Wellsense–PMO Transformation

Overview

Our collaboration with WellSense was a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing their organizational capabilities. Central to this effort was the fortification of their Project Management Office (PMO). While WellSense had a strong foundation in healthcare services, the primary goal was to refine their project management practices, making them more robust and adaptive. Furthermore, by strengthening the enterprise planning procedures, we sought to foster an environment where projects could not only be initiated efficiently but also seen to successful completion.

Areas of Enhancement

Upon our initial engagement, several areas were identified that could benefit from fine-tuning. While WellSense maintained commendable project management activities, there was room to refine and improve these practices. A unified approach to enterprise planning was necessary to bring cohesion across various projects and departments. Enhancing the consistency of project launches would ensure that all new initiatives aligned with the company’s vision and goals. Lastly, by standardizing the methodologies used in project coordination and operation, we aimed to introduce predictability and reduce overheads in their processes.

Challenge

The task at hand was multifaceted. Not only did we need to bring about a holistic transformation of WellSense’s PMO, but we also had the challenge of integrating seamlessly with their existing framework. Augmenting their team to align with the new PMO standards was essential to ensure the continuous flow of operations. Moreover, introducing and successfully marketing a new product within a mere six-month window was a significant undertaking. This rapid deployment was not just about speed but ensuring that the product met the highest quality standards and resonated with the target audience.

Solution

Our approach was systematic and methodical. By introducing cohesive PMO standards, we could ensure that project coordination was streamlined, reducing friction between teams and departments. This set of standards became the backbone for all project-related activities at WellSense. To facilitate a seamless PMO transition, we collaborated closely with the WellSense team, sharing insights, and ensuring knowledge transfer. The power of the PMO tools we brought to the table, including project plans, risk management strategies, and benefits analysis, was evident in the results. One of our crowning achievements was the successful launch of a new product in just six months without any complaints. This launch was a testament to our rigorous processes and the dedication of the WellSense team. Finally, by optimizing various facets of their operations, we were able to deliver over $5 million in cost savings for WellSense.

Bexar County Sheriff’s Department – Comprehensive Review, Triage, & Roadmap

Overview

The Bexar County Sheriff’s Department, under the leadership of newly elected Sheriff Susan Pamerleau, sought to recover its reputation and build a culture of transparency and continuous improvement. They partnered with Kaeppel Consulting for a comprehensive review and roadmap development.

The Challenge

    • Reputation Recovery: Establishing a roadmap for improvement.
    • Employee Engagement: Building a culture of trust and improving retention.
    • Continuous Improvement: Developing a continuous improvement culture and mindset.

      The Bexar County Sheriff’s Department faced several challenges:

Our Solution

Kaeppel Consulting provided a comprehensive solution that included:

  1. Vision and Strategic Objectives: Developed a new Vision, Mission, Core Values, and strategic objectives for a 3–5 year horizon.
  2. Roadmap Development: Created a roadmap of projects and facilitated leadership through ownership and prioritization.
  3. Process Triage: Assessed the as-is state of office locations, scheduling, tools, and managing the jail.
  4. KPI Development: Established KPIs and performance scorecards for each division.

Results

Kaeppel Consulting’s efforts resulted in a new vision and strategic objectives for the department, a comprehensive roadmap of projects, and long-lasting improvements in processes and employee engagement. The department continues to use the outcomes of the triage process for ongoing improvement.

Conclusion

Kaeppel Consulting’s comprehensive review and roadmap development enabled the Bexar County Sheriff’s Department to recover its reputation and build a culture of transparency and continuous improvement.

Bank of the West – Operational Excellence in BSA/AML Operations

Overview

Tesoro, a prominent player in the energy sector, sought to create an Operational Center of Excellence and train leadership in Lean Six Sigma to drive significant cost savings and build a continuous improvement culture. They partnered with Kaeppel Consulting to achieve these goals.

The Challenge

  1. Tesoro faced several challenges:

    • Cost Savings: Achieving a 15% savings in annual budgets.
    • Cultural Transformation: Developing a culture of continuous improvement across the organization.
    • Leadership Training: Ensuring leaders were equipped with Lean Six Sigma methodologies.

Our Solution

Kaeppel Consulting provided a comprehensive solution that included:

  1. Operational Center of Excellence: Established a center focusing on continuous improvement and operational excellence.
  2. Maturity Model Development: Created a maturity model across six key areas: Leadership Engagement, Organization, Methodology/Tools, Training & Development, Communication, Rewards and Recognition.
  3. Maturity Assessment Tool: Utilized to measure baseline and ongoing progress.
  4. Change Management Methodology: Developed for the CFO organization.
  5. Leadership Training: Delivered engagement training focused on behavioral changes required for a successful CI culture.
  6. Hands-On Training: Emphasized practical application of methodology and tools with mentoring/coaching.
  7. Governance Structure: Launched a governance structure and steering committee for the CFO group’s Continuous Improvement deployment.

