The challenge

In the provision of services targeted at individuals and teams, Winsborough applies multiple methods incorporating algorithms, analytics and research. Over time, it has evolved from the simplest of tools – pen and paper – through increasingly advanced tools including word processors and Excel, and on to several technology platforms supporting the collection and analysis of data, explains Winsborough Product Lead Ariana Bascand. “Despite that, we realised we were falling behind, with dated user experiences and static deliverables. Along with more interactive outputs, we sought efficiency gains and a dynamic and modern way of working.”

Realising that the collection, processing and delivery of information could be accelerated through technology, some 5 years ago Winsborough engaged an initial service provider for the development of an automation solution. Unfortunately, the effort failed outright, costing Winsborough time and money, leaving it with emotional, commercial, technical, and financial debt. “It was devastating,” Bascand confirms.

Dented but undaunted, and retaining a belief that appropriately applied, technology could accelerate the company towards a brighter future, Winsborough tested the market again in 2021 with a closed tender. Hyper-alert to risks, a detailed RFP sought to evaluate potential partners on technical competence, values compatibility, business acumen, ownership and partnership potential.

Lancom was the clear winner.

The solution

While the solution is technical, the problem is a business one. Lancom commenced by thoroughly assessing and understanding Winsborough’s needs.

Bascand notes: “Lancom demonstrated its commercial knowledge through its own experience as a software vendor. It established a governance structure with regular C-level meetings closely monitoring progress, expectations and issues. As the platform took shape, Lancom continually made suggestions and recommendations, often drawn from its broader client base, sharing their experience of what works and what doesn’t. And the depth of expertise in the development team was apparent, with the deep dives to get a real sense of who we are and how we work, then translating that into technology behavior.” 

An Agile approach meant rapid development and continual prompting of ideas and approaches, with rapid prototyping which Bascand says resulted in moving to Minimal Viable Product ‘plus’ which went beyond initial expectations. 

The resultant ‘Ka tipu te Rangatiratanga Enterprise Platform’ which Lancom has delivered is built for scale in the AWS environment and enables Winsborough to build out its products, providing consultants with online access to client accounts and supports their business-as-usual project management.  

The results

Automated Workflows

By enabling and introducing automated workflows into the collection of personality and other data used in selection and recruitment, the Ka tipu te Rangatiratanga Enterprise Platform provides Winsborough clients with rapid and easy access to metrics including candidate behaviour predictions, mental performance metrics, and project workflows for continuous professional development.

Accessibility

With scale and automation as key goals – essentially making products beneficial to ‘NZ, Inc’ accessible to a broader market by reducing the cost and achieving the reach made possible by digital technology – the platform is already recognised for facilitating efficiency gains and delivering the continuous engagement sought by Winsborough.

Accelerating Tasks

While the platform is at Minimal Viable Product stage at this point, Winsborough’s Bascand says it is already clear that it is accelerating common tasks for the company’s consultants. For example, she says an evaluation process behind candidate selection is now demonstrated to take just half the expected time. “This means our people spend less time on data collection and collation, and more time engaging with clients and applying their minds,” she points out.

Outstanding Security

An independent audit of the software quality delivered encouraging results, confirming outstanding security (as Winsborough handles personal information, this is a crucial KPI. It must comply with the NZ Privacy Act, GDPR, and potentially Australian privacy laws) and, says Bascand, attracting an unsolicited comment: “They said ‘this system is fantastic’.”

Leveraging AWS Technologies

Bascand says knowing Lancom has built Ka tipu te Rangatiratanga Enterprise Platform with AWS products, services and solutions is a slight mind-boggle. “Seeing the developers matching a request for a feature or service to the AWS stack and literally pulling it off the shelf was amazing. It seems there’s always something available for every need. And knowing there is a world-dominating technology leader behind the scenes making our system work is quite remarkable. Along with the wonderful Lancom people saying ‘yes, we have that available to meet your needs’.”