Organisational development for the cloud-native Platform-as-a-Service project

The project develops a hybrid platform combining private and public cloud for the software developers of the corporate group, aimed at accelerating software development and delivery in the energy sector.

We were selected as a contractual partner through an EU-wide tender.

The project scope requires a large number of specialised developers in different roles and at different levels, working in parallel and in a structured, interdependent manner. To lead and coordinate them, we develop and establish a dedicated organisational structure. We support the development of processes, roles and responsibilities, as well as the continuous further development of the organisational structure throughout the ongoing project.

• Support in the development of project processes and workflow standards
• Development and management of role descriptions and responsibilities
• Alignment with stakeholders on project processes and guidelines for roles and responsibilities
• Maintenance and further development of the organisational chart
• Coordination of administrative workflows, formal requirements and budget compliance with Finance Office
• Advisory support for product lines during structural changes

Freelancer provision as part of the Management Services and Business Consulting Services for the cloud-native Platform-as-a-Service project

The project develops a hybrid platform of private and public cloud for the software developers of the corporate group, to accelerate software development and delivery in the energy sector.
We were selected as a contractual partner through an EU-wide tender. Our task is to propose specialised freelancers and to manage the freelancers selected by the client throughout the contract.
Based on a requirements profile submitted by the project manager defining the required skills, tasks and timeframe,  we source candidates and propose a suitable person.

• analysis of resource requirements and specialist requirement profiles
• sourcing suitable freelancers through contractually bound subcontractors, direct approach, or open search
• preparation and submission of qualified candidate proposals for participation in the client’s selection process (Mini-Competition)
• contract-accompanying management of deployed freelancers throughout their individual project duration

We have provided freelancers for the following profiles:

• Product Manager (Senior)
• Project Manager (Senior)
• Data Domain Architect (Senior)
• Data Core Services Architect (Senior)
• Software Engineer (Senior)
• Process Manager (Senior)
• Process Manager (Junior)
• CAD Support (Junior)
• Technical Project Manager Data Centre Architecture including Architects
• Technical Project Manager Data Centre Building Services Engineering (BSE) including BSE Planners

Development, execution and coordination of procurement and management of financial and human resources for the cloud-native Platform-as-a-Service project

The project develops a hybrid platform combining private and public cloud for the software developers of the corporate group, aimed at accelerating software development and delivery in the energy sector.

We were selected as a contractual partner through an EU-wide tender. Our role is to ensure the timely and on-budget procurement of hardware and software, to coordinate the provision of human resources (> 400 consultants) and to continuously provide financial project data (project volume > €250 million) to the project management.

• establishment and execution of financial reporting including status reporting and forecasting
• coordination of procurement requirements
• budget review with functional leads prior to approval of procurement processes
• creation and management of purchase requisitions in the ERP system
• tracking of order status, goods receipt and service delivery
• ensuring quality of documentation, schedule adherence and transparency
• reporting on procurement status and budget consumption
• process development, execution and documentation of personnel procurement for over 400 consultants with 17 framework contract partners across 7 lots
• design of data structures and data management for project controlling and reporting
• analysis of existing data and identification of data quality improvement opportunities
• database development including optimisation, backup and recovery strategy development
• technical coordination of data integration from various sources to ensure a consistent and consolidated overview of project data
• compliance advisory for data security and regulatory adherence
• coordination of documentation of data structures, metadata and processes
• coaching of Finance Office Manager

We have been engaged to support the MDC project (Modular Data Centre). Our core task is the review and evaluation of bids, along with the preparation and conduct of bidder meetings.

We have been engaged to support the MDC project (Modular Data Centre). Our core task is the review and evaluation of bids, along with the preparation and conduct of bidder meetings.

• reviewing submitted bids for completeness and compliance with requirements
• evaluating and comparing the bids
• preparing a well-founded ranking of bidders
• preparing the bidder meetings
• supporting and following up on the bidder meetings

Support of the management in optimising business processes and defining strategy

Support of the management in optimising business processes and defining strategy

• Review of the current situation
• Development of concepts to expand the sales activity
• Creation of a recruitment concept
• Creation of a commission model
• Preparation and execution of a change of the company’s legal form
• Support in the search for strategic partners

Project and construction management for remote collocations for the nationwide DSL rollout of a large telecommunications service provider

As part of gaining access to DTAG’s copper infrastructure, collocations are set up in DTAG’s Telekom main distribution frames (HVt). At some Telekom main distribution frames there is not enough space for this. In those cases a site has to be found and prepared in the immediate vicinity of the Telekom main distribution frame (max. 100 m) – a remote collocation. For the client we took over all remote collocations in Germany: we selected and acquired the sites, coordinated them with DTAG and specified and supervised the site preparation. After coordinating the systems technology installation and integration, the remote collocation was handed over to the client. Among the sites acquired and converted: the bowling alley of a pub, the drying loft of an apartment building, various cellar rooms, etc.