Results

Kaeppel Consulting’s efforts resulted in a 15% savings in annual budgets for Tesoro. The establishment of the Operational Center of Excellence and the implementation of a maturity model fostered a culture of continuous improvement, while leadership training and hands-on application ensured sustainable success.

Conclusion

Kaeppel Consulting’s tailored approach enabled Tesoro to achieve significant cost savings and build a robust continuous improvement culture. Our expertise in Lean Six Sigma and change management transformed their operations.

AmeriPro Mortgage–Loan Origination System (LOS) Migration

Overview

In a critical engagement with AmeriPro Mortgage, our consultancy was at the forefront of overseeing an upgrade of their Loan Origination System (LOS). Our leadership spanned program management, project management, and change management domains. Recognizing the intricacies and significance of mortgage operations, our primary goal was to ensure a seamless and compliant system migration.

Areas of Strategic Focus

  • Project Management: Central to our mandate was the adept management of the entire LOS upgrade project, ensuring it remained on schedule, within scope, and achieved the desired outcomes.

  • As-Is / To-Be Process Mapping: A foundational step in our approach was to thoroughly map out the existing processes within the LOS and subsequently delineate the envisioned future state post-migration. This ensured clarity and guided our migration strategy.

  • ADKAR Change Management: Acknowledging the complexities inherent in any system migration, we employed the ADKAR Change Management methodology. This ensured that not only were the technical aspects of the migration addressed but also the human elements, fostering acceptance and smooth adaptation to the new LOS environment.

Challenge

System migrations, especially for pivotal systems like the LOS in the mortgage industry, can be fraught with challenges. From data integrity to process continuity, and user adaptation, the task was to ensure that AmeriPro Mortgage experienced a disruption-free and value-driven migration.

Strategic Approach

Our methodology was comprehensive. By meticulously charting out both the current and desired states of the LOS, we crafted a blueprint for the migration. Coupled with robust project management and the strategic application of the ADKAR Change Management model, we ensured a holistic approach to the migration.

Impact & Outcome

The fruits of our collaboration with AmeriPro Mortgage were clearly manifested in the successful completion of the LOS migration. Moreover, AmeriPro Mortgage is now compliant with industry standards, underscoring the efficacy of the migration and our engagement’s value.

Trinity University– IT Transformation

Overview

In a dedicated engagement with Trinity University, our consultancy embarked on a significant IT Transformation project. Our initial evaluation, grounded in the ITIL framework maturity assessment, revealed Trinity’s IT system required heightened maturity levels, especially in anticipation of the Workday platform’s introduction. Recognizing the potential risks and challenges that could arise during the implementation phase without these necessary adjustments, we set forth on a comprehensive transformation journey.

Areas of Strategic Focus

  • ITIL Framework Assessment: Our primary objective was to evaluate Trinity’s IT system using the ITIL framework, identifying areas of potential improvement and ensuring a robust foundation for future technology integrations.

  • Workday Platform Integration: With the intent to introduce the Workday platform, it was imperative to ensure the IT system’s maturity and readiness to seamlessly accommodate and benefit from this integration.

  • IT Transformation & Reorganization: Beyond assessments and platform considerations, our focus was to holistically transform and reorganize Trinity’s IT, enhancing its operational efficiency and adaptability.

  • Leadership & Management: Recognizing the magnitude of such a transformation, we provided dedicated leadership within Trinity’s IT organization, guiding and managing the change process.

Challenge

Trinity University’s IT landscape, while robust, revealed gaps in maturity that could jeopardize the successful integration of the Workday platform. The challenge lay in not just identifying these gaps, but implementing strategic changes to ensure a seamless transition and enhanced overall IT functionality.

Strategic Approach

Our methodology encompassed a multi-faceted approach. Beginning with an in-depth ITIL framework assessment, we pinpointed areas necessitating improvement. This laid the groundwork for a total IT transformation and reorganization. Furthermore, we undertook a series of projects aimed at refining practice areas, including security, asset management, project management, data, reporting, and all encompassing ITIL process areas.

Impact & Outcome

Our collaboration with Trinity University bore tangible results. We successfully progressed Trinity’s IT system to ITIL 3 maturity, ensuring it was primed for the Workday platform’s integration. Furthermore, the broad spectrum of improvements across various IT practice areas underscores our commitment to holistic IT enhancement and the value of our partnership with Trinity University.

