Our Experience in the Police Sector
The output was an outline of where the most appropriate destination for each application was, including budgetary information, to execute the application migration/ transformation. SCC managed the engagement effectively and efficiently using Programme Management processes, developed using the PRINCE2 framework.
SCC also utilised our implementation of TOGAF ADM (Architecture Development Model) to help reduce programme risk and provide assurance to stakeholders that different business viewpoints were being considered, not just technical ones.
SCC dedicated the first 3 months of the 20 month programme to Mobilisation Discovery and Analysis, using tooling to discover and capture application interdependencies and right sizing information. Tools were complemented by our consultancy personnel, who obtained, visualised and played back captured information to multiple audiences. Each stage had a specific outcome, as follows:
Mobilisation – SCC and WP had a clear plan and understanding of the resource profiles and timescales needed to complete the work and the correct level of governance in place to deliver the work including defined roles and responsibilities, escalation, communications, operational change and security procedures.
Discovery – SCC completed the capture of the technical and business information required for each application at WP.
Analysis – SCC completed the Analysis of the technical and business information captured, a treatment type assigned to all applications, budgetary costs for design and migration effort for each treatment and an initial view of the migration timeline.
The application migration process was split in to six stages (Initiation, Preparation, Build and Configuration, Test, Go Live and Warranty Support) and designed in an agile manner, allowing applications to be paused where required, e.g. if the target platform was not available.
This approach allowed project resources to move to another application and come back to the paused application later, maximising resource utilisation.
It was supported by a series of templates (RACI, Project Plan, Communication Plans, Configuration document, etc).
Ensuring uniformity amongst each application migration, clear reporting and a repeatable process throughout.
The process of defined stages, templated document sets, documentation standards, central data repositories, approval gates and status tracking meant that multiple application migrations were active in different states throughout the entirety of the programme’s lifecycle.
Following migration, SCC worked with WP to test the applications on the target platform, as per the agreed test scripts created and approved during the preparation stage.
SCC provided resolution of issues following the application testing activity. Issues were either remediated by the SCC project team or third-party application provider prior to the Application going live.
On receipt of quotations, they would break down requirements line by line, placing orders based on best price to their supplier base. This process was slow, inefficient, subject to errors and time delays in fulfilment and also prevented the development of any level of professional relationship with the supply chain.
As part of their drive for efficiency, cost savings and to streamline the monthly procurement process, they went to market via the framework ‘Complete IT Solutions’ through Health Trust Europe. SCC was one of five framework suppliers who tendered for the business and was awarded ‘preferred’ supplier in January 2017. The framework remained in place for five years.
On completion of this term, they went to market again for a similar arrangement, due to the success of the original. SCC were awarded this partnership again for a maximum of seven years in April 2022. WMP appreciated the close geographical proximity to SCC, which cut down on transportation costs and had a positive effect on their CSR and internal green agenda. They were also happy that we were able to provide a faster and more efficient ordering and supply process.
SCC also assisted in developing a purchasing strategy and process for non-catalogue and pass-through items. These are Police specific technologies, such as command and control systems, body-worn video cameras, provided by niche SME suppliers.
The relationship has developed dramatically over this time, with SCC being seen as a true partner to both IT, procurement and elements of their frontline operations. SCC also provide further value-add around professional services consultancy and delivery, managed print services and supply chain services.
SCC’s proximity and full service-wrap around the supply of IT equipment can drive down time-to-desk and allow WMP employees to work on more valuable tasks, with SCC providing support around more commodity service provision.
WMP are now considering further projects with SCC outside of the supply-based relationship that will assist them with their drive for cost savings.
