iLAB manages HP`s projects

Efficiency and a standard, process-driven approach to all projects is key at HP South Africa. The company launched its Project Management Office (PMO), a function of the HP Services (HPS) business group, in 2001 specifically to ensure all projects undertaken by HP staff, whether for internal or external customers, meet the highest project management standards.

"HP required central control of this function to support the growing business environment and recognised the need to outsource the PMO to a professional project management organisation to ensure objectivity, credibility and the availability of specialised skills where needed," says Nicholas Griffin, HPS finance and operations manager.

"iLAB Project Services was initially assigned the task of managing the PMO for a 12-month period," continues Griffin. "As a result of the successful implementation of a structured, methodical approach to all HP projects, iLAB`s contract has been extended for another 12 months - no small feat considering that SA is the only country in which HP outsources the management of its PMO."

Jethro Lloyd, director of iLAB Project Services, adds: "As an independent project management organisation, iLAB is able to implement solid business practices in all the projects HP engages in. We are in the unique position of being able to call on the best skills for each project, ensuring the whole process is developed from a sound business case with proper costing and the appropriate timing - even last-minute panic jobs go through the process."

iLAB has also undertaken to extend its operational control to include performance objectives. The ability to measure the effectiveness of each project manager provides insight into each individual`s strengths and weaknesses, which will highlight any training requirements and allow HP to focus on developing a stronger team.

"iLAB is also responsible for the opportunity review and approval process for HP South Africa," adds Griffin. "This covers the sales process that must be implemented for every potential opportunity over a certain value. Staff are guided in considering the risks involved in each case and how to minimise them - and iLAB, through the PMO, is the custodian of this risk management process."

The ability to provide timely feedback to all parties involved, regarding the status of a project and any critical outstanding issues or dangers, serves to increase the awareness and appreciation of the office and enables focus and prioritisation to best support the business requirements. Griffin adds that the ultimate goal of the PMO is to lower the overall costs of projects through better management, or even to generate revenue from its services in the long-term, in this significant business growth area for the HP Services division.