28 Jul 2026Machine Experience. Making your business reachable by AI
Most enterprise AI is becoming a very expensive search box. Machine Experience design helps uncover what it looks like when it isn't, why it matters inside and outside your walls, and how to sort it out now.→
17 Jun 2026Beyond Automation: Why Service Design Determines Transformation Success
Automation doesn’t fix broken services, it often scales them. Without an end-to-end understanding of how services operate, organisations risk accelerating inefficiency rather than removing it. The real constraint isn’t technology. It’s service design.→
20 May 2026Business Central Has Changed. Has Your Add-On Strategy?
Business Central has evolved rapidly, but many add-on decisions have not. Native AI, automation, analytics, and operational capabilities are changing what the platform can deliver out of the box. This article examines where historical add-ons may no longer be necessary, where specialist ISVs continue to add value, and how organisations can review their stack against capability, complexity, and total cost of ownership.→11 Dec 2025Exco Partners Recognised as ABA100® Winner for Digital Transformation and CX Management
Exco Partners has been recognised as an ABA100® Winner in both Digital Transformation and CX Management at The Australian Business Awards 2025.
In partnership with the Fair Work Commission, we delivered two landmark initiatives; the Modern Awards and Rates System (MARS) and the Customer Service Portal (CSP), transforming how workplace information is interpreted, communicated, and accessed across Australia. These nationally recognised programs demonstrate our commitment to human-centred design, disciplined delivery, and meaningful public-sector impact.→
18 Nov 2025Project Online Is Retiring: Why It Matters, and How to Migrate Successfully
With Project Online retiring, organisations are reassessing how they manage projects, portfolios, and resources. Now is the time to move to modern, Microsoft 365 aligned tools that offer better visibility, governance, and integration.
This article outlines what the retirement means, the risks of delaying action, and some of leading alternatives organisations are choosing Planner Premium and OnePlan, a multi-award-winning enterprise PPM solution. It also includes practical guidance to help you plan a smooth and low-risk transition.→
27 Oct 2025Is Your ERP Holding You Back?
Many ANZ businesses are still relying on outdated ERP systems that slow decision-making and limit growth. This article explores the hidden costs of legacy tools, offers a readiness checklist for cloud ERP, and shows why Microsoft Business Central is emerging as the preferred solution. With real-world examples and expert guidance from Exco Partners, it’s a practical roadmap for modernising ERP and scaling smarter.→
15 Oct 2025Machine Experience (MX): Designing experiences for a new user type
As AI systems become autonomous participants in business ecosystems, designing for human users is no longer enough. Machine Experience (MX) is emerging as the next frontier, focusing on how machines interact with systems, data, and processes. At the heart of this evolution is the Model Context Protocol (MCP) that enables AI agents to communicate, access tools, and act with context and precision. Businesses that embrace MX today will unlock smarter automation, greater interoperability, and a competitive edge in an AI-first world.→
30 Nov 2024Is inclusive design just a passing trend or a fundamental shift in our design approach?
In the world of design, trends come and go. From minimalist aesthetics to vibrant colour schemes, designers often find themselves navigating through the ebb and flow of popular styles. However, amidst the ever-changing landscape of design trends, one concept is gaining more traction and significance, spanning multiple trend cycles: inclusive design.
Is inclusive design just a passing trend or a fundamental shift in our design approach? These questions highlight the important discussion on accessibility, innovation, and social responsibility in design.→
3 Oct 2024Choosing the Right Foundation for Your Dynamics 365 Digital Service
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17 May 20245 Tips for Using Copilot Studio Effectively
Have you been looking at Microsoft's new generative AI tool for Microsoft 365, Copilot, but you also felt underwhelmed by the output quality? No worries, we have some handy tips for you to enhance your Copilot for Microsoft 365's experience and make the most of its features. Here are five easy steps to get you started.→
1 May 2024What value can you expect from AI
Developing a robust AI strategy is paramount as businesses increasingly use AI technologies to drive innovation and efficiency. Beyond the technical intricacies of AI implementation, organisations must navigate a complex landscape to identify where true value lies. This value goes beyond merely adopting AI tools; it requires a strategic approach that aligns AI initiatives with broader business objectives and addresses the nuanced challenges of adoption and benefit realisation.→
15 Apr 2024Value of Change Management When Implementing a new ERP
Are you delivering the business benefits that you promised in the business case? How can you maximise the likelihood that you do? Change management is the insurance policy you need.→
