Thales

Nichols has worked with Thales since 2008 to improve performance on complex projects. We have provided strategic advice and project delivery services to Thales across the UK.

Challenge
Thales Rail Signalling Solutions supplies state-of-the-art signalling systems for urban railways around the world.

Experience
In 2007 we were engaged by Thales to facilitate a change in commercial arrangements with Tube Lines for the Jubilee Line upgrade programme. Nichols provided experts for a number of roles in Project Controls, Planning, Engineering and Commercial Management. Thales were able to renegotiate the contract terms to ensure delivery of the programme within a timescale that would minimise financial penalties to both parties.

For the Jubilee Line Upgrade Programme, Nichols introduced strategic systems planning to define and communicate the following: schedule hierarchy, work and cost breakdown structures, milestone hierarchy, cost and resource management, risk management, baseline process, change control and period update and reporting cycle.

In 2010 Nichols established a lean, high calibre integrated Business Programme Management Office (BPMO) to create an effective governance structure of Thales. The BPMO helped to drive improved business performance and corporate compliance. It implemented effective internal control of its portfolio of projects, and supported customer requirements and relationships.

In 2010, we worked with Thales to facilitate the renegotiation of the Northern Line contract. We provided specialist support in Planning and Commercial Management. At the completion of the assignment, the Northern Line programme was proceeding on schedule and within budget.

In 2011, we began working with the Tram Control System project team in Manchester, to build general confidence and project momentum. We re-established the programme leadership, improved stakeholder management and built the capability to deliver the project successfully. We improved project governance and compliance to rebuild customer trust, and helped to assure a commercial return on the contract by establishing a controlled project baseline and management plan for critical deliverables.

Benefits
As a direct result of our involvement, Thales have been able to stabilise their programmes and progress on the basis of sound contractual and commercial arrangements. We have provided them with improved performance on complex projects and have been a trusted programme partner to them for a number of years.