Unifying Data & Revamping Legacy Systems for MHDC 

About the Client 

Name: Missouri Housing Development Commission 

Location: Missouri, United States 

Industry: Public Housing Service 

Sector: Government 

Since its establishment in 1969, the Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) has been providing Missourians access to safe, quality, and affordable housing. Through the management of various programs and funds, the MHDC oversees the construction and ongoing management of housing projects, serving the state’s most vulnerable populations. 

The Challenge 

Each year, MHDC processes applications from developers seeking government funds for affordable housing projects. As the need for affordable housing grew across Missouri, so did the number of applications. The increasing volume put significant pressure on MHDC's existing systems, which were not designed to handle the workload efficiently.

In our preliminary assessment of MHDC’s operations, Tricension recognized two main challenges: 

1. Data Silos

• With data scattered across various platforms, maintaining accuracy and consistency became a major concern.
• The lack of a centralized data source made it challenging to extract reports and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs).
  

2. Outdated Legacy Systems 

• The legacy systems in place were ill-equipped to manage the complexities of MHDC’s evolving data needs. 
• These systems could not scale to accommodate the growing volume of applications, resulting in frequent system slowdowns and increased maintenance costs.
• Integration with newer technologies was nearly impossible, further isolating critical data.

As a result of these obstacles, the MHDC grappled with… 

• delays in application processing
  (which in turn slowed down the distribution of funds needed for critical housing projects) 
• increased operational costs 
• lack of reliable, real-time data hindering strategic decision-making 

These challenges eroded stakeholder confidence and limited the MHDC’s capacity to expand its impact across Missouri. Their processes needed a dire shift, and that’s exactly what Tricension helped accomplish. 

Our Solution 

When Tricension began working with MHDC, we knew that a total revamp was needed. Our approach was to address immediate challenges but also set up systems in place that were scalable and future-proof. 

Over five years, we partnered closely with MHDC to understand their unique needs and to develop a strategy that would transform their data management practices from the ground up.

1. Breaking Down Silos 

Our first priority was to pull all of MHDC’s scattered data into a single, unified source. By integrating data from various systems and databases, we created a centralized hub where all information could be accessed easily and securely. 

2. Empowering Decision-Making with Power BI 

We introduced Microsoft Power BI, a powerful analytics tool that allowed MHDC to generate real-time reports with just a few clicks. With Power BI, MHDC could monitor KPIs more effectively and make informed decisions based on reliable data. 

3. Streamlining Processes with Automation 

Understanding the cyclical nature of MHDC’s annual applications, we automated key processes to reduce the manual workload. Automation minimized the risk of errors, and sped up processes, allowing MHDC staff to focus more on strategic initiatives.

4. Legacy System Modernization 

The most important aspect of this project involved the re-engineering of MHDC’s legacy systems. 

• We upgraded the architecture to handle complex data by migrating key applications to cloud-based platforms for better scalability. 
• Tricension also integrated microservices and API-driven frameworks to improve system communication and reduce latency. 
• Advanced security measures were implemented to ensure compliance and protect sensitive data.

The Impact

25% Increase in application processing speed 

40% Improvement in data retrieval time 

300+ Hours of manual work saved per month

Tools & Technologies Used

1. Microsoft Power BI for real-time analytics

2. Microsoft Power Automate for process automation 

3. Microsoft Azure legacy app migration to the cloud 

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