5 Mar 2024What do the proposed changes to the Australia Privacy Act mean to you?
We expect that some of the Attorney-General’s recommendations will make their way into legislation within the context of the Privacy Act.→31 Aug 2023Four steps to building a good AI base
If a business owner is unsure about how AI can benefit their business, there are many facets to consider before making any decisions. These considerations can help business owners understand the potential impact of AI on their operations and determine whether investing in AI is the right choice for their specific business. Here are four…→
14 Aug 2023Guardians of Trust
Navigating data risks and building unbreakable customer relationships. No one should question the importance of properly managing and protecting the data of your customers and employees. So why do regulators feel the need to point out the obvious? Probably because of the low priority such tasks are historically given.→
28 Jun 2023The Importance of Accessibility in User Experience Design
In the current era of pervasive technology, where digital solutions play a significant role in our daily lives, prioritising the creation of inclusive and accessible products and experiences has become crucial. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 1.3 billion people, or 16% of the world’s population, experience significant disabilities. That means 1…→
28 Jun 2023Trends for User Experience Design for 2023
As we hit the halfway mark for 2023, we are seeing that UX trends are continuing to evolve and that a UX-focused strategy is essential if brands want to see more engagement. The design trends we are seeing this year look at creating more imaginative and engaging experiences. Why is it important to have…→
9 Jun 2023Psychological drivers are key when designing experiences
Understanding psychological drivers is key when designing experiences. Our perception, attention, memory, decision-making processes, and emotional responses all significantly shape how we interact with technology. Here are seven key points to consider when designing experiences Designers can gain valuable insights into user behaviour, cognitive processes, and emotional responses. Being aware of this enables us to…→
5 Jun 2023NBA, business strategy and data insight
With the NBA finals currently underway, I found this analysis to be particularly intriguing, highlighting the significance of data and data insights in shaping business strategies and maintaining a competitive edge.→
3 Jun 2023Fear of missing out
As Generative AI reaches the peak of the Gartner Hype Cycle, many organizations are currently deliberating among the three most likely positions, which are as follows: If you fall into the first category, you have likely already identified the transformational prospects linked to engaging with a technique that generates efficiencies, enhances the effectiveness of actions,…→
22 Mar 2023Will Microsoft Copilot change the way we work?
We have been closely watching the amazing trajectory of AI tools this year. Our recent posts about Chat GPT and Midjourney have explored how these tools are becoming more accessible and obvious in their use in our day-to-day work lives. In what appears to be another amazing leap forward, Microsoft has just announced their new…→
3 Mar 2023The Power of Customer Obsession in Designing Exceptional Customer Experiences
In today’s competitive market, creating exceptional customer experiences has become a key differentiator for businesses. However, designing great experiences is not just about making things look pretty, but about understanding customers’ needs, preferences, and pain points, and designing products, services, and interactions that meet or exceed their expectations. This is where customer experience design and…→
9 Jan 2023Building a digital-first, employee experience strategy
Employee experience has become a crucial element of success in today's business landscape. It refers to employees' feelings, attitudes, and perceptions about their work and workplace. A positive employee experience can have a wide range of benefits for businesses. For example, employees with a positive experience are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and productive...→
6 Jan 2023Is this the end for UX designers?
With Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) based tools such as Dall-e 2 and Midjourney now able to generate unique artwork and design; is this the end for UX Designers?→
27 Dec 2022Video is the key to improving your business communication
We all know the face of business has changed beyond recognition over the past few years. It has, in fact, given us an opportunity to do things differently. It’s now about people first and business second. Diving deeper into this new global narrative has flipped our corporate landscape upside down; we need to engage with…→
21 Dec 2022Interview with a robot
I have been intrigued by the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. The recent release of ChatGPT, a new chat tool by OpenAI appears to have taken are a giant step in this growth. OpenAI has some quite amazing tools including Dall-e 2 which can generate unique and original images from a…→
