Projects and Project Management

Special Project Teams – Local – Regional or National

Most IT departments are “out straight” performing their day-to-day tasks. Since the computer industry is one of constant change there are occasional additional projects that are initiated which require additional time that many of the IT departments just don’t have.

Whalley Computer Associates has Project Managers and project teams available on a temporary basis to assist or assume responsibility for successful completion of a project. WCA has been involved in many projects such as: new operating systems deployment, server, desktop, and laptop refresh initiatives, virtualization and storage implementations.

National Capabilities
We have demonstrated our ability to perform server, desktop and cash register refresh deployments, remote software upgrades, and recycling of the replaced technology on a national basis for some of the largest and most prestigious, corporations in America. Whalley Computer Associates is proud to have performed these services for industry leaders such as TJ MAXX Corporation, Marshalls, BJ’s Wholesale, Bob’s Furniture and Bob’s Clothing.

Whalley Computer Associates provides Project Managers and project teams with the experience, dedication and work rate that will allow your company’s project to be completed on time and within your budget. Our customers appreciate the customer-centric attitude and the quality of the people we provide them. They value the frequency with which we are able to dispatch the same technicians each time they require temporary help. Returning the same technicians insures that our resources can immediately be productive.

For more information, email us at wcabiz@wca.com, contact your Account Executive or call Justin at (413) 569-4245.

Project Management

Our objective is to provide Integrated Project Management Services with the goal of delivering Information Technology products and services that are on time, within budget and fully satisfactory to the client. Whalley Computer Associates, Inc. Project Management Services are available to insure that technology works for your company.

All of our Project Managers are members of The Project Management Institute (PMI) and apply three key management skills:

• Project planning and implementation
• Human resource expertise
• Thorough knowledge of the product or service they deliver

Project Planning and Implementation

Project planning and implementation management take the greatest share of the Project Manager’s time and attention.

Our Project Managers take a deliberate, well-paced approach in their project management methodology by investing the time to develop a comprehensive project plan. This plan gives everyone a clear, unambiguous understanding of the project's scope, budget, estimated timeline and identified risks.

The Project Manager:

• develops the plan to such detail that there is no question who does what & when
• maintains focus on the end deliverable and the major activities.
• dissects each major activity into manageable pieces.
• reviews the plan with key stakeholders before starting the project. This
• review includes the Project Manager's understanding of stakeholders' resulting from slipped schedules and additional implementation costs expectations and will minimize misunderstandings and frustration down the road.

Human Resource Management

To execute this well planned project, our Project Managers need to apply the human assets of Whalley Computer Associates. Coordination and delivery of the services of our technicians and engineers is an integrated and, at times, complex process. The Project Manager coordinates the various elements to ensure timely delivery of all expected project deliverables. This is accomplished by forming a project team with the specific skill sets that reflect client requirements in the contract or statement of work. These team members are the Project Manager’s focal point for delivering the specified product/service.

There are many schools of thought regarding the establishment of a project team. But our philosophy is that our team's primary focus must be on meeting the client's expectations. To successfully do this, our project team must provide:

• a global view of project resources, status and skill sets to meet the goal.
• clear ownership of responsibility and accountability of project
• performance, measurements and success.

Knowledge of the Products and Services

The third key management skill provided by our Project Managers is the expertise and knowledge of the products and services that Whalley Computer Associates provide. Knowledge of what is being delivered is crucial to a successful delivery. Our Project Managers know how the product and services can benefit the client and how the delivery is put together.

Let’s make the analogy of the Project Manager as a general building contractor. This person knows the stages of construction needed to build a structure. Likewise, our Project Managers know the various components that make up an IT system. Knowing how to formulate the final deliverable is vital when building the project plan, establishing intermediate goals, timelines and checkpoints.

As the implementation manager, the Project Manager’s goal is to ensure the project is accomplished within the agreed timeline, budget and according to contracted specifications. This requires the Project Manager to be equally focused in the areas of contract management, client relations, deliverable timelines, financial management and timely reporting of overall project status to all stakeholders. In other words, the Project Manager is the business manager for the project and must maintain complete “situational awareness” of the project’s status and activities.

If you would like more information about our Project Management Services, email us at wcabiz@wca.com, contact your Account Executive or call Justin at (413) 569-4245.