Extensive Work Behind the Choice of new Project System

For two decades, White Arkitekter has been using the same system for their project management. During this time, the business has evolved significantly, not least through international expansion. The nature of their projects has also changed. What was once advanced has now grown to even larger and more complex projects. They realised that they needed a new solution that could keep up with these new demands and provide better support for their work – both now and as they continue to grow. 

We have spoken with Peter Leuchovius, CIO at White Arkitekter about their search for a new system.   

Switching systems is a major project for most companies. For large corporations, evaluating potential new systems becomes even more time-consuming. Suggestions must be identified, procurements carried out, and details clarified. It is a long selection process designed to ensure the right decision is made.

That started with a selection of systems from three different categories: 

• ERP systems – Enterprise Resource Planning system 
• Niched Business management systems
• PSA systems – Project focused solutions 

A total of 9 alternatives made the list. Whites’ wish was to find their fit in the group of ERP systems. But they soon realised that what those systems offered wasn’t the best choice for them. They continued their search and eventually settled on an option within the project-focused group – Milient.

“We wanted to find a system provider we could grow with and who prioritised project managers." says Peter Leuchovius, CIO at White Arkitekter. 

In addition to the potential and rich functionality that White saw in Milient's solution, there were other factors that helped their decision. Among the reasons why they locked on to this choice were the responsive and competent people they were in contact with. Also seeing that Milient's focus was on the architectural industry and that other architects, such as Snøhetta, were already using the solution further strengthened the credibility.

The final thing was the possibility to integrate Milient with other system. Thus, allowing White to continue developing their solution as a complement to the project management in Milient's solution Project Flow.

“We have high hopes that Moment will be the system that aids our development in the coming years. Milient is a responsive company that aims to evolve its product in collaboration with its customers, which we appreciate.” says Peter Leuchovius. 

Plans for the launch are currently underway, and White Arkitekter is eager to begin using their new system.

In summary, we can distill this into a few points that might be helpful for you if you're considering finding a new system.

• Set clear goals for what you want to achieve with your new system and what is required to achieve these. 
• Keep in mind that the project manager does not have the same needs as someone in the finance department. So, bring representatives from the departments that will work in the system to ensure that you do not miss important aspects when evaluating alternatives. 
• Be open to the fact that sometimes you find the best solution where you did not expect to.