Large-Scale CI/CD Platform Migration: Lessons Learned from Enterprise Jenkins Modernization

Abstract

Enterprise software development increasingly relies on continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) to accelerate deployment and improve software quality. This study investigates the large-scale migration of Jenkins pipelines in a complex enterprise environment, examining both technical and organizational challenges. Using a qualitative case study design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews, archival document analysis, and direct observation. Thematic analysis revealed that technical challenges, including heterogeneous build environments, plugin incompatibility, and legacy script failures, were effectively mitigated through containerization, automated testing, and pipeline refactoring. Organizational factors, such as cross-team coordination, knowledge transfer, and phased migration, played a critical role in adoption and performance outcomes. Quantitative analysis demonstrated improvements in build duration, success rates, deployment frequency, and rollback reduction, highlighting measurable efficiency gains. The study provides empirical insights into best practices for CI/CD modernization, emphasizing the integration of technical solutions and organizational alignment. These findings inform practitioners and researchers about strategies for large-scale pipeline migration, contributing to the advancement of enterprise software delivery practices.