Extensive Work Behind the Choice of new Project System

For two decades, White Arkitekter used the same system to manage their projects. During this time, the business has evolved significantly—including international expansion and increasingly complex projects. 

What once felt advanced could no longer keep up with their evolving needs. They realised it was time for a new solution—one that could support their work today and scale with them into the future.

We spoke with Peter Leuchovius, CIO at White Arkitekter, about their search for a new project 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.

They began by exploring solutions across three categories:

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

A total of nine alternatives made the shortlist. Initially, White aimed to find their solution among ERP systems. However, they quickly discovered that those platforms didn’t align with the way architects work.

The search led them to the PSA category—and ultimately to 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 years ahead. 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.

If your firm is considering a new project system, here are some takeaways from White Arkitekter’s experience:

• Set clear goals for what you want to achieve with your new system and what is required to achieve these. 
• Involve the right people: 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. 
• Keep an open mind: Sometimes the best solution isn’t in the category you expected to choose from.