Pega Constellation is Pegasystems’ latest UI architecture, designed to fully separate the user interface (UI) from the underlying model in Pega (the back-end). This approach ensures a consistent user experience across all channels while maintaining the flexibility to adapt the UI’s appearance as needed. For example, a dropdown menu in a mobile app can have a different look than in a web portal, while the available options for this dropdown are still provided by the same model in Pega.

The essence?

Pega controls what is displayed, while each channel determines how it is presented. This makes Constellation a powerful framework for delivering seamless user experiences across multiple channels from a single, centralized model. As a result, it plays a crucial role in what Pega refers to as the center-out business architecture.

Why organizations are adopting Pega Constellation

While many organizations are still hesitant to transition to Pega Constellation, the benefits are undeniable:

  • Faster implementation: Standardization streamlines the application development process, speeding up delivery.
  • Simplified upgrades: Constellation makes it easier to keep Pega applications up to date.
  • Consistent UI experience: A unified UI standard enhances the user experience and ensures consistency across applications.
  • Reduced maintenance costs: By defining the “what” centrally, there’s no need to update each channel individually when changes, such as adding a new dropdown option, are required.

The role of the Pega professional

A successful implementation of Pega Constellation requires a thoughtful approach from Pega professionals. It’s important to first gain a solid understanding of the benefits of Constellation and familiarize yourself with the available Pega missions. Gaining hands-on experience in a safe test environment is crucial before applying it at a client. When implementing with clients, start small to ensure minimal disruption to existing workflows, making the transition smoother and more manageable.

The challenges

1. The beginning of Constellation

During the initial implementations of Constellation, organizations faced certain limitations due to the absence of specific functionalities, making it more difficult to demonstrate its full benefits to the business. However, the platform has since matured significantly and continues to evolve.

2. New applications versus existing applications

When a client has no existing applications or processes in Pega, the advantage is that you can start from scratch and immediately implement Constellation. However, for organizations with existing Pega applications, migration can be more complex, as user interfaces built with the traditional UI may not be fully compatible with the Constellation UI. To address this, Pega offers a hybrid mode, allowing new workflows to be added to existing applications using Constellation. This approach enables a phased migration, so the transition can happen gradually rather than all at once.

How we build our knowledge

To continuously grow our expertise, we hold monthly practice sessions where our team gains hands-on experience with the latest developments. In the first quarter, the focus was on Constellation. During these sessions, we worked with Constellation’s migration tool and practiced guiding clients through the transition using role-playing scenarios. This approach not only keeps our Pega professionals technically proficient but also enhances their consultancy skills, which are vital for a successful implementation for Constellation.

Our vision of Pega Constellation

Pega continues to evolve and enhance Constellation, with each new release introducing additional functionalities and UI components. With the upcoming versions of Pega, Pega Infinity ‘23/’24, it will feel as though you can build large-scale applications that are fully production-ready. This means that organizations investing in Constellation are preparing for the future of Pega. To stay current with the latest advancements, the Pega Academy regularly offers new missions. By staying updated, you will gain valuable insights into the latest features and developments in Constellation.

More about Pega Constellation?

Bekijk onze podcast van “Checking the Pega Box”, waarin Pega System Architect, Maarten Veger, samen met drie andere collega’s in gaat op Pega Constellation. Ze delen inzichten uit best practices, toepassingen in de praktijk en hun visie op Constellation.

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