
<p>Steadfast Technologies is a specialist technology services provider for insurance brokers and underwriting agencies. Recognising the challenges faced by their existing PPM tool and reshaping the inner workings, Steadfast Technologies have identified the need to implement a new Portfolio and Project management system (PPM) in order to address several requirements.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Approach</h2>



<p>Exco Partners were engaged to design, deliver, and support the implementation of a OnePlan-based solution, approached in distinct phases.</p>



<p></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Stage 1: Discovery</h3>



<p>During this stage, our team engaged with Steadfast Technologies to understand their business outcomes and refine the implementation plan. We collaborated with key stakeholders to develop detailed business requirements, user stories, and an epic backlog for the project through detailed workshops. This stage resulted in the creation of essential documents like the data dictionary and solution design, laying a strong foundation for the upcoming implementation.</p>



<p></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Stage 2: Delivery</h3>



<p>In this stage, our team configured, tested, and deployed the OnePlan solution based on the functional requirements and detailed design. We conducted regular showcases every fortnight to demonstrate progress and gather feedback from Steadfast Technologies. This iterative process allowed us to refine the solution continually and ensure alignment with their evolving needs.</p>



<p></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Stage 3: Launch</h3>



<p>During the final stage, our team provided comprehensive support to Steadfast Technologies through User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and the Go Live phase. We worked closely with their team to address any issues and ensure a seamless transition to the OnePlan solution. Additionally, we conducted tailored training sessions for Project Managers and other users of OnePlan, as well as administrators, empowering them to make the most of the implemented solution and optimize their project management processes.</p>



<p></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion </h2>



<p>Through these three stages, Steadfast Technologies successfully implemented the OnePlan solution, streamlining their project management and enhancing overall efficiency. This included a robust timesheeting solution, as well as integration with their JIRA environment for increased transparency on work. The intensive discovery and planning phase laid the groundwork for a successful implementation, and the agile approach during the sprints allowed for adaptability and continuous improvement. With a comprehensive training program, Steadfast Technologies&#8217; team members</p>


stedfast

Steadfast delivery for enterprise projects


<p>The City of Stonnington (CoS) is a local government responsible for managing road, pedestrian, drainage, park and building assets for over 100,000 residents in eastern Melbourne.</p>



<p>With an annual capital program in excess of $50m, CoS sought to identify and implement Project and Portfolio Management (PPM) solutions in order to address several key requirements, including.</p>



<ul>
<li>Improve project and portfolio management across all teams</li>



<li>Support multiple portfolios and provide organisation-wide reporting</li>



<li>Reduce administration for managers &amp; centralise relevant project information via customised user views</li>



<li>Support flexible workflows and user mobility</li>



<li>Integrate with other council systems</li>



<li>Implementation and support by a vendor with extensive experience and skills in the system</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Approach</h2>



<p>Exco Partners proposed a OnePlan based solution and were engaged as the design, implementation and support partner. The project was approached in three key phases below:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Discovery:</h3>



<p>The discovery phase began with Exco Partners collaborating closely with the City of Stonnington to understand their unique requirements and objectives. Through thorough discussions and workshops, the team aligned expectations, sequenced activities, and prioritized tasks.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Delivery:</h3>



<p>Following the planning phase, Exco Partners configured the OnePlan tool, a comprehensive Portfolio and Project Management Tool, tailored to meet the specific needs of the City of Stonnington. The tool was designed to offer seamless integration with their existing project management processes. User Acceptance Testing (UAT) played a crucial role in ensuring that the solution aligned with the council&#8217;s expectations and catered to their specific requirements.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Launch:</h3>



<p>With the PPM solution built and tested, the implementation moved to the launch phase. Data migration was conducted to transition relevant information to the new system, ensuring continuity and accuracy. The City of Stonnington went live with the PPM solution, and the Hypercare phase followed immediately after. During Hypercare, Exco Partners provided post-implementation support to address any issues, resolve challenges, and ensure a smooth transition for the council.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1289" height="870" src="https://cms.excopartners.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/oneplan-screenshot.png" alt="" class="wp-image-5745"/></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion</h2>



<p>Overall, the collaborative effort between the City of Stonnington and Exco Partners transformed project management practices, leading to more efficient execution of projects, improved financial control, and increased visibility of ongoing projects. As a result of the successful implementation of Release 1, the City of Stonnington expanded the PPM solution to include their Digital Transformation Projects, budget bidding process, and integration with their finance system, TechnologyOne, highlighting the solution&#8217;s adaptability and scalability.</p>


City of Stonnington Portfolio Management


<p>EBOS Group is a distributor of healthcare, medical and pharmaceutical products and is committed to building better communities through an unwavering commitment to the provision of high-quality healthcare and animal care products and positively impacts the lives of millions of people and animals across the communities it serves every day.</p>



<p>EBOS Group identified the need to implement a Portfolio and Project Management System (PPM) to improve efficiencies across the business, as well as the following objectives:</p>



