Case Study: A Change Initiative Introducing Program Management to Capture the Automotive Industry's Pivot Towards Electrification

Introduction

In the fast-evolving automotive industry, staying ahead of the curve requires not just technological innovation but also strategic agility. Our consulting firm recently partnered with a client in the automotive software sector to pilot our Reliance Framework 4 Steps. This case study explores the journey from the initial challenges to the successful implementation of our framework, which has transformed their approach to project management and product development.

The Problem

The client, a software supplier for the automotive industry, faced significant challenges in adapting to the industry's pivot towards electrification. Their existing project management and development processes were not equipped to handle the increased complexity and rapid changes required by new industry standards and customer demands. This gap threatened their competitiveness and ability to deliver high-quality embedded software for electronic control units (ECUs).

The Goal

This case study aims to document the application of our Reliance Framework 4 Steps to the client's unique challenges. It illustrates how our approach facilitated an agile transformation, enhanced their project management capabilities, and ultimately positioned them to better serve their automotive customers. By sharing this journey, we hope to provide insights into effective change management and strategic project implementation.

The "Strategic Projects" initiative marked a significant shift in the client's approach to project management. Launched on September 28, 2023, this program expanded the existing "Normal Projects" portfolio to include more complex, high-stakes projects. The new program aimed to capture the automotive industry's shift towards electrification by introducing comprehensive program management practices.

The initiative involved adapting to the technical offering declarations of the client's software department, integrating Agile/SAFe methods, and meeting stringent ISO standards. These changes facilitated a seamless transition to a more sophisticated and responsive project management framework, capable of addressing the industry's evolving needs.

By the end of this transformation, the client had significantly enhanced their project management capabilities, improved accountability, and positioned themselves as a key player in the automotive software market. The introduction of the "Strategic Projects" program not only optimized their current software development efforts but also set a new standard for future projects.

In conclusion, this case study highlights the successful application of our Reliance Framework 4 Steps in driving an agile transformation within the automotive software industry. By focusing on self-assessment, understanding dilemmas, fostering a hero team, and refining product creation, we enabled our client to navigate complex industry challenges and achieve remarkable results.

Previous State

Before engaging with our consulting services, the client operated within a traditional project management framework. Their "Normal Projects" portfolio allowed for individual software development efforts within customer environments, but lacked a cohesive strategy for managing complex, multi-faceted projects. This approach often led to inefficiencies, limited accountability, and difficulty in meeting the stringent requirements of new industry standards.

How we started

Our collaboration began with a comprehensive analysis of the client's current state through the first step of our framework: Self-Assessment. This phase involved identifying key pain points, understanding existing workflows, and gathering input from stakeholders across the organization.

How Was Our Reliance Framework Applied?

Note This project was run with a prototype of the Reliance Framework.

Step 1: Self Assessment

In this initial phase, we conducted workshops and interviews to map out the client's strengths and weaknesses. This helped us pinpoint areas needing improvement and set a baseline for measuring progress.

Step 2: Understand the Dilemma

We focused on understanding the specific dilemmas faced by the client, particularly the challenges of delegation and expansion with decentralized operations. We introduced a standardized decision-making process and improved accountability through robust program management. This phase also involved the creation of autonomous project units, each capable of operating independently while adhering to a unified strategy.

Step 3: Foster a Hero Team

To tackle the complex requirements of the automotive industry, we established a Technology and Management (TAM) unit. This unit's role was to share information and technology across projects, ensuring consistency and fostering innovation. By building a dedicated team of experts, we enabled the client to address both technical and managerial challenges effectively.

Step 4: Refine Your Product Creation

Finally, we refined the client's product creation processes to align with industry standards. This included integrating Agile and SAFe methodologies, adhering to ISO standards (9001, 15504, 26262, and 21434), and enhancing the overall quality and security of their software products. These improvements allowed the client to deliver a complete software development lifecycle as a service, embedded within their customers' projects.