D. H. Howden Ltd. is a wholesaler of consumer hardware products located in London, Ontario.  In the 1960s, Howden arranged with Pro Hardware to operate Pro in Canada. To that end, Howden sold Pro franchises across Canada and provided marketing, inventory and logistics as part of the package.  Howden now operates 364 Pro stores.  In 1984, it licensed with Hardware Wholesalers Inc. to market the Do-It Centre program in Canada.  There are now 58 Do-It Centres.

Project Summary

Managed the implementation of a 100-terminal upgrade.

Background

A business case had been prepared for the replacement of 50 user terminals and an additional 25 terminals for the head office departments.  Because of the lower cost level, the additional 25 terminals were enabling further automation than could be justified before.  Now, before the terminals were delivered, the primary supplier announced a new product which brought the price level down further, and the plan was changed to take 50 new terminals which would be for additional installations, some in remote sites, then 50 more to replace the existing in head office.

Requirement

A plan for the premises renovations (electrical, relocation, etc.) for the new terminals and the scheduling, logistics and user liaison for the installations, then user training to ensure application uptake.

Approach

• Review As Is installation state.  Interview senior and department management to develop a plan for installation with staff assessment and training plans.
• Documented an overall plan, presented it to management and, once approved, implemented the plan to successfully achieve complete installation, on time.