28 Oct 2022What if you managed your data function like a product?
Summary It’s a common war cry of the IT department, “We are business lead!”, but are we, and if not, how can we be better? Too often, this is a hollow aspiration, and we only ask “the business” questions that help us make IT decisions, not to support the business effectively. We ask the wrong…→
11 Oct 2022Importance of data literacy in the modern enterprise
What are data? Data are measurable values that, when contextualized, can be considered information. As knowledge is developed through the interpretation of information, then data can be considered the foundation of knowledge. Fun Fact! Though it is often used colloquially to refer to both singular and plural verbs, the word ‘data’ is a plural noun…→
23 Aug 2022Databricks Delta Sharing
If you have been paying attention to your data circles or attended the Data + AI Summit 2022, you might have heard that Delta Sharing is about to be released into the production offering for Databricks. This is exciting for users & organisations who want to explore how Databricks can expand their solutions in secure,…→
3 Feb 2022Tools and Technology for a Successful Digital-First Employee Experience
In this short post, we look at some technology that can help with creating better Employee Experiences. Many tools and technology options are available to support a digital-first employee experience. Some popular choices include: Web portals / Intranets: Products like Sharepoint have matured to provide excellent features to support a business’s needs of an intranet…→
9 Oct 202110 tips on how to deliver an engaging remote workshop
As the glorious year that was 2020 nears an end, I thought it was an opportune time to share some tips on what I have learned over the last 12 or so months of running co-design workshops and meetings remotely. While most of us miss human connection and look forward to getting back to normal…→
9 Aug 2021Before a PPM
We originally wrote this article back in 2019. Given some recent conversations, we thought it may be interesting to do an update. It became even more interesting to see how little things have changed… Before you think about upgrading or implementing a Project, Portfolio Management solution (PPM) here are six key questions that will help…→
1 Jun 2021Business analytics, a waste of money
Are we spending our Business Intelligence and Analytics Budget where it matters most? The gap between the haves and have-nots only seems to be widening. While a lot of progress has been made, many organisations rush to adopt the latest technology without laying appropriate foundations. Others spend so much time laying the foundations that they…→
5 May 20213 things to know – Project for the Web
If you have started looking at Project for the Web as Microsoft’s latest Project and Portfolio Management (PPM) Toolset and have found yourself confused, you are not alone! We are currently fielding lots of questions and there is a huge amount of chatter online. We thought we would share 3 questions that we most are most commonly asked. Question 1: Does Project for…→
3 May 20215 steps to confident workshop facilitation
Know your audience: Get to know about your workshop participants as much as you can. Be open with the limitation of your expertise in theirs. Remember that you are there to facilitate and not to know everything. Assigning participant personas is a good way to connect you with them and help you deliver something that…→
29 Apr 2021Learning how to learn
In our work at Exco Partners, learning is always an important component that we consider in the solutions we deliver. Learning helps to ensures the change is accepted and importantly reinforces the stickiness of the change, making it become the new status-quo. This short article is a reflection on the traditional methods for learning and…→
16 Feb 2021CX Designers and BAs, there is so much to learn from each other
My daughter applied for a credit card a month back. It was all online, including “chatting” with someone to guide her through some of the more complicated areas. Within 20 minutes, she had applied and was approved. When asked about the experience, she said it was great because she got it done all online and…→
7 Feb 2021Building a digital customer self-service experience
Customers seek instant access to information and the ability to resolve their queries independently. Organisations increasingly turn to digital channels to empower customers and streamline support processes. A well-designed and robust customer self-service capability can significantly enhance your customer experience, reduce support costs, and foster more significant customer satisfaction. Most importantly, this is what your…→
28 Oct 2020Returning to the Office
With the further easing of restrictions in Victoria the speculation and conversation that started with the directive to work from home has shifted to questions about how will we know when it’s time to return to the office and importantly what will a return to the office look like? Microsoft and Twitter have made remote work a permanent…→
19 Oct 2020Power BI Changes
If you are a small to medium size business using Power BI, Microsoft has announced a change to licensing that will be of interest, especially for businesses that want to leverage advanced analytic capability. Power BI has several licences each giving different capability and rights. Power BI Pro is by far the most popular choice…→
6 Oct 2020An insight driven organisation
An insight driven organisation will stand a far greater chance of maintaining their cashflow, keeping touch with customer base and keep a close eye on the operational metrics that will make the most significant contribution to their performance.→
6 Aug 2020Can we please stop manual project reporting
There is little point arguing the rapid rate of change of project management practices in recent years. Yet, project reporting remains un-change and often antiquated. Time to change?→
22 Apr 2020Designing for Transformational Change
For an organisation to be able to deliver transformational change, thorough careful consideration and preparation are needed in the design of the change program itself. Simply picking a delivery methodology and a technology platform is not enough. A successful and truly transformative change program needs as much consideration into the how as the what. Yet the how it is often overlooked or neglected.
