Managing the technology change for a global real estate transformation programme

What we did

The critical benefit that we delivered to this programme was to act as the technology partner for the business. We were the voice and ears of technology supporting all the internal and external teams from the property and project management teams through to the FM suppliers and technology delivery partners. We translated business needs to technology requirements and technology issues into business solutions to deliver these projects on time and within budget. Our teams built strong relationships with all stakeholders which enabled us to work smoothly and productively. Specifically, we delivered:

• A scalable, standardised global programme framework to support the roll out of new workplaces in key cities around the world.
• The complete IT scope for each location, including financial planning and business case preparation, as well as the strategy for technology development.
• Reviewed the existing technology estate of each business and then managed the migration plan to the new location.
• Procurement management across different countries with both existing and new suppliers.
• Performance managed all the technology suppliers to ensure they worked in an integrated way to deliver required outcomes.
• Set up all the networks, connectivity, AV, specialist technology and printing for each location.
• Mobilised and supported experience-led products, which enable employees to manage and access site resources.
• Change adoption and communication strategies for the new technology.
• Instigated a culture of optimisation to learn lessons, which simplified and improved technology performance while reducing overall costs.
• Transitioned each new location to BAU with ongoing technology support and operating models.

Technology in scope for the programme included

• Pre-move site simplifications to minimise on-premise technologies that would move to new locations
• Delivering a high-performance, always-available Wi-Fi first solution
• Shared services, such as printing
• Complex event space and auditorium AV solutions integrated within the network infrastructure.
• Meeting room technologies - from simple presentation enablement to interactive collaborative AV technologies - and enabling resource booking software integration.
• Security solutions including CCTV, alarm and access control, building management system integration
• Mechanical and electrical advice to ensure appropriate provisions by contractors for server and communication rooms and cabling
• Smart building technology assessments
• Mobile booster strategies, selection and installation
• Video wall with 3D-capable video content management systems

Results

The strategic programme of developing new consolidated market headquarters in key cities around the world was a transformation in every sense of the word. Strategically it was about enabling our client’s business units to work together more closely: proximity and common systems supported this. For the technology team the programme was an opportunity to standardise platforms and providers to improve performance and collaboration while bringing down the general cost of IT.

Over several years we have successfully navigated this programme in an environment of change. Through acquisitions, mergers and the global pandemic, we have flexed with the times to ensure the programme continues to meet the business’ needs.