The Challenge: Streamlining a Complex Application Landscape
Background
AtkinsRéalis, a global leader in engineering and design consultancy with over 38,000 employees, faced the daunting task of optimising their vast application portfolio. Following a merger between Atkins and SNC-Lavalin, the company's software estate had grown to approximately 2,500 unique applications (up to 5,000 when accounting for different versions).
Initial Obstacles
"We realised that the process for adding new software to our portfolio was taking too long. So the process needed optimising," explained Fran Bond, Director of IT Asset Lifecycle Management at AtkinsRéalis. The company faced several challenges:
Disparate IT systems and processes between the merged companies
Duplication of software licences and applications
Inconsistent data management practices
Cultural differences in IT governance and decision-making
Increased complexity in compliance and security management
The Solution: Camwood's Strategic Application Lifecycle Management
Why Camwood?
AtkinsRéalis chose Camwood for their 25 years of expertise in driving enterprise innovation beyond applications. Camwood's Application Lifecycle Management service, powered by the FUSION Framework, offered a comprehensive approach to streamline the software landscape and create a foundation for continuous innovation and growth.
Comprehensive Assessment and Strategy
Camwood began with a thorough assessment of AtkinsRéalis' application ecosystem, engaging with various stakeholders to understand the full scope of the challenge. "They wanted to talk directly to some of our users," Fran recalled, emphasising Camwood's user-centric approach to ALM.
The Process: Tailored Application Lifecycle Management Strategy
Strategic Planning
Using their FUSION Framework, Camwood developed a customised ALM strategy to address AtkinsRéalis' unique challenges, focusing on long-term, sustainable solutions aligned with the company's broader mission.
Key Initiatives
- Transitioning from a packaging model to an application-centric lifecycle management approach
- Optimising the software estate to reduce costs and improve efficiency
- Implementing new application management standards to streamline processes
- Reorganising teams for better collaboration and focus on application lifecycle
- The Results: Ongoing Transformation and Application Portfolio Optimisation
- Improved Efficiency and User Experience
While the full impact is still unfolding, initial results are promising. "Everything that we've really picked up has been a longer-term gain," Fran explained, highlighting the strategic nature of Camwood's ALM engagement.
Positive Feedback on Approach
Fran appreciated Camwood's balanced approach to application lifecycle management: "They didn't just come in and look for bad news, try and look for issues. They told us that we were doing quite a lot of things the right way, and then everything else was a suggestion for an improvement."
Looking Ahead: Future Impact and Continued Partnership
Anticipated Outcomes
AtkinsRéalis expects these changes to lead to faster software delivery, improved user experiences, and ultimately, a more agile and innovative organisation through optimised application lifecycle management.
Ongoing Collaboration
"I think we just need to make sure we get value for money, which we have from Camwood. And I'm sure there will be other engagement as we go forward," Fran noted, indicating potential for future collaborations in application management and optimisation.
Conclusion: Aligning Application Lifecycle Management with Sustainability Goals
Through Camwood's expert guidance in Application Lifecycle Management, AtkinsRéalis is not just improving its IT applications; it's engineering a more sustainable and innovative future. This transformation supports the company's broader mission of engineering complex projects worldwide with a focus on sustainability.
As Andrew Carr, CEO of Camwood, commented: "AtkinsRéalis' commitment to engineering a sustainable future aligns perfectly with our mission to drive innovation beyond applications. Our Application Lifecycle Management service, powered by the FUSION Framework, is designed to tackle complex IT landscapes like theirs, ensuring that technology becomes an enabler for their sustainability goals rather than a hindrance."
The full impact of this application lifecycle transformation will be revisited in 6-9 months, providing insights into the realised benefits and how these changes have supported AtkinsRéalis' mission of engineering a sustainable future.