• Project management and coordination
• Project controlling
• Invoice verification
• Reporting (in-house and external)
• Site documentation
• Service provider management
• Rollout management
• Quotation preparation
• Claim management
• Contract management
• Site acquisition
• Site preparation (for systems technology)

Provision of project management and project leadership for the construction of a new data centre within an existing building in the state of Brandenburg

For the construction of a new data centre with 30 IT rack positions and a connected load of 1.5 MVA within an existing building, we provided the project lead and project manager. We managed the project from requirements gathering through planning and implementation, commissioning of all trades, and handover to operations.

• Project management (overall responsibility) and project coordination
• Stakeholder management
• Establishment of project structure and organisation
• Budget planning and control, including rolling forecasts
• Risk management as risk owner
• Requirements gathering and baseline definition
• Management of building services (TGA) planners
• Procurement coordination
• Construction management (power connection, strip-out, raised floor, suppression system, cooling, UPS, emergency generator, fibre optic cabling)
• Preparation and management of commissioning and handover to operations
• CAD documentation

Project manager for IT infrastructure, coordination, commissioning and integration for the following trades:

• Installation of the IT infrastructure
• Installation and commissioning of cabin switches
• Installation and commissioning of the telephone system
• Installation and commissioning of the WiFi system
• Installation of satellite antennas
• Commissioning of the cabin automation system

The services were provided in Papenburg at the Meyer Werft shipyard and at the outfitting berth in Eemshaven. They included coordination with the client, the shipyard’s representatives, the client’s representatives and other on-site service providers.

• Project management and coordination
• Data management and analysis
• Project documentation
• Vendor management
• Support on site

Interim leadership of the Data Centre Division

As Interim Head of the Data Centre Division, we built up the division, consolidated previously decentralised areas of responsibility and oversaw the development of additional sites.

• Building the data centre team (role descriptions, work instructions, process definitions, service descriptions)
• Restructuring and consolidating responsibilities across the data centre (building services, cooling, network, housing, power supply, monitoring)
• Supporting the introduction of DCIM (Data Centre Infrastructure Management)
• Consolidation of IT infrastructure across multiple sites
• Establishing a colocation site
• Coordinating external service providers (network, power, cooling, building services, monitoring)
• Building an interim container data centre
• Aligning construction and renovation measures with all stakeholders
• Planning and implementing lifecycle processes
• Management reporting
• Improving processes for inventory management and procurement

Project Management, Project Leadership and PMO for the IT Security Platform Project

We provided the project manager, a project management professional and the PMO, and managed the full project budget of €12 million in SAP. The project was responsible for a comprehensive overhaul of the Critical IT infrastructures (KRITIS) to meet regulatory requirements.

• Planning, managing and delivering projects within the IT Secure Infrastructure Platform (ITSI) environment
• Interface management between business, IT and external service providers
• Building and developing the PMO, including reporting structures, methodology and quality assurance
• Project management for platform integration transformation projects (e.g. data consolidation, dashboard design, KPI definition)
• Managing requirements and providing technical input on architecture decisions
• Coordinating cross-functional teams and running project committees and stakeholder workshops
• Ensuring adherence to time, budget, quality and governance standards across the project environment
• Planning and executing the migration of legacy systems into the IT Secure Infrastructure environment
• Procurement of hardware and software for the project in SAP

Project Management for a Redesign Project of the Critical IT Infrastructures (KRITIS)

We served as project manager for IT Infrastructure 2.0, driving the redesign of the Critical IT infrastructures (KRITIS).

• Project management for the implementation of the new design of the Critical IT infrastructures (KRITIS)
• Establishment of project structure and organisation (including handbook, organisational chart)
• Initial cost, schedule and resource planning; rolling budget and timeline forecasts
• Schedule and quality monitoring of internal and external sub-projects
• Risk management as risk owner
• Coordination of all project-wide activities and interfaces
• Reporting to the programme steering committee, including approval coordination with governance bodies
• Development and implementation of the communications concept (including lessons learned)
• Coordination of resource and staffing requirements with line management
• Coordination with PMO; definition of requirements for project documentation and document management
• Procurement of hardware and software for the project in SAP

Project leadership on behalf of the client and project management for the planning of two new data centre builds, each with a connected load of 5.5 MW

We assumed overall project leadership with decision-making authority on behalf of the client, along with full project management responsibility.

Due to an originally ambitious timeline, we immediately prepared a complete planning approval submission (HOAI service phases I–IV) with a team of specialists of up to 20 FTE and filed the building permit applications. The building permit procedures were completed successfully.

The requirements of all stakeholders for the data centres were reviewed and aligned repeatedly throughout the project.

