Disconnected data to strategic clarity: How a mining giant mastered demand and capacity

The challenge: Disconnected resource planning and IT Financial Management

A global mining leader was positioned for growth, but its operating model created a drag on performance. A disconnect between strategic intent and operational reality meant that planning was reactive and resource allocation was inefficient. This lack of financial clarity and operational harmony acted as a direct brake on strategic momentum and agility.

Key challenges included:

• Fragmented resource allocation: The organisation struggled to accurately adjust team capacity based on future demand. Tracking resources deployed across multiple work areas was a complex, manual process that lacked real-time visibility.
• Opaque labour cost management: There was no standardised method for allocating labour costs to the correct product or project. This made it difficult to control budgets, understand the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of initiatives, and make informed financial decisions.
• Barriers to scalable agility: Legacy systems and concerns about licensing could not support the transition to a full-scale Agile operating model, creating a roadblock to effective resource capacity planning.

The process: A strategic Apptio Targetprocess implementation

Cprime Elabor8 developed a solution to provide a clear, unified view of resource capacity and demand. Our approach was to rewire the workflows connecting finance, portfolio planning, and delivery. We see technology not as the end-goal, but as the enabler of a more intelligent operating model. By embedding Apptio Targetprocess into the core of their decision-making engine, we created a seamless flow of information that moves without friction from strategy to execution.

Our approach focused on three key activities:

• Unified platform configuration: We implemented and configured Apptio Targetprocess to deliver a robust capacity vs. demand work allocation solution, directly addressing their core Strategic Portfolio Management challenges.
• Seamless systems integration: We integrated Apptio Targetprocess with the organisation’s existing IT Financial Management tool. This crucial step automated the flow of labour rates and job profile data, creating a single, reliable source of truth and eliminating manual overhead.
• Targeted guidance and activation: We provided tailored training on how to leverage the Apptio solution effectively. This ensured teams could confidently adopt the new system and ways of working, maximising its value from day one.

The results: Enhanced strategic planning and financial control with Apptio

The Apptio Targetprocess implementation delivered a new level of strategic clarity, transforming complex resource data into a clear competitive advantage. The client can now accelerate decision-making, backed by real-time insights into their workforce and project portfolio.

Client outcomes include:

• Optimised resource allocation and efficiency: Powered by Apptio Targetprocess, the client gained complete visibility into how over 1,000 employees are allocated. This enables more effective resource deployment, leading to optimised operational efficiency and improved project success.
• Enhanced cost control and strategic planning: Standardising role types provides accurate insights to better control the budget. This has led to improved IT financial management and more strategic planning capabilities.
• Accurate labour forecasting and strategic staffing: The solution provides the ability to accurately forecast labour capacity by monitoring employee movements. This supports informed, strategic decisions about staffing, ensuring business goals are consistently met.

Final thoughts

Technology alone does not create value. Value is unlocked when an organisation’s financial strategy and operational engine achieve perfect harmony. We didn’t just implement a tool; we rewired the workflows between finance and delivery to create a seamless flow of information. This illuminates the path from investment to impact, empowering leaders to orchestrate their strategy and accelerate business outcomes with absolute clarity. By orchestrating their people, tools, and processes into a unified system, this mining leader can now accelerate decision-making with confidence and precision.

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