Universal Leaf Tobacco is the world’s largest supplier of leaf tobacco, operating in more than 30 countries. The company manages a complex supply chain, connecting growers to global tobacco product manufacturers. With a focus on sustainability and operational efficiency, its technology structure supports critical logistics, compliance, and large-scale international trade processes.

Challenge

ULT depended on TOIS — a critical system with over 1,100 tables, complex integrations, and a monolithic architecture. Releases took up to four months to reach production, automated tests were disconnected from the development cycle, and there was a lack of quality and product metrics. Furthermore, large, misaligned squads hindered communication and efficiency, while the absence of a technological innovation plan compromised future sustainability.

Use Case

DBServices conducted an intensive two-month diagnosis, assessing maturity in quality, development, architecture, and DevOps. Using models like DORA Metrics and Test Automation Levels, the team performed interviews, technical analyses, and process mapping. The work included PoCs in automation and architecture, alongside the construction of a TO BE vision and an evolutionary roadmap. Action fronts covered architectural modernization, technological migration, pipeline test integration, squad restructuring, and the adoption of a product-oriented culture.

Achievements

The project delivered concrete results: PoCs in automation and modularization, proposals for code reuse, and better utilization of tools like Azure Boards and TestComplete. Guidelines for tech migration, environment standardization, and test integration into the release flow were established. The evolutionary roadmap prioritized high-impact technical and organizational actions, while the Brazilian team was recognized as a benchmark for agile practices. The delivery repositioned ULT with a clear future vision, strengthening confidence in global operations and preparing TOIS for another decade of sustainable evolution.

Let’s talk