Western Power is redefining its approach to IT by aligning technology initiatives directly with business goals, fostering a more integrated and accountable organizational structure.
Transitioning to a Product-Focused IT Model
At Forrester’s Technology & Innovation Summit APAC, Tracy Deveugle-Frink, Head of Digital Products at Western Power, revealed a significant shift in the company’s IT engagement model. Moving away from a project-based approach, Western Power has adopted a product-focused strategy, creating “evergreen” product teams that support various segments of the organization.
“We have an asset management series of products; a customer-based series of products; core corporate services, like HR, payroll, finance; and then one evergreen product team for operations, team, field, and network,” Deveugle-Frink explained. This restructuring ensures that IT teams are closely aligned with the specific needs and goals of each business unit.
Building Business Intimacy Through Product Teams
The establishment of product-focused teams was initiated with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) within approximately 18 months. This MVP served as a foundation, evolving the model based on continuous feedback and collaboration.
“Our definition of success from the beginning was just getting a set of technology people close enough to our business to develop that business intimacy,” Deveugle-Frink stated. This close relationship between IT and business units has led to a seamless integration where both sides are mutually accountable for delivering outcomes.
Joint Accountability Enhances Delivery
The symbiotic relationship between technologists and business areas has become a cornerstone of Western Power’s operational philosophy. “We’re both jointly accountable because business can’t deliver without us, and we can’t deliver without the business,” she emphasized. This joint accountability fosters a collaborative environment where both IT and business teams work together towards common objectives.
Table: Structure of Western Power’s Product Teams
| Product Series | Supported Business Areas | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Asset Management | Asset Operations | Maintenance, Lifecycle Management |
| Customer-Based | Customer Service | Client Relations, Support |
| Core Corporate Services | HR, Payroll, Finance | Administrative Efficiency |
| Operations | Field and Network Operations | Infrastructure, Network Management |
This table illustrates how Western Power has categorized its product teams to cover all critical aspects of the business, ensuring comprehensive support and integration across the organization.
Enhancing Vendor Partnerships
The shift to a product-focused model has also influenced how Western Power engages with vendor partners. Previously reliant on fixed-cost outsourcing for packages of work, the company now opts for “capability augmentation.” This involves hiring specialized roles such as developers or change managers and integrating them directly into product teams.
“This model allows us to leverage our partners more effectively, ensuring they are fully embedded within our teams and aligned with our business goals,” Deveugle-Frink noted. This approach not only enhances the quality of work but also ensures that vendor contributions are directly tied to the company’s strategic objectives.
Strategic Benefits of the New IT Alignment
The alignment of IT with business goals brings numerous advantages to Western Power, including:
- Increased Efficiency: Streamlined processes and clear accountability reduce redundancies and enhance productivity.
- Enhanced Collaboration: Closer integration between IT and business units fosters better communication and understanding.
- Agility and Flexibility: Product-focused teams can quickly adapt to changing business needs and technological advancements.
- Improved Outcomes: Joint accountability ensures that both IT and business teams are committed to achieving the best possible results.
Future Outlook: Sustaining Growth and Innovation
Western Power’s commitment to aligning IT with business objectives positions the company for sustained growth and innovation. By maintaining this integrated approach, Western Power is well-equipped to navigate future challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities within the energy sector.
“We’re married, we’re jointly committed to this together, and we’re jointly accountable,” Deveugle-Frink reiterated. This unified approach not only strengthens internal operations but also enhances Western Power’s ability to deliver value to its customers and stakeholders.
