FEATURED CASE STUDY
Process Automation: Achieving $1.69M in Yearly Benefits and Delivering a 101.9% IRR with a 1.74-Year Payback
Streamlining Process Automation for Enhanced Efficiency and Cost Savings
The Abaco Group delivered a transformative process automation strategy for a financial services client, implementing the Data Bolt Platform to standardize data mapping and conversion processes. This solution reduced implementation effort by 20,900 hours annually, achieved $1.69 million in yearly benefits (including $1.32 million in savings and $0.37 million in revenue acceleration), and delivered a 101.9% IRR with a 1.74-year payback. Recommendations included establishing a program office, standardizing tools and processes, and creating end-to-end customer journey maps to sustain long-term efficiency and customer satisfaction. The Abaco Group proposed expanding automation to Credit, Debit, and Product teams, with future potential for Digital and Output Solutions.
the challenge
Fragmented Operating Model That Hindered Efficiency and Scalability
The client faced a fragmented operating model that hindered efficiency and scalability. Challenges included a disjointed customer experience, inconsistent processes across implementation teams, redundant tools, and a lack of standardized management routines. Manual workflows and multiple handoffs increased rework and onboarding time, while organizational redesigns introduced unintended complexities. The client needed a cohesive strategy to streamline processes, reduce costs, and enhance customer and employee experiences without relying on specialized knowledge or outdated systems.
The Approach
The Abaco Group adopted a structured, process-driven approach to address the
client’s operational inefficiencies, leveraging automation to drive sustainable results.
1
Operating Model Assessment
- Conducted a comprehensive review, identifying key issues: fragmented customer journeys, tool proliferation, inconsistent processes, and employee constraints.
- Highlighted strengths, such as a strong delivery culture, but noted risks like manual processes prone to errors and scalability limitations.
2
Process Mapping and Current State Analysis
- Created detailed end-to-end data mapping of the client conversion process, visualizing people, process, and technology interactions.
- Identified significant handoffs and data transformations, confirming reliance on expertise to meet demand, which increased complexity and rework.
3
Solution Design and Automation Strategy
- Recommended the Data Bolt Platform to standardize and automate data mapping and conversion, reducing dependency on traditional ETL solutions.
- Proposed eight key initiatives, including setting up a program office, standardizing project management tools, and prioritizing toolsets for intake, scheduling, and ticketing.
4
Enterprise Solution Roadmap Development
- Outlined a roadmap to enhance Data Bolt capabilities, including adding source/target processors, enabling roles for project managers and trainers, and integrating with existing tools.
- Planned features like intelligent intake, automated mock environments, and an external self-service portal to improve collaboration and client interaction.
5
Business Case and Validation
- Built a robust business case, projecting $2.04 million in investment for $3.26 million NPV, with 20,900 hours saved annually across Credit (13,450 hours), Debit (2,300 hours), and PRODUCT (5,150 hours).
- Validated benefits with stakeholders, confirming 30% rework reduction, 40%+ effort savings, and improved time-to-revenue.
5
Strategic Recommendations for Execution
- Advised establishing cross-functional management routines, governance, and communication plans to ensure disciplined execution.
- Recommended detailed customer journey maps and a mechanism to review improvement ideas, positioning the client as a top employer and enhancing colleague experience.
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