A MULTI-NATIONAL RETAIL CORPORATION consisting of several brands/divisions identified potential annual maintenance and operating cost reductions as well as operating efficiencies in excess of $200M per year from developing and implementing a common computer system for operations. The project had undergone four years of software development with little to show. The project had become a political "football" with operators threatening to develop or purchase their own systems due to Y2K pressures. Numerous product delivery commitments had been made to the project customers without the benefit of detailed planning. A 30 person IT staff was responsible for software development, pilot support, and customer relations. The client enlisted PSI to provide a custom blend of Project Success Training, Consulting, and System Development services.

Results

The project is on-going, however, the initial release is being tested on time in multiple store locations. Other important outcomes of the PSI effort include:

• The project was reinvigorated, not abandoned.
• The teams re-scoped various releases in order to create a realistic set of deliverables and produce a series of bug-free software/ infrastructure products.
• The realization of the need for and the planning of internal marketing programs.
• The doubling of IT staff and the recruitment of operators to participate in design, testing, and rollout.
• The establishment of a senior team of sponsors to help guide and make critical decisions for the project team.
• The implementation of a project office for the entire program, which transitioned PSI expertise leading to self-sufficiency in planning and controlling the ongoing project.