Core API for Hochschule für Wirtschaft Zürich (HWZ)

The HWZ API forms the core of the digital infrastructure of the Hochschule für Wirtschaft Zürich (HWZ). It connects existing systems via a central, modern data and authentication layer.

Project for

Hochschule für Wirtschaft Zürich (HWZ)

About the project

With the HWZ API, a strategic data hub was created that connects all of the university’s systems and provides data in unified structures. The solution enables central management of degree programmes, contacts and events. At the same time, it ensures consistent translations and formats and can be flexibly extended with new endpoints.

Thanks to modularity and standardisation, the HWZ API is designed as a growing system into which new applications and use cases can be continuously integrated. It enables the efficient expansion of self service, portal and administration functions without affecting existing structures. With this tool, the university has a scalable, secure and future oriented foundation to drive its digital transformation in a sustainable way.

Services

Technologies

Technologies used

The HWZ API is based on a custom developed application platform that serves as an abstraction layer for aggregating, transforming and providing data. This platform forms the foundation for a modular system landscape.

Technological key points:

Application platform as the central layer for data and logic aggregation
Integration with Salesforce for products, contacts and degree programmes
Connection to DatoCMS for content and translations
Possible integration with existing login systems such as Microsoft AD and Switch Edu ID
Integrated single sign on (SSO)
Fine grained authorisation management at platform level
Can be extended for future use cases

Collaboration and benefits for HWZ

The HWZ API was created in close collaboration between the university’s internal IT team and Neovo. The aim was not only to build a technical solution, but a system that HWZ can operate and further develop independently in the long term.

Development was carried out in an agile way with high transparency and direct communication. The HWZ IT team was involved in every step, introduced to the technologies and can actively shape the system.

Benefits for HWZ:

Reduction of complexity
Central, future proof integration architecture
Full control and data sovereignty
Improved user experience for students, staff and partners
Sustainable cost efficiency through reuse and modularity

The HWZ API is a strategic key project for HWZ. It gives us significantly more flexibility and speed to further develop our education and continuing education programmes in an even more practice oriented way. At the same time, it is the essential foundation for the automation and optimisation of our processes. With Neovo, we had a strong and reliable partner who understood our requirements and implemented them with us in a sustainable way.

Prof. Dr. Michael Klaas, HWZ

Head of Business Development and Head of Digital Business Management

Why this project is a best practice for modern organisations

The HWZ API is a prime example of how organisations with complex system landscapes can sustainably modernise their digital infrastructure. More and more universities, education providers and companies face the challenge of bringing together data from different systems in a meaningful way. They want to standardise processes without overloading existing tools or creating new dependencies.

This project proves that a central application platform with a clearly defined data model, a modern API and integrated authentication not only reduces technical complexity but also creates real business value.

Which benefits similar organisations can achieve:

Harmonisation of data and processes across all systems
Better user experience for students, customers or employees
Faster rollout of new digital products and services
Reduction of manual effort and potential sources of error
Increased security through central authentication and access control
Future proof architecture on which new use cases can be added at any time

The HWZ API therefore serves as an example of a modern, scalable digital strategy that can easily be transferred to other industries, from continuing education providers and associations to companies with complex data flows.