<ul>
<li>A Centralised way of working</li>



<li>Portfolio Management resourcing and financial efficiencies</li>



<li>Central Repository of Projects</li>



<li>Transparency of project status with more leading indicators</li>



<li>Ability to make clearer decisions based on enterprise resource capacity</li>
</ul>



<p>EBOS Group selected Exco Partners to implement the OnePlan solution. OnePlan is an industry-leading Microsoft Azure-based PPM solution and the natural successor for Microsoft Project Online.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Approach</h2>



<p>Exco Partners designed a delivery approach tailored for EBOS. The approach sought to implementation of the OnePlan-solution in a pragmatic and structured method that delivered value early and supported agility throughout the change.</p>



<p>The project plan started with an initial discovery phase, which focused on understanding business outcomes and engaging key resources within the organisation. This was a key planning phase that involved defining and prioritising a backlog of user stories aligned to the business requirements, establishing a concrete sprint plan for which the project could be managed and mobilising the EBOS and Exco Partners team members in preparation for the Delivery phase.</p>



<p>In the Delivery, the User Stories were elaborated, and the OnePlan solution was configured, system tested, and iteratively deployed. Regular showcases were conducted to demonstrate the progress made by EBOS Group and Exco Partners, and adjustments were made based on feedback and evolving needs to refine the solution.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1289" height="870" src="https://cms.excopartners.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/oneplan-screenshot.png" alt="" class="wp-image-5745"/></figure>



<p>The final phase, Launch, involved User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and Go-Live support, during which Exco Partners guided EBOS Group through the testing process to ensure the solution met their expectations. Comprehensive training was provided to Project Managers, other users of OnePlan, and Administrators, enabling them to use and manage the system effectively.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion</h2>



<p>Following the structured approach, the project successfully delivered a well-tailored solution that aligned with EBOS Group&#8217;s specific requirements and streamlined its processes effectively. The incremental and iterative nature of the plan allowed for flexibility in adapting to changes and facilitated continuous improvement throughout the implementation process.</p>


ambo

Healthy enterprise portfolio management


<p>Coliban Water plays a vital role in delivering clean, fresh water and reliable wastewater services to 49 towns throughout North-Central Victoria. They supply water and undertake the essential management, maintenance, and operation of 35 reservoirs and water storage facilities. Their unwavering commitment ensures that the residents of northern Victoria have access to the highest quality water resources and the necessary infrastructure to handle these services effectively.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Coliban Water has embarked on an exciting journey towards digital and process transformation. Recognising the challenges inherent in reshaping the inner workings of a business, the dedicated team at Coliban Water has demonstrated a firm commitment to this endeavour, knowing that the rewards are significant.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To initiate this transformational journey and align with their newly established Strategy to Execution Framework (S2E), Coliban Water proactively sought to implement a new Project Portfolio Management (PPM) tool &#8211; OnePlan. In pursuit of this goal, Coliban Water enlisted the expertise of Exco Partners, who have collaborated closely with the exceptional individuals at Coliban Water to spearhead this transformation. Through their partnership, Exco Partners has provided all the necessary information and training, ensuring that this crucial stage of the transformation is as streamlined and straightforward as possible.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Approach</strong>&nbsp;</p>



<p>To solidify the assumption that OnePlan would address the transformational needs of this project, a few people at Exco travelled up to Coliban Water’s Bendigo office to run a two-day workshop.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>Throughout this workshop, Exco conducted a series of interactive activities that helped drive high levels of engagement. Comparative psychological techniques were utilised to uncover in-depth thoughts and feelings that the people working at Coliban had towards the existing tools and processes and what they would expect to change going forward.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>Critical pain points were identified, and solutions were devised to ensure that these roadblocks could be cleared. Even though the workshop was run for the purpose of understanding what everyone wanted out of their new PPM tool. The openness of all the people at Coliban meant that various people had their chance to be heard and express what they felt was important to them and the company&#8217;s future.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>Exco’s design team created an informational pack based on these workshops that was then presented back to Coliban Water. The pack included visual representations of specific feelings towards different components of the projects, in-depth reviews, and summarised notes of the many in-person conversations that took place.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Development</strong>&nbsp;</p>



<p>Exco Partners collaborated closely with Coliban Water to successfully implement a robust solution encompassing a range of essential features and services. The implementation process involved the customisation of templates and configurations to accommodate diverse project types, including Capital, ICT, and corporate projects.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>A seamlessly embedded project management framework, a streamlined budget bidding process, and approval workflows were integrated into the system. The solution incorporated end-to-end views through integrations and PowerBI reporting to enhance project visibility. Rigorous user testing, comprehensive training, and efficient onboarding procedures ensured a seamless transition to the new system. As well as all this, meticulous data migration procedures were executed to facilitate the seamless transfer of relevant information.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Conclusion</strong>&nbsp;</p>



<p>Exco Partners continues to provide dedicated support for solution upgrades, configuration changes, and the continued expansion of solution utilisation, ensuring a sustainable and effective solution for Coliban Water.&nbsp;</p>


OnePlan

Steadfast delivery for enterprise projects

City of Stonnington Portfolio Management

Healthy enterprise portfolio management

Empowering Coliban Water’s Path to Transformation