Case Study

The Challenge

When the Acquiring Organisation and the Target Organisation came together in a merger, they faced challenges that extended beyond typical integration pains. Despite being united under one corporate banner for 12 months, they were divided by technology, each operating on a separate Microsoft tenant. This digital separation created inefficiencies in their working methods, with teams effectively seeing each other as external parties. The situation was far from ideal, with these technological barriers hampering collaboration and communication across the two entities. Adding complexity, the merger spanned across different international locations and time zones, amplifying the inefficiencies and the need for a streamlined, unified approach. The task ahead was clear but daunting: overcoming these operational and technical inefficiencies by integrating circa. 8,500 employees into a single Microsoft tenant, facilitating a unified and efficient work environment.

Our Approach

Understanding the depth of the challenge – merging not just two companies but their distinct cultures and technological landscapes – we adopted a nuanced and comprehensive approach. We were tasked with navigating this complex integration, stepping in to provide the independent project management expertise that was notably absent within the merged entities. Our strategy was built on collaboration, bringing together the internal technical teams from both organisations and a third-party specialist in Microsoft tenant migrations.

Our Change Squad’s approach to this complex merger and integration project involved several key strategies:

• Stakeholder Engagement: We prioritised clear and consistent communication with all stakeholders involved, including the internal teams from both the Acquiring Organisation and the Target Organisation, as well as our third-party technical partner. This ensured everyone was aligned with the project goals and timelines.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Recognising the merger’s cultural dimensions, we approached the integration with sensitivity towards both entities’ existing cultures and practices. This was essential to foster a sense of unity and collaboration among teams that had previously viewed each other as external entities.
• Technical Expertise Collaboration: Leveraging AlphaPoint’s specialised knowledge, we navigated the technical complexities of merging two Microsoft tenants. This collaboration was crucial to addressing the technical challenges of consolidating vast data and ensuring a smooth migration process.
• Project Management Excellence: With a gap in project management expertise within the merged entities, we provided the necessary leadership and oversight. Our project management approach was adaptive, responding to the project’s evolving needs while focusing on the goal of a unified Microsoft tenant.
• Data Migration Strategy: The project involved migrating over 200 terabytes of data, including emails, OneDrive files, SharePoint sites, and more. We developed a phased migration plan to minimise disruptions and ensure operational continuity throughout the migration process.
• Minimising Downtime: Understanding the importance of maintaining business operations, we carefully planned the migration in phases. This approach allowed us to minimise downtime and reduce the impact on day-to-day activities.
• Feedback Loops: Throughout the project, we established mechanisms for regular feedback from all parties involved. This enabled us to address concerns promptly and adjust our strategies as necessary to ensure the project remained on track.
• Post-Migration Support: After the migration, we continued to provide support to address any issues and ensure a smooth transition for all users. This included troubleshooting, training, and ongoing communication to help employees adapt to the new unified system.

The project was as much about the people as it was about the technology and process changes. Recognising the underlying cultural dynamics and the operational inefficiencies that needed addressing, we orchestrated a meticulously planned migration. This endeavour was not merely technical but strategic, aiming to dismantle the barriers to efficient collaboration and streamline the merged entity’s operations.