Case Studies
Examples of how our advisory methodology helps organizations make informed technology decisions.
Confidentiality Note: Client identities, proprietary information, and specific technical details have been modified to protect confidentiality. These case studies illustrate our methodology and approach, not specific client implementations.
Regional Bank Cloud Migration Strategy
Evaluating cloud adoption options for a traditional financial institution with strict regulatory requirements
Situation
A regional bank in the GCC was facing increasing pressure to modernize its technology infrastructure. The existing on-premise data center was aging, and the IT team struggled to meet business demands for new digital services. The board had questions about cloud adoption but was concerned about regulatory compliance, data residency, and security.
The Decision Required
Should the bank adopt cloud infrastructure? If so, which approach: full migration, hybrid model, or cloud-first for new workloads only? Which providers could meet their regulatory requirements?
Our Approach
- Week 1-2: Context gathering — reviewed existing architecture documentation, conducted 8 stakeholder interviews, analyzed regulatory requirements (central bank guidelines, data protection laws)
- Week 3: Evaluated 4 cloud providers against regulatory and technical requirements, including regional providers with in-country data centers
- Week 4: Developed 3 options with different migration approaches, each with cost projections, risk profiles, and timeline estimates
- Week 5: Trade-off analysis and recommendation development
- Week 6: Presentation to leadership team and board IT committee
Options Presented
Option A: Hybrid Cloud
Keep core banking on-premise, migrate non-critical workloads to cloud. Estimated 18-month implementation.
Lower risk, longer timeline, moderate cost savings
Option B: Cloud-First for New
All new applications on cloud, gradual migration of existing systems over 3 years.
Balanced approach, phased investment, good flexibility
Option C: Full Migration
Complete migration within 24 months, decommission data center.
Higher upfront investment, greatest long-term savings, highest execution risk
Our Recommendation
We recommended Option B (Cloud-First for New) with a specific regional cloud provider that met all regulatory requirements. The recommendation included a detailed sequencing plan and vendor evaluation criteria for implementation partners.
Deliverables Provided
- Cloud Readiness Assessment (45 pages)
- Provider Comparison Matrix (4 providers)
- Options Analysis with Financial Models
- Regulatory Compliance Mapping
- Implementation Partner Evaluation Criteria
- Board Presentation Deck
Client Outcome
The bank adopted Option B with modifications based on their internal discussions. They selected an implementation partner using our evaluation criteria. Our role ended at recommendation handover — the implementation was managed by the bank's IT team and their selected partner.
Manufacturing ERP Selection
Helping a manufacturing group evaluate ERP vendors for a multi-site deployment
Situation
A Saudi manufacturing group with multiple facilities was running disconnected legacy systems. Finance, inventory, and production planning operated in silos. Management wanted a unified ERP system but faced a bewildering array of vendor options, each making similar claims.
The Decision Required
Which ERP system best fits their manufacturing operations? They had shortlisted 4 vendors but couldn't objectively compare them. They also needed to decide between cloud-hosted and on-premise deployment.
Our Approach
- Week 1: Requirements workshop with operations, finance, and IT leadership. Documented 87 functional requirements and 23 technical requirements
- Week 2: Developed weighted evaluation criteria based on strategic priorities. Created RFP template and evaluation scorecard
- Week 3: Analyzed vendor responses. Conducted structured reference calls with 6 manufacturing companies using each shortlisted system
- Week 4: Developed recommendation with total cost of ownership analysis and implementation risk assessment
Key Analysis Areas
Functional Fit
Manufacturing-specific capabilities: production planning, shop floor control, quality management, supply chain. Scored each vendor against 87 requirements.
Total Cost of Ownership
5-year TCO including licenses, implementation, customization, training, and ongoing support. Cloud vs. on-premise cost comparison for each vendor.
Implementation Risk
Vendor track record in Saudi manufacturing. Local partner ecosystem. Reference customer experiences with similar scope.
Localization
Arabic language support, ZATCA e-invoicing compliance, local regulatory requirements.
Our Recommendation
We recommended Vendor B (mid-market cloud ERP) over the larger tier-1 options. Our analysis showed that the tier-1 systems were over-engineered for the client's needs and would require extensive customization. Vendor B had strong manufacturing functionality, lower TCO, and a proven local implementation partner.
Deliverables Provided
- Requirements Specification Document
- Vendor Evaluation Scorecard (4 vendors, 110 criteria)
- Total Cost of Ownership Analysis
- Reference Check Summary Report
- Implementation Partner Recommendations
- Contract Negotiation Considerations
Client Outcome
The client selected our recommended vendor and used our evaluation criteria to choose an implementation partner. Our engagement ended with recommendation delivery — we provided 30 days of clarification support but had no involvement in the implementation project.
What These Cases Illustrate
Structured Analysis
Every recommendation is backed by documented requirements, evaluation criteria, and trade-off analysis. You can see how we reached our conclusions.
Vendor Neutrality
We recommended mid-market solutions over enterprise systems when they fit better. Our only incentive is the right recommendation for your situation.
Clear Boundaries
In both cases, our engagement ended at recommendation handover. We don't implement, don't manage projects, and don't earn from ongoing involvement.
Other Decision Types We've Advised On
Beyond these case studies
Security Framework Selection
Comparing ISO 27001, SOC 2, and NCA controls for a financial services firm.
PDPL Compliance Roadmap
Gap assessment and remediation prioritization for a healthcare provider.
Data Center vs. Cloud
Build-vs-buy analysis for a government entity considering colocation.
Vendor Risk Assessment
Due diligence framework for a conglomerate evaluating technology acquisitions.
DR Strategy Review
Disaster recovery approach evaluation for a retail chain with regional operations.
Integration Architecture
API strategy and integration platform selection for a digital transformation.
CRM Vendor Evaluation
Requirements definition and vendor comparison for a B2B services company.
Cybersecurity Investment
Security tool evaluation and budget prioritization for a mid-size enterprise.
Facing a Similar Decision?
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