In parallel, we prepared and conducted an EU tender for general contractor services. Following negotiations, this tender was withdrawn by the client. The scope was changed to a split procedure separating general planner and general contractor services. We revised the tender documents for the general planner services and supported the award negotiations. After the conclusion of negotiations, the client withdrew the EU tender for general planning and decided on a modular data centre strategy (MDC strategy).

Our engagement concluded with the delivery of the specification document for an EU framework contract tender (volume approx. €90 million) for the supply of MDC units including planning, construction and commissioning.

• overall project leadership on behalf of and in the name of the client
• project management
• requirements management and feasibility assessment
• budget planning and control
• execution of stage-gate process
• management of architects and MEP planners
• management of building permit planning
• management of building permit procedures
• specification writing, support of EU tender and negotiation for general contractor
• specification writing, support of EU tender and negotiation for general planner
• specification writing for framework contract for the supply of modular data centres (MDC)

Programme and Project Management with our own team for the modernisation of the communications technology and communications-related services

We supported the programme management of the TSO in the modernisation of its entire communications technology infrastructure. The build-up of a new IP based telecommunications network to secure future operations and compatibility with the requirements of the German Renewable Energy Act (EEG), e.g. offshore wind farms and HVDC, was carried out as a programme with several parallel projects. Within the programme, we modernised approximately 170 operational sites across 115 locations and executed approximately 1,900 service switchovers, including the migration to IP during live operations. Technologies involved: IP MPLS, IP, DWDM, SDH, PDH, Voice, Fibre Optic, Power Supply, Metering.

Key projects:

• Planning and implementation of a new Network Management Centre
• Network modernisation rollout including service switchover
• Power supply conversion
• Decommissioning, disposal and footprint optimisation
• Takeover of operational responsibility including insourcing of operations
• Concepts, processes and manuals for newly established organisational units for planning, implementation and operations
• Framework agreements and tenders
• Contract management
• Databases / Interim CMDB

The project team comprised 10 internal and up to 17 external staff. More than 100 internal and 200 external staff were involved in the project at various stages.

• support of programme and project management
• project planning and overall coordination of implementation
• risk management, stakeholder management
• communications planning
• consulting on the modernisation concept (IP MPLS, IP, DWDM, SDH, PDH, Voice, Fibre Optic, Power Supply, Metering) during live operations without interruption of power grid services
• management of the turnkey service provider and additional subcontractors
• takeover of operational rollout management for service switchovers
• planning and build-up of a network management centre
• preparation, negotiation and management of the full takeover of operational responsibility for the telecommunications network from the previous operator
• strategy, concept, organisational and process development for planning, implementation and operations of the new network
• establishment and management of PMO and PO including development of project-specific methods and management tools
• design and programming of operational support tools, e.g. interim CMDB
• development of applications and data interfaces for automated data transfer and creation of standard reports and specific use cases, e.g. planning and execution of service switchovers
• support in the selection and implementation of a network documentation system (NDS)
• specification writing, framework contract specification, EU tendering and negotiation (e.g. TDM modernisation, voice communications, installation services)
• preparation of regulatory submissions to the Federal Network Agency (BNetzA)

Support of management in founding and running a company, seed investment

Support of management in founding and running a company, seed investment

• advising of founders, authorised signatory of GmbH
• support business planning
• assistance with company registration
• support in marketing, product development and sales in the B2B / B2C segments
• support controlling

Management consulting for a coaching & training company (GmbH), with a focus on finance, controlling, service development and marketing

Responsibility for finance & controlling and support of the management in service development and marketing

• Management for finance and controlling
• Design and execution of controlling
• Product analysis and evaluation of the training and coaching service areas
• Review of market analyses
• Development of market strategies and products in the B2B and B2C segments

Planning, coordination, commissioning of

• Data Centre Build Out of 2 IT rooms
• CCTV Camera Deployment
• Cabin Switch Deployment
• Phone Installation
• WiFi AP Deployment
• SAT Deployment
• Stateroom Automation System

on board of the new build Silversea Origin built by Shipyard de Hoop, Lobith, The Netherlands.

We worked in Lobith at the Site Office and in Rotterdam at two outfitting locations. We especially liked Rotterdam where we really got to know the other teams and parties working on site. This is always the best about these projects!

By the way: These were our first SAT antennas to be installed!

The assignment included the coordination with all parties involved such as yard, client, final customer, and subcontractors. The IT Infrastructure was handed over to the client of our customer.

• project management and coordination
• reporting
• data management and analysis
• subcontractor management
• rollout management

Representation of project manager on site for installation and commissioning IT-network (incl. WLAN, IP TV, IP telephony for approx. 2,300 cabins) on board of the cruise ship newbuild AIDAperla (Hyperion-Class) built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.

That’s the sister ship and we were back in Japan! Our Job was the same: We acted as a stand-in for the project manager in Nagasaki when the real deal had to go home. On his behalf we were coordinating tasks and requests of the client, subcontractors and other parties involved. The second ship was smooth sailing. Furthermore, we coordinated the rollout of IP TVs and IP phones on board. The IP network and all applications were handed over to the final customer successfully.

