Background
Aberdeenshire Council were looking to move from their old best-of-breed software to an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution as part of their wider transformation programme. Their existing systems had been in place for several years and the council recognised a more modern, efficient solution would provide far-reaching benefits for the local authority, its staff and users.
Our brief and goal
The council asked Civiteq to support them with the first stage of their ERP process by delivering an outline business case for the technology change and an options appraisal.
They wanted us to help them get the foundations right, so they could move forward with their goal to:
- Invest in a system that would enable them to be more efficient and to make significant cost savings at corporate level
- Successfully complete the IT system change and limit the risks associated with a project of this scale
Our approach
Our 12-week project included:
- SWOT workshops with staff (to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats)
- Delivery of a discovery report that included an assessment of the council’s current situation
- Organising market engagement demonstrations that involved a range of suppliers showing what’s available on the market and what the modern solutions can do
- An options appraisal that guided the council through the process of how to choose the best solution for them, including costs and benefits
“The council appreciated our knowledge of the market and how we could use our contacts to bring suppliers in to show the client what’s out there.”
Ben Treasure, Consultant, Civiteq
The biggest challenges
It was clear there was a strong appetite for change at senior level in the council, because of the limitations and costs of running their inefficient, out-of-date existing software. But the SWOT workshops revealed staff at lower levels were relatively happy with those legacy systems. We therefore identified there was a need for the council to persuade the wider organisation about the benefits of a technology change.
“Civiteq’s team really understood the challenges facing us. They came with practical examples of what they’ve seen work well and some of the potential stumbling blocks.”
Kate Bond, Customer and Digital Head of Service, Aberdeenshire Council
We also recognised the importance of balancing our ERP project with Civiteq’s separate assignment to set up a transformation programme for the council, which was running at the same time. So, we worked closely with our colleagues to manage how we shared the available council resources across the two projects.
Outcomes and benefits
Our consultants recommended to the council that their best option would be a combined ERP system. The client now plans to use our outline business case to drive the next phase of their technology change.
Kate comments: “Civiteq’s approach was spot on. Their team helped us to be really clear about what we want to deliver and how we go about it. They were so supportive, and I’d absolutely recommend them.”
Book a meeting with one of our team to discuss your ERP journey.