Case Study:

18 Years of Deep Integration -
How Formpak Scaled Through Long-Term Collaboration

Formpak didn’t just hire a vendor. They gained a dedicated external team that evolved with them over 18 years—adapting to new technologies, regulations, and business needs.

A Search for Long-Term Collaboration

Formpak is a software company specializing in the ingredients and formulation sector. Its core product provides compliance management and formulation control solutions tailored to the fragrance and flavor industry. In 2006, as client demands grew, regulations tightened, and technology evolved, Formpak decided to modernize its core system to support at least a decade of future growth.

Tim, Formpak’s new leader at the time, wasn’t just looking for a software vendor. He needed a technical partner who could understand the system’s complex history and contribute to its long-term development. After evaluating options, he chose to work with Shinetech.

Rather than rely on remote conversations alone, Tim flew to Beijing to meet the developers face to face. They often spent entire days together in the same meeting room, working side by side to analyze issues in the legacy system and clarify requirements for the new one.That initial meeting laid the foundation for a long-term collaboration built on clear communication, mutual understanding, and shared accountability.

Deep Integration From Day One

From the outset, it was clear this wouldn’t be a quick engagement. Tim envisioned a solution that would not only modernize their software but also adapt to industry changes for years to come.

Shinetech responded by forming a small, consistent team led by Bin—the core developer who has remained with the project in the 18 years collaboration. The team spent time mapping workflows, understanding the business, and aligning on outcomes before writing a single line of code.

That early investment paid off. Communication became seamless, feedback loops tight, and solutions deeply aligned with user needs. The result: not just working software, but a system that served as a competitive edge in a regulated, niche industry.

Shinetech development team for Formpak in 2007

Outcomes Over the 18 Years

Technology and Product Evolution

Over the years, the team modernized Formpak’s entire stack:
  • Migrated from Windows to Linux with Docker
  • Evolved the database from DB2 to support MSSQL and PostgreSQL
  • Upgraded Java from 1.5 to 17
  • Introduced AI-assisted development
  • Currently transitioning to a cloud-based SaaS platform on AWS

A Stable Team That Drives Deep Business Understanding

Over the past 18 years, the development team has grown, evolved, and ultimately stabilized into a core group of seven engineers who have worked on the system for 3 to 18 years. This long-term stability has enabled the team to build a deep understanding of Formpak’s business processes and regulatory environment—so much so that they now support client demos and work directly with teams in Europe.

Efficient Communication & 100% Transparency

Every team member proactively communicates whenever issues arise, eliminating information gaps and ensuring alignment. Hubin and his teammates maintain daily communication with Tim and staff from various departments, supported by regular online meetings. Tim has full access to the codebase and testing environment, allowing him to monitor development progress in real time.

Now: In Sync with the Business, Creating Shared Value

Today, Formpak has become a leading software provider in the global fragrance and flavor industry, growing its client base from just a dozen to over 100 companies worldwide. After 18 years of close collaboration, the Shinetech team is now fully integrated into Formpak’s strategic operations, contributing far beyond development:
  • Deep understanding of the industry and compliance requirements
  • Providing architecture advice and product planning at critical stages
  • Actively supporting business growth and driving innovation alongside the client

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