• project management and coordination
• reporting
• subcontractor management
• rollout management
• claim management

Representation of project manager on site for installation and commissioning IT-network (incl. WLAN, IP TV, IP telephony for approx. 2,300 cabins) on board of the cruise ship newbuild AIDAprima (Hyperion-Class) built by Mitsubishi Heav Industries, Ltd.

That was our first AIDA cruise liner. Getting the chance to work in Japan! We acted as a stand-in for the project manager in Nagasaki when the real deal had to go home. On his behalf we were coordinating tasks and requests of the client, subcontractors and other parties involved.
Furthermore, we coordinated the rollout of IP TVs and IP phones on board. The IP network and all applications were handed over to the final customer successfully.

• project management and coordination
• reporting
• subcontractor management
• rollout management
• claim management

Rollout Management for IP TV Commissioning in approx. 2,450 cabins on board of the cruise ship Costa Diadema (Dream Class) built by Fincantieri S.p.A

Our assignment included the planning, preparation and rollout of the IP TVs on board. We were in contact with our client, the yard and all parties involved on site. It was fun and we had the nicest weather during our short time in Venice. We found only the positive prejudices about Italy confirmed. It was such a pleasure! Next time we do it for free … maybe.

• rollout planning and preparation
• rollout management
• subcontractor coordination
• reporting

Project management for the conversion, upgrading and dismantling of PoP and core site locations (technical areas). Design, requirements specification, tender support, commissioning and implementation of a nationwide general contractor for the maintenance of the technical areas

The client commissioned us with the project management for the conversion, upgrading and dismantling of selected PoP and core site locations (technical areas). We coordinated the necessary activities and service providers and supported the contract negotiations for the leasing of technical areas and infrastructure.

For the maintenance of the technical areas, we were asked to consider how the future requirements for maintenance (limited staff resources, commercial optimisation, adherence to quality requirements) could be met. We designed a corresponding process and organisational structure. The client followed our proposal and commissioned us with its implementation. We produced the schedule of services for the comprehensive maintenance of the technical areas by a general contractor. After supporting the tender, we implemented the maintenance of the technical areas according to the new concept and took over the induction and steering of the general contractor for the first year (1,300 measures in the first year).

• Project management and coordination
• Maintenance concept design
• Creation of requirements specification
• Negotiation leadership
• Reporting (in-house and external)
• Service provider management
• Maintenance management

Planning, coordination, configuration, commissioning and integration of approx. 3,100 IP phones and 530 IP DECT-phones on board of new build cruise ship Celebrity Reflection (Solstice Class) built by Meyer Yards

We did the planning in Hamburg and in our yard office in Papenburg. The configuration of the IP DECT-phones was carried out at night in our rental apartment. We had the best landlords ever! In our apartment we also prepared the test protocols for IP telephony (VoIP: Cisco; IP DECT: NEC). The assignment included the coordination with all parties involved such as yard, client, final customer and subcontractors. We hired our own subcontractor to bring out the IP phones and program them. We made sure all preconditions were met in time in order to perform all acceptance tests as scheduled.
In the end, we handed over the IP phone-network including all IP phones and applications to our client’s customer.

• project definition, planning, management
• reporting (in-house / external)
• customer relationship management
• planning and supervision of rollout – on site at the yard and at sea
• customer hand over of VoIP system

Programme management to coordinate the nationwide rollout of TETRA base stations and access network for digital mobile radio for public authorities and organisations with safety related tasks only

We advised regarding network planning and rollout as well as planning and coordination of measures in areas such as network aggregation and optimisation. Another topic was the introduction of fault management for the TETRA-network with specified Service Level Agreements (SLA).

Furthermore, methods and tools for project management and controlling were drafted and introduced. The programme included the coordination of regional teams. We were responsible for the nationwide subcontractor coordination, for the reporting system and quality control.

Another responsibility was process development for planning, implementation and operation. Also proposals for organisational optimisation were made and harmonised with the requests from the public authority team.

• programme management
• project management and coordination
• program reporting (in-house and external)
• development of methods and tools
• subcontractor management
• rollout management
• data management and analysis
• process development for planning, implementation and operation

Planning, coordination, configuration, commissioning and integration of approx. 3,100 IP phones and 530 IP DECT-phones on board of new build cruise ship Celebrity Silhouette (Solstice Class) built by Meyer Yards

We did the planning in Hamburg and in our yard office in Papenburg. The configuration of the IP DECT-phones was carried out at night in our rental apartment. We had the best landlords ever! There we also prepared the test protocols for IP telephony (VoIP: Cisco; IP DECT: NEC). The assignment included the coordination with all parties involved such as yard, client, final customer and subcontractors. We hired our own subcontractor to bring out the IP phones and program them. We made sure all preconditions were met in time in order to perform all acceptance tests as scheduled.
In the end, we handed over the IP phone-network including all IP phones and applications to our client’s customer.

