Accelerating digital transformation with strategic project management at FLSmidth
The challenge
FLSmidth, a global leader in mining and cement solutions, faced increasing demands on its internal digital project management capacity. With several digital transformation projects underway and tight timelines, the company needed a flexible partner who could swiftly provide experienced project managers, ensuring they fit seamlessly into FLSmidth’s culture.
The solution
As the leading business technology company in the Nordics, we partnered with FLSmidth to offer a flexible, on-demand project management pool. We quickly deployed skilled project managers to FLSmidth’s ongoing initiatives, enabling the company to maintain its digital transformation momentum without overwhelming its internal teams.
The outcome
FLSmidth gained immediate access to top-tier project managers who integrated smoothly into their teams, accelerating project delivery and reducing strain on internal staff. This agile partnership model empowered FLSmidth to consistently deliver digital projects on time and within scope, even during peak periods.
A case of strategic flexibility
FLSmidth, with over a century of experience in engineering solutions for mining and cement industries, has always excelled at managing large-scale projects. With operations in more than 100 countries, the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainable productivity has driven its success. Yet, as digital transformation became a key strategic initiative, FLSmidth faced a new challenge: managing the rising demands of digital projects without overextending its internal resources.
By 2021, FLSmidth’s Digital Project Management Center of Excellence (CoE) was already operating at full capacity. Major digital projects were in progress, from improving internal systems to optimising customer-facing solutions. The need for scalable project management became increasingly clear. The company’s internal project management team was robust, but they needed to expand quickly to meet deadlines without sacrificing quality or overburdening staff.
“Sofigate has been a valuable partner in helping us scale our project management capacity. Their ability to provide skilled project managers who understand our culture and can integrate quickly into our teams has allowed us to maintain momentum on key digital projects, even during busy periods.”
– Helle Vibeke Tuxen, Head of Digital Project Management CoE, FLSmidth
Recognising the need for agility
In this context, Sofigate stepped in, known for bridging the gap between business needs and technology solutions. FLSmidth didn’t just want a partner to take over projects; they needed a partner who could seamlessly integrate into their teams, grasp the unique dynamics of their business, and provide resources that could adapt to evolving needs. Rapid and flexible support was paramount.
We offered something different: not just a project delivery service, but a scalable project management pool that could expand or contract based on FLSmidth’s needs. Whether FLSmidth needed a project manager on a short-term basis to push a project across the finish line or a long-term resource embedded within their teams, we delivered.
Seamless integration in record time
What made our model particularly valuable was its speed and cultural alignment. Within days of the initial request, we provided FLSmidth with highly qualified project managers who had not only the technical skills but also fit well within the company’s way of working. This was crucial; FLSmidth’s success relied on a collaborative approach where new team members could hit the ground running.
Our project managers brought a dual expertise in business and technology, ensuring that projects stayed aligned with FLSmidth’s broader strategic objectives. They managed projects with the same level of commitment and ownership as internal employees, providing critical bandwidth during pivotal phases. The partnership went beyond filling roles — it strategically matched each resource to FLSmidth’s unique needs.
Navigating cultural alignment
We also helped ensure cultural alignment, a key challenge for FLSmidth. The company prides itself on its collaborative, innovative culture, and any external partner had to integrate smoothly. We understood this requirement from the start, carefully selecting project managers who could thrive in FLSmidth’s fast-paced, innovative environment without disrupting team dynamics.
By understanding both the technical aspects of the projects and the subtle nuances of FLSmidth’s organisational culture, we enabled a smooth and effective transition from internal to external resources. Our project managers quickly became trusted team members, driving digital initiatives forward without the typical friction that can arise when bringing in external consultants.
“Maintaining an open dialogue with Sofigate was crucial. Their proactive approach allowed us to address challenges early, optimise our processes, and ensure that we stayed on track. Their expertise in both business and technology helped us achieve our outcomes.”
– Helle Vibeke Tuxen, Head of Digital Project Management CoE, FLSmidth
Flexibility when it mattered most
The partnership’s true value emerged during periods of high demand when multiple projects were running simultaneously. FLSmidth needed immediate access to additional project managers to keep timelines on track. Our flexible model allowed them to scale resources quickly, providing additional capacity without long lead times or requiring FLSmidth to commit to full-time hires.
This level of flexibility enabled FLSmidth to maintain control over its digital transformation projects, ensuring that even during peak periods, projects were delivered on time and within budget. Our swift response to changing demands allowed FLSmidth to handle the fluctuating project workloads without missing a beat.
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