INDUSTRY UNLOCKED
Howden drives innovation and efficiency with Smartsheet
Howden designs , engineers and supplies air and gas handling solutions to optimise the vital process of its customers . As the company expanded into a global company it became more difficult to keep track of projects , progress and data . The energy company chose Smartsheet to address these issues . Willie Vance , Technology Project Management Lead at Howden Technology , explained more about the collaboration .
For an established global business like Howden – which designs , engineers and supplies air and gas handling solutions to optimise the vital process of its customers – collaboration , efficiency and innovation are fundamental .
But with over 6,000 employees across 26 countries – and an evolving solution offering that spans complex industries such as power , chemicals , infrastructure and beyond – achieving this isn ’ t easy . Associates have to juggle many fast-moving projects . And as Howden has discovered , the more globalised operations become , the harder it is to ensure everybody is on the same page .
Situation
Project managing global innovation
Howden employs a mix of ambitious engineers , programme controllers , project managers and support staff across the world – all of whom work together to help their customers deliver sustainable air and gas handling solutions , often in complex environments . was sometimes unclear whether we were on the same page .”
Willie Vance ,
Technology Project Management Lead at Howden Technology
Willie Vance , Technology Project Management Lead at Howden Technology , provides professional project management support across Howden Technology , liaising with colleagues globally to drive projects forward . However , in recent years , Vance and his colleagues have seen specific issues and challenges reoccur across projects .
With so much global innovation , keeping track of projects , progress and data had become a serious headache . “ We were sharing Excel spreadsheets ,” said Vance . “ But it was never clear if we were all looking at the same file or if that file was the most up-to-date version . During our fortnightly process calls with colleagues in India and China , it
The team also struggled with slow , manual reporting processes . Project managers and engineers presented project information in various formats , all based on personal preference .
All of these issues made it challenging to manage employee time effectively and gain clear visibility into projects , which made understanding and balancing workloads even harder .
Solution
A platform for global collaboration
Vance knew that Howden needed to find a better way forward – and that the solution had
www . intelligentcxo . com
37