• project definition, planning, management
• reporting (in-house / external)
• customer relationship management
• planning and supervision of rollout on site at the yard and at sea
• customer hand over of VoIP system

Planning, coordination, configuration, commissioning and integration of approx. 3,100 IP phones and 530 IP DECT-phones on board of new build cruise ship Celebrity Eclipse (Solstice Class) built by Meyer Yards

Most of the planning was done in Hamburg. We also prepared the test protocols for IP telephony (VoIP: Cisco; IP DECT: NEC). The assignment included the coordination with all parties involved such as yard, client, final customer and subcontractors and device configuration on board. We coordinated the subcontractor to bring out the IP phones and program them. We made sure all preconditions were met in time in order to perform all acceptance tests as scheduled.
In the end, we handed over the IP phone network including all IP phones and applications to our client’s customer.

• project definition, planning, management
• reporting (in-house / external)
• customer relationship management
• planning and supervision of rollout on site at the yard and at sea
• customer hand over of VoIP system

Planning, coordination, configuration, commissioning and integration of approx. 3,100 IP phones and 530 IP DECT-phones on board of new build cruise ship Celebrity Equinox (Solstice Class) built by Meyer Yards

Most of the planning was done in Hamburg. We also prepared the test protocols for IP telephony (VoIP: Cisco; IP DECT: NEC). The assignment included the coordination with all parties involved such as yard, client, final customer and subcontractors and device configuration on board. We coordinated the subcontractor to bring out the IP phones and program them. We made sure all preconditions were met in time in order to perform all acceptance tests as scheduled.
In the end, we handed over the IP phone-network including all IP phones and applications to our client’s customer.

• project definition, planning, management
• reporting (in-house / external)
• customer relationship management
• planning and supervision of rollout on site at the yard and at sea
• customer hand over of VoIP system

Delivery, exchange and integration of damaged Cisco-LAN/WAN- and VoIP components aboard a 120m luxury yacht

Due to water damage on board all IT- and multimedia systems had to be replaced. The overall IT-system was rebuilt (staged) and configured in our staging room in Hamburg. We had to make sure that the installation and integration of all systems on board at the yard in Kiel went smoothly as the timeframe was limited to 16 hours.

• analysis / identification of tasks to be carried out
• clarification of terms and conditions
• coordination and supervision of suppliers
• supervision of installation and configuration on board
• customer relationship management

Project management to replace the Kirk-/Polycom-DECT-system on board of the Celebrity Solstice to Cisco Wifi (Voice over WLAN) while the ship was fully operating

The Solstice was our first cruise liner. It got us hooked. We found the environment and the way of working at the yard and on board very special. The project management included the close coordination with our client, the final customer, the yard, the crew on board, the hotel management staff, several logistics operators, port agents … you name it. The project was sensitive as it was to be carried out without disturbing the passengers. New cables were pulled at night by subcontractors. The de-installation of approx. 200 DECT-access points and the installation of approx. 350 WLAN-access points in passenger areas took place at night also or whilst at harbour. The new WiFi-system had to be fully integrated into the existing voice system. Acceptance testing had to be repeated under closed conditions.

After handover to the final customer a comprehensive WLAN-survey was carried out as well.

• project management
• reporting (in-house and external)
• data management and analysis
• technical and project documentation
• subcontractor coordination
• rollout management
• claim management
• site survey

Project Management for sub sections LAN/WAN, WLAN, VoIP for newbuild of a huge yacht in private ownership (160m length, world’s largest yacht, worldwide, at that time)

The infrastructure for LAN/WAN, WLAN- and VoIP was staged in Hamburg and fully configured. The installation and integration of each system happened in parallel on board at the yard while the ship was built. The assignment included the coordination with all parties involved such as yard, client, final customer and subcontractors and device configuration on board and rollout management on board as well.
The project challenge was the final customer who came with fabulous ideas no matter what building stage of the ship was in. Technical installations were top secret.

• project management
• reporting (in-house and external)
• data management and analysis
• project controlling
• technical and project documentation
• subcontractor coordination
• rollout management
• claim management
• site survey

DSL-Rollout: Site surveys of Telekom main distribution frames before acceptance for optimisation of DTAG-offers

Our task was to review DTAG-offers for Telekom main distribution frame sites before acceptance. So we sat down and did some number crunching to find cost reductions.

• evaluations of offers for Telekom main distribution frame sites
• carrying out of site surveys
• review of offered positions for necessity including checks of measurement and quantities
• clarification of special conditions on site
• report preparation for each site about various cost reduction possibilities

Data management of network parameters to improve network quality nationwide

Our client was not happy since journal reviews and customer complaints showed an inadequate network quality. The management board reacted promptly by setting up a project for network quality improvement. The idea was to retrieve network parameters, e.g. dropped-, noisy- and blocked-call rates, from the active network and analyse them. This was the basis to install methods and provisions to tackle each issue. At the same time a long-term and detailed reporting for network quality was installed.  As such we pre-checked data records from approx. 15,000 base stations per network region. These were prepared and put together centrally as quality data. In parallel, we coordinated the definition of target and critical values. All corrective actions were checked for effectiveness.

