Lockton Rescues HR System Implementation

May 2014 • Lockton Companies

L O C K T O N C O M P A N I E S

MATTHEW KAISERVice President

Director, HR Technology & OutsourcingLockton Benefit Group

AUTHORA manufacturer of breakfast cereals was preparing to

become self-sufficient due to its impending spin-off from

the parent company. Part of its preparations included the

selection and implementation of a new benefits system.

Due to a small human resources (HR) staff, leadership

hired an outside firm to manage the selection and

implementation processes. Although the selection process

was completed in a timely fashion, it soon became clear

the system implementation was off track.

Because they were working against an aggressive deadline, with open enrollment approaching, HR leadership turned to Lockton’s HR Technology & Outsourcing practice for assistance. Lockton quickly assessed the situation and offered a project manager—a professional who was experienced with the benefits system in question and able to refocus the implementation team.

Up to the Challenge

The new project manager from Lockton stepped in to carefully evaluate the situation and get the project back on track so no momentum was lost.

THE COMPANY � Breakfast cereal manufacturer.

� Headquartered in the Midwest.

� 1,500 employees in six U.S. locations,

plus one location in Canada.

THE CHALLENGES � Implement the open enrollment module of

a new benefits system in advance of the

payroll module.

� Manage benefits requirements from

three unions.

� Create a system structure capable of handling

long-term growth.

2

During an initial meeting, the project manager gained an understanding of a variety of challenges:

The module for open enrollment was being implemented in advance of the payroll module.

Three unions, each with its own benefits policy and rates, were involved. Each required testing and signoff

before they would give members permission to use the new system for open enrollment.

Two different implementation timelines were required because one union was two weeks behind in the

process.

Acquisition was the organization’s growth strategy, so the new HR systems needed to be structured from

the outset to handle the addition of new companies.

Lockton quickly assessed the situation and offered

a project manager who was experienced with the

benefits system in question.

May 2014 • Lockton Companies

3

Taking Charge of Success

Undaunted by these challenges, Lockton’s project manager accomplished these tasks:

Planned key implementation project kickoff meetings.

Created a detailed project plan.

Held weekly meetings to coordinate the activities of all implementation participants, both inside and outside the organization.

Provided guidance so solutions were defined using industry best practices.

Managed the testing and conversion processes.

Provided process documentation as a leave-behind for the client.

Five months later, despite initial delays, the open enrollment, HR, and payroll components went live as scheduled.

Extending the Relationship

This success led the organization to request the services of the same Lockton Project Manager to assist with the second phase of implementation, which included the talent management component, along with reporting and policy requirements. Following a similar process of carefully managing all aspects of the project, this second implementation was completed on time and on budget just four months later.

Lockton stepped in to carefully

evaluate the situation and

get the project back on track

so no momentum was lost.

Our Mission

To be the worldwide value and service leader in insurance brokerage, employee benefits, and risk management

Our Goal

To be the best place to do business and to work

www.lockton.com

© 2014 Lockton, Inc. All rights reserved. Images © 2014 Thinkstock. All rights reserved.

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