Kemper Insurance–IT PMO Maturity Plan

Overview

In a pivotal collaboration with Kemper Insurance, our consultancy was enlisted to elevate the PMO Capability Maturity within their IT domain. Our charter encompassed the design of an IT PMO maturity program and the subsequent execution of projects to both implement and enhance PMO capabilities.

Areas of Strategic Focus

  • PMO Maturity Enhancement: Our central mandate was to advance the maturity of the IT PMO, ensuring it not only meets but exceeds industry standards, thereby delivering optimized project outcomes for Kemper Insurance.

  • Project Execution & Governance: As part of the initiative, precise project management and robust portfolio governance were pivotal to ensure the seamless execution and alignment of projects with Kemper Insurance’s strategic objectives.

  • Change Management: Given the scale of the transformation, a comprehensive approach to change management, utilizing ADKAR Change Management principles, was indispensable to navigate the organizational shifts and ensure buy-in at all levels.

Challenge

Elevating the capability maturity of an IT PMO, especially within a complex organization like Kemper Insurance, presented a set of intricate challenges. It required a blend of technology, process, and people management to ensure that the transition was smooth and that the PMO’s enhanced capabilities were fully realized.

Strategic Approach

Harnessing a suite of strategic tools and methodologies—including Multi-Generational Planning, Project Management principles, PMO Maturity frameworks, ADKAR Change Management, and Portfolio Governance—we devised a comprehensive roadmap for the maturity enhancement journey. Each phase was meticulously planned, ensuring that Kemper Insurance’s IT PMO capabilities were not only enhanced but also sustainable.

Impact & Outcome

Our collaboration with Kemper Insurance has culminated in the successful adoption and deployment of the IT PMO maturity plan. The results are palpable: Kemper Insurance now boasts significant enhancements in project repeatability, reduced cycle times, and optimized resource management, underscoring the efficacy of the maturity enhancement initiative.

TIAA CREF–Change Management

Overview

In our esteemed collaboration with TIAA-CREF, our consultancy was entrusted with the significant responsibility of driving Change Management for their Individual Advisory Services Group. Our directive: to seamlessly institute new processes, optimizing operations and enabling resource efficiency.

Areas of Improvement

      • Process Engineering: In the wake of the acquisitions, it became paramount to integrate and streamline multiple finance systems into a singular, cloud-based platform, promoting operational uniformity and efficiency.

      • Change Management: To ensure the successful transition and adoption of this significant shift, a robust approach to navigating organizational change was crucial.

      • Portfolio/ Program/ Project Planning & Execution: Orchestrating such a vast initiative demanded precise planning and execution at various levels, ensuring every phase transitioned smoothly from blueprint to reality.

Challenge

Introducing change within a specialized group like the Individual Advisory Services presents multifaceted challenges. Beyond the imperative of operational continuity, the task was to align teams to novel methodologies while ensuring that service standards remained impeccable.

Solution

Harnessing the potency of ADKAR Change Management, combined with best-in-class Project Management methodologies, our team architected a transformative path for the initiative. The focus was twofold: to streamline processes for peak efficiency and to ensure that these changes were embraced organizationally, leading to tangible reductions in necessary resources.

Outcome

With our expert guidance, the Change Management initiative for TIAA’s Individual Advisory Services Group culminated in a resounding success. The group now benefits from leaner, more efficient processes, resulting in optimized resource allocation without compromising on service excellence.

Argo–Global IT Restructuring

Overview

Kaeppel drove the Global IT Restructuring initiative, marking a major IT reorganization endeavor for the company. Central to our mission was overseeing the outsourcing of IT support and help desk functions to two distinct offshore vendors.

Areas of Improvement

    • IT Organization Structure: Argo was poised for a reshaping of its IT infrastructure and operations. Outsourcing certain functions was identified as a strategy to optimize efficiency and resources.

    • Performance Management: With a significant change on the horizon, it was paramount to manage and measure the performance of the evolving IT department.

    • Change Management: The outsourcing strategy required rigorous change management to ensure a seamless transition without disrupting existing operations.

Challenge

IT restructuring, especially when it involves outsourcing, requires meticulous planning and careful execution to prevent disruptions and maintain service quality. Managing the transition, ensuring uninterrupted service, and seamlessly integrating two offshore vendors into Argo’s operational fabric posed intricate challenges.

Solution

Leveraging tools and strategies such as Project Management, Organizational Design, Performance Management, and ADKAR Change Management, we orchestrated a comprehensive IT transformation. Each phase was meticulously planned, ensuring that both offshore vendors were seamlessly integrated and the outsourced functions aligned perfectly with Argo’s IT objectives.

Outcome

The Global IT Restructuring initiative culminated in a complete IT transformation for Argo. The successful outsourcing strategy not only optimized resources but also bolstered the efficiency and responsiveness of Argo’s IT functions.