• project management
• reporting (in-house and external)
• data management
• database development
• quality control
• quality management

This assignment was to establish a comprehensive reporting system from the operational point of view.

This assignment focused on data management and reporting from the operational point of view, especially on system technology swap, reintegration, transport network expansion and the introduction of new technology. One task was to analyse the interfaces for integration between network planning and network structure. We coordinated the data management concept and introduced the nationwide collection of all relevant parameters.
As a little side job we analysed and optimised the spare part logistics for the field service.

• project management
• reporting (in-house and external)
• data management
• database development
• quality control
• quality management

DSL-Rollout: Clarification of possibilities for network extensions followed by actual execution of rollout

We were supporting the DSL-rollout of a German network operator by finding possibilities to connect specified Telekom main distribution frame sites to the existing network.

• checking connectivity of potential Telekom main distribution frame sites to the existing network
• analysis and demonstration of various possibilities for backbone extensions
• preparation of network concepts including internal clearance of possible ways of realisation
• calculation of profitability
• negotiations of frame contracts with various network providers
• price and contract negotiations for bandwidth and dark fibre
• leased line management during rollout

Project management network building UMTS in one network region of a national German Mobile Service Operator with extreme antenna height (at least 100 metres)

With the objective to accelerate the UMTS-network building within the region and to improve the UMTS-availability, special UMTS-base stations were built on exposed locations (approx. 50 sites) and installed at an elevated height (up to 250m). On behalf of the regional management, we were responsible for the project management covering the complete spectrum of network building: starting with the provision of the necessary system technology components, carrying out calculation of profitability per site, monitoring and instruction of network planning, site acquisition, implementation, installation … ending with the site acceptance.

• project management network building
• project controlling
• reporting
• budget planning and monitoring
• system technology provision

Project management UMTS-network building and GSM-network aggregation in region North.

Our client gave us the authority to watch over the UMTS-network building process and GSM-network aggregation in one of his network regions. The building was to be carried out by a prime contractor i.e. network planning, acquisition, management of government authorities, infrastructure construction, installation, integration and acceptances. On behalf of the regional network manager we controlled the prime contractor in the region (Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Mecklenburg-West Pomerania).

In order to be able to do so we intensified the data management for network building and made sure to secure data quality.

Our client also  bought a number of base station sites. We took inventory and made suggestions on how to proceed with each of them. Our proposal was the result of checking the lease, the site survey and possibilities for integration.

• interim management
• project management network building
• project controlling
• reporting
• coaching
• contract management
• site surveys
• feasibility studies
• subcontractor management

Project coordination for planning and construction of test networks for UMTS for Ericsson and Nokia technology in Düsseldorf and Berlin, coordination of all test activities

Each technology manufacturer had to prove the overall functionality of his future network before implementation and rollout. By building a test network he had to perform typical procedures and processes of installation, integration and acceptance. We were responsible for the project coordination.

• project coordination
• subcontractor coordination
• test management
• project reporting

UMTS-network building: negotiation and conclusion of frame contracts with leased line providers

The object was to negotiate frame contracts for the provision of leased lines and dark fibre with all relevant leased line providers in Germany in the course of the UMTS-network building. The first project step was to draft a standard contract for bandwidth and dark fibre as a basis for negotiation. The draft was developed in co-ordination with all departments affected by the agreements such as fixed network planning, system technology, purchase, operation and legal. Furthermore the scope for the subsequent negotiation meetings with network operators was fine tuned with each department. The next step was the actual meeting with the carrier to negotiate and conclude the contract. This was done in co-operation and consultation with the responsible member of staff of each department and within the defined scope for negotiation. The internal and external project controlling, contract management and reporting was secured by members of staff of Solutions Factory situated at the client’s headquarters.

• contract development
• contract negotiation
• project controlling
• contract management
• reporting
• coaching of client staff
• benchmarking

Management Consulting focussing on Product Development and Sales

Marketing / Public Relations

• product analysis and evaluation
• evaluation of market analyses regarding product feasibility
• development of product concepts and implementation models for B2B and whole sale
•  analyses, concepts and planning for marketing and sales
• description of show samples
• event production
• preparation and exhibition of trade fairs and exhibitions
• design and implementation of a reporting system to improve communicative interfaces
• design and concept of media
• project management for corporate publications

Consulting on the development of the telecommunications objectives and design and implementation of a telecommunications strategy

As part of the programme to modernise the communications technology, we were commissioned to develop and implement a telecommunications (TC) strategy aligned with the IT strategy. Together with the departments involved, we identified the strategic objectives and defined measurable criteria for achieving them. On this basis we developed the TC strategy in expert conferences on technologies and services and subsequently supported its implementation.

