As one of the nation’s leading timberland owner-operators, this organization has managed natural resources responsibly since the late 19th century. With a workforce of over 375 employees across nine states, their decentralized structure posed increasing challenges to collaboration and data governance. Lacking a cohesive digital strategy, internal confusion over file ownership, access controls, and an outdated Intranet hindered productivity and growth. To modernize their operations, they partnered with Bravo Consulting Group to implement a secure, scalable, and user-friendly digital ecosystem built on Microsoft technologies.
The Challenge
The client’s legacy infrastructure and fragmented governance created significant challenges:
- Fragmented Operations: Independent units followed inconsistent practices, complicating collaboration and oversight
- Inefficient Data Management: Unclear folder ownership, overlapping permissions, and outdated file structures led to inefficiencies and compliance risks.
- Outdated Intranet: The existing platform lacked usability, making it difficult for employees to locate information and connect effectively
Recognizing the need for transformation, the organization sought a partner to lead a strategic overhaul—migrating their infrastructure to the cloud, revitalizing their Intranet, and establishing strong governance policies.
Project Objectives
Key goals included:
- Modernize the Intranet: Create an intuitive, dynamic platform that fosters engagement and collaboration.
- Optimize Information Architecture: Establish a clear, secure data structure with well-defined access permissions.
- Implement Governance Frameworks: Define policies to support consistent, compliant data practices.
- Migrate to the Cloud: Transition from on-premises systems to SharePoint Online for improved accessibility and security.
The Solution
Bravo Consulting Group deployed a comprehensive solution tailored to the client’s technical and organizational needs. Our methodology combined a Five-Phase Project Model with Four Strategic Workstreams, ensuring alignment across people, processes, and platforms.
Five-Phase Model
- Discovery and Analysis: Conducted interviews and technical assessments to map the current state and define a clear roadmap tied to business priorities.
- Planning: Developed detailed plans for data migration, governance design, and Intranet modernization, complete with resource allocation and KPIs.
- Pilot / Prototype: Validated solutions through pilot deployments to confirm alignment with operational workflows.
- Execution: Used agile practices to execute the migration, redevelop the Intranet, and implement governance structures.
- Close and Support: Provided training, documentation, and knowledge transfer to ensure long-term sustainability.
Four Strategic Workstreams
- Intranet Enhancement: Rebuilt the Intranet on SharePoint Online with improved navigation, search functionality, and user engagement features.
- Migration: Utilized AvePoint’s FLY tool for a structured, secure migration from on-premises file shares to the cloud.
- Information Architecture, Governance & Security: Delivered a comprehensive framework for organizing and securing information assets.
- User Adoption & Project Coordination: Ensured project success through change management, end-user training, and continuous stakeholder alignment.
Technologies Implemented
- Microsoft SharePoint Online & Microsoft 365: Formed the foundation for the modernized Intranet and collaborative workspace.
- AvePoint FLY: Facilitated an efficient and secure data migration to the cloud.
Results and Business Impact
Bravo’s solution yielded tangible and strategic outcomes:
- Streamlined Data Management: Legacy file shares were consolidated, improving clarity around data ownership and access control.
- Modern, User-Centric Intranet: A redesigned platform now enables better communication, knowledge sharing, and collaboration.
- Sustainable Governance: Clear policies and structures position the organization for continued digital growth.
- Extended Collaboration: Impressed by the success, stakeholders initiated follow-up projects, deepening their partnership with Bravo.
Looking Ahead
This transformation positioned the client for sustained digital growth, with an infrastructure designed for flexibility, compliance, and innovation. As their trusted partner, Bravo remains engaged to support evolving needs and further optimize the Microsoft ecosystem.
