Hydro-Electric Corporation and Outlook 98
Case Study

The Hydro-Electric Corporation, provider of renewable energy across Tasmania, was using Digital Team Links as their state-wide e-mail software. In conjunction with Team Links, the Hydro was using Calendar Manager for calendar scheduling facilities. Digital had ceased support for Team Links, leaving unresolved Y2K functionality issues, and no prospect of future software upgrades.

During 1999, the Hydro implemented Microsoft Outlook 98 to replace Team Links and Calendar Manager across 500 workstations state-wide. Outlook was the logical choice, as the Hydro had been a Microsoft site for several years.

Since Team Links had been in use for 6 years and Calendar Manager for 3 years, the Hydro realised a smooth transition to the new e-mail and scheduling procedures was critical.

The Hydro chose The Quill Consultancy to assist in the project, identifying training and technical support as a priority for efficient implementation.

The Hydro chose to customise Outlook 98 to comply with its e-mail policy, and the requirement to record documents of company importance within the Information Management System software (ADMIRE). Development was completed in-house by the Hydro, and customised training courses completed by The Quill Consultancy.

The Quill Consultancy scheduled two half-day training courses each day, over a 6-week period. This enabled each of the Hydro’s Hobart staff to receive training in conjunction with the installation of the software on their machines.

Special assistance was given to the PA staff, with their role of calendar management of the executive personnel. The Quill designed and implemented a course specifically to address these issues. Executive staff at the Hydro were also given special assistance to help them manage their calendar scheduling responsibilities, and this was received extremely well.

The Quill also provided a ‘roving’ trainer for a four month period, post implementation. The roving trainer also travelled to remote Hydro sites to train staff unable to attend the regular training in Hobart. The roving trainer was able to identify the issues on site and solve these immediately.

Logistics

 Total implementation time 6 months

Customer Comments

"We were extremely happy with the training and support given by the Quill Consultancy during the implementation process. The training manuals were very clear and helpful, and the training extremely professional and of a high technical level. The Quill were able to hand-hold us through the change over period with minimal disruptions."

John Behrens

Information Management Department Team Leader

Hydro-Electric Corporation