• Telecommunications consulting
• Objective development
• Strategy development
• Strategy implementation
• Coaching
• Facilitation

Creation of a requirements specification for monitoring and 1st-level support in the network management centre of an extra-high-voltage transmission system operator

The requirements specification was a sub-project of the programme to modernise the communications technology. We specified the 24/7 monitoring and the 1st-level support of the telecommunications technology and the technical IT.

Scope Definition and Delineation

• Recording and structuring of the systems and installations to be monitored, including a site overview
• Clarification of interfaces with service providers and departments
• Definition of the scope of services

Monitoring Concept

• Identification of the parameters and events to be monitored
• Assessment of existing monitoring systems and clarification of integration requirements
• Development of escalation and notification processes
• Definition of SLA requirements

Definition of 1st-Level Support

• Delineation of the service depth (1st level vs. 2nd / 3rd level)
• Description of the required qualification profiles
• Clarification of ticket system requirements

Operating Model Consulting

• Design of a 24/7 shift model including staffing requirements
• Clarification of on-site vs. remote requirements
• Development of cover and contingency arrangements

Framework Conditions and Compliance

• Consideration of KRITIS-specific requirements (security clearances, access rules)
• Clarification of confidentiality and documentation obligations

Creation of a requirements specification for the planning and operation of IP and IP/MPLS, as well as support of the EU tender, bidder selection and negotiation for an extra-high-voltage transmission system operator

The requirements specification was a sub-project of the programme to modernise the communications technology. We specified the relevant services, including network planning (including asset, change and patch management, rough and detailed planning), installation and commissioning, repair and operational support. The Critical infrastructures (data centre) and IP edge & access were given particular consideration.
We produced the EU tender documents and supported the tender, bidder selection and award.

Consulting services for the creation of the requirements specification for IP/IP MPLS planning and operation:

Requirements Analysis

• Recording of the existing network structure (IP, IP/MPLS, data centre, edge & access)
• Identification of the planning processes (rough and detailed planning) and their requirements
• Clarification of patch and asset management requirements (tools, processes, interfaces)

Service Description

• Definition of the service components: installation, commissioning, repair, operational support
• Definition of the service levels (response and recovery times per criticality)
• Special requirements for Critical infrastructures (data centre) and IP edge & access (redundancy, availability, security requirements)

Structuring and Delineation

• Interfaces with existing service providers and internal teams
• Quantity structures (number of sites, devices, connections)
• Delineation of planning vs. operational services

Procurement-Law Preparation

• Consideration of KRITIS requirements in the service description
• Alignment with the procurement office on suitability and award criteria
• Creation of the EU tender documents

Alignment Process

• Workshops with departments to validate the requirements
• Iterative alignment and approval of the requirements specification with the client

Creation of a requirements specification for the supply of hardware, software and systems as well as the planning and operation of voice communications, including support of the EU tender, bidder selection and negotiation for an extra-high-voltage transmission system operator

The requirements specification was a sub-project of the programme to modernise the communications technology. We specified the hardware, software and systems and the services for the supply, planning, installation, commissioning and maintenance of the voice communications.
We produced the EU tender documents and supported the tender, bidder selection and award.

Requirements Analysis

• Recording of the existing voice communications network and the target architecture
• Clarification of the requirements for systems technology (hardware, software, systems)
• Consideration of the particularities of an extra-high-voltage transmission system operator (KRITIS relevance, availability requirements)

Service Description

• Definition of the service components: voice network planning, supply of systems technology, installation, commissioning, repair
• Definition of the service levels (response and recovery times per criticality)
• Specification of the requirements for hardware and software components

Structuring and Delineation

• Interfaces with existing service providers and internal teams
• Quantity structures (sites, end devices, connections)
• Delineation of planning vs. operational services

Procurement-Law Preparation

• Consideration of KRITIS requirements in the service description
• Alignment with the procurement office on suitability and award criteria
• Creation of the EU tender documents

Alignment Process

• Workshops with departments to validate the requirements
• Iterative alignment and approval of the requirements specification with the client
• Preparation of various budget calculations and variants
• Negotiation leadership

Creation of a requirements specification for the supply of hardware, software and systems as well as project management, planning and operation of the transmission technology (DWDM, SDH, PDH, IP/MPLS, microwave radio), including support of the EU tender, bidder selection and negotiation

The requirements specification was a sub-project of the programme to modernise the communications technology. We specified the relevant services for the turnkey project management, the modernisation of the TDM network, the transmission network planning and the supply of systems technology. In addition, the services staging, installation, commissioning, maintenance, provision of a materials store, type-sample testing and system integration were described.

