Overview
The past month’s ICT inquiries for IBRS clients reveal a strong focus on optimising operations and strategically positioning organisations for future challenges. Leading topics included procurement, IT operational excellence, cyber security, and value extraction, indicating a persistent need to manage costs, enhance efficiency, and protect digital assets.
As with last month, trends show a growing interest in artificial intelligence governance, alongside continued attention to cyber security.
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Topical Inquiries
Solve
Optimising Network Infrastructure Procurement
A healthcare provider sought IBRS’s expertise for a pencil review of a vendor’s tender response for a critical network refresh. IBRS identified potential cost implications from non-compliant items, architectural decisions based on cost over full redundancy, and the suitability of technologies like MPLS and 5G backup. IBRS’s independent assessment ensured the proposed solution aligned with the client’s business needs and risk appetite.
Advisor: Mike Mitchelmore – Log an Inquiry with Mike
Transforming Legacy ERP Integration
A local government council required guidance on future-proofing its TechnologyOne ERP system, which lacked robust integration capabilities, aligning with complementary work being done to implement an Azure-based data analytics environment. IBRS provided a detailed report on options for TechnologyOne integration architectures, and advised on using MS Fabric and Dataverse to transform esoteric data structures into business-oriented data.
Advisor: Dr Joe Sweeney – Log an inquiry with Joe
Plan
Streamlining Project Pipeline Management
A local government council requested best practices for pipeline management, distinguishing between BAU and projects, and ‘right-sizing’ governance processes. IBRS recommended a simple pipeline process (discovery, delivery, and improvement stages), a one-page project brief for initial review, a PMO function to define methodologies and a weighted scoring system for prioritisation. These assets ensure strategic alignment and optimised use of resources.
Advisor: Andrew Fox – Log an Inquiry with Andrew
Optimising SAP Support Organisational Structure
An engineering firm sought advice on the optimal organisational structure for SAP support, specifically the mix of in-house and third-party resources for its SAP S/4HANA environment. IBRS provided recommendations on critical roles and skills to retain in-house and identified suitable third-party services, offering a strategic perspective on skill retention and external procurement.
Advisor: Dr Philip Nesci- Request a call with Philip
Explore
Developing a Forward-Looking Data Strategy
A federal government agency tasked with refreshing its data strategy sought IBRS’s insights into best practices and market trends. IBRS provided high-level guidance on evolving their existing strategy, focusing on stakeholder engagement, data action projects, uplifting data literacy (especially with Power BI), and building internal capability to unlock greater value from their data assets over the next three to four years.
Advisor: David Beal – Arrange a whiteboard session with David
Navigating Generative AI Adoption in Government
A State Government’s Office of Digital Government needed advice for preparing a presentation on safely leveraging generative AI, especially Microsoft Copilot in a public sector setting. IBRS provided advice for use in the presentation and assets, covering setting realistic expectations, broadening risk definitions beyond data leakage, creating formal AI literacy programs, and strategically negotiating with Microsoft for Copilot rollout.
Advisor: Dr. Joseph Sweeney – Log an Inquiry with Joe
Document Reviews
- Briefing Paper Review: AI in Law Enforcement Investigations
- IGB Gated Assurance Framework Integration Review
- IT Steering Committee Charter Review for Enhanced Governance and Prioritisation
- Government Data Platform Manager Role Description Review
Whiteboard Sessions
- Client Programme Optimisation Whiteboard Session: Project completion blockages and actionable strategies for focused, successful programme delivery.
- Client Bespoke Solution Workshop: Clarifying requirements and outlining a path for future solution development.
- Project Management Workshop Outcomes: Structured project management strategies and clear implementation steps from the onsite sessions.
- Operating Model Refinement Workshop: Gained clarity and refined their proposed operating model for platform implementation.
- Workflow Process Review: Stakeholders approved the formation of a cross-functional team, validating the recently developed process.
- Project Cost Strategy Whiteboard Session: Developed a parametric costing approach.
- Unified Communications Strategy Session: Expert advice on optimising unified communications, supporting informed decision-making for planned changes.
- Strategic IT Visioning Workshop: Clarity on future IT direction, target architecture, and required skills for a 2030 vision.
- Strategic IT Visioning Workshop: Clarity on future IT architecture, skill needs, and a phased approach for cloud-first adoption.
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