Collaborating with other business units
Professional development begins with collaboration. The biggest steps are taken when we combine our knowledge and talents. Take Albert Hol (Project Manager) and Gerben Mulder (Consultant Management).
They worked together on a project for a large retailer, where the billing process was renewed within Dynamics Finance & Operations using Azure Functions. The solution enables the retailer to process and invoice about 150,000 order lines quickly and accurately every day.
“Through that interaction you learn from each other: that makes the work truly special."
Although Albert (implementation) and Gerben (management) are usually involved in different phases of a project, this time it was different. This project was the first time they collaborated so intensively – and successfully. In fact, it was that successful that we now use this approach as a standard at HSO.
Albert and Gerben share their experiences about this special collaboration.
Why did this approach work well?
Albert: "We didn't wait until the project was completed before involving the management team. Gerben was already involved during the project. This allowed him to think along and delve into the structure of the project. When the project goes live, there is hardly any transfer. Everything runs seamlessly."
Gerben: "Indeed, instead of each team doing its own part of the work and then transferring it, we worked together as one integrated team. We jointly thought about solutions and problems. This creates more understanding and prevents surprises afterwards."
What did you learn from this collaboration?
Gerben: "By brainstorming with Azure developers, I learned a lot about how systems communicate with each other. This project challenged me to think beyond my own expertise, I learned about the processes behind it. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and that stimulates me."
Albert: "Exactly, this is precisely why I found it so valuable to have Gerben involved from the beginning. He looks at the project from a different perspective and thinks about things I might not consider. He ensures that the solution not only works well at go-live but is also sustainable in the long term. This also forces me to look beyond just the implementation deadline."
What does this mean for the customer?
Albert: "They see us as one face and are not sent from one counter to another. The management team knows the solution from the beginning, has partly worked on it, and takes responsibility. This ensures that the customer immediately receives the support needed, without losing extra transfer time."
Gerben: "The customer also notices that the lines are shorter. This ensures that problems are solved faster. We work as one team, regardless of the department someone belongs to. It's all about the added value we can offer together."
Finally: What makes your work special?
Gerben: "It's the colleagues that make the work interesting. Although we are in IT, it is really all about people. We constantly consult each other, ask questions, and keep each other sharp. Through that interaction, you learn from each other: that makes the work truly special."
Albert: "For me, it's the dynamics of the different projects and the diversity of people and customers. Every project is different, and every customer has unique challenges. That keeps the work varied and interesting. I also love that everyone at HSO brings their own talents and character."