Migrating RETAIN from ColdFusion to Python

Retain is an application originally developed in ColdFusion to help manage information regarding substances and materials across the University. The current supported version of ColdFusion is now at end of life, which means it will no longer be supported and therefore put the Retain application at risk if nothing was done. A new project was set up in 2022 to re-write the entire application from scratch in Python, which is the new strategic platform.

This system manages data around acquisition, holding, and disposal of various substances and materials, keeping in line with several regulatory legislations. The project had to develop complex calculations around some of the substances which decayed over time and also refined and enhanced the overall data and MI which are critical to the Health & Safety business.

The migration was critical to ensure the continued use of the application and guarantee its future.

The work between the Project team and business was excellent, with regular and useful project meetings to enable the project to move forward in a timely manner and ensure this successful outcome. The Health and Safety Department would like to extend their thanks to the Project team.