For SME's who find that they are outgrowing their current IT systems, but are not ready to employ a full time CIO (Chief Information Officer), we work on a part-time basis, ensuring that their business strategy is given appropriate support by all aspects of IT; staff, suppliers, systems and process.

"I’m spending too much time managing the IT function and the firm is not happy with the service they receive." — Managing Partner, Strategy Consultancy

By demonstrating to the client how the existing operation compared with industry best practice, we were able to show exactly which support functions should be maintained in-house and which should be outsourced. We recommended restructuring the IT function to move resources away from development to support. This reduced the overall IT costs, whilst service levels improved significantly. More

"I have a high-level sales strategy but I'm not sure on how best to execute." — EMEA Sales Director, Global Power Rental

Our client, the world's largest supplier of rental power, had engaged Bain to help determine a new sales strategy. One of the recommendations was to use the internet as a sales channel. We were asked to advise on how best to move forward. Work had started on an online sales pilot with selected customers. More

"Our new client-facing, operational system is beset with quality problems. Please advise on how we may still hit its public launch." COO Support Services

We provided technical due diligence and oversight for this support services company during the development of a critical, customer facing operational system that was to run a new business service. We evaluated and recommended suppliers, advised the board on how they could better engage with and manage them, and drew up job specifications for key permanent IT roles. Finally, we worked with the development team to focus them on the key areas of the service that needed improvement, providing additional support where necessary. The service was delivered, successfully, in time for its public launch.

"I need to offer new online services but our operational systems are reaching the end of their life and can't support this." — CIO UK Retailer

This retailers' existing operational systems were deemed to be reaching the end of their life. We advised on how they could use messaging technology to enable delivery of new online and in-store kiosk services. This significantly extended the life of the existing operational systems, and enabled quicker than anticipated delivery of new services.