In this article, I describe three important steps I have learned are critical in establishing a high performing digital transformation program.→
27 Jan 2020Are your new ways of working, working?
Most organisations have in recent times undertaken significant self-reflection, analysis and in some cases external validation to define a new ‘way of working’ aimed at delivering a better customer and employee experience and improved business performance. This change varies from subtle tweaks to product development practices through to significant business re-organisations – brave, ambitious programs…→23 Jul 2019Effectiveness in a Bimodal Environment
Gartner coined the term Bimodal in 2015 as a proposed model for enabling differentiation of delivery models for exploratory undertakings from initiatives for which the outcome is more predictable. <Gartner Paper Link Here> They suggested “marrying a more predictable evolution of products and technologies (Mode 1) with the new and innovative (Mode 2) is the…→13 May 2019JIRA Hub Reporting Pack
Most of us are aware of Agile becoming a focus for a range of organisations and JIRA emerging as a significant tool in this space. JIRA provides functionality for agile project management and work management environments. In parallel, Microsoft’s Power BI product appears to be positioned as key to organisations insights and reporting capability. We…→18 Mar 2019Is the Agile button not showing in MS Project?
Do you use the Agile Features in MS Project? Is the Agile button you are looking for not showing in your version of MS Project? You might be on the newer version of MS Project. Be calm! All the functionality is still there, and we will tell you how to find where things are. The…→25 Feb 2019Forget reporting…Lets just get on with it….
While many organisations are pursuing an Agile agenda and defining “New Ways of Working” in order to be more competitive in an ever changing marketplace, few organisations have completed the transition to an end state. This means a lot of organisations currently find themselves operating a multi modal environment that retains some traditional portfolio, program…→
21 Nov 2018Dependency Management. Who Cares About Terminology?
Managing dependencies between initiatives on almost any scale is a tricky business. Many large programs and even some portfolios of work have been tripped up as a result of the dependencies between initiatives, or decisions associated with those initiatives, being unclear. Some time back we wrote a white paper called Dependency Management are we there…→15 Oct 2018What could be improved about the latest Jira View?
Atlassian’s JIRA have released a new update in August focused mainly on the new JIRA issue view. For those not aware of this update, click here for more details. The update focuses a lot on the UI design and the ability to open a new issue from any of the following places: Boards Backlogs Search…→12 Oct 2018New Version of Microsoft Project, or more of the same?
On the 24th September, Microsoft announced the general availability of Microsoft Project 2019. See https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2018/09/24/office-2019-is-now-available-for-windows-and-mac/ So what does that mean for users of Microsoft Project ? It really depends if you are a stand-alone user or if you use it via Office 365. For those using via Office 365, they get enhancements progressively anyway, so…→
11 Oct 2018What does the new Project Online mean for you?
If you have missed the latest announcement from Microsoft, they have announced that Project Online is going to go through a major revamp in the future. More details on that here. The announcement goes into more detail, but in summary: It won’t sit on SharePoint There will be greater collaborative capability It will cater to…→