BSR strive to be a significant contributor in the production of renewable energy. Having already developed and built in-excess of 700MWp, they’re well on their way. The ongoing focus is to inspire further communities to understand the value of renewable energies.
British Solar Renewables
Project Context
When the client approached 9FT, they were acutely aware of their need to improve data management and financial reporting. This necessity was driven by a desire to gain a clearer understanding of the profitability of their operations, which would in turn facilitate strategic enhancement and more robust board reporting. The clients were struggling to visualise their portfolio effectively and relied heavily on manual data manipulation, often through cumbersome Excel and CSV files. Their data management was complex and fragmented, making it difficult to derive actionable insights. Additionally, the use of multiple methodologies across operations and a disjointed application landscape compounded their challenges.
The baseline status of the project highlighted a business in need of streamlined operations and integrated systems. The client aimed to automate workflows across their UK and Australian offices, enhance data visibility and collaboration, and establish a scalable technology foundation.
Project Delivery
The project began with a rapid review phase, where 9FT assessed the client’s existing technology landscape, identified pain points, and collaborated with the client to craft a vision statement. This phase culminated in a set of recommendations for a future architecture designed to address the identified issues. The subsequent requirements phase involved a comprehensive capture and validation process across the entire business, spanning across their international business teams, to ensure that all needs were documented and understood.
Change assessment followed, where the potential impacts of the proposed changes were evaluated, and a baseline for benefits was established. This phase included defining 36 distinct benefits, providing a clear picture of the project’s anticipated value. During the options phase, various architecture options and a longlist of potential technologies were evaluated, leading to detailed recommendations on the best path forward and an outlined business case.
The technology selection process was rigorous. It included resource modelling, the creation of tender and evaluation methodologies, and the management of vendor pre-qualification. The project was complex because it wasn’t just for one system, it was for three: ERP, Payroll and Energy Analytics. The tender process involved contacting 30 vendors, with 7 making it through to the tender stage and 4 selected for demonstrations. This meticulous process ensured that the most suitable technology and vendor were chosen. The final steps involved vendor onboarding, programme mobilisation, and ongoing advisory support to guide the business lead and sponsor, leveraging 9FT’s extensive lessons learned and implementation watchouts.
Project Outcomes
The project outcomes were impressive and transformative. The business project team was successfully mobilised, and programme governance and controls were established to ensure ongoing success. The selected technology and vendor perfectly aligned with the client’s needs, promising long-term benefits. Additionally, the client’s business lead and sponsor received comprehensive guidance from 9FT, incorporating critical insights and lessons learned. Business SMEs were upskilled in key areas such as business analysis, change management, and project management, empowering them to sustain and build upon the project’s success.
Engaging 16 business departments throughout the process and removing 7 existing systems from their architecture underscored the project’s comprehensive scope and impact. The identification of 36 benefits provided a robust framework for measuring success. Furthermore, the diligent vendor selection process ensured that the final choice was thoroughly vetted and suitable. The project’s outcomes not only addressed the immediate pain points but also set the client on a path towards enhanced operational efficiency and strategic growth, supported by a solid technology foundation.
