Helping create a world-class IT organization
Challenge:
A billion-dollar marketing company, in need of new enterprise software to anchor their core business experienced a year of chaos. A problematic external vendor, an unusable application, and rapidly deteriorating trust between the Sales/Marketing and IT organizations reached critical mass when the project was canceled and the vendor dismissed. An entire year behind schedule, with many projects that had been put on hold requiring completion, the IT department was pressured to deliver software. Without adequate time for thorough testing, the risk of introducing bugs to the production environment was high. Relationships had to be re-built, an enterprise application had to be constructed, and a fail-safe delivery methodology needed to be assured.
Solution:
STG selected an architect and placed multiple senior developers to inject confidence and experience into a beleaguered IT team. The architect evaluated and refactored the existing architecture and launched a tight team effort, with all contributors focused on a common goal. Some STG developers helped build the new core software while others enhanced the existing system to stabilize operations while awaiting the new application. Still others set to work to deliver the projects that had been on hold for so long. STG focused on rebuilding trust within the IT group and with the PMO and QA departments, as well as will the Sales & Marketing group by listening closely to their concerns, adopting their priorities, and by delivering accordingly.
Result:
In a year and half, the IT department, working closely with STG consultants, was able to identify and remedy nearly all of the obstacles to efficient project delivery. They delivered the critical enhancements that were necessary to support the sales and marketing team with the existing core software. With a workable set of enhancements, the company was able to grow and succeed while the new core application was created. To ensure a successful launch, STG worked closely with the IT department, laying the groundwork necessary for a smooth replacement of the legacy software. The IT department now enjoys increased respect and cooperation from the sales and marketing team, and all department managers have access to more critical information than ever before. Sales have increased and marketing professionals have ready access to the information they need to succeed.