each has its unique interpretations and practices regarding data, from the fundamental data architecture to advanced data applications. Sunline Technology, consistently attuned to the nuances of big data, initiates this discussion on “data architecture” to kickstart a series of articles. Together, let’s explore data perspectives that resonate with the contemporary industry. Stay tuned.

Author | Sunline Technology Big Data Research Institute

Content | This article comprises 3170 words and is estimated to take 10 minutes to read.

For quite some time, the concept of “data architecture” remained a niche area of expertise. In China, efforts related to data governance were primarily centered on establishing data standards.

However, a pivotal moment occurred on February 9, 2021, when the People’s Bank of China introduced the “Guidelines for Building Data Capability in the Financial Industry.” This marked a watershed moment, as it officially expanded the understanding of data architecture to encompass the entire industry.

This transformation entailed a shift from “data standards” to “data specifications,” symbolizing a profound change in perspective.

What is Data Architecture?

As per ISO/IEC/IEEE 42010:2011, architecture refers to a system’s fundamental organization, seen in its components, relationships, environment, and guiding design principles.

“Architecture” originally comes from construction. While ancient cottages didn’t need detailed designs, modern skyscrapers rely on blueprints.

So do Data management, it needs architecture. It’s the blueprint for managing data assets, including models, definitions, mapping specs, flows, and structured data interfaces (DAMA DMBOK2). Data architecture needs ongoing maintenance, like physical architectural design.

GB/T36073-2018 “DCMM Data Management Capability Maturity Assessment Model” describes data architecture. It defines data requirements, guides data asset control and integration, deploys data environments, and manages metadata.

How do we interpret data architecture, its components, relationships, and associated environments?

• Data Architecture Components

Within enterprise data architecture design, key components encompass the creation of an enterprise data model and the design of data flows (as outlined in DAMA DMBOK2). These are foundational elements of data architecture.

Constructing an enterprise data architecture from the ground up demands substantial time, financial resources, and entails inherent risks. Fortunately, the realm of practical enterprise data architecture benefits from the existence of well-established industry data models that serve as valuable references. Consequently, in most scenarios, the most comprehensive data architecture design document assumes the form of a formal enterprise data model. While the physical data model certainly constitutes a data architecture document, it’s worth noting that it arises as a product of data modeling and design rather than falling directly under the purview of data architecture.

Incorporated within the data architecture capability domain of DCMM are several critical facets, including data models, data distribution, metadata management, data integration, and data sharing capabilities. The standards outlined in DCMM have garnered extensive recognition within the industry, with some prominent organizations achieving level four or five certification in data management capabilities.

• The Relationships of Data Architecture

At the heart of data architecture lies the data model, shaping data distribution and integration. Data distribution feeds into data integration, and, conversely, data integration imposes requirements on data distribution for efficient interaction.

Metadata plays a pivotal role as well. Enterprise data model design, data distribution, and data integration, all encapsulated within metadata, illuminate the intricate relationships between these components. Without this metadata, the intricate web of connections remains concealed, rendering the data inaccessible to users.

• The Interplay of Data Architecture, Application Architecture, and Technology Architecture

Data architecture exists as an interconnected element within the broader enterprise architecture landscape. Examining this interplay, we find that data architecture shares a close affinity with enterprise application architecture and technology architecture.

Application architecture serves as a foundational input to data architecture. The distribution of data in business applications and data application systems hinges on the functions these systems perform. Application architecture essentially dictates data distribution, thereby influencing critical aspects of data architecture such as data definition, integration, and interaction. Yet, data architecture should not merely conform to the inputs of application architecture. Instead, the data model design within the application system should align with enterprise data architecture, ensuring data distribution and integration principles influence the functional distribution of application systems.

Conversely, data architecture feeds into technology architecture. Requirements concerning data integration, interaction, and storage planning find their articulation in technology architecture. Technology architecture, in turn, acts as the foundational bedrock supporting data architecture, with decisions regarding database software, data storage, and other considerations potentially shaping application architecture and data architecture choices.

• Reflections on Data Management

Three decades since the inception of the China Financial Standardization Committee, remarkable progress has been made in standardizing financial data, positioning the financial industry at the forefront of data management. However, a closer examination of practical experiences in data management reveals a set of pertinent issues.

