Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 46 | Page 57

CASE STUDY Also vendor support is extremely important in terms of utilising the tools in the right way. Elitser and ManageEngine are both very approachable and quick to support our needs, so that was another key reason to choose this product. How long did it take to implement the solution? It took less than two months to kick start the application usage. We started with the ServiceDesk Plus Service Request module and eventually built service levels. After six months, we implemented change management workflow with approvals. Then we extended our scope to include asset management and project management as well. • We are now able to measure the service level for our users and deliver services on time • Instead of tracking entire conversations in email, they are recorded in the tool, which retrieves older records seamlessly • The tool is less prone to errors and delivers more accurate management reports • We have an automated recon process in terms of assets • We can capture improvements observed in the procurement process as warranty detail • We have better control on end of life (EOL) for products • We introduced an RFID asset tagging process • Our business knows what to expect from IT and when it will be delivered Has the system given you increased visibility into your operations? If so, how? When it comes to operations, our network team is a happy OpManager customer. Capacity and availability reports are crucial when it comes to service delivery and to meeting new demands. For about 250 network devices, we use OpManager for end-to-end management. Especially for a small environment like us, we need a simple solution without impacting the total cost of ownership on a long run. There are bigger and better products available, but organisations need perspective and analytical thinking when deciding which products suit them. When it comes to SDP, we use it as a one- stop solution for end-to-end tracking of HR, www.intelligentcio.com IT and procurement tasks with the ability to drill down into SLAs and approvals. At any point in time, we know who, what and how we serve, which is all crucial for establishing our baseline and for enabling further improvements. Why did you choose to work with the provider? Spending close to 10 years in this region, we already know the IT management market space, ManageEngine and its referenceable customers. I was working as a service delivery manager for the biggest bank in this region prior to joining UAB, and ManageEngine software was the service management tool in that bank as well. So when I came to know my UAB colleagues were in process of evaluating the ManageEngine solution, I vouched for it. ABOUT UNITED ARAB BANK Based in Sharjah and operating 11 branches throughout the UAE, UAB offers its clients tailor-made financial services in both corporate and retail banking, and has mainly established itself as a leading solutions provider for a growing commercial and industrial base across the seven emirates. Through the provision of a comprehensive range of corporate banking, retail banking, trade finance, SME banking and treasury services, UAB is the bank of choice among major corporate clientele segments in the UAE. Was the solution delivered on time? Yes. The terms were clear between the bank and solution provider, and the solution was delivered as per expectation. The one change that we expect in the next release would be having specific codes while using specific modules. For example, incident IDs start with IM and changes start with CR. Specific codes like that will help us in reporting within modules. Did the system require any additional training for staff? Actually, there was no training during implementation, and we haven’t needed any since. This uses a drag-and-drop model in most of the modules. The person who manages this tool doesn’t need a programming background. They just need to use logic and have a grasp of the plug/play concept. How far has the system future proofed your company? We have defined our strategies around IT service management, what module to introduce and when. We have a clear plan designed as part of IT Governance, and our Chief Information Officer, Ayman AlQudsi, is very supportive of streamlining IT service management and governance. As part of our future strategy, we would like to build a detailed CMDB with asset relationships and cost models. Also, we have plans to build custom workflows, automate more processes and minimise email communication concerning day-to-day IT service delivery. n INTELLIGENTCIO 57