NEWS - Altran

people
Together with Consignit (which represents the Altran CIS
brand in Sweden), SWECO Management has further
developed its Project Structure system - an Internet-based
system for project and enterprise management, aimed at
players in the construction and real estate sector, but also
other companies having to manage complex projects.
Bengt Boissier
(Consignit, Consultant
and teChniCal ProjeCt Manager)
“Today, it’s often the case that services are bought from
one place and used at another. No time can be lost and
there’s no room for mistakes, neither in large nine figure
infrastructure projects nor in projects with a smaller
scope.”
SWECO’s answer to this challenge, the Project Structure
system, is now based on Microsoft SharePoint, a collaborative
document management platform which can be
configured to accommodate any new customer’s specific
work process around a standard core. “SharePoint
2007 was a new product from Microsoft when we star-
DaviD Jönell
(Consignit, Consultant and it-arChiteCt)
“The system can manage multi billion euro projects
involving a large number of consultants and suppliers
all over the world. Projects of this magnitude require
a modern platform that facilitates collaboration and
is controlled by well-defined processes.”
The entire process is covered by Project Structure,
from project coordination, control and communication
to document and drawing management, finance,
control, agreements, purchasing and administration.
ted up the assignment a year ago. An exciting challenge
of course! Because of the project size, we were quickly
able to build up a broad and extensive competence within
Consignit. We now have a strong base and can take on
even more complex projects in this area” says Bengt
Boissier. “We’ve also created an efficient development
process involving many consultants, and we have an iterative
way of working, meaning that we make frequent
checks, deliver often and review constantly. For me it’s
great fun working on such a large project with so many
colleagues involved. It creates a great team spirit and everything
depends on us, on what we achieve together.”
“Therefore, it is very important that we work in a similar
way” explains David Jönell. “My role is to make sure we
have a uniform and sustainable architecture, fulfilling all
the functional requirements that come up as we move
along. Now, we have a technical platform and a development
process that we can reuse for new functions and
coming projects. And I agree with Bengt about the team
spirit. It is inspiring to work with skilled colleagues, all
committed 150% to deliver with accuracy and to keep
deadlines.”
28 altitude n°13 / april 2008 altitude n°13 / april 2008 29
Graphic Obsession
SWECO has chosen
Consignit to develop its
Enterprise Content
Management collaborative
solution.
PETEr
MAgnuSSOn
Business area
Manager, proJect
structure, sWeco
intervieW
Expertise
Altitude : Why did you choose to cooperate with Consignit?
Peter Magnusson : We opted for Consignit because of their vast experience
in Enterprise Content Management solutions and SharePoint. Also, we knew
they had many years of experience in creating complex collaboration solutions
for large, global clients. We made the right decision, as new customers are flocking
to SWECO’s project portal, and we currently employ more than 30 consultants
from Consignit who develop and adapt the system to meet specific requirements.
Alt. : What were your main criteria when choosing
this platform?
PM : We chose to develop the system on SharePoint for several reasons. Above all,
we wanted a standard platform that is easy to maintain effectively and in a reliable way.
We also particularly wanted something we could grow into. And that is exactly what
we are able to do now. But there are other advantages to mention, like document
management and integration with the Office package, for example, with Outlook
and the calendar. The system is now very user-friendly and easy for everyone to find
their way about in the Windows environment. It makes getting started seamless.
Alt. : What is the added value with Project Structure?
PM : Consignit has encapsulated additional products in SharePoint, such as drawing
and subcontractor management, purchasing and agreement modules from SWECO.
There are lots of project portals on the market, but I’m confident enough to claim that
together we’ve built something very unique to suit many clients. SWECO and Consignit
turned out to be a perfect match. Combining the ECM expertise with the knowledge
of managing complex projects, the best parts from different fields are found
in one single portal.
• Project Structure is based on PMI’s (the Project Management Institute) methodology
and focuses on projects and the interests of the project owner. However, all projects have their own
specific objectives and priorities. Not all assignments can be executed using the same template.
The system is therefore structured around different activities and modules are adapted
to the specific project’s criteria. Thanks to the dynamic administration tools, the right person
always has access to the right information.
• SWECO Management is a business unit within SWECO, the Nordic region’s leading provider
of consulting services in the fields of engineering, environmental technology and architecture.
With a staff of 4,900, the company carries out projects in more than 75 countries every year.