Industry: Construction
Client Size: 200-250 Employees
Background
Our client operates two distinct yet interrelated entities within the construction industry. The first is a modern construction and interior fitout company with a team of over 20 professionals, focusing on high-end commercial and industrial construction projects in Victoria. In contrast, the second entity is a larger network with more than 200 people, providing trades and construction services crucial to these projects.
Recognising the need and value of outsourcing their IT, both entities sought the expertise of Premier Tech, engaging us as their Technology Success Partner under the “Premier Care” programme. Their decision to partner with Premier Tech was driven by several critical IT challenges:
-
- Divergent IT Demands: The two businesses had vastly different IT needs, complicating their technological landscape.
-
- Strategic IT Direction: There was uncertainty about the future direction of their IT strategy.
-
- Cost Concerns: They were incurring high expenses for server maintenance and operation.
-
- Value for Money: There was a strong desire to derive more value from their IT investments.
-
- Operational Support: They needed reliable support for day-to-day IT issues and helpdesk services, allowing them to focus more on their core business activities.
Engagement Overview
As part of the Premier Care programme, the client was assigned a dedicated CIO, an IT manager, and provided unlimited access to a help desk for day-to-day IT support.
Initially, our team conducted a thorough analysis of the existing IT infrastructure, which was complex and disparate. This type of fragmentation is common in businesses that have made reactive technology decisions over the years, adding applications or systems without a unified strategy or architectural vision.
We workshopped with the directors and key stakeholders of both entities to uncover their frustrations, friction points, and aspirations for their technology—and more importantly, how should IT function to enable both entities. The modern construction and interior fitout entity was eager to adopt new technologies to maintain a cutting-edge reputation, emphasising its commitment to innovation. In contrast, we learned that the trades and services entity required robust, unobtrusive IT solutions that would seamlessly support their operations without the need for constant interaction by tradespeople.
This profound understanding led to the development of a bespoke technology strategy for the client, now encapsulated in four pivotal initiatives detailed further in this case study:
-
- Strategic IT Transformation – overhauling the rampantly aging and expensive IT infrastructure and transitioning to a modern, cloud-based solution.
-
- Modern Workplace Customisation – customising their modern workplace environment to adapt to the operational requirements of each entity.
-
- Cybersecurity Enhancement – implementing robust security measures and staff training to safeguard against emerging threats.
-
- E-signature Customer Onboarding Experience – upholding the fitout entity’s brand reputation by delivering an e-signature-embedded digital customer onboarding experience.
Additionally, the extended helpdesk support across all employee bases has been pivotal in minimising downtime, ensuring business continuity, and relieving daily operational IT concerns for management.
Key Outcomes
-
- Return on Investment: Expected return within three years due to savings from the modernised workplace.
-
- Streamlined IT Setup: Clarity and cleanliness in IT operations with a direction tailored to both entities.
-
- Fit-for-Purpose IT Solutions: Custom solutions allow collaboration where beneficial but are distinct enough to meet individual operational needs.
-
- Scalable IT Infrastructure: Supports growth in data consumption without the burden of significant, unpredictable costs associated with the previous server setup.
-
- Flexibility for Future Organisational Changes: Enhanced ability to segregate IT systems should the entities choose to split.
-
- Accessible Expertise: Ongoing access to a CIO for addressing emerging IT challenges.