Accelerating The
Transformation of
Critical Infrastructure
Renewing nationwide operational technology 30% quicker than previous renewal schemes and significantly under budget.
Strategy Development
Led a strategic prioritisation exercise and developed business case inputs to get the £105m budget approved.
Response Time Improvement
Accelerated end-to-end delivery of the refresh
programme by 30%, reducing the timeline from 3
years to 2 years, underallocated budget.
Procurement
Ran a £60m procurement exercise securing the
required services of operational technology
equipment and supporting services, ensuring
value and efficiency.
Network Upgrades
Programme managed the upgrade of 1,500
optech assets such as CCTV, signs, signals and
radar.
Client Overview
A national infrastructure provider dedicated to delivering a safe, reliable, and efficient road network. The client prioritises the renewal and maintenance of a significant operational technology estate to sustain network performance and enhance the road user experience.
Complex Programme Management
Led a complex upgrade programme, coordinating 80+ stakeholders and over 15 external suppliers to ensure successful delivery.
Problem Statement
Over time, operational technology becomes obsolete or underperforms, impacting network efficiency. The client objective was to upgrade critical operational technology assets within 2 years in priority areas, reducing the risk of failure and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Approach
Cross 8 implemented a results-driven methodology, blending technical precision with strategic stakeholder engagement to meet the client’s ambitious objectives.
1.Comprehensive Analysis
Conducted a full analysis of the operational technology estate, validating priority assets and eliminating data inconsistencies.
2.Detailed Planning
Held regular planning workshops with regional leads and supporting suppliers, consolidating detailed regional plans into a centralised roadmap while proactively identifying, profiling, and mitigating key delivery risks.
3.Governance & Stakeholder Management
Defined the governance architecture, established the performance management and engagement structures, and developed programme reporting tools to ensure alignment and transparency.
4. Strategic Sourcing
Combining best practise programme management and supplier management to deliver good outcomes at pace for the lowest possible cost.
5. Process Optimisation
Analysed the ‘as is’ process, identified inefficiencies, implemented quick wins, and streamlined workflows to reduce delivery timelines.
Key Challenges
1. Balancing the benefits of centralised co-ordination and regional delivery models.
2. Onboarding new suppliers and maturing their offerings to meet the clients standards
Conclusion
Cross 8’s expertise in programme management and strategic sourcing enabled us to deliver Operational Technology upgrades and renewals 30% more efficiently than previous renewal schemes. Unlike traditional consultants, we embedded specialists within the client’s team to deliver practical, hands-on solutions beyond advisory recommendations.
By renewing the technology, the client can now manage priority areas of the network more effectively. This project not only resolved operational challenges but also established a robust foundation for future upgrades in smart motorway infrastructure, ensuring a more resilient and efficient transport network.
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