Services Provided: Framework Upgrade, Backend Refactoring, Security & Performance Optimization
Technologies Used: CakePHP (Latest Version), PHP (Latest Stable Version), MySQL
Canadian Niagara Hotels - Employee Onboarding Platform Upgrade
Client details
Client name:
Canadian Niagara Hotels
Location:
Ontario, Canada
Category:
Employee Onboarding Platform
Canadian Niagara Hotels - Employee Onboarding Platform Upgrade
Canadian Niagara Hotels (CNH) is a major hospitality employer in the Niagara Falls region, known for its landmark hotels, restaurants, and entertainment destinations. With hundreds of seasonal and full-time employees joining its workforce every year, CNH relies on a custom-built employee onboarding platform to streamline hiring, documentation, and compliance workflows.
Originally developed by Tri-Media over 15 years ago using CakePHP, the platform had served CNH reliably—but technology has rapidly evolved. The need to modernize the underlying tech stack without disrupting ongoing operations became a priority. Tri-Media was once again entrusted with the responsibility to upgrade and future-proof the platform.
Project Overview
The project involved upgrading CNH’s existing onboarding platform from an outdated CakePHP version (2.x) to the latest stable release (CakePHP 5.x), along with a corresponding PHP upgrade (from PHP 5.x to PHP 8.x). The platform also required backend optimization and codebase refactoring to align with modern development standards.
Key objectives included:
- Ensuring compatibility with new server environments
- Strengthening security protocols
- Improving backend performance and maintainability
- Preserving platform functionality and data integrity
- Laying groundwork for future scalability
Upgrading a legacy platform presents a unique set of challenges—especially one originally built 15 years ago:
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Outdated Framework & Language Versions: The existing system ran on CakePHP 2.x and PHP 5.x, which are now deprecated and incompatible with modern hosting environments.
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Codebase Rigidity: Many components had hard-coded logic and structural patterns incompatible with CakePHP 5.x.
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Data Integrity Risk: With years of employee onboarding history stored in the system, data preservation during migration was critical.
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Functional Parity: The upgraded version had to maintain identical workflows, user access roles, and administrative capabilities.
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Limited Downtime Window: The upgrade had to be implemented with minimal disruption to HR and operational teams.
Tri-Media adopted a phased approach to minimize risks and ensure a seamless transition.
Step 1: Codebase Audit & Planning
We started with a full audit of the legacy codebase. This involved:
- Mapping core modules, controllers, and database interactions
- Identifying outdated syntax and deprecated functions
- Planning a step-by-step upgrade path to the latest CakePHP version
Step 2: Framework Upgrade & Migration
The upgrade was not a simple version switch but a full refactoring exercise:
- Migrated MVC structure to CakePHP 5.x conventions
- Rewrote legacy controllers, models, and views using modern PHP 8 syntax
- Rebuilt form handling, validation, and session management
- Updated authentication and access control logic using modern middleware
Step 3: Data & Testing Migration
- Structured data migration scripts ensured all records—including sensitive HR files—were preserved and migrated without loss.
- Conducted unit testing and regression testing to validate workflows across various user types: HR Admins, Managers, and Employees.
- Performed browser and device testing to confirm full accessibility.
Result
The project was completed successfully and delivered the following outcomes:
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Full Compatibility with Modern Servers: The upgraded platform is now compatible with PHP 8.x and modern hosting configurations.
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Reduced Maintenance Overhead: A modernized codebase reduces future technical debt and facilitates easier enhancements.
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Zero Disruption: The upgrade was completed with no disruption to CNH’s HR processes or seasonal hiring cycles.
Client Feedback
Eleni Tataridis, AVP, Human Resource of Canadian Niagara Hotels Inc., expressed satisfaction with the project outcome:
“We originally rolled out our full employee onboarding and orientation program with Tri-Media over 11 years ago, and they have remained an incredible partner ever since. The platform provides a seamless experience for new hires — from completing paperwork and payroll documentation to accessing essential training and company information — all in one place. The Tri-Media team is always available to make updates and upgrades whenever needed, consistently responding quickly and delivering excellent work that keeps our system current and effective across all Canadian Niagara Hotels properties.”
Conclusion
This project exemplifies Tri-Media’s commitment to long-term client partnerships and technical excellence. Upgrading a 15-year-old legacy system is no small feat—but with careful planning, deep framework expertise, and a future-ready mindset, we transformed CNH’s onboarding platform into a modern, secure, and scalable asset.
As Canadian Niagara Hotels continues to grow, the upgraded platform is now positioned to support new HR innovations and digital onboarding strategies in the years ahead.