ADVISICON Project Management Office Development CASE STUDY

Abstract

As an IT solution provider, Mainbit was having difficulty sustaining the high quality deliverables that were propelling them through a significant growth period. They needed to have a more collaborative work environment and a centralized reporting/administration function to manage the workflow.  Advisicon recommended an EPM solution implementing Microsoft Office Project Server (MOPS) 2007® in addition to supporting the technology with education and creating a PMO. Mainbit has been able to successfully sustain its growth and become more efficient in controlling projects and allocating resources through sustained use of the EPM format.

Mainbit

Mainbit is an IT solutions company based in Mexico City that is dedicated to creating technology infrastructures using the robust platforms of Microsoft and Citrix. Mainbit provides systems consulting, implementation and configuration for those platforms to their clients in Mexico. Of necessity, Mainbit is a project-driven company that needs to provide high quality services that meet the expectations and technology demands of their customers.

Mainbit was positioned for growth, but was not positioned to coordinate the workload of that growth for the organization in an efficient and effective method. The existing system was cumbersome, lacked support within the company and resulted in repetition of work by multiple users. The company needed a way to collaborate the efforts of the resources and be able to generate meaningful reports providing visibility into the organization.  Additionally, they did not have:

• Standardization in processes and procedures for data collection
• An adopted methodology for project management
• A functional PMO to direct and administer activity
• A project management tool that could address needs and requirements

To ensure the success of the organization, Mainbit would need to have better project portfolio visibility and a technology that would be embraced and adopted by the resources.

For Mainbit, Advisicon determined that an EPM system using the Microsoft Office Project Server (MOPS) 2007®, would provide the most comprehensive and appropriate technology. This tool, in addition to being a flexible and scalable solution, was also able to provide user-friendly interfaces to help ensure adoption. Microsoft Office Project Server 2007 was deployed and configured for the organization’s needs. Additionally, Advisicon recommended:

• Creation of a PMO. The objective of this position was to focus on disseminating a project management culture throughout the organization
• Training/education utilizing the technology. It was imperative to define and implement a project management methodology that aligned with Mainbit’s organizational development and direction.

The installation of an EPM system produced measurable results that directly impacted performance. Improvements included: 

• Control of requirements gathering, project administration and execution through standardization and workflow
• Improved data collection and interpretation which allowed better visibility into the project portfolio
• Efficiency in collaboration and communication across the organization 
• Increased resource management and workload visibility

• Microsoft® Project Server 2007
• Microsoft® Project Professional 2007
• Microsoft® Windows SharePoint Services
• Advisicon training curriculum for internal resources – including production managers, resource managers, executives and administrators
  • Consulting/training for Microsoft Office Project Server (MOPS) 2007 implementation
  • Consulting/training in the standardized methodology of project management

USERS

• Resource managers
• Administrators
• Project resources
• Executives