1.  Oversimplified Data Architecture Management:

In the age of affordable storage, some companies have adopted an indiscriminate approach to data collection, emphasizing quantity over quality. This undiscriminating “large and all-inclusive” data collection mindset neglects careful data differentiation, Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), and Return on Investment (ROI), resulting in unchecked data expansion.

2.  Misalignment Between Data Management and Enterprise Data Architecture Governance:

Several enterprise data architecture initiatives primarily focus on data analysis platforms (data warehouses or data hubs) and data integration, lacking comprehensive data models. This oversight overlooks input from enterprise data distribution (application architecture), potentially leading to the use of non-authoritative data sources and data quality issues.

3.  Incomplete Data Governance Development:

While some companies have established data standards, their implementation remains lacking. Recognizing and addressing issues like “synonym different name, same name different meaning” and standardizing terminology and concepts have not been integrated into data architecture, hampering substantive progress.

4.  Overemphasis on Availability Over Quality:

In the quest for higher availability, some financial enterprises, driven by internet solutions, have raised tolerance for data inconsistencies and quality concerns. However, the financial industry’s stringent requirements for financial statements and regulatory compliance demand far higher data quality standards than the internet sector.

Path Forward: Embracing an Enterprise-Level Data Management

Effective data management calls for an enterprise-level architectural perspective. Often, data is possessed without a corresponding data architecture. Data architecture typically takes a backseat, only gaining attention once technology platforms are chosen. Application systems frequently overlook the fundamental requirements of data architecture. When technical platforms struggle to meet customer expectations and fail to provide a satisfying experience, a reevaluation becomes essential, involving both data architecture and application architecture.

1.  Embracing a Top-Down Perspective:

Enterprise data architecture, spanning data governance, data asset management, data warehouses, data hubs, and digital transformation, necessitates adopting a top-down perspective at the enterprise level and conducting systematic architectural design. At each stage of the data lifecycle, from design to usage, stakeholders must assume responsibility for the data products they engage with, considering application and technology architecture on both sides of the spectrum.

2.  Staying Rooted in Abstract Thinking:

Achieving a stable data architecture involves abstract thinking that transcends the intricacies of data. Resolving issues like “synonym different name, same name different meaning” is just the initial step in the extensive journey of data architecture management. Comprehending the essence of business, abstracted from the noise of data, and expressing it in a structured and systematic manner forms the basis of a robust framework.

3.  Fostering Collaboration with Data Governance:

Data governance stands as another crucial component influencing data architecture. The ultimate objectives of data architecture can only be realized through harmonization with data governance. While data architecture ensures the correct execution of tasks, data governance ensures that the right tasks are performed, in accordance with data architecture.

4.  Leveraging Enterprise Data Models:

Starting with the inception of an enterprise conceptual data model, stakeholders must recognize the pivotal role of enterprise data models. Systematic data governance must seamlessly integrate with data modeling, refining it into an enterprise data model that guides data distribution and integration across various enterprise systems. This supports data reuse and agile development within application systems.

5.  Managing the Entire Data Asset Lifecycle:

Fostering a data asset perspective treats data as a valuable asset. It begins with the inception of data, cultivating cost and benefit awareness throughout its lifecycle. All stakeholders, from data designers, producers, processors to managers, should understand that they invest in data throughout its journey. Optimizing the data management ecosystem, attaining enterprise-level data integration, and maximizing data asset value become paramount

6.  Establishing a Robust Data Analysis Ecosystem:

Structured and unstructured data possess varying value densities, necessitating distinct processing techniques and workflows. Recognizing these variations, a comprehensive data analysis ecosystem should be constructed. It can effectively manage diverse data forms and lifecycle stages, ensuring high-quality data and a user-friendly experience across the board.

In Conclusion

The management of enterprise data is an ongoing, evolving endeavor, deeply intertwined with an enterprise’s growth and transformation. As businesses adapt and change, data architecture must progress in lockstep. The mere implementation of a data hub does not guarantee enhanced data management capabilities or the delivery of high-quality data to users. To address these challenges, it’s essential to adopt an enterprise-level architectural perspective, establishing robust data governance, and embracing abstract thinking to build a stable and efficient data architecture foundation.

