Innovative Solutions: Powerschool and Nordic Consulting Success Stories

Innovative Solutions: Powerschool and Nordic Consulting Success Stories

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. The Challenge: Assessing the Current State
3. Outdated Intranet and Limited Information
4. Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing in Silos
5. Lack of Centralized Internal Communications
6. Limited Global Connectivity
7. The Business Case for a Digital Workplace
8. The Scope of the Project: Building Knowledge Management and Internal Communications
9. Choosing a Singular Solution
10. The Goals and KPIs for the Digital Workplace
11. Introducing Nordic HQ: The Global Digital Headquarters
12. Successes and Achievements Post Launch
13. Continuous Improvements and Expansion
14. The Importance of Feedback and User Engagement
15. Lessons Learned and Advice for Similar Projects

Article:

Revolutionizing the Digital Workplace: A Case Study

Introduction

In today's fast-paced and interconnected world, organizations are facing increasing challenges when it comes to managing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and ensuring effective internal communications. This is particularly true for consulting firms operating in the healthcare sector, where the stakes are high, and the need for efficient technology solutions is paramount. In this case study, we will Delve into the Journey of Nordic Consulting, a leading global consulting firm focused on healthcare, as they successfully implemented a digital workplace solution to address their specific pain points and streamline their operations.

The Challenge: Assessing the Current State

Upon joining Nordic Consulting as the Senior Director of Knowledge Management and Internal Communications, Don Hancock was tasked with building the knowledge management and internal communications functions from the ground up while revamping the existing intranet. To begin, Don needed to assess the current state of the organization and identify the pain points experienced by the leaders and employees across the company.

Outdated Intranet and Limited Information

One of the first observations made by Don was that Nordic's current intranet was outdated. The information available was limited, making it difficult for employees to find the resources they needed. This resulted in wasted time and decreased utilization of the platform. To address this, a modern and comprehensive intranet solution was required.

Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing in Silos

Another major pain point was the lack of collaboration and knowledge sharing within Nordic. Teams were working in silos, which prevented them from benefiting from the collective intelligence and expertise present within the organization. Don recognized the need for a centralized platform that would facilitate easy collaboration and knowledge sharing among employees.

Lack of Centralized Internal Communications

Internal communications at Nordic were primarily conducted via email, which was neither engaging nor easily accessible for reference. The lack of a centralized internal communications platform made it challenging to disseminate information effectively and keep employees informed.

Limited Global Connectivity

With offices in the US, Canada, and Europe, Nordic Consulting needed a solution that would provide global connectivity. The existing intranet was not global, resulting in separated access and a lack of a centralized portal for sharing company information.

The Business Case for a Digital Workplace

To secure the funding for their digital workplace solution, a compelling business case was essential. Don calculated the cost of employees spending time searching for information that should be readily available and centralized. The staggering numbers demonstrated the need and value a digital workplace could bring to Nordic Consulting.

The Scope of the Project: Building Knowledge Management and Internal Communications

With the funding secured, Don set out to modernize Nordic's workplace by building the knowledge management and internal communications functions. His objective was to deploy a singular solution that would address all pain points identified, rather than separate platforms that could cannibalize each other and confuse users.

Choosing a Singular Solution

Don researched over 30 intranet vendors, testing different functionalities and gathering insights. After rigorous evaluation, Nordic Consulting selected a singular solution that offered an effective internet, internal communications portal, collaboration platform, and knowledge management platform in one Cohesive Package.

The Goals and KPIs for the Digital Workplace

The success of the digital workplace solution was measured through several high-level goals and key performance indicators (KPIs). Nordic aimed to ensure a connected, informed, and engaged workforce, as well as findable, impactful, and fresh content. Detailed KPIs were defined to measure these objectives with precision.

Introducing Nordic HQ: The Global Digital Headquarters

The chosen solution was launched as "Nordic HQ," serving as the company's global digital headquarters. Nordic HQ became the single gateway to access all information, resources, and functionalities across the organization. The platform aimed to enhance knowledge sharing, internal communications, collaboration, and overall connectivity among employees.

Successes and Achievements Post Launch

Since the launch of Nordic HQ, the platform has experienced significant success. Hundreds of pages of corporate content, including policies, go-to-market materials, and thought leadership, were published. Communities, sites, and live trainings were introduced to foster collaboration and continuous learning. The enthusiasm and engagement from employees have resulted in ongoing expansions and improvements to the platform.

Continuous Improvements and Expansion

Even though Nordic HQ was a significant undertaking, the organization continues to invest in its improvement and expansion. New pages of corporate content, additional sites, communities, and training Sessions have been added to meet evolving needs and support employees in their daily tasks.

The Importance of Feedback and User Engagement

Nordic Consulting places a strong emphasis on gathering feedback and engaging users in the digital workplace project. User input and insights were invaluable in driving enhancements and ensuring the platform's ongoing success. By actively listening to their employees and involving them in the decision-making process, Nordic Consulting continues to evolve their digital workplace solution.

Lessons Learned and Advice for Similar Projects

The case study concludes with valuable lessons learned from Nordic's digital workplace implementation. It emphasizes the importance of understanding organizational pain points, choosing a singular solution tailored to specific needs, setting clear goals and KPIs, and fostering continuous improvement through feedback and user engagement. This case study provides valuable advice for organizations embarking on similar projects and seeking to revolutionize their digital workplaces.

Highlights:

• Nordic Consulting successfully implemented a digital workplace solution to address pain points in their current intranet and internal communications.
• The chosen solution, Nordic HQ, serves as a global digital headquarters, enhancing collaboration, knowledge sharing, and connectivity among employees.
• Key successes include the publication of hundreds of pages of corporate content, the introduction of communities and sites, and ongoing expansions and improvements to the platform.
• Feedback and user engagement play a crucial role in driving enhancements and ensuring the ongoing success of the digital workplace solution.

FAQ:

Q: How did Nordic Consulting address the challenge of limited information availability and an outdated intranet? A: Nordic Consulting implemented a modern intranet solution, Nordic HQ, that comprehensively addressed the pain points of limited information availability and an outdated intranet. This solution provided a centralized platform where employees could access resources and information efficiently.

Q: What were the main goals and objectives of the digital workplace solution? A: The main goals and objectives of the digital workplace solution, Nordic HQ, were to ensure a connected, informed, and engaged workforce, as well as provide findable, impactful, and fresh content. Detailed key performance indicators (KPIs) were defined to measure the success of these goals.

Q: How did Nordic Consulting ensure continuous improvement and user engagement in the digital workplace project? A: Nordic Consulting prioritized feedback and user engagement throughout the project. They actively sought input from employees and involved them in decision-making processes. This approach ensured ongoing enhancements and the platform's ongoing success.

Q: What advice does Nordic Consulting have for organizations embarking on similar digital workplace projects? A: Nordic Consulting advises organizations to understand their specific pain points, choose a singular solution that meets their needs, set clear goals and KPIs, and prioritize continuous improvement through user feedback and engagement.