Your business systems programme is too important to belong to someone else.
We work with construction, utilities and engineering businesses to define, select and deliver major business systems programmes. Our advice is independent of the software vendors and implementation partners paid to deliver them.
01 THE CHALLENGE
Business transformations that rely on new systems rarely fail because the software doesn’t work.
They fail because the business wasn’t ready. Because decisions were delegated to people with different commercial interests. Because nobody retained control of the whole programme.
AI can accelerate your success - or failure - when pursued in isolation. Its value depends on the same foundations: clear objectives, reliable data, sound processes and people ready for change.
CSXO sits on your side of the table.
02 WHY CSXO
We're independent by design.
No software to sell.
No licence revenue. No implementation utilisation targets.
People who know your industries.
Senior experience in construction, utilities and engineering, with an understanding of how your business works. No long bench of junior consultants.
Experience without theatre.
We work alongside your people, challenge when necessary and transfer capability rather than creating dependency. We built our reputations doing what you do now - and more.
03 THE JOURNEY
With you before, during and after implementation.
DEFINE
What are we trying to achieve? Business objectives, requirements, programme shape and economics.
SELECT
Choose the right solution and partners. Market assessment, procurement process management, evaluation and commercial negotiation.
PREPARE
Set the business up for success. People, processes, governance and change readiness.
IMPLEMENT
Stay in control during delivery. Programme leadership, design decisions, testing and assurance.
ADOPT
Make it work in your business. User training, process adoption, resilience and engagement.
REALISE
Make sure it delivers. Benefits realisation, ongoing engagement and Return on Investment.
04 OUR APPROACH
Who benefits most from your transformation?
Most programmes begin with the intention of delivering value for the business. Under pressure, responsibility gradually moves towards the software provider and implementation partner. Part of our job is to spot and stop that drift.
We take a pragmatic approach to AI in major systems implementations. It can support better decisions, automate routine work and improve how people use information, but it is no silver bullet. We focus on practical value, supported by reliable data, sound processes and human judgement.
WITH YOU - the proven route to lasting success
You work alongside the software provider and implementation partner. It demands control, commitment, communication and consistency.
FOR YOU
They produce some or all deliverables. You still make design decisions, but lack time to take a full part.
TO YOU
They make every design decision and deliver every deliverable. The end result is never truly yours.
05 FOUNDATIONS
Three foundations for success
Experience has taught us what matters most:
COMMITTED LEADERSHIP
Proactive governance and visible senior support.
YOUR BEST PEOPLE
Trusted colleagues given time to shape a better way of working.
ONE SHARED DIRECTION
Your team, CSXO and suppliers aligned on the same outcomes.
06 HOW WE WORK
People before Process and Structure before Software
Four steps to a plan everyone can commit to:
A UNDERSTAND: PEACE (Pre-Engagement Assessment Checkpoint Exercise)
Determine the programme’s shape, ambition, risks and the level of support required.
B PRIORITISE: MoSCoW ("Musts, Shoulds, Coulds and Won't have - this time")
Turn organisational wishes into decisions that can actually be designed, procured and delivered.
C DEFINE THE DESTINATION: TOM (Target Operating Model)
Define how people, process, data and technology need to work together.
D MAP THE TERRAIN: Systems Landscape
Understand what systems you use now, what they do and why, what replaces them and when.
