BTR PLC – Global Millennium Project
Audit and evaluation of several multi-million pound computer projects for a global plc, submission of detailed management reports to executive level containing findings and detailed recommendations.
Background
Prior to the year 2000, stories concerning the effects of the year change on technology around the world were rampant. To pre-empt any possible issues BTR decided to conduct a thorough audit and systems update on a global scale at their manufacturing plants around the world. IBM had been deployed on a consultancy basis to supplement in-house expertise but an unforeseen event left a gap in a scheduled visit to the United States. Just 4 days after the initial approach David was sat in the boardroom at Worcester Controls in Massachusetts conducting detailed project audit and interviews at executive level.
The Assignment
A mind-bending schedule unfolded; 11 flights, audits at 5 major manufacturing plants in Boston, the Mid-West and Chicago, all in just 10 days. Thorough assessment of multimillion dollar IT projects had to be concluded fast with detailed management reports filed at Head Office upon conclusion. Attention to detail wasn’t something that could be compromised – products such as cooling-system valves for nuclear reactors, train carriage linkages and heat shield panels for the Space Shuttle - leave no scope for guesswork when it comes to risk analysis.
Results
Our in-depth reports highlighted several key issues requiring specific action and provided a clear insight on the progress of each of the ongoing projects. They have been utilised by business consultants on several occasions in subsequent years, we are pleased to hear that the findings and recommendations have proven to be totally accurate, and have stood the test of time extremely well.