Enterprise companies have complex IT environments with large numbers of systems and applications to oversee and manage. IT infrastructure roadmaps help companies ensure all components are aligned and working toward their operational goals. A good roadmap helps with cost and risk management and is the backbone of IT strategic planning.
Large companies often have talented IT teams but don’t always have an expert on staff who can build and deliver IT infrastructure roadmaps. When EPCOR identified the need for expert guidance, they hired Will to develop the roadmaps and teach their team of Infrastructure Architects how to do them on their own for future consistency.
The Client
EPCOR Utilities Inc. is a Canadian utility company that provides electricity, natural gas, water, and wastewater services to customers in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. EPCOR was founded in 1966 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the City of Edmonton and is one of the largest utility companies in Canada, serving over 1.2 million customers. EPCOR has also been recognized as one of “Canada’s Top 100 Employers” for their commitment to employee engagement and development.
The Problem & Goal
The client’s IT Infrastructure Planning and Architecture department required expert assistance in creating IT infrastructure roadmaps to support the company’s growth and operations into the future.
The Scope
Will’s job was to develop and deliver technical and strategic IT infrastructure roadmaps to outline what they should upgrade and what technology they should invest in as part of their multi-year strategic plans. Will also created roadmap development processes for their internal IT teams to follow to ensure each individual IT infrastructure architect can continue maintaining the roadmaps for their area of expertise going forward. This project took place in 2023.
The Solution
Will developed and delivered IT infrastructure roadmaps that were well-received by the client. He also worked closely with their IT Infrastructure Planning and Architecture department to show them how to build these roadmaps on their own to ensure long-term success. Each step of the way, Will detailed exactly why decisions were made and the logical process involved. Their team now knows how to inventory their infrastructure, bring information together, and strategically build the roadmaps to assess and plan for the future.
Highlights:
- Developed and delivered IT Infrastructure roadmaps for all the clients IT Infrastructure assets, in a 4500+ user environment.
- Completed a knowledge transfer on the roadmap development process to the team members of EPCOR’s IT Infrastructure Planning and Architecture department.
- Built a framework for their teams to continue using for long-term success.
Conclusion
Hiring an external expert like Will to complete IT infrastructure projects keeps companies operating smoothly and makes their IT teams look great. We can help IT departments boost their skills and make their jobs easier.