• Assessment of the existing telecommunications network and the modernisation requirements
• Clarification of the requirements for transmission network planning (capacities, sites, topology)
• Definition of the hardware, software and systems technology to be supplied
• Definition of the service components (staging, installation, commissioning, maintenance, system integration)
• Clarification of the requirements for the materials store and type-sample testing
• Definition of the project management requirements for the turnkey modernisation
• Definition of the service levels and response times
• Delineation and interface clarification with existing systems and service providers
• Creation of the EU tender documents
• Alignment and approval of the requirements specification with the client
• Budget calculation

Programming test interface for leased line invoice audit based on MS-Excel

As part of the audit of leased line invoices, the electronic invoices sent by suppliers were previously checked against order commitments in complicated manual procedures. To simplify the procedure, a suitable test interface was programmed (MS EXCEL basis). Now, the billing data are automatically imported into this test interface and checked against the relevant order commitment data. Deviations are displayed as categorised error reports.

• data analysis
• definition of field comparison rules according to customer specifications
• macro programming
• documentation

Collecting relevant data of all existing framework contracts in a newly created master contract database

All existing framework contract documents were recorded digitally. Afterwards, the contracts were checked and the necessary data entered into the database. A directory structure has been defined for the systematic filing of all framework contract files on the server. Subsequently, the database was made accessible company-wide for an authorised group of people.

• digital recording and systematic filing of framework contracts
• manual entry of the contract key points
• subsequent import of a comprehensive (current) list of contact persons

Data migration of Leased Line Inventory comprising the inventories of various network providers into a live leased line management system

The existing leased line inventory of a network operator had to be migrated into the database of another network operator due to a company merger. Both operators were in operation during the process. Upfront, the leased line data had to be checked for plausibility, consistency, correctness and completeness.

• inventory control
• inventory adjustment
• cancellation of unused / dispensable leased lines
• reconciliation of inventory
• preparation of data migration
• data migration
• test / check after data migration

Creation of an SQL-based Contract Management Database for Carrier Contracts

All existing frame contracts were digitally filed. The next step was to assess the contracts as preparation for the data entry. All contracts were filed systematically into the newly developed directory structure. Subsequently, the data base was activated for the relevant group of people.

• specification of requirements
• data model creation
• programming and testing
• implementation
• data entry of existing contracts and service level agreements
• structured filing of contracts in paper and digital form

Fixed Network, Leased Line Management

Realisation of cost savings potential for existing leased line contracts

• preparation and conducting price negotiations for leased lines
• creation of benchmarks
• contract review and analysis for dark fibre and bandwidth contracts
• preparation and coordination of leased lines migration

Renegotiation of existing individual bandwidth contracts

The existing bandwidth contracts were to be checked for their cost reduction potential and prioritised accordingly. Prices were re-negotiated and when necessary contract amendments drafted. All price changes were documented in the client’s database.

• inventory control
• contract negotiation
• reporting
• contract management
• documentation

Specification and implementation of a software tool to handle spare parts

As part of the process analysis of the network operator’s existing spare part logistics, it was determined that in addition to extensive adjustments to the process chain, the introduction of logistics software tailored to the specific needs of the network operator was required. The requirements were specified on the basis of the changed process chain. As part of a market analysis, a suitable provider for the implementation of the software solution was selected and the entire process from adaptation to integration of the new software was accompanied. The users were trained with individually created documents. The initial inventory was planned and carried out.

• tool specification
• definitions of requirements and specifications
• market analysis of various logistics software
• carrying out of tender
• acceptance and integration testing

UMTS/GSM-Radio Planning, Data Management

Consolidation and optimisation of radio network data to implement improved data interfaces between the planning systems and the operational network

• process optimisation within the BSS-parameter planning for the integration of base stations into the operational radio network
• co-operation in specification and implementation of a new tool for provisioning of optimised BSS-Parameter and automatic reload of actual parameters into the planning systems
• execution of operational acceptance tests (OAT)
• co-operation in the further development of planning and network documentation systems for radio planning
• development of various tools for automatic traffic control of base stations and regulation of capacity-caused up and down grades within individual base station sectors
• controlling of planning parameter guidelines during network rollout

Concept development for automatic monitoring of service level agreements and claim management

Due to the fact that with all system technology suppliers and leased line providers service agreements had been agreed upon, it was necessary to monitor the performances delivered. The adherence to the agreements was to be checked automatically on the basis of contractually defined key performance indicators (KPIs) such as availability or time to repair. For this purpose a concept “vendor reporting / claim management” was developed including process definitions, tool specifications and requirements for reporting.

• concept development
• tool analysis
• process description
• tool specifications
• reporting concept

Guest Lecturer for Project Management in Telecommunications

Guest lecturer for Project Management in Telecommunications, Information Technology. The students got lucky since one of the best was teaching them for several terms.

• teaching
• preaching
• learning … from the young ones
• counseling
• enjoying