The Data Governance Innovation Application track of the 2023 China Digital Technology Innovation and Application Competition is generating considerable anticipation. This track is orchestrated by the Organizing Committee of the 2023 China Digital Economy Innovation and Development Conference, hosted by the National Industrial Information Security Development Research Center. It’s also co-organized by Beijing Saisheng Technology Co., Ltd., and has partnered with the Shenzhen Data Exchange. Furthermore, this event enjoys the support of prominent media outlets such as “IT Manager World” magazine and the Southern Finance and Economics Media Group, with the Guangzhou Data Exchange participating as a supporting entity.

This competition casts a wide net, inviting participation from all corners of society, making it a nationwide affair. Xiong Lin, the Executive Vice President of Sunline Technology Co., Ltd., will serve as one of the esteemed judges for this prestigious competition. Her role will focus on using her expertise to carefully evaluate and select entries in two critical areas: Data Governance Capability Enhancement and Innovative Data Governance Product Technologies. Keep an eye out for the forthcoming results of this thrilling competition!

Introduction: A Trailblazing Partnership

Sichuan Bank, established on November 7, 2020, stands as Sichuan province’s very first provincial-level legal person urban commercial bank. Sunline Technology, with its extensive technical expertise and rich experience in the realm of financial technology, is joining forces with Sichuan Bank. Together, We aim to create a robust, efficient, and secure core system, aligning with the bank’s strategic vision for digital transformation.

A Holistic Transformation

Sunline Technology is entrusted with the task of developing 8 distinct business systems and 1 versatile platform for Sichuan Bank:

8-Systems

1.  Product Management System

2.  Contract Management System

3.  Cash and Valuables Management System

4.  Accounting Engine System

5.  Deposit System

6.  Customer Information Management System

7.  Institution Management System

8.  Debit Card Management System

1-Platform

This encompasses a transaction-based application public service platform, complete with a development framework.

Beyond these initiatives, Sunline Technology is committed to addressing Sichuan Bank’s diverse business and technological needs. This encompasses enterprise-level and business-level capacity building, enterprise-level business modeling, cloud-native migration, open-source full-stack localization, adaptable unitary architecture, distributed database integration, and harmonized technology stacks. These endeavors are geared towards providing comprehensive support for Sichuan Bank’s pursuit of technological innovation.

A Testament to Agile Progress

Securing the contract for building Sichuan Bank’s next-gen core system underscores Sunline Technology’s dedication to enterprise-level architecture and agile business methodologies. This approach not only aids banks in establishing comprehensive capacity centers but also emphasizes the importance of reusing system capabilities, thereby avoiding redundant development efforts. The result is an environment that fosters innovative agility, ensuring adaptable support for the bank’s future expansion into diverse business avenues.

Conclusion

The technology forged through rigorous trials and validated by numerous clients highlights Sunline Technology’s commitment to partnering with a multitude of organizations. Together, we aim to script a new chapter in core systems development, all while staying true to the principles of quality-driven growth.

How Sunline Technology Revolutionizing Shanghai Commercial Bank’s Core System

In the rapidly changing landscape of digital finance, Shanghai Commercial Bank is embarking on a journey that promises to redefine the future of banking. Partnering with the innovative tech leader, Sunline Technology, they are on a mission to transform their core accounting system. This endeavor not only aims to enhance their core capabilities but also holds the potential to reshape the entire banking industry.

A Digital Imperative

In a world where digital innovation is the driving force behind financial success, Shanghai Commercial Bank recognizes the need to stay ahead of the curve. The collaboration with Sunline Technology signifies a strategic move towards embracing the digital revolution that is sweeping through the banking sector.

The Pillar of Transformation: Sunline Technology’s Advanced Core System

At the heart of this ambitious project is Sunline Technology, a name synonymous with innovation in the industry. Their advanced and adaptable core system, known as the “Smart Core,” has been leading the way in the banking core domain for over two decades. This sophisticated solution seamlessly integrates structured requirements, reusable business components, and the fusion of technology and business expertise.

Building a Strong Foundation

The partnership between Shanghai Commercial Bank and Sunline Technology is not just about upgrading a core accounting system; it’s about establishing a robust foundation for a digital future. Together, they are determined to address a wide spectrum of business needs, from high-volume data processing to precise operations. By adopting Sunline Technology’s core system, Shanghai Commercial Bank is poised to replace their current foreign core system, encompassing all core banking operations, including loans, deposits, and corporate and retail services.

Embracing the Digital Age

Sunline Technology’s advanced core system is tailor-made to meet the evolving demands of the banking industry in the digital era. This includes state-of-the-art technology, a mature and resilient architecture, an agile development framework, stable operational capabilities, and the flexibility required for seamless maintenance. With a proven track record of reliability, many banks have already chosen Sunline Technology as their trusted partner on their journey of digital transformation.

The strategic partnership between Shanghai Commercial Bank and Sunline Technology represents a shared vision of innovation and progress. It signifies not only a significant leap for Shanghai Commercial Bank but also a transformational step for the entire banking industry. Together, they are committed to delivering exceptional services, enhancing customer experiences, and setting new standards of excellence.

This collaboration is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of the financial sector and the determination of industry leaders like Shanghai Commercial Bank and Sunline Technology to pioneer the digital future of banking.

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About Sunline Technology

Established in 2002, Sunline Technology is the leading banking software and technology services company in China. Since going public in 2012, Sunline has grown to have more than 6000 employees worldwide, serving over 800 banking and finance customers. As a global financial technology leader, Sunline continuously reinvents its solutions by integrating the latest technology trends with industry best practices to provide comprehensive and secure financial solutions.

Sunline leads the development of technologies empowering innovation in the financial industry with advanced technologies and a rich product portfolio. This helps customers quickly innovate their businesses, optimize user experiences, and accelerate digital transformation. Some of the accolades Sunline has received for its continuous innovation include IDC China Top 50 Fintech, Global Brand Award Most Innovative Fintech Company, Forbes China 50 Most Innovative Companies, CB Insights China’s Top 50 Fintech in 2020, and more.

Headquartered in Shenzhen, Sunline is the forerunner among Chinese financial technology brands expanding overseas. It has international offices in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, and the Philippines, establishing a solid presence in the growing financial IT market of the Asia Pacific region and making significant strides in the banking technology market in Southeast Asia.

Sunline Technology is at the forefront of cutting-edge technologies, leading the industry with advancements such as distributed, microservices, and cloud platforms. With an extensive product line, Sunline continuously expands its product capabilities. It is known for its strong customization ability, perfect delivery, and after-sales services, reflecting its commitment to innovation and excellence while remaining grounded and responsible.

How Sunline Revolutionizing Bank of Shanghai’s Core System?

In the rapidly changing landscape of digital finance, Bank of Shanghai is embarking on a journey that promises to redefine the future of banking. Partnering with the innovative tech leader, Sunline, they are on a mission to transform their core accounting system. This endeavor not only aims to enhance their core capabilities but also holds the potential to reshape the entire banking industry.

A Digital Imperative

In a world where digital innovation is the driving force behind financial success, Bank of Shanghai recognizes the need to stay ahead of the curve. Their collaboration with Sunline signifies a strategic move towards embracing the digital revolution that is sweeping through the banking sector.

The Pillar of Transformation: Sunline’s Advanced Core System

At the heart of this ambitious project is Sunline, a name synonymous with innovation in the industry. Their advanced and adaptable core system, known as the “Smart Core,” has been leading the way in the banking core domain for over two decades. This sophisticated solution seamlessly integrates structured requirements, reusable business components, and the fusion of technology and business expertise.

Building a Strong Foundation

The partnership between Bank of Shanghai and Sunline is not just about upgrading a core accounting system; it’s about establishing a robust foundation for a digital future. Together, they are determined to address a wide spectrum of business needs, from high-volume data processing to precise operations. By adopting Sunline’s core system, Bank of Shanghai is poised to replace their current foreign core system, encompassing all core banking operations, including loans, deposits, and corporate and retail services.

Embracing the Digital Age

Sunline’s advanced core system is tailor-made to meet the evolving demands of the banking industry in the digital era. This includes state-of-the-art technology, a mature and resilient architecture, an agile development framework, stable operational capabilities, and the flexibility required for seamless maintenance. With a proven track record of reliability, many banks have already chosen Sunline as their trusted partner on their journey of digital transformation.

, the strategic partnership between Bank of Shanghai and Sunline represents a shared vision of innovation and progress. It signifies not only a significant leap for Bank of Shanghai but also a transformational step for the entire banking industry. Together, they are committed to delivering exceptional services, enhancing customer experiences, and setting new standards of excellence.

This collaboration is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of the financial sector and the determination of industry leaders like Bank of Shanghai and Sunline